Best Kyser Clark Cybersecurity Podcasts (2025)

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#43 Grind Now, Relax Later: The Harsh Reality of Breaking Into Cybersecurity ft. Matthew Younker (Zumi Yumi) 34:29

6d ago34:29

34:29

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, Matthew Younker (aka Zumi Yumi) shares the raw truth about what it really took to break into offensive security, working full time, going to college, and grinding for OSCP with almost zero rest. He opens up about the unhealthy sacrifices he made, why OSWA was harder than OSCP, and how his journey from Army haz…

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#42 Certifications, College, or Bootcamps — What’s Worth It in Cybersecurity? ft. Channa Rajaratne 39:31

13d ago39:31

39:31

In this episode, Channa Rajaratne joins me to unpack one of the most common questions in cybersecurity: should you go after certifications, a college degree, or a bootcamp? We break down the pros and cons of each, share personal experiences, and talk about which path actually helped us get hired. Channa also shares his take on underrated skills lik…

1
#41 How to Actually Become a Great Pentester 38:25

26d ago38:25

38:25

What separates a good pentester from a great one? It’s not just about popping shells or passing certs. In this solo episode, I break down the real-world skills that actually matter. Technical, non-technical, and everything in between. I share hard lessons from the field, my thoughts on being well-rounded vs. specialized, and why communication, clie…

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#40 Proof You Don’t Need a Degree to Succeed in Cybersecurity ft. Zach Winchester 39:37

1M ago39:37

39:37

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, Kyser Clark and Zach Winchester talk about breaking into cybersecurity without a college degree and why it’s not the dealbreaker people think it is. You’ll hear a real-world story of going from firewall configs to full-time pentesting with just an OSCP and hands-on experience. We also get into hardware hacking…

1
#39 Q&A: Struggling with Burnout? Here’s Why It Might Be a Good Thing 39:15

1M ago39:15

39:15

Burnout sucks, but what if it's actually a sign of growth? In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, I break down why burnout isn’t always the enemy and how pushing yourself to the limit can actually make you better. Just like lifting weights to failure builds muscle, hitting burnout and recovering makes you mentally stronger. I’ll share my own experi…

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#38 Fired or Freed? Turning a Cybersecurity Layoff into Your Next Big Break w Justin Mahon 39:17

2M ago39:17

39:17

Getting laid off can feel like the end of the road, but what if it’s actually the beginning of something bigger? In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, Justin Mahon shares his journey from military IT to offensive security, including how he bounced back after a cybersecurity layoff and landed in a better position than before. We break down the real…

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#37 He Hacked for 1000 Days Straight: Here’s How It Landed Him a Cybersecurity Job ft. Constantinos Kaplanis 24:59

2M ago24:59

24:59

In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, I sit down with Constantinos Kaplanis, a senior penetration tester who took an unconventional path into cybersecurity. With no prior IT experience, he grinded his way into the field—applying to 500 jobs, enduring countless rejections, and proving his skills through sheer persistence. One of his biggest accompl…

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#36 The OSCP Won’t Save You ft. Tyler Ramsbey 44:55

2M ago44:55

44:55

Many aspiring penetration testers believe that earning the OSCP is the ultimate proof of their skills—but what happens when they step into a real-world engagement? In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, Tyler Ramsbey joins me to break down the hard truth about OSCP, the gaps it leaves in real-world pentesting, and why experience always outweighs ce…

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#35 Q&A: The Harsh Truth: You NEED to Code for Cybersecurity Mastery 36:04

2M ago36:04

36:04

If you want to be an expert in cybersecurity, coding isn’t optional—it’s essential. In this Q&A episode of The Hacker’s Cache, I break down why learning to code separates the entry-level professionals from the true experts and how AI is shifting the skills needed in offensive security. I also dive into the different career paths available after lan…

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#34 Why Top Pentesters Make More Money (Most Ignore This Skill) ft. Spencer Alessi 43:58

3M ago43:58

43:58

Kyser Clark sits down with senior penetration tester Spencer Alessi to discuss a skill that separates top-tier pentesters from the rest—client communication. While technical prowess is essential, Spencer shares how clear, proactive communication can make or break a pentest engagement, impact client trust, and even determine career growth. They also…

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#33 Are Cybersecurity Bootcamps a Scam? ft. Keith Coleman 40:04

