Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast

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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.
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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.

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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 growth
The mindset shift from reacting → proactively finding vulnerabilities
How offense and defense are more connected than most people realize
The real skills beginners should focus on (networking, cloud, AI)
Why AI is changing cybersecurity faster than ever
How to actually get started in cybersecurity without feeling overwhelmed
If 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.

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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 boards
How 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.

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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-level
If 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.