Ep. 25: DEA to Dad: Steve Murphy’s War on Pablo and the Battle That Hit Closer to Home

15/08/2025 1h 41min
Ep. 25: DEA to Dad: Steve Murphy’s War on Pablo and the Battle That Hit Closer to Home

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Episode Synopsis

Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold.Beyond the Barrel isn’t just about what happens on duty—it’s about what happens when the uniform comes off. Kenny and Mike sit down with first responders and military personnel to dive into the real stories behind their service, exploring the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives. But they don’t stop there—they reveal the human side, the passions and interests that make these heroes just like you and me.

From veteran and cop to entrepreneur, law enforcement officers possess a wide range of skills that seamlessly translate to the private sector. Yet, we often underestimate our own potential, believing we lack the qualifications to pursue new opportunities. It’s time we give ourselves the credit we deserve and confidently explore what lies beyond the barrel.

Before Netflix dramatized his story for millions, Steve Murphy lived it. Raised in the small town of Princeton, West Virginia, Murphy began his career in local law enforcement before joining the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1978. His early years took him to the drug-saturated streets of Miami, chasing pushers and pot dealers during the height of the war on drugs. It was there he met his wife, Connie—thanks to a prank turned serendipitous love story.

But Murphy’s legacy would be forged in Colombia.

In 1991, he arrived in Bogotá—thrust into the bloody center of the hunt for the world’s most infamous narco, Pablo Escobar. From the chaos of cartel violence to the emotional toll of adopting a baby orphaned by Escobar’s brutality, Murphy’s journey was more than just tactical—it was deeply personal.

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we go deeper than the Netflix script, unpacking the truths, tragedies, and moral gray zones that defined Murphy’s battle against the Medellín Cartel. It’s the raw, unfiltered account of one man who stood at the intersection of history, violence, and justice.

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