Advertise on podcast: Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast

Cybersecurity doesn’t just have a talent gap — it has a leadership gap. In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Dave Berke, retired Marine Corps officer, former Top Gun instructor, and Chief Development Officer at Echelon Front, to talk about why leadership is missing across IT and cybersecurity — and why technical excellence alone is no longer enough. Dave shares lessons learned from combat aviation, military leadership, and years of teaching leadership alongside Jocko Willink — and explains why leadership is a skill that must be learned, not a trait you’re born with. In this episode, we cover: Why the “best technician” often struggles as a leaderThe leadership gap across cybersecurity and IT teamsWhy leadership isn’t about titles or authorityHow introverts and technical professionals can still become strong leadersThe role of humility, ownership, and teamwork in healthy security teamsHow to lead from any position — even without a leadership titleWhy developing leaders is the ultimate test of leadershipIf you work in cybersecurity, IT, engineering, or any technical field — this conversation will change how you think about your career growth.  Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join. Support the show

If you’ve been learning cybersecurity, applying for jobs, or working in the field—and your confidence has taken a hit—this episode is for you. In Season 6, Episode 3 of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Steve and John break down why confidence drops so often in cybersecurity and how to rebuild it in a real, practical way. We talk about: How lack of confidence shows up in interviews and on the jobWhy rejection, layoffs, and career changes fuel imposter syndromeThe difference between chasing confidence and building competenceHow small wins and repetition rebuild belief over timeWhy failure is part of growth—not a sign you don’t belongHow community feedback helps silence self-doubtThis episode isn’t about hype or “fake it till you make it.”  It’s about earning confidence through action, consistency, and support. You don’t need to be perfect.  You need reps, feedback, and people in your corner. Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join. Support the show

If you feel like you’ve been studying cybersecurity but not actually making progress, this episode is for you. In Season 6 Episode 2 of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Steve and John break down how to reset your cybersecurity learning plan and stop wasting time on the wrong things. Whether you took a break, jumped between too many topics, or followed advice that didn’t fit your goals, this episode will help you refocus. We walk through how to honestly assess where you are, how to choose one clear cybersecurity path instead of trying to learn everything, and how to build a realistic learning plan that fits your background and schedule. We also call out common mistakes we’re seeing in 2026—like over-consuming content, chasing tools without fundamentals, and copying someone else’s roadmap. This episode is about clarity, direction, and momentum—without starting over from zero. Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join. Support the show

Many cybersecurity professionals didn’t quit — they just got stuck. In this Season 6 premiere of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we share 5 practical tactics to restart your cybersecurity career in 2026, especially if you lost momentum, felt burned out, or fell behind in 2025. This isn’t about hype or starting over from scratch. It’s about: Reflecting without beating yourself upChoosing one clear direction instead of chasing everythingTaking small, realistic steps you can actually sustainSharing progress for accountabilityFinding a community so you don’t do this aloneWhether you’re trying to break into cybersecurity, get back on track, or level up after a tough year, this episode is designed to help you reset with clarity and confidence. Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join. Support the show

In the season five finale of the Cyber Security Mentors podcast, hosts Steve and John reflect on the season's highlights, featuring insightful discussions with various cybersecurity experts. They recap key lessons learned, including leadership during crises, negotiation tactics, and the importance of community support. The episode also addresses listener questions and outlines future plans for the podcast, emphasizing continued growth and engagement with the cybersecurity community. Support the show

In this episode of the Cyber Security Mentals podcast, hosts Steve and John delve into effective strategies for studying cybersecurity. They discuss the importance of structured learning, hands-on labs, and consistent practice, while exploring the challenges of self-paced learning. The episode highlights the benefits of programs like ACI Learning and the value of certifications such as A+, Network+, and Security+. Engaging, interactive content and practice tests are emphasized as key to maintaining motivation and momentum in the learning journey. Support the show

