Most people trying to break into IT are doing the right things in the wrong order.

If you are chasing certifications, trends, or degrees and still feel stuck, this conversation will challenge how you think about getting started. This is not an anti college episode. It is about what actually moves a tech career forward early.

We talk through what John would do differently if he were starting today, including the one decision that can speed up learning faster than any class, why proximity to real systems matters more than perfect credentials, and what employers are actually looking for when they hire entry level roles.

We also get into certifications and fundamentals, why some certs feel like table stakes now, and how hands on work with real environments builds confidence you cannot fake in an interview.

If you are trying to land your first IT job, move beyond help desk, or avoid wasting time early in your career, this episode is worth your time.

John sits down with Kevin Robinson, the City Manager of Spencer, Iowa, for a real look at how city government actually works, from the day to day responsibilities people never see to how priorities get set when staffing, infrastructure, and public expectations all compete. They break down what a city budget really means, where the money comes from, and how property taxes and local option sales tax connect to the services residents rely on. Kevin also shares what Spencer learned from the 2024 flood, why real time communication became a core part of resilience, and how the Spencer Iowa app and push alerts change emergency response when minutes matter.

If you want a clear and practical conversation about city operations, taxes, and what Spencer is building next, this episode is for you.

Ho ho holy… grandma got scammed. John and Logan break down why the holidays are prime time for fraud and why most scams are not “hacks,” they are simple deception built on urgency, embarrassment, and pressure. They walk through the biggest patterns showing up right now, including discounted gift card deals that get drained or voided, fake USPS package delay texts that lead to phishing sites, and recruiting messages offering ridiculous pay and pushing people onto WhatsApp. They also cover the fake jail call, the classic Microsoft support call that ends with remote access and gift card demands, and the Hallmark style romance scam that turns into a money request.

To close it out, they unpack the Bitcoin ATM trap and the pig butchering long con, how it builds trust, shows fake profits, and then locks withdrawals behind endless fees. If you want a clear, practical guide to spotting red flags and a smart way to talk to your family, especially older relatives, before it happens, this episode is for you.