Audio Episodes

Send us Fan Mail The daily tasks from three IT roles I actually worked — help desk, desktop support, and networking — and where AI would've made me faster in each one. Not a video about AI taking your job. A video about AI taking the worst parts of it. The 7 use cases: 1️⃣ Knowledge base search — describe the issue, get the fix 2️⃣ Ticket documentation — write-ups in seconds 3️⃣ Outage emails — drafted and out the door 4️⃣ Script creation — AI writes it, you review it 5️⃣ Error code lookup —...

Send us Fan Mail The financial and career moves that build a real foundation early in an IT career — hard-earned hindsight on what to prioritize once you land that first job. The 7 moves: 1️⃣ Negotiate — even early on, always ask 2️⃣ Get your retirement match — free money from day one 3️⃣ Build an emergency fund — your safety net 4️⃣ Open a Roth IRA — start compounding early 5️⃣ Watch lifestyle creep — protect your raises 6️⃣ Track your wins — build leverage for next time 7️⃣ Consider job ho...

Send us Fan Mail If you're making $15/hr right now and want to know how to get to $40/hr or more in IT — this episode breaks down exactly how I would do it. We cover: ✅ The IT skills and certifications that actually get you to $40/hr ✅ How to study for a cert even if you're starting from zero ✅ How to build a resume with no experience ✅ How to apply strategically so you get in the door faster ✅ How to prepare for the interview and not get tripped up Whether you're coming from minimum wage, a ...

Send us Fan Mail The networking community has been debating this hard — especially with the new CCNA update dropping in February 2027. After covering the CCNA v2.0 update last episode, I kept seeing the same questions pop up: ❓ Is the CCNA still worth it? ❓ Will it actually get me a job? ❓ Should I even bother in 2026? In this episode, I break down my full argument no hype, just the honest take. What I cover: ✅ What the CCNA actually proves (and what it doesn't) ✅ Why getting the cert...

Send us Fan Mail Cisco is updating the 200-301 to version 2.0 — and if you're studying right now, this video is for you. Why it matters: The CCNA is the most recognized entry-level networking cert in the industry. When it changes, you pay attention. What I cover: What actually changed in the exam topics Why the shift to troubleshooting makes you a better engineer Agentic AI — the brand new addition to the blueprint OSPFv3 and what it means for your study plan Exam price, duration, and wha...

Send us Fan Mail Are you stuck at a crossroads in your career — knowing you want to level up but not sure if going back to school is the move? Maybe a job you've been eyeing requires a four-year degree and you're wondering if WGU is the answer. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about Western Governors University — what it is, how it works, what degrees they offer, and most importantly — whether it's the right fit for YOU. WGU isn't your traditional university. There...

Send us Fan Mail What’s the difference between a Network Administrator and a Network Engineer? If you’re trying to get into networking, you’ve probably seen both job titles and wondered which one is right for you. In this episode, I break down the key differences between the two roles, the responsibilities you’ll typically see, the certifications employers look for, and the career path that can take you from help desk to network engineering. We’ll cover: ✅ Why job titles vary from company ...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m ranking some of the most common certifications people use to transition into tech. I’m putting each certification into a tier based on its return on investment, industry recognition, marketability, and how useful I think it is for someone trying to break into IT. We’ll discuss: • Cisco CCNA • CompTIA Security+ • CompTIA Network+ • Google IT Support Professional Certificate • CompTIA A+ We’ll also talk about why some certifications open more doors tha...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of Debt Free in IT, I’m giving you my 7 Laws of the IT Industry — lessons I’ve learned throughout my years working in tech. Some of these lessons I learned the hard way, some from mentors and coworkers, and some just from watching other people make mistakes and putting it in my mental rolodex. We talk about: * Why nobody’s perfect and you WILL make mistakes * Why you’ll probably hate your first IT job * Why certifications don’t guarantee jobs * Why you n...

Send us Fan Mail Everyone talks about GRC, CISA, and Security+ — but nobody mentions the Network Security Engineer role that quietly pays $120K–$150K. If you want a path into cybersecurity with real demand and serious salary upside, this is the lane most people overlook. What You'll Learn: What a Network Security Engineer actually does (firewalls, VPNs, ASAs) Why your CCNA is the cheat code into this role The certs that matter: Palo Alto, CCNP Security, Fortinet NSE The real salary climb: $...

Send us Fan Mail Stuck on the help desk and wondering how to stand out and move up? These 6 help desk tips come from watching the best techs I know climb the ladder — different paths, same habits. Use them to get noticed and earn your shot at the team you actually want. What you'll learn: How to write tickets that managers and senior teams notice A 2-week exercise to master who supports what How to turn one ticket into an audition for your dream team Why attitude quietly separates who gets p...

