Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast

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Learning cybersecurity does not mean figuring everything out on your own.
In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Steve and John explain why following walkthroughs, tutorials, and expert examples is not cheating—it is one of the most effective ways to build practical cybersecurity skills.
Just like musicians, athletes, artists, and apprentices, cybersecurity professionals improve by watching others, repeating proven techniques, and putting in the reps.
We discuss how to move beyond simply copying instructions by asking why each step matters, predicting what comes next, researching what you do not understand, and documenting what you learn.
We also share practical walkthrough resources for:
• Offensive security and capture-the-flag challenges
• SOC analysis and Splunk investigations
• Digital forensics and incident response
• Threat hunting
• GRC and cybersecurity risk assessments
You do not need to create every project or lab from scratch. Follow someone who has already done it, learn the process, make it your own, and eventually help others do the same.
Mimicry is not the opposite of mastery. It is often the first step toward it.
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The cybersecurity profession is changing faster than ever.
In Part 2 of our breakdown of the 2026 ISSA Life and Times of Cybersecurity Professionals Report, we explore what 380 IT and cybersecurity professionals say about the biggest challenges facing the industry today.
We discuss:
• Why cybersecurity and IT must work together
 • Is the cybersecurity skills shortage real?
 • How organizations should build better talent pipelines
 • Why AI is a force multiplier—not a replacement
 • The evolving role of today's CISO
 • The leadership, business, and communication skills that matter most
Whether you're trying to break into cybersecurity, advance your career, or become a future security leader, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.
Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

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Is cybersecurity still a great career in 2026?
In this episode of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down the latest 2026 ISSA Life and Times of Cybersecurity Professionals report and compare the research to our own experience leading enterprise cybersecurity teams.
Based on feedback from 380 IT and cybersecurity professionals, we discuss:
• The best advice for breaking into cybersecurity
 • Why networking matters more than certifications alone
 • The growing workload facing security teams
 • Stress, burnout, and why many professionals have considered leaving the field
 • The leadership and culture that separate great security teams from struggling ones
If you're trying to land your first cybersecurity job, grow into leadership, or understand what the career really looks like behind the scenes, this episode is for you.
Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

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Everyone is asking the same question:
"Will AI replace cybersecurity jobs?"
After working with AI every day in a real enterprise security program, my answer may surprise you.
In this episode, I explain why AI is actually creating more work for cybersecurity teams—not less.
We discuss:
Why vulnerability management is exploding 
How AI is accelerating vulnerability discovery 
Why AI governance is becoming one of the fastest-growing areas in cybersecurity 
How security operations (SOC) teams are actually using AI today 
Why AI is a force multiplier—not a replacement 
The cybersecurity skills that will become even more valuable over the next few years 
If you're worried about AI replacing your career—or you're trying to break into cybersecurity—this episode will help you understand where the real opportunities are.
Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

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Trying to break into cybersecurity but not sure whether you should pursue a SOC Analyst role or a GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) position?
In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we break down the differences between SOC and GRC careers, the skills needed for each path, and how to determine which one fits your strengths, interests, and long-term goals.
Whether you're a career changer, recent graduate, IT professional, or someone trying to land your first cybersecurity job, this episode will help you make a more informed decision about your future.
Tell us in the comments:
If you had to choose today, would you pick SOC or GRC, and why?
Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.