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.

This week on Zero Downtime, John and Logan break down Apple’s ongoing senior exits, AI driven pressure on DRAM and RAM pricing, another Cloudflare outage, and Samsung’s upcoming tri fold phone launch. Clear context, real impact, and what to watch next.

John and Logan break down a busy week in tech that hits privacy, retail, and global policy. They dig into Michigan’s proposed surveillance bill and why it has people concerned about how far government monitoring could go. They look at record Black Friday sales and the role AI played in pushing numbers to a new level. They also cover Australia’s plan to ban social media for anyone under sixteen and what this move might signal for other countries. If you want a clear and honest breakdown of what’s happening right now, this episode has it.

We are joined by John Hartwig of Utopia Grove for a deep dive into 3D printing and how he helps customers bring their ideas to life. John shares what his shop can do, the problems he solves, and why people come to him for custom projects. He also walks us through the different types of prints and materials he uses, with real examples. If you have ever wondered what 3D printing can actually do for you, this episode answers it.