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Eric O'Neill shares his experiences as an undercover FBI agent who caught one of the most damaging spies in U.S. history, Robert Hansen. He discusses the evolution of cybercrime, the importance of understanding cyber attacks, and the intersection of espionage and cybersecurity. O'Neill emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to cyber defense, the dangers of the dark web, and the psychological tactics used by cybercriminals. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals and highlights the importance of traits like attention to detail and flexibility in investigations. Support the show

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Charles Carmakal, CTO at Mandiant, discusses the current state of cybersecurity, the evolving threat landscape, and the importance of resilience in organizations. He emphasizes the ongoing arms race between cyber attackers and defenders, the rise of ransomware and extortion tactics, and the critical traits needed for aspiring cybersecurity analysts. Charles also shares insights into the day-to-day life at Mandiant and the transformative role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity efforts. He concludes with valuable advice for those looking to enter the field, highlighting the importance of passion, persistence, and continuous learning. Support the show

In Part 2, we discuss how a routine firewall rollout at ANU accidentally severed the attackers’ C2, forcing them into noisy, rushed activity that revealed their tradecraft. Suthagar explains the balance between observing for intel and acting to minimize harm, and how transparent, tightly controlled communications—culminating in a readable public breach report—helped rebuild trust. We also unpack why stolen databases without a data dictionary were hard to weaponize, and close with career advice: resilience, empathy, and people-first communication matter as much as tools. ANU Breach Report Suthagar Seevaratnam’s LinkedIn  Support the show

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Suthagar Seevaratnam, a former CISO at the Australian National University, shares his journey into cybersecurity and the challenges faced during a significant data breach. He discusses the importance of addressing organizational trauma, effective leadership during crises, and the human element in cybersecurity. The conversation delves into the details of the breach, including the attack vector, the role of phishing, and the impact of legacy systems. Suthagar emphasizes the need for calmness, compassion, and effective communication in crisis management, highlighting the lessons learned from the incident. ANU Breach Report Suthagar Seevaratnam’s LinkedIn  ACILearning.com/SimplyCyber Support the show

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down how to negotiate with confidence — whether you’re reviewing a job offer, asking for a raise, or chasing that next promotion. Drawing from years of leadership experience, they share real-world stories about what hiring managers actually think during negotiations, how to spot red flags in a job offer, and how to build leverage the right way. You’ll learn: The three things to evaluate before accepting any offer — fit, growth, and lifestyleHow to flip the script and interview the company backWhy keeping receipts of your wins is essential before asking for a raiseWhat to do when you’re given more responsibility without more payHow to use tactical empathy (inspired by Never Split the Difference) to win negotiations without losing relationshipsWhether you’re a cybersecurity analyst or a future CISO, this episode will help you get paid what you’re worth — and do it with professionalism and confidence. Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join. Support the show

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 to stop training “sheep” and start raising “wolves.” Topics include: • Why traditional phishing tests fail • How AI is powering the next generation of scams • What magicians know about deception that CISOs don’t • The “sheep vs. wolf” model for human training • How to gamify social engineering safely The Greatest Con Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xZYIEwtxkB1YxIENS7c6z?si=a6b654370c424128The Modern Rogue: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRogue/ScamStuff: https://www.scamstuff.com/Brian Brushwood’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-brushwood/ Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join. Support the show

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 pressing questions about breaking into cybersecurity — from whether college or certifications matter most, to the projects that truly prove you’re job-ready, to building home labs that tackle real-world problems. Along the way, they share behind-the-scenes reflections, practical advice, and set the stage for an exciting Season 5.  Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join. Support the show

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 mistakes to avoid, like spamming, ghosting, or only showing up when you need something. You’ll also hear real-world examples and actionable tips you can start using right away. If you’re ready to transform connections into career opportunities, this episode is a must-listen. Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join. Support the show

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, irrelevant job history, and missing proof of hands-on experience, we’ll cover the resume traps that stop recruiters in their tracks.  Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make your next move in cybersecurity, this episode is packed with practical resume tips and career advice you can apply immediately. Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join. Support the show