Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast

Hosted by Cybersecurity Mentors

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

In this podcast we discuss mentoring in cybersecurity, information for those that are looking to get into cybersecurity, and tips for those that are looking to advance their careers. Check out our community: https://www.skool.com/the-cybersecurity-mentors

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 4, 2026Episode 1625 min

SOC vs GRC: Which Cybersecurity Career Path Is Right for You?

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! Trying to break into cybersecurity but not sure whether you should pursue a SOC Analyst role or a GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) position?In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down the differences between SOC and GRC careers, the skills needed for each path, and how to determine which one fits your strengths, interests, and long-term goals.Whether you're a career changer, recent graduate, IT professional, or someone trying to land your first cybersecurity job, this episode will help you make a more informed decision about your future.Tell us in the comments:If you had to choose today, would you pick SOC or GRC, and why?Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

May 21, 2026Episode 1544 min

10 Cybersecurity Myths That Are Ruining Careers

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! Too many people are getting bad advice about cybersecurity careers, and it’s hurting their chances of getting hired.In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down some of the biggest myths in cybersecurity today, including:• “Cybersecurity is entry-level” • “AI is replacing SOC analysts” • “You need to know everything before applying” • “Cybersecurity pays six figures immediately” • “Technical skills are all that matter” • “LinkedIn networking is pointless” • “Cybersecurity influencers give realistic advice”If you're trying to break into cybersecurity or grow your career, this episode will help you focus on what truly matters.Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

May 7, 2026Episode 1459 min

The Cybersecurity Career Q&A Everyone Needs to Hear

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this special Q&A episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we answer REAL questions submitted directly by our community about breaking into cybersecurity in 2026.We cover:How to become employable in your first 90 days The best entry-level IT and cybersecurity roles What hiring managers ACTUALLY look for Home labs that recruiters care about CompTIA vs GIAC certifications MBA vs technical degrees for future CISOs Common mistakes junior analysts make Networking, mentorship, and career growth What surprised us most working in cybersecurity How to stand out when everyone says they want “experience” We also share personal stories from our own careers, lessons learned, and advice we wish someone gave us earlier.If you're trying to break into cybersecurity, grow your career, or avoid common mistakes, this episode is for you. Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

April 23, 2026Episode 1349 min

Will AI Take Cybersecurity Jobs? The Real Answer (Good, Bad & Ugly)

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! AI is changing cybersecurity faster than ever… but what does that actually mean for YOU?In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of AI in cybersecurity—and most importantly, what you should be doing right now to stay ahead.We cover:How AI is becoming a force multiplier for cybersecurity teams The truth about AI replacing entry-level jobs (and why it’s NOT that simple) The biggest risks: over-reliance, automation, and attacker advantages Real-world examples of how we’re using AI today A practical playbook to future-proof your cybersecurity career Bottom line:AI isn’t replacing cybersecurity professionals—but it is changing the game. The people who win will be the ones who learn how to use it.Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

April 16, 2026Episode 1242 min

Cybersecurity Mentors After Hours: Real Talk, Career Lessons & Life Behind the Scenes

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this special “After Hours” episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we’re switching things up.No structured teaching.No formal topics.Just real, unfiltered conversation.We’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what we actually talk about off-camera — from:What it’s really like hiring cybersecurity analystsWhat separates strong candidates from everyone elseCareer growth, persistence, and second chancesThe reality of building a podcast and growing on YouTubeMentorship wins (and why they matter more than numbers)And even what we’re watching, playing, and doing outside of cybersecurityThis episode is more personal, more relaxed, and more real.But don’t worry — there are still plenty of “nuggets” and lessons throughout if you’re paying attention.If you’ve ever wondered what cybersecurity leaders actually think, do, and talk about day-to-day… this is your chance to see it. Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

April 2, 2026Episode 1131 min

Cybersecurity Certifications That Hiring Managers Actually Care About (2026 Guide)

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! Trying to figure out which cybersecurity certifications are actually worth it in 2026?In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down the best certifications for every path in cybersecurity — whether you're just starting out or trying to level up.We cover:The foundational certs you should start with (and why fundamentals matter) The best certifications for SOC / Security Analyst roles What to pursue for GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) The most valuable paths for Cloud Security (AWS vs Azure) Hands-on certifications for Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking Certifications that are overhyped vs actually useful Why certifications alone won’t get you hired (and what will) If you're overwhelmed by all the options out there, this episode will help you focus, save money, and build a clear roadmap.Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

March 26, 2026Episode 1059 min

35 Years in Cybersecurity: Randy Marchany’s Biggest Lessons

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Randy Marchany, longtime CISO at Virginia Tech University, to break down the biggest lessons he’s learned from 35 years in cybersecurity and over 50 years in IT.From building one of the earliest hands-on cybersecurity training labs to leading incident response and mentoring the next generation of professionals, Randy shares what actually matters if you want to succeed in this field.This conversation goes far beyond a single story—it’s about mindset, experience, and what separates good cybersecurity professionals from great ones.Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

March 19, 2026Episode 946 min

The Hacker Mindset: Interview with Ed Skoudis

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! What does it really mean to think like a hacker?In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Ed Skoudis, President of the SANS Technology Institute and one of the most respected leaders in cybersecurity education.Ed shares how his career evolved from defense to offense—and why developing a hacker mindset is critical for anyone serious about cybersecurity.We break down:Why focusing only on defense can limit your growthThe mindset shift from reacting → proactively finding vulnerabilitiesHow offense and defense are more connected than most people realizeThe real skills beginners should focus on (networking, cloud, AI)Why AI is changing cybersecurity faster than everHow to actually get started in cybersecurity without feeling overwhelmedIf you’re trying to break into cybersecurity—or level up your skills—this episode will challenge how you think about the field. Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

March 12, 2026Episode 844 min

Stop Using Slides: Tell Better Cybersecurity Stories

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! On this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Jeffrey Wheatman to break down one of the most underrated skills in cybersecurity: storytelling. Jeffrey shares how he built a career helping CISOs communicate more effectively with boards, executives, and teams by shifting away from charts and data toward stories that resonate and drive action. We explore why storytelling is a skill anyone can learn, how it applies to leadership, presentations, and interviews, and why the best cybersecurity communicators think more like mentors than heroes. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why data alone often fails to move executives and boardsHow storytelling improves presentations, interviews, and leadership communication The “Yoda vs. Luke” mindset shift for cybersecurity professionals Practical tips to craft, structure, and deliver memorable stories If you want to influence decisions, lead effectively, and stand out in your career — this episode will change how you communicate. Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

February 26, 2026Episode 748 min

Why Cybersecurity Candidates Fail Interviews (From Hiring Managers)

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! Most cybersecurity candidates prepare the wrong way for interviews.They focus only on technical questions… but hiring managers are evaluating something completely different.In this episode, we break down exactly what cybersecurity hiring managers look for during interviews — based on real hiring experience building and managing security teams.You’ll learn:• What hiring managers evaluate in the first 10 minutes • The biggest mistakes candidates make during interviews • Why personality and soft skills matter more than you think • How to prepare using the job description the right way • What questions you should ask to stand out • How to position yourself even if you’re entry-levelIf you’re trying to land your first cybersecurity job — or your next one — this episode will help you prepare with confidence.This isn’t theory. This is real advice from cybersecurity hiring managers. Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.