Debt Free In IT w/ Mike

Hosted by Michael Bowden

Technology Education

Website RSS feed

Episodes

181

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

“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”

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 5, 2026Episode 18118 min

Network Engineer vs Network Administrator: What’s the Difference

Send us Fan MailWhat’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, the certifications employers look for, and the career path that can take you from help desk to network engineering.We’ll cover:✅ Why job titles vary from company to company✅ What a Network Administrator actually does✅ What a Network Engineer actually does✅ Common certifications for each role✅ Which position beginners should aim for✅ A realistic networking career progressionWhether you’re studying for the CCNA, looking at networking careers, or trying to land your first IT job, this episode will help you understand where these roles fit into your career journey.#NetworkEngineer #NetworkAdministrator #CCNA #Networking #ITCareer #NetworkAdmin #Cisco #TechCareers #InformationTechnology #DebtFreeinIT⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at Debtfreeinit@gmail.com!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.comMusic provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show

May 29, 2026Episode 18016 min

Ranking the Most Popular IT Certifications (2026)

Send us Fan MailIn 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:• Cisco CCNA• CompTIA Security+• CompTIA Network+• Google IT Support Professional Certificate• CompTIA A+We’ll also talk about why some certifications open more doors than others, common mistakes people make when pursuing certifications, and which certifications I would pursue if I were starting my IT career over today.Keep in mind, these rankings are based on my experience working in IT, teaching networking, and helping people transition into the industry.What certification would you put in S Tier? Let me know in the comments below.#CCNA #SecurityPlus #CompTIA #NetworkPlus #ITCertifications #TechCareers #CareerChange #InformationTechnology #CyberSecurity #Networking #DebtFreeInIT #ITJobs #TechPodcast #breakintotech ⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at Debtfreeinit@gmail.com!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.comMusic provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show

May 22, 2026Episode 17927 min

The 7 Laws of the IT Industry

Send us Fan MailIn 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 mistakes and putting it in my mental rolodex.We talk about:* Why nobody’s perfect and you WILL make mistakes* Why you’ll probably hate your first IT job* Why certifications don’t guarantee jobs* Why you need to document everything* Why you should never burn bridges* Chasing money vs finding the right company* Why specialization matters in ITIf you’re trying to get into IT, level up in your career, or avoid learning things the hard way, this episode is for you.Timestamps:02:58 Nobody's perfect and you Will make mistakes06:50 Why you’ll probably hate your first IT job11:39 Why certifications don’t guarantee jobs15:20 Why you need to document everything17:35 Why you should never burn bridges19:35 Chasing money vs finding the right company24:08 Why specialization matters in IT⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at Debtfreeinit@gmail.com!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.comMusic provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show

May 15, 2026Episode 17818 min

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

Send us Fan MailEveryone 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 does (firewalls, VPNs, ASAs)Why your CCNA is the cheat code into this roleThe certs that matter: Palo Alto, CCNP Security, Fortinet NSEThe real salary climb: $76K entry → $282K seniorThe exact job titles to search for today⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at Debtfreeinit@gmail.com!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.comMusic provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show

May 1, 2026Episode 17721 min

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

Send us Fan MailStuck 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.What you'll learn:How to write tickets that managers and senior teams noticeA 2-week exercise to master who supports whatHow to turn one ticket into an audition for your dream teamWhy attitude quietly separates who gets promotedThe right way to ask for a shadow dayHow to use downtime to stack certificationsWho it's for: New help desk techs, career changers in their first IT role, and anyone tired of watching coworkers get promoted first.⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at Debtfreeinit@gmail.com!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.comMusic provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show

April 24, 2026Episode 17624 min

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

Send us Fan MailThink 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 was working retail and customer service (Food King, Advance Auto). Turns out those skills were already building the foundation for my first IT role — I just didn't know it yet.In this episode:My story: from retail to ITWhy soft skills beat technical skills in hiringThe Job Translation Map: everyday jobs → IT rolesHow to make the jump with one cert and a network⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at Debtfreeinit@gmail.com!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.comMusic provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show

April 17, 2026Episode 17519 min

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

Send us Fan MailThis 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 isWhich cert makes sense depending on the path you want to takeWhy networking and security go hand in handCommunity college vs. self-study — which one is right for you⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at Debtfreeinit@gmail.com!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.comMusic provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show

April 10, 2026Episode 17416 min

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

Send us Fan MailIf 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 companies' must-have lists — including CompTIA A+, Security+, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and more🤖 Emerging IT roles you need to know about — like Agentic AI Engineer, AIOps Engineer, and LLM Engineer💰 The exact skills companies are paying a premium for right now — AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics, and more🔑 Why contract and staffing roles (like those placed through Robert Half) could actually fast-track your IT experience faster than a traditional job🎯 How to use reports like this to make smarter decisions about your certifications and career pathhttps://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/salary-guide⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at Debtfreeinit@gmail.com!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.comMusic provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show

April 3, 2026Episode 17314 min

Leveling Up in IT: Why Your Team is Everything

Send us Fan MailIn 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:•Why your team is your fastest learning tool•How mentorship naturally happens on the job•The difference between a good team and a bad team•Why you shouldn’t just chase the job… but the environmentIf you’re trying to break into IT or level up your career, this is something you need to understand early.⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at Debtfreeinit@gmail.com!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.comMusic provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show

March 27, 2026Episode 17220 min

Best Tech Jobs for Introverts (After Help Desk)

Send us Fan MailIf 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:•Why IT can feel tough early on for introverts•My personal experience starting out in help desk•The real reason introverts struggle in entry-level roles•How IT changes once you move into higher-level positions•Why roles in networking, servers, and security are more introvert-friendly•The trade-offs as you move up (meetings, teamwork, communication)If you’ve ever felt drained working help desk or questioned if IT is right for you, this episode will give you a new perspective.⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at Debtfreeinit@gmail.com!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.comMusic provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show