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© 2026 Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast
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In this podcast we discuss mentoring in cybersecurity, information for those that are looking to get into cybersecurity, and tips for those that are looking to advance their careers.
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59 Episodes
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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,...
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 pers...
If you’ve been applying for cybersecurity jobs and hearing nothing back… this might be why. In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, two active cybersecurity hiring leaders break down what’s actually preventing candidates from getting interviews — based on real hiring experience and large-scale resume data analysis. We cover: How to write resume bullets that show impact (not just responsibilities)Why measurable results massively increase callback chancesThe biggest LinkedIn mista...
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 alongsi...
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 c...
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 on...
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 sustainS...
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.
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 maint...
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 pr...
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 ro...
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 advic...
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 legac...
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, an...
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 g...
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’r...
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 t...
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’...
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 role. Grant also discusses the skills he developed, how AI is being integrated into cybersecurity practices, and personal updates such...
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 competitions in fostering growth and resilience, and he offers advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, highlighting the significance of endurance and con...
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