Debt Free In IT w/ Mike

Michael Bowden

“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”

  1. Professionalism in Tech: What Really Matters

    19 HR AGO

    Professionalism in Tech: What Really Matters

    Send us a text 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 them back from opportunities in the IT industry. I share my personal perspective, real experiences, and how the face of tech has changed over the years. You’ll learn: 💬 Why professionalism is about presence, not hair 💻 Why tech cares more about skills and results than looks 👕 How to be yourself but stay presentable 🧠 Why company culture and comfort matter more than appearance ⚡ And why confidence always wins Drop your thoughts in the comments — and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly episodes on IT careers, certifications, and success in tech. 🛒 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/ Mike Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.com Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here  https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vl Follow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!) IG: @debtfreeinit TikTok: @debtfreeinit Linkedin: Michael Bowden Support the show

    15 min
  2. Success Leaves Clues: Top 5 Ways to Build Wealth in IT

    10 OCT

    Success Leaves Clues: Top 5 Ways to Build Wealth in IT

    Send us a text 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 personal brand, joining startups, and leveraging AI. Whether you’re just starting out, changing careers, or looking for your next big move, these proven paths can help you chart your own course toward financial freedom in IT. What you’ll learn in this episode:  • Why the salary ladder is still the most common path — and how far it can take you.  • How freelancing & consulting can turn weekend gigs into a thriving business.  • The power of content and building your personal brand in tech.  • How startup equity and ownership create tech millionaires.  • Why AI mastery is today’s biggest wealth multiplier. 🛒 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/ Mike Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.com Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here  https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vl Follow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!) IG: @debtfreeinit TikTok: @debtfreeinit Linkedin: Michael Bowden Support the show

    26 min
  3. The Reset Button: Are You Ready for an IT Career Change?

    3 OCT

    The Reset Button: Are You Ready for an IT Career Change?

    Send us a text 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 from another industry or pivoting inside IT into a new role. You’ll learn: •The #1 reasons people hit reset (money + lack of growth). •How to break into IT if you’re starting fresh (certs, skills, mindset). •Smart ways to pivot inside IT without starting from scratch. •Common pitfalls that slow people down. •The mindset and sacrifices required to make a reset stick. •First steps you can take this week to start your transition. If you’re thinking about changing jobs or careers, this episode will help you figure out if now is the time — and how to make your reset successful. 🛒 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/ Mike Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.com Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here  https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vl Follow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!) IG: @debtfreeinit TikTok: @debtfreeinit Linkedin: Michael Bowden Support the show

    23 min
  4. Which One? A+ vs. Net+ vs. CCNA

    26 SEPT

    Which One? A+ vs. Net+ vs. CCNA

    Send us a text 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 This Video: •The real difference between A+, Net+, and CCNA •Which cert fits helpdesk, desktop, and networking roles •Why CCNA carries more weight in job postings •How to avoid the biggest beginner certification mistake •My personal journey — and what I wish I had done after CCNA 💡 Final Takeaway: A+ and Net+ are great if you’re just starting out, but CCNA gives you the confidence and credibility to stand out in networking careers. 🛒 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/ Mike Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.com Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here  https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vl Follow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!) IG: @debtfreeinit TikTok: @debtfreeinit Linkedin: Michael Bowden Support the show

    20 min
  5. Started from the Bottom: How to Plan Your First 5 Years in IT

    19 SEPT

    Started from the Bottom: How to Plan Your First 5 Years in IT

    Send us a text 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 starting out or already a couple of years in, this episode will give you practical advice to plan your IT journey with confidence. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why certifications + patience help you land your first role ✅ How mentors and encouragement can shape your career path ✅ Why adaptability and soft skills matter just as much as technical skills ✅ How stepping-stone jobs build momentum toward your dream role ✅ The habits that define long-term success in IT ✅ Why you should embrace responsibility instead of avoiding it ▶️ Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/VaxzMlKiAMs?si=7qvfrTwhJum6q2qF 🛒 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/ Mike Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.com Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here  https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vl Follow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!) IG: @debtfreeinit TikTok: @debtfreeinit Linkedin: Michael Bowden Support the show

    27 min
  6. CCST or Cloud? The Best Path to Start Your IT Career

    12 SEPT

    CCST or Cloud? The Best Path to Start Your IT Career

    Send us a text Age is not a barrier in tech — skills are. In this video, I break down why networking is still one of the best foundations you can start with, and how the CCST can help you build confidence before moving into bigger certifications. This video also answers a common question: Should you study for the CCST, or skip ahead into cloud? Here’s what we cover: ✅ Why age is NOT a barrier in IT ✅ Why the CCST is a smart starting point for networking ✅ How networking builds the foundation for cloud & cybersecurity ✅ The next steps after CCST (CCNA, Network+, Cloud+, AWS, Azure, Linux) ✅ Practical advice if you’re deciding between networking and cloud 🛒 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/ Mike Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.com Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here  https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vl Follow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!) IG: @debtfreeinit TikTok: @debtfreeinit Linkedin: Michael Bowden Support the show

    12 min
  7. Cisco’s New Wireless Certification Track (2026) | CCNA, CCNP & CCIE Wireless Explained

    5 SEPT

    Cisco’s New Wireless Certification Track (2026) | CCNA, CCNP & CCIE Wireless Explained

    Send us a text Wireless might feel like a lost art form — nobody says “I want to be a wireless engineer” — but every campus, hospital, and stadium depends on Wi-Fi. And now Cisco is reviving wireless with a brand-new certification track launching March 2026. In this episode, I break down: ✅ Where CCNA fits into the wireless journey ✅ The path from Wireless Foundations → CCNP Wireless → CCIE Wireless ✅ What’s changing with ENCOR and Enterprise certs ✅ Salary potential for Wireless Engineers ($97k–$130k on average) ✅ Why wireless may be the most overlooked — but most valuable — IT specialty today 🛒 My Amazon Store: Books + gear to level up in tech: 👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike 📬 The Log Files Newsletter: Real tips to break into IT. 👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe ⸻ #CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit  💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at Debtfreeinit@gmail.com! 🌐 Connect with me: 📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT 🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com 📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻 Support the Channel: cash.app/$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/ Mike Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.com Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here  https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vl Follow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!) IG: @debtfreeinit TikTok: @debtfreeinit Linkedin: Michael Bowden Support the show

    10 min
  8. How to Build Confidence in IT (Even When You Feel Behind)

    29 AUG

    How to Build Confidence in IT (Even When You Feel Behind)

    Send us a text 💻 In IT, confidence is everything. But let’s be real—there are times when you feel behind, like everyone else knows more than you, and you start questioning if you even belong. I’ve been there too. In this episode of Debt Free in IT, I break down 5 practical ways to build real confidence in tech—the kind of confidence that comes from action, progress, and proving to yourself that you’ve got what it takes. What you’ll learn: ✅ Why labs build confidence faster than books ✅ How tracking your progress changes your mindset ✅ The power of teaching what you learn ✅ Why mentors & peer groups make the difference ✅ How to turn failure into feedback Whether you’re new to tech, switching careers, or already in IT but battling imposter syndrome, this episode will help you feel more capable and in control of your journey. 🛒 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/ Mike Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.com For support inquires, or business inquiries, please email Debtfreeinit@gmail.com Music provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here  https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vl Follow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!) IG: @debtfreeinit TikTok: @debtfreeinit Linkedin: Michael Bowden Support the show

    11 min
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About

“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”

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Bowden
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    151
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Debt Free In IT w/ Mike
  • Show Website
    Debt Free In IT w/ Mike

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