Audio Episodes

Send us a text If you’re trying to break into IT in 2025, this video is for you! Today, I’m breaking down the must-have entry-level IT skills to help you land your first job. Whether you’re aiming for help desk, IT support, or operations, these are the skills you need to know! Skills Mentioned in the Video: 🔹 Technical: Networking Basics (IP, DNS, DHCP), Operating Systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux), Hardware & Software Troubleshooting, Ticketing Systems 🔹 Problem-Solving: Diagnosing and fixing iss...

Send us a text In this episode, we tackle a popular listener question: "Can I study CCNA and Network+ together?" Spoiler alert: I advise against it, and here’s why. 💡 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: Overview of Certifications: What are CCNA (Cisco) and Network+ (CompTIA), and how do they differ? Why You Shouldn’t Study Both at Once: How studying for both certifications can cause confusion due to differing exam blueprints and depths. Why focusing on one certification at a time allo...

Send us a text That Thing: Help Desk vs. Data Center Technician – Which IT Role Fits You?" Trying to decide between a career as a Help Desk Technician or a Data Center Technician? In this episode, we break it all down to help you figure out 📌 What’s Inside This Video: Day-to-Day Work: Explore the differences in responsibilities and work environments for Help Desk and Data Center Technicians. Skills & Certifications: Find out what knowledge and certifications (like A+, Network+, or CCNA) you’...

Send us a text Juniper Certifications vs. Cisco Certifications: Which Is Right for You? Today’s video comes from a viewer comment asking about the value of Juniper certifications. We’re diving into: What makes Juniper Networks unique in the networking space. A breakdown of Juniper's certification tracks and how they compare to Cisco's. The pros and cons of pursuing Juniper certifications, including their value for specific roles like ISPs or companies using Juniper equipment. Salary insights a...

Send us a text 🎯 My 2025 Goals: Reflecting, Growing, and Hustling Harder 🎯 As 2024 comes to a close, I’m taking a moment to reflect on my progress this year and set my sights on some big goals for 2025. From crushing personal milestones to stepping up my professional game and leveling up my podcast, this year is all about focus, consistency, and growth. ✨ What I Cover in This Video: ✔️ Reflecting on 2024: Wins, lessons learned, and where I’m headed next. ✔️ Personal Goals: Paying down debt, hi...

Send us a text 🎉 What an incredible year for DebtFreeinIT w/ Mike! Join me as I share the highlights and milestones of 2024, including: - 54 consistent podcast uploads - Growing to 2,937 subscribers (+1,875 this year!) - Reaching 148,890 views in 2024 (276,575 total) I'm breaking down my favorite episodes, the challenges I overcame (including a complete studio relocation), and sharing exciting plans for 2025 including live streams, interviews, coaching sessions, and the launch of my newsletter...

Send us a text In today’s episode, we’re tackling the one thing that holds most people back—analysis paralysis. Whether you’re trying to start your IT journey, learn a new skill, or take that next big step, overthinking can keep you stuck in place. If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself, overanalyzed your options, or waited for the “perfect time” to get started—this episode is for you. I’ll break down: ✅ What analysis paralysis is. ✅ How it affects your ability to move forward. ✅ 5 actionable ...

Send us a text Looking for an IT career that won’t leave you stressed out? In today’s video, I’m breaking down 5 of the least stressful jobs in IT that can help you grow your career while maintaining peace of mind. Whether you’re new to tech or transitioning into the field, these roles offer great opportunities with minimal pressure. 🎙️ Quick Shoutout: Get ready for my upcoming newsletter, The Log Files, packed with actionable advice, resources, and insights to kickstart or grow your IT career...

Send us a text In this episode, we tackle a listener question from someone who just made a huge career leap from help desk to network engineer after earning their CCNA certification. Transitioning into a new role is challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for incredible growth! I share: ✅ Personal experiences from my journey from desktop support to networking. ✅ Practical tips for building confidence with physical equipment, learning on the job, and leaning on your team. ✅ Why asking question...

Send us a text Are you ready to break into the IT industry but unsure where to start? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the 5 best traditional ways to get into IT. Whether you’re interested in networking, cybersecurity, cloud, or coding, there’s a high demand for skilled professionals—and that’s not changing anytime soon. We’ll cover: ✔️ Entry-level certifications like A+, Network+, and CCNA ✔️ Gaining hands-on experience through home labs, internships, and volunteering ✔️ Building your per...

Send us a text In this episode, I share 5 everyday corporate apps that could be your gateway into IT. From tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce, to platforms like ServiceNow and Active Directory, these apps are used daily and supported by IT professionals. I’ll also cover the certifications that can help you transition into a tech role. 💡 Don’t Miss This: ✅ How these apps connect to IT roles. ✅ Certifications to boost your career. ✅ Practical tips for breaking into tech...

