Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! Magician, podcaster, and World’s Greatest Con creator Brian Brushwood joins us to talk about the coming Scampocalypse, where AI-powered deception meets human vulnerability. We dive into how magic, psychology, and “deceptive role play” can transform security awareness from boring quizzes into hands-on human defense training. Learn why Brian says it’s time...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In the Season 4 finale of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast , Steve and John wrap up an incredible season with a special listener-driven Q&A. The episode opens with a recap of Episodes 1–7, revisiting key lessons on soft skills, leadership, resume pitfalls, networking strategies, and inspiring career journeys. From there, they dive into your most pre...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast , Steve and John explore one of the most powerful career accelerators in cybersecurity: networking. While a strong resume might get you noticed, it’s meaningful relationships that truly open doors. Together, we unpack the key do’s — being genuine, consistent, and adding value — and highlight the common...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! Are you applying for cybersecurity jobs but not getting interviews? The problem might be your resume. In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast , we break down the Top 10 Resume Mistakes holding you back from landing your first cybersecurity role—and show you exactly how to fix them. From weak objectives to cluttered skills sections, irrelevan...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Grant Adams returns to share his journey over the past year, focusing on his job search experience, the importance of networking, and insights from his interview process. One highlight of his story is how a conversation at a lock-picking table during an in-person conference led directly to his current...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Dr. TJ O'Connor shares his journey from West Point to a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and cybersecurity educator. He discusses his experiences at West Point, his military career, and the importance of hands-on learning in cybersecurity. Dr. O'Connor emphasizes the value of competition...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, John, Steve, and Evan Reiser, Founder & CEO of Abnormal AI, discuss Evan's journey from a gaming enthusiast to a leader in cybersecurity. We explore the evolution of email security, the impact of AI on the industry, and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning. Evan shares valuabl...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we discuss the critical role of leadership in cybersecurity, emphasizing the principles of Extreme Ownership as outlined in Jocko Willink's book. We explore how effective leadership goes beyond technical skills, focusing on communication, team dynamics, and the importance of humility. The convers...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this episode of the Cyber Security Mentors Podcast, we discuss the critical role of soft skills in the cybersecurity field. We emphasize that while technical skills are essential, soft skills such as communication, empathy, adaptability, critical thinking, and teamwork are equally important for career growth and success. We provide insights on how to...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! Can a cybersecurity mentor or coach really help you break into or grow your career?  In this episode, we break down the difference between mentorship and coaching, why investing in guidance matters, and what a structured 6-month mentorship journey looks like. We also share real success stories from our mentees—and why going it alone might be slowing you...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In Part 3 of our Mastering Cybersecurity series, we explore why learning how to hack isn’t just for red teamers — it’s a critical skill for defenders, too. Understanding offensive tactics can sharpen your defensive abilities, improve threat detection, and help you shift from reactive to proactive security. Plus, having both offensive and defensive skills...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this episode, we chat with Carson Sallis , Senior Offensive Security Engineer and Vulnerability Researcher at NVIDIA. Carson walks us through a day in the life of a pentester and shares actionable advice for anyone looking to break into offensive security. He also gives a live demo of fuzzing with AFL (American Fuzzy Lop) and explains how tools like t...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this episode, Steve and John dive into why securing systems is a must-know skill in cybersecurity. Learn the basics of system hardening, access control, and logging, plus practical tools and labs to get hands-on. They also explore how AI can boost your defense game — and why thinking like both an attacker and defender will set you apart. +++++++++++++...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! Craig Sheffield shares his unconventional journey transitioning from teaching English in Taiwan to pursuing a cybersecurity career, highlighting how his background in music and audio engineering provided unexpected transferable skills. He also shares his candid experiences with the TryHackMe Security Analyst Level 1 certification.  Episode Resources: Cra...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked yet fundamental importance of learning how to "build" systems, networks, and applications for cybersecurity professionals. Coining the philosophy "Build, Secure, Hack," we explore why hands-on experience in building provides an essential foundation for effectively securing and ultima...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this episode, we talk with Doug Burks, founder and CEO of Security Onion Solutions. He shares his journey from computer enthusiast to cybersecurity company founder and how he's helping defenders catch bad guys through accessible network security monitoring tools. We also discuss how important setting up your home lab is as a crucial learning envi...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of cyber deception—from classic honeypots to canary tokens and more. Learn how deception isn't just a defense tactic, but a skill every aspiring cybersecurity analyst should master.  We'll explore real-world stories, ethical considerations, and how strategic deception can give you the upper hand agai...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! This episode delves into the current state of the cybersecurity job market and offers essential strategies for breaking into the industry. Kelly Belding, an experienced IT recruiter, discusses hiring trends, the importance of relevant skills and certifications, and the significant role of networking for career advancement. • Overview of the changing IT j...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! In this episode we chat with Daniel, who is just starting on his journey in cybersecurity. We work to give him guidance, direction, and a roadmap for landing his first job.  • What sparked Daniel's interest in cybersecurity  • Current job enhances troubleshooting skills and problem-solving mindset  • Pursuing cybersecurity certifications one step at...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! This episode focuses on essential skills and tools for aspiring cybersecurity analysts, including network monitoring, incident response, and phishing defense. The conversation emphasizes the importance of practical experience and understanding the fundamentals to successfully navigate careers in cybersecurity. • Importance of network monitoring in identi...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! This episode is part one of two that focuses on essential tools and skills for aspiring security analysts. In this episode we discuss SIEM tools, vulnerability management, and endpoint protection. Check out the link for the resources.  • Importance of SIEM tools for analyzing log data  • Vulnerability management as a critical cybersecurity hygiene practi...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! Ryan Rath shares his journey from the military to a significant role in cybersecurity with Mandiant, discussing the challenges faced during the transition. Key topics include the importance of networking, the evolving skill sets required, and the ethical responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals, highlighting the need for mentorship and continuous...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! Max Harley's journey into cybersecurity began unexpectedly with a childhood passion for video games, which sparked a deeper interest in programming and security. His competitive spirit emerged through capture-the-flag competitions, leading him to impactful roles at SpecterOps and Prelude, emphasizing mentorship, networking, and continuous learning i...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! This episode features insights from two esteemed CISOs, Frank DePaola and Andrew Wilder, sharing their journeys into cybersecurity, the importance of mentorship, and essential leadership traits. They discuss the evolving role of a CISO, the need for business acumen, and the vital balance required between technical prowess and organizational needs. • Fran...

Send us Fan Mail and we can reply directly! Welcome to the kickoff of Season 2 of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast ! This season begins with an exciting collaboration with the Simply Cyber Media Group, bringing you inspiring personal journeys and emphasizing the transformative power of mentorship in cybersecurity. In this episode, John and Steve open up about their career paths, share their aspir...