3M ago40:04

40:04

Are cybersecurity bootcamps worth the hefty price tag, or are they just another overhyped shortcut to nowhere? In this episode of The Hacker’s Cache, I sit down with Keith Coleman, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with experience in pentesting, security engineering, DevSecOps, and more. We break down the true value of bootcamps, why many gradu…

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#32 From Physical Security to Penetration Testing: Paul Nieto III's Journey 41:22

3M ago41:22

41:22

Kyser Clark is joined by Paul Nieto, a seasoned penetration tester with over 22 years of experience spanning physical and cybersecurity. Paul shares his journey from physical security to offensive security, detailing how his curiosity and drive for challenges led to a successful career pivot. They discuss the importance of networking, the debate be…

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#31 Q&A: Are Tech Giants Planning to Replace Us with AI? 31:57

3M ago31:57

31:57

Kyser Clark dives into the growing role of AI in the tech industry and its potential to replace mid-level professionals. Inspired by comments from tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, we explore why companies are investing heavily in AI, how it could reshape the middle-class job market, and what it means for cybersecurity professionals. Kyser shares …

1
#30 Uncovering a $200M Fraud Ring with David Taxer 43:00

3M ago43:00

43:00

David Taxer, a cybersecurity expert with over 12 years of experience, shares the incredible story of uncovering a $200 million fraud ring disguised under a major corporation. Learn how his unique background in SEO and intelligence helped him expose insider threats and fraudulent schemes, as well as the challenges he faced as a whistleblower. This e…

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#29 InfoSec Pat’s Journey From Network Engineer to Cyber Mentor: 41:40

4M ago41:40

41:40

Kyser Clark interviews Patrick Gorman, also known as InfoSec Pat, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 23 years of experience. They discuss the importance of certifications in the cybersecurity field, the challenges of retaining knowledge, and the journey of creating educational content on YouTube. Pat shares insights on his motivations …

1
#28 Outwork the Competition: Winning the Cybersecurity Career Game 28:03

4M ago28:03

28:03

In this episode, Kyser Clark discusses the competitive landscape of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of culture fit, the reality of job openings, and how to stand out in a crowded field. He highlights the necessity of hard work, continuous learning, and the value of soft skills in securing a position. Additionally, he addresses the misconc…

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#27 Red Team Reality: Building the Hacker's Edge ft. Mike Ortiz 45:31

4M ago45:31

45:31

In this conversation, Mike Ortiz discusses various aspects of cybersecurity, focusing on the importance of curiosity, the dynamics between red and blue teams, and the transition into red teaming. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between teams and the significance of understanding the foundational roles in cybersecurity. Mike also shares his…

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#26 Q&A: The Certification Everyone Asks For (Is It Overrated?) 27:44

4M ago27:44

27:44

In this Q&A episode, Kyser Clark addresses various questions related to cybersecurity certifications, focusing on the relevance of CISSP in 2025, the comparison between CPTS and OSCP, and the role of OSCP as a gatekeeper certification. He also discusses the value of TCM and INE certifications and provides insights on the time investment required fo…

1
#25 Beyond Compliance: How Hackers Think and What Companies Miss ft. Albert Corzo 41:12

5M ago41:12

41:12

Kyser Clark engages with cybersecurity expert Albert Corzo, who shares his extensive experience in ethical hacking, bug bounty programs, and the importance of certifications in the field. Albert discusses his past experiences, including hacking the U.S. government, and emphasizes the need for understanding cybercrime and threat actors to better pro…

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#24 Building a Career Together: Lessons from Clint & Si The Hackers 39:44

5M ago39:44

39:44

Kyser Clark is joined by Simon and Clint from the YouTube channel 'Clint & Si The Hackers.' They discuss their journey into cybersecurity, the importance of practical experience over formal education, and the benefits of collaboration in building a successful career. The conversation covers various aspects of penetration testing, the challenges fac…

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#23 SOC Analyst Life: Challenges & Secrets from Trent Williams 39:24

5M ago39:24

39:24

Kyser Clark and Trent Williams talk about the roles and experiences of a SOC analyst. They discuss the challenges faced in the field, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of AI on cybersecurity jobs. Trent shares insights from his career journey, the significance of certifications, and the necessity of understanding both offensive …

1
#22 Q&A: Cybercrime, Certifications, and Sacrifice in Cybersecurity Careers 39:58

5M ago39:58

39:58

Kyser Clark introduces a new Q&A format where he answers listener questions about cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and career development. He discusses the allure of cyber crime, the importance of networking certifications, and the sacrifices necessary to succeed in the field. Kyser emphasizes that while certifications can enhance career prospects, …

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#21 Unpacking AppSec: Lessons and Insights with Jonathon Fuller 38:48

6M ago38:48

38:48

Kyser Clark interviews Jonathan Fuller, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with a diverse background in various roles, including penetration testing and application security. Jonathan shares his journey from being a NOC engineer to founding Advict Security, emphasizing the importance of delivering comprehensive information to clients during pene…

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#20 What it REALLY Takes to Pass OSCP (and What They Don’t Tell You) ft. Trent Miller 36:40

6M ago36:40

36:40

Kyser Clark interviews Trent Miller, a cybersecurity professional with a diverse background in IT and security roles. They discuss Trent's career journey, the challenges of breaking into cybersecurity, the importance of networking, and insights on certifications like OSCP. Trent shares his experiences with the job market, the reality of skill short…

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#19 Beating the Odds in Cybersecurity: What It Really Takes ft. James Scott 35:39

6M ago35:39

35:39

Kyser Clark interviews James Scott, a cybersecurity professional with a diverse background in the military and digital forensics. They discuss James's journey into penetration testing, the challenges he faced in landing his first role, and the importance of networking and creating personal tools. The conversation also covers the significance of pro…

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#18 16 Years in IT, Now a Fortune 100 Pentester: 0xD1CE Shares His Journey 30:16

6M ago30:16

30:16

Kyser Clark interviews 0xD1CE, a seasoned penetration tester, who shares his extensive journey from IT to cybersecurity. 0xD1CE discusses his various roles, certifications, and the impact of COVID on his career shift. The conversation gets into the differences between consulting and internal roles, the value of certain cybersecurity certifications,…

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#17 Unpacking Bug Bounty Strategies with RootSploit: Zero Days, Recon, and Vulnerabilities 37:18

6M ago37:18

37:18

Cybersecurity professionals Kyser Clark and Pranit Garud (RootSploit) discuss their experiences in the field. They cover topics such as bug bounty programs, the role of an offensive security engineer, and the differences between consulting and working for a Fortune 500 company. Pranit shares tips for getting started in bug bounty hunting and emphas…

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#16 Why Cybersecurity Is Stressful and How to Succeed with Opeyemi Kolawole (Hacking Insights) 38:56

7M ago38:56

38:56

Kyser Clark interviews Opeyemi Kolawole, a full-time red teamer and cybersecurity professional. They discuss Opeyemi's background in biology and his transition into the cybersecurity field. Opeyemi shares his experience and insights on various certifications, including the Cyberwarfare Lab Certified Red Team Analyst (CPTA) and the importance of sta…

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#15 From Zero to Hero: How Anyone Can Succeed in Cybersecurity 34:28

7M ago34:28

34:28

In this solo episode, Kyser Clark discusses the accessibility of cybersecurity careers, emphasizing that anyone can enter the field regardless of their background. He shares his personal journey from blue-collar jobs to becoming a penetration tester, highlighting the importance of certifications and continuous learning. Kyser provides actionable st…

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#14 Social Engineering Unleashed: DEF CON Insights from Jacob Villarreal 34:24

7M ago34:24

34:24

Kyser Clark interviews Jacob Villarreal, a penetration tester, about his journey into the cybersecurity field, his experiences at DEFCON, and various topics related to cybersecurity. Jacob shares his background, including his education, certifications, and transition from IT roles to penetration testing. The discussion covers the importance of netw…

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#13 Hacking Time: Real World Skills They Don't Teach You | Trent Darrow 39:32

7M ago39:32

39:32

Kyser Clark interviews Trent Darrow, a senior penetration tester and cyber protection team crew lead. They discuss Trent's background, certifications, and his role in building a red team. They also touch on ethical dilemmas in the industry, the effectiveness of certifications in preparing for real-world pen testing, and the importance of skills lik…

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#12 Why OSCP Might Not Be Worth It - A Surprising Take by Evan Isaac 37:52

8M ago37:52

37:52

Kyser Clark and Evan Isaac discuss their experiences and insights in cybersecurity. They cover topics such as certifications, content creation on LinkedIn, web hacking resources, job searching advice, and the importance of offensive and defensive cybersecurity skills. Connect with Evan Isaac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-isaac/ Take…

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#11 Stay Creative Together: Insights from Nouha Ben Brahim 34:26

8M ago34:26

34:26

Kyser Clark interviews Nouha Ben Brahim, a Python programmer turned bug bounty hunter and founder of No Breach. They discuss Nouha's journey into cybersecurity, the most concerning cyber breach, common web hacking vulnerabilities, becoming a speaker at events, starting a cybersecurity company, and Nouha's podcast, The Hackers Line. Connect with Nou…

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#10 Breaking into Cybersecurity: Tips from a Pro ft. Jake Mayhew 39:04

8M ago39:04

39:04

In this conversation, Kyser Clark interviews Jake Mayhew, a senior penetration tester, about his background and experiences in cybersecurity. They discuss the importance of internships, the value of creating a home lab, and the benefits of networking at local conferences and meetups. Jake also shares advice for job seekers, including the significan…

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#9 Red Teaming & Malware Development ft. Nathan Rice 35:04

8M ago35:04

35:04

In this conversation, Kyser Clark interviews Nathan Rice, a senior penetration tester, about his background and experience in cybersecurity. They discuss the differences between penetration testing and red team operations, the importance of starting with penetration testing before moving to red teaming, and the challenges and rewards of obtaining c…

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#8 Cybersecurity Is a Beautiful Field: There's People That Don't Like Me ft. Aaron Tran 35:14

9M ago35:14

35:14

Kyser Clark interviews Aaron Tran, a military veteran who successfully transitioned into a career in cybersecurity. They discuss Aaron's journey from the military to becoming a penetration tester, the challenges he faced, and the steps he took to bridge the gap between non-cyber and cyber roles. They also touch on the importance of having a plan an…

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#7 Think Outside the Box to Land First Pentesting Job ft. Ryan Daub 32:28

9M ago32:28

32:28

In this conversation, Kyser Clark interviews Ryan Daub, an Offensive Security Analyst Associate, about his journey in cybersecurity and his current role as an internal penetration tester for healthcare organizations. They discuss topics such as landing a job in cybersecurity, the role of AI in penetration testing, the differences between internal a…

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#6 Is AI Going to Cause Bad Stuff? Of Course, Everything Does ft. Mike Finkel 31:33

9M ago31:33

31:33

In this conversation, Kyser Clark interviews Mike Finkel, a penetration tester, about his background and experiences in the cybersecurity field. They discuss certifications, the importance of customer service skills in pentesting, and the role of AI in the industry. Mike shares his hot take on AI, expressing his excitement for its potential in pent…

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#5 Pay It Forward ft. George Raileanu 39:24

9M ago39:24

39:24

In this conversation, George Raileanu discusses the importance of mentoring, strategies for finding a mentor, and the benefits of building a strong network in cybersecurity. He also shares advice on continuous learning, dealing with imposter syndrome and burnout, and the value of paying it forward in the industry. Connect with George Raileanu on Li…

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#4 A Vulnerability Assessment Isn't a Pentest ft. Kristofer Johnson 36:26

10M ago36:26

36:26

Kyser Clark and Kristopher Johnson's conversation covers various topics related to offensive security, certifications, career progression, and distinguishing between vulnerability assessments and penetration tests. Kristopher shares his journey into offensive security, his challenges, and the importance of continuous learning and perseverance. The …

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#3 Best Way to Learn Active Directory Hacking Skills ft. Robert O’Connor 39:17

10M ago39:17

39:17

The conversation between Kyser Clark and Robert O'Connor covers a wide range of topics related to penetration testing, certifications, career progression, and personal experiences in the cybersecurity field. Robert shares insights on his journey from IT intern to senior analyst to penetration tester, discussing certifications, specialization in Act…

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#1 Do Something Great in the World ft. Joshua Ragland 36:57

10M ago36:57

36:57

The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to cybersecurity, including the background and career journey of the guest, the importance of offensive security, the cybersecurity skills shortage, strategies for excelling in CTF competitions, and the correlation between cybersecurity and everyday