Send us a text In today’s episode, I respond to a listener’s question about breaking into the tech industry and learning the basics. If you're feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin, this video is for you! I’ll share insights on the best learning paths, potential challenges, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re considering school, bootcamps, or self-study, this episode provides the motivation and direction you need to take your first steps in tech. If you enjoy this content,...

Send us a text Welcome to the 7 IT Commandments – the essential rules every IT professional should follow to thrive in the tech industry! In this episode, I’m breaking down the core principles that will help you succeed, stay accountable, and build a solid reputation as a tech pro. Whether you’re new to IT or have years of experience, these commandments will guide you in your career. Here’s what we’ll cover: Keep Good Documentation – Track tickets, document changes, and log completed projects....

Send us a text Study with me!!! Getting back on track to prepare for the CCNP certification. If your preparing for a test or certification or just studying. Join In..... Study with me videos are meant to help you not feel alone while studying and help to avoid social media while studying. Study method today: 1 Hour | 2 - 30 MIN SESSIONS WITH 1 - 5 MIN BREAK I hope you enjoy, let me know what you are studying in the comments... *This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate l...

Send us a text Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into the different levels of IT support! 🎉 Most jobs in IT involve some level of support, so understanding these roles is essential for anyone looking to get into the field. In this video, we’ll break down each level of IT support – from entry-level Help Desk (Level 1) to Technical/Desktop Support (Level 2) and finally, Expert Support (Level 3). You’ll learn the responsibilities of each role, what these positions might be called, and ...

Send us a text In this episode, I break down everything you need to know about Cisco's CyberOps certification being updated to the Cisco Cybersecurity certification, effective January 21, 2025. This is more than just a name change—it’s a step forward in cybersecurity, with new AI-related topics and an updated exam (v1.2). Plus, I’ll go over important dates, including the last chance to take the current 200-201 CBROPS exam before the update. Why does this matter? Cybersecurity is one of the hott...

Send us a text In this episode, we’re tackling a listener question: "I have a cyber background and only the Security+ certification. What direction should I take to become a network engineer?" We’ll discuss: How to use your cybersecurity background as an advantage when transitioning to network engineering. Networking knowledge and certifications like CCNA, CCST Networking, Network+, and even cloud certifications. Tips on self-study and structured learning options. Don’t miss out on my personal...

Send us a text Welcome to Good Cloud, M.A.A.D Skills – your guide to mastering Azure Fundamentals and passing the AZ-900 certification exam! In this video, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Microsoft’s Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 certification. We’ll cover the exam structure, topics you’ll need to study, the best resources to help you prepare, and the career opportunities that await once you pass this essential cloud certification. Useful Links and Resources: Microsoft Learn: ht...

Send us a text In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest debates in IT—Certifications vs. Experience. Which one should you focus on, and how does each impact your career? From landing entry-level jobs to advancing into senior roles, I break down when certifications might give you the edge and when experience really shines. Plus, I share the results from a poll where you, the viewers, weighed in on what’s more valuable in the field of tech. Don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already, a...

Send us a text In today’s episode, we're diving into a lesser-known but highly valuable certification in the cloud landscape—Cisco’s Designing and Implementing Cloud Connectivity (CCNP ENCC 300-440). While popular cloud certifications like AWS, Azure, and CompTIA Cloud+ dominate the conversation, Cisco’s CCNP ENCC brings a unique skill set to the table, especially for those working in Cisco environments. This certification is perfect for professionals who want to design and implement cloud conn...

Send us a text In Certs Rule Everything Around Me, we’re taking a closer look at the world of IT certifications and tackling some of the biggest myths surrounding them. Do certifications guarantee you a job? Are they only for entry-level professionals? We’re here to set the record straight. Join us as we break down these common misconceptions and show you the real value certifications can bring to your career. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this video will help you und...

Send us a text In this video, we dive deep into the In-House IT Support vs. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) debate to help you determine which path is better for IT professionals. We'll focus on the critical areas of Compensation & Benefits, Skill Development, Job Stability, and Workload & Pressure to give you a clear comparison of what each career path offers. Whether you're seeking higher pay, more stability, or a diverse skill set, we break down the pros and cons of each role to help you de...

Send us a text In this special Q&A episode, I’m diving deep into your most pressing questions about navigating the world of IT! Inspired by Nas’s classic album It Was Written, I’ll be sharing personal stories, lessons learned, and advice for avoiding common career pitfalls. Whether you’re just starting out in IT or looking to take your career to the next level, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice. Questions Answered in this Episode: What advice would you give your past se...

Send us a text Working remotely has its perks—like saving money, enjoying greater flexibility, and getting more done without the usual office distractions. But it also comes with challenges, such as the risk of mixing work with personal life, feelings of isolation, and the potential for miscommunication with teammates. In this video, I’ll share practical strategies and ideas for remote workers to stay productive and maintain their mental health: Create Boundaries: When you're off, stay off. Le...