New Episodes Released Every Friday @12am

Video Episodes

June 4, 2026

Network Engineer vs Network Administrator: What’s the Difference

Network Engineer vs Network Administrator: What’s the Difference

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,…

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May 28, 2026

Ranking the Most Popular IT Certifications (2026)

Ranking the Most Popular IT Certifications (2026)

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: •…

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May 27, 2026

You're Going to Hate Your First Job in IT: Don't Quit

You're Going to Hate Your First Job in IT: Don't Quit

Your first IT job is probably going to suck. Don't quit. You see the TikToks about 6-figure remote tech jobs and think that's day one. It's not. Most people start at help desk, NOC, call center, or operations — and they hate it. But that "bad" first job is the…

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May 25, 2026

How to Break Into Network Security: Certs + Roles

How to Break Into Network Security: Certs + Roles

Most people think cyber security = SOC analyst, GRC, or info sec. But there's another side of the house that pays just as well (sometimes better) and almost nobody talks about it — network security. In this video, I break down the certifications you need to break into network security…

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May 24, 2026

7 Laws of the IT Industry nobody tells you when you're starting out

7 Laws of the IT Industry nobody tells you when you're starting out

7 Laws of the IT Industry nobody tells you when you're starting out You will make mistakes. Nobody's perfect. You'll probably hate your first IT job. Certifications don't guarantee jobs. Document EVERYTHING. Never burn bridges. Chasing money ≠ finding the right company. Specialization is how you level up. Some I…

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May 23, 2026

7 Laws of the IT Industry nobody tells you when you're starting out

7 Laws of the IT Industry nobody tells you when you're starting out

You will make mistakes. Nobody's perfect. You'll probably hate your first IT job. Certifications don't guarantee jobs. Document EVERYTHING. Never burn bridges. Chasing money ≠ finding the right company. Specialization is how you level up. Some I learned the hard way. Some from mentors. Some from watching other people learn…

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May 22, 2026

7 Laws of the IT Industry nobody tells you when you're starting out

7 Laws of the IT Industry nobody tells you when you're starting out

You will make mistakes. Nobody's perfect. You'll probably hate your first IT job. Certifications don't guarantee jobs. Document EVERYTHING. Never burn bridges. Chasing money ≠ finding the right company. Specialization is how you level up. Some I learned the hard way. Some from mentors. Some from watching other people learn…

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May 21, 2026

The 7 Laws of the IT Industry

The 7 Laws of the IT Industry

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…

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May 20, 2026

Cybersecurity Fundamentals Mastering Network Security Basics

Cybersecurity Fundamentals  Mastering Network Security Basics

The $120K cybersecurity job nobody's talking about: Network Security Engineer. CCNA gets you most of the way. One more cert (Palo Alto, CCNP Security, or Fortinet NSE) and you're in. Full breakdown on this week's Debt Free in IT w/ Mike. 📺 Full episode: https://youtu.be/qFM4xV_AQbA 📬 Newsletter (The Log Files):…

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May 19, 2026

Network Security Why Networking and Security Go Hand in Hand

Network Security  Why Networking and Security Go Hand in Hand

The $120K cybersecurity job nobody's talking about: Network Security Engineer. CCNA gets you most of the way. One more cert (Palo Alto, CCNP Security, or Fortinet NSE) and you're in. Full breakdown on this week's Debt Free in IT w/ Mike. 📺 Full episode: https://youtu.be/qFM4xV_AQbA 📬 Newsletter (The Log Files):…

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May 18, 2026

Networking to Network Security : A Natural Career Shift

Networking to Network Security : A Natural Career Shift

The $120K cybersecurity job nobody's talking about: Network Security Engineer. CCNA gets you most of the way. One more cert (Palo Alto, CCNP Security, or Fortinet NSE) and you're in. Full breakdown on this week's Debt Free in IT w/ Mike. 📺 Full episode: https://youtu.be/qFM4xV_AQbA 📬 Newsletter (The Log Files):…

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May 14, 2026

The $120K Cyber Job Nobody Talks About (Network Security Engineer)

The $120K Cyber Job Nobody Talks About (Network Security Engineer)

