Debt Free In IT w/ Mike
“This Podcast is for anyone looking to get in the IT industry, whether it’s a career change or your just interested. You come to the right place”
Episodes
171 episodes
CCNP Update: Wireless Is Gone
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...
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Episode 171
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16:24
Why Starting at the Bottom Helped My IT Career
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...
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Episode 170
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18:50
Epic Certifications: The Hidden IT Career in Healthcare
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 Epi...
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Episode 169
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17:26
My Top 7 Places to Find IT Jobs in Your City
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. So...
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Episode 168
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23:58
Bootcamps Are a Scam… Or Are They?
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 mone...
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Episode 167
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17:34
IT Contract Jobs: 3 Advantages & 3 Disadvantages
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 ...
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Episode 166
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24:50
Biggest Mistakes After Passing CCNA
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....
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Episode 165
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21:38
Why Most People Quit IT Too Early
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 h...
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Episode 164
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28:53
Welcome to the Call Center: Your First Tech Role
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...
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Episode 163
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31:03
Top Tech Skills for 2026
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, le...
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Episode 162
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18:51
New Year, New Me!: Goals for 2026
Setting Goals for 2026 | Focus, Discipline & One Lane at a TimeIn 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 conten...
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Episode 161
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13:12
Better Late Than Never | My 2025 Podcast Review
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 ch...
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Episode 160
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17:15
Fall Down Once, Get Up Twice | Cisco Exam Safeguard
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 ...
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Episode 159
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15:50
Never Too Late: Starting Your IT Career at 41
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 ...
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Episode 158
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14:41
Why IT Certifications STILL Matter in 2025 (The Truth You Need to Hear)
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...
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Episode 157
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16:14
AI Certs You NEED To Know About
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....
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Episode 156
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17:54
The 5 Most Common CCNA Questions
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:...
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Episode 155
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21:13
The 5 Habits of Every Successful IT Professional
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 ...
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Episode 154
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20:49
Certs That Move the Needle (2025)
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 — wheth...
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Episode 153
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20:03
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Working in IT
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 wi...
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Episode 152
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27:27
Professionalism in Tech: What Really Matters
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 the...
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Episode 151
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15:10
Success Leaves Clues: Top 5 Ways to Build Wealth in IT
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 perso...
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Episode 150
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25:52
The Reset Button: Are You Ready for an IT Career Change?
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 fro...
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Episode 149
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23:16
Which One? A+ vs. Net+ vs. CCNA
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...
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Episode 148
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19:53
Started from the Bottom: How to Plan Your First 5 Years in IT
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...
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Episode 147
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26:42