Audio Episodes

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 ...

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...