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…

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May 6, 2026

How I Got Noticed By the Team I Wanted to Join

How I Got Noticed By the Team I Wanted to Join

There's a quiet trick the best help desk techs use to get noticed by the team they want to join — without ever applying. I've used it. I've watched others use it. And no one really talks about it. What you'll learn: How to turn a single closed ticket into…

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May 5, 2026

IT Support Tip: Master Systems & Team Roles #shorts

IT Support Tip: Master Systems & Team Roles #shorts

Stuck on the help desk? 6 habits that get you noticed and promoted. Full episode on YouTube — @debtfreeinitwmike #HelpDesk #ITCareer #BreakIntoIT #ITSupport #CompTIA #TechJobs #ITJobs #EntryLevelIT #CareerChange #DebtFreeInit

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May 4, 2026

Shadowing Desktop Support: Your Healthcare Operations Path #shorts

Shadowing Desktop Support: Your Healthcare Operations Path #shorts

Stuck on the help desk? 6 habits that get you noticed and promoted. Full episode on YouTube — @debtfreeinitwmike #HelpDesk #ITCareer #BreakIntoIT #ITSupport #CompTIA #TechJobs #ITJobs #EntryLevelIT #CareerChange #DebtFreeInit

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May 4, 2026

Don't Wake This Person Up at 2 AM (Help Desk Mistake)

Don't Wake This Person Up at 2 AM (Help Desk Mistake)

Wake the wrong person up at 2 AM and your manager hears about it the next morning. This is the help desk mistake that quietly tanks careers — and the 2-week fix that prevents it. What you'll learn: The 2-week mapping exercise every help desk tech should do Day 1…

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May 3, 2026

Boost Customer Service: Your Key to Help Desk Success! #shorts

Boost Customer Service: Your Key to Help Desk Success! #shorts

Stuck on the help desk? 6 habits that get you noticed and promoted. Full episode on YouTube — @debtfreeinitwmike #HelpDesk #ITCareer #BreakIntoIT #ITSupport #CompTIA #TechJobs #ITJobs #EntryLevelIT #CareerChange #DebtFreeInit

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May 2, 2026

Help Desk Tip: Always Create Detailed Tickets for Faster Resolution! #shorts

Help Desk Tip: Always Create Detailed Tickets for Faster Resolution! #shorts

Stuck on the help desk? 6 habits that get you noticed and promoted. Full episode on YouTube — @debtfreeinitwmike #HelpDesk #ITCareer #BreakIntoIT #ITSupport #CompTIA #TechJobs #ITJobs #EntryLevelIT #CareerChange #DebtFreeInit

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April 30, 2026

Help Desk Tips I Learned Over 10 Years in IT (Do This From Day 1)

Help Desk Tips I Learned Over 10 Years in IT (Do This From Day 1)

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.…

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April 23, 2026

You're Closer Than You Think: How Your Current Job Already Transfers Into IT

You're Closer Than You Think: How Your Current Job Already Transfers Into IT

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…

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April 16, 2026

Fork in the Road: Choosing Between A+, Network+, and Security+

Fork in the Road: Choosing Between A+, Network+, and Security+

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…

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April 13, 2026

Your coworkers are either making or BREAKING your IT career"

Your coworkers are either making or BREAKING your IT career"

Your coworkers could be the reason you're not growing in IT — and you might not even know it. In this clip, we get into the real benefits of being on a good team and the red flags of a bad one. From teammates who genuinely help you level up…

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April 9, 2026

The IT Skills Companies Are Paying More For in 2026 (Robert Half Salary Review Guide)

The IT Skills Companies Are Paying More For in 2026 (Robert Half Salary Review Guide)

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…

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April 7, 2026

Bad Teamwork: Why Gatekeepers Ruin Job Security #shorts

Bad Teamwork: Why Gatekeepers Ruin Job Security #shorts

Most people think leveling up in IT is about certifications… But it’s really about your team. The right team will grow you. The wrong team will keep you stuck. Next time you’re making a move… ask yourself: “Who am I learning from?” 🎙️ New episode out now Leveling Up in…

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