Send us Fan Mail Think IT is out of reach because you don't have a tech background? You're closer than you think. In this episode, I break down how the everyday jobs you've already worked — retail, customer service, healthcare, trades — are quietly preparing you for a career in IT. Before IT, I was working retail and customer service (Food King, Advance Auto). Turns out those skills were already building the foundation for my first IT role — I just didn't know it yet. In this episode: My s...

Send us Fan Mail This episode came straight from a listener question. They're currently a truck driver looking to transition into IT — and they wanted to know whether to start with A+, Network+, or Security+, and if they even need all three. Honestly? It's one of the most common questions I get. So in this episode I break it all down — what each cert is, where it can take you, so you can make a confident decision and get moving. IN THIS EPISODE: What the CompTIA Trifecta actually is Which c...

Send us Fan Mail If you're trying to break into IT or level up your career, the 2026 Robert Half Salary Guide tells you exactly what companies are hiring for, what skills they're paying more for, and where the real opportunities are right now — and in this video, I'm breaking it all down for you. In this episode, you'll learn: 🏦 The hottest industries hiring IT talent in 2026 (including where beginners should focus first) 📜 The entry-level and mid-level certifications showing up on companie...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough in IT… The value of your team. A lot of people focus on certifications, resumes, and landing that next job—but what really determines how fast you grow in IT is the environment you’re in and the people you work with. From late-night calls and real-world troubleshooting to learning directly from experienced engineers, your team plays a huge role in your development. In this episode, I break down: ...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re trying to get into IT but you’re more introverted, this episode is for you. A lot of people start their IT careers in roles like help desk or desktop support and quickly feel drained. The constant conversations, dealing with frustrated users, and having to think on the spot can make you feel like maybe IT isn’t for you. But here’s the truth… It’s not that you don’t belong in IT—you just might be starting in the wrong part of it. In this episode, I break down: •W...

Send us Fan Mail Cisco just made a major change to the CCNP Enterprise certification… and it might actually make me consider taking it again. In this episode, we break down the latest updates to the CCNP ENCOR blueprint, including the removal of wireless topics and what that means for anyone studying for the certification. I also share my personal experience studying for the CCNP (and how it humbled me 😅), why wireless was the toughest part for me, and why this update might make the exam mo...

Send a text In this episode, I talk about the power of starting at the bottom in IT and why it can actually make your career easier in the long run. When many of us get certifications or degrees, we expect to jump straight into high-level roles. But most people start in entry-level positions like operations, help desk, or desktop support. Looking back at my own journey, starting at the bottom helped me: • Learn how IT departments actually operate • Understand what each team is responsible ...

Send a text In my last episode about hidden jobs in IT, I ranked healthcare as the #1 industry. During that episode, I mentioned something most people in tech have never heard of… Epic certifications. In this video, I break down: •What Epic is and why it dominates hospital systems •How Epic certifications actually work (and why you can’t just sign up for one) •Why most IT professionals don’t even know about this path •The real salary outlook for Epic-certified professionals •How to break in...

Send a text In this episode, I break down my Top 7 places to find IT jobs in your city — especially if you don’t live near a big tech hub. A lot of people think you need to work for a flashy tech company to have a real IT career. That’s not true. Some of the most stable, high-paying, and opportunity-filled IT roles are hiding in plain sight. These companies may not look like tech companies… but they run on: • Networks • Servers • Cybersecurity teams • Help desk departments • Enterprise inf...

Send a text Are bootcamps a scam… or are they a shortcut to breaking into tech faster? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down both sides of the bootcamp debate. Some people say bootcamps changed their life. Others say they wasted their money. So which one is it? In this video, I cover: 🎯 The real benefits of going to a bootcamp • Faster entry into the industry (8–24 weeks vs. years in school) • Hands-on, practical training • Portfolio and project building • Career services and networking ...

Send us a text Should you take a contract job in IT? In today’s episode, I’m answering a listener question: “I’ve been looking at contract roles… what are your thoughts?” Contract roles can look attractive — especially with higher hourly pay — but like anything in tech, there are trade-offs. In this video, I break down: ✅ 3 Major Advantages of IT Contract Roles ❌ 3 Major Disadvantages of IT Contract Roles We cover: • Higher earning potential (and the tax/benefits caveat) • Faster skill ...

Send us a text Why do so many people struggle after passing CCNA? In today’s episode, I break down the biggest mistakes people make after earning their CCNA — mistakes that slow down their job search, kill momentum, and lead to unnecessary frustration. If you just passed CCNA, are applying for jobs with no luck, confused about what roles to target, or wondering if you should jump straight to CCNP, this episode is for you. I cover the most common post-CCNA mistakes, including unrealistic sa...

Send us a text Why do so many people quit IT too early? In today’s episode, I break down the real reasons why people give up on their IT journey — sometimes before they even get their first tech job. If you’re transitioning into tech, stuck in help desk, burned out, or feeling discouraged, this episode is for you. I cover five of the biggest reasons people quit IT too early, including unrealistic expectations, burnout, pay myths, intimidating job descriptions, and imposter syndrome — plus ...