Audio Episodes

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 ...

Send us a text Today’s episode comes from a listener question. They asked if I could do a story-time episode about my experience working in a call center and how everything worked out. They mentioned they’ve been in a call center for about a year, want to leave badly, and that hearing stories like this helps them push through. The call center is usually where a lot of IT professionals get their start. I talk a lot of junk about call centers and being on the phones, but I also think those ea...

Send us a text Top Tech Skills to Learn in 2026 (AI, Cloud, Linux, Automation & More) Welcome to Debt Free in IT — I’m your host, Mike. This channel is for anyone looking to get into the IT industry, whether you’re making a career change, leveling up your current role, or just curious about tech. If that’s you, you’re in the right place. In today’s episode, we break down the top skills to learn in 2026 — skills that can help you stay relevant and position yourself for long-term growth ...

Send us a text Setting Goals for 2026 | Focus, Discipline & One Lane at a Time In today’s episode, I’m breaking down how I’m approaching goal setting for 2026 — and why this year is all about focus over overload. If you’ve followed my content for a while, you already know I’m big on writing goals down and being intentional about what I’m working toward. Over the years, journaling and planning completely changed how I approached my career, fitness, and finances — and it helped me realize...

Send us a text This episode is my 2025 podcast review. Every year, this is one of my favorite episodes to record because it gives me a chance to go behind the scenes and talk honestly about the ins and outs of the podcast — the wins, the growth, the challenges, and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I break down: •What the podcast has become •How the platform grew across YouTube, audio, and my newsletter •The real challenges I faced staying consistent •Lessons that apply be...

Send us a text Preparing for an IT certification takes time, money, and consistency—and sometimes, even after doing everything right, you can still fall short by just a few points. If you’ve ever studied hard for a certification exam, only to fail and then feel the added pressure of having to pay for a retake, you’re not alone. That pressure can be even heavier when the certification is tied to your job or career advancement. To help solve this problem, Cisco introduced Exam Safeguard—a bui...

Send us a text Today’s episode comes straight from a listener question: They’re 41 years old, thinking about entering the tech field, starting a bootcamp soon, and wanted my honest opinion about beginning an IT career at their age — and what I think about job placement programs. In this episode, I break down the truth about starting a tech career later in life, why being 41 is actually an advantage, and what you should expect when you sign up for a bootcamp. I also talk about the realities o...

Send us a text Today we’re taking a real-world look at IT certifications—what they actually do for your career, why they’re still valuable, and how they can help you break into tech or level up into a better role. Certifications don’t guarantee you a job, but they do give you the fundamentals, the confidence, and the visibility you need to get in the room and stand out from the competition. In this episode, I cover: • How certifications create a fast path into tech • Why certs help you stand...

Send us a text In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the AI certifications you should be looking at. If you’re trying to get into IT, level up your skills, or stay relevant as AI continues to change the tech world, these certs will help you get ahead. I cover beginner certs, cloud AI paths, and new AI security certifications that will play a big role in future tech jobs. ⸻ 🔥 What We Cover • CompTIA SecAI+ – AI + cybersecurity • Cisco AITECH – Hands-on AI skills for IT pros • Microsoft AI-...

Send us a text In this episode, I answer the top five questions I get about the CCNA certification. If you’re trying to figure out the best path — CCNA, Network+, or CCST — this video will help you choose what’s right for you. ⸻ What I Cover: •Net+ vs CCNA — which one is better to start with •Which cert has more respect in the industry •College course vs self-study for the CCNA •What to do after A+ if you’re aiming for networking •CCST vs Network+ when planning to move into the CCNA ⸻ 🛒...

Send us a text What separates the top IT pros from the rest? It’s not luck — it’s habits. 💡 In this episode, I’m breaking down The 5 Habits of Every Successful IT Professional — the mindset and skills that keep them growing, relevant, and respected in the industry. 💻 Here’s what you’ll learn: 1️⃣ Continuous Learning — Why the best IT pros never stop improving their skills. 2️⃣ Hands-On Practice — How building your own lab takes your knowledge from theory to real-world skill. 3️⃣ Problem-Sol...

Send us a text When it comes to IT certifications, not all certs are created equal. Some get you interviews — others get you hired. In this video, I’m breaking down the certifications that actually move the needle and help you land real IT jobs — whether you’re just getting started or leveling up. 💻 Here’s what you’ll learn: • CCNA — Why this networking cert is still one of the most valuable for landing your first role. • Security+ — The gold standard for cybersecurity beginners and governm...

Send us a text When it comes to IT, it’s not all certifications and six-figure salaries — there’s The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. In today’s episode, I’m keeping it real about what I love about this industry, what frustrates me, and what I honestly wish would change. Whether you’re just getting started or already deep in your IT career, this one’s for you. 💻 You’ll Learn: • The Good — why IT can be life-changing when you manage it right • The Bad — what makes this career rewarding but frus...

Send us a text In this episode of Debt Free in IT w/ Mike, we dive into a listener question that goes beyond certifications and career advice — it’s about appearance, professionalism, and identity in tech. A listener asked if having locs could hold them back from opportunities in the IT industry. I share my personal perspective, real experiences, and how the face of tech has changed over the years. You’ll learn: 💬 Why professionalism is about presence, not hair 💻 Why tech cares more about s...

Send us a text When it comes to getting rich in tech, success leaves clues. In this episode of Debt Free in IT, I’m breaking down the top 5 ways people are building wealth in the tech industry — from climbing the salary ladder to freelancing, building a personal brand, joining startups, and leveraging AI. Whether you’re just starting out, changing careers, or looking for your next big move, these proven paths can help you chart your own course toward financial freedom in IT. What you’ll lea...

Send us a text Feeling stuck in your career? No growth, no money, no future? It might be time to hit The Reset Button. In this episode, I break down why people change careers and what it really takes to make the move — whether you’re coming into IT from another industry or pivoting inside IT into a new role. You’ll learn: •The #1 reasons people hit reset (money + lack of growth). •How to break into IT if you’re starting fresh (certs, skills, mindset). •Smart ways to pivot inside IT without ...

Send us a text Which certification should you start with — CompTIA A+, Network+, or Cisco CCNA? 🤔 In this episode, I break down the differences, the career paths they open, and which one actually gets you noticed by employers. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Video: •The real difference between A+, Net+, and CCNA •Which cert fits helpdesk, desktop, and networking roles •Why CCNA carries more weight in job postings •How to avoid the biggest beginner certification mistake •My personal journey — and...

Send us a text Your first five years in IT can make or break your career. In this video, I’m sharing my personal roadmap — the lessons I learned, the mistakes I made, and the moves that helped me grow from entry-level to networking. Whether you’re just starting out or already a couple of years in, this episode will give you practical advice to plan your IT journey with confidence. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why certifications + patience help you land your first role ✅ How mentors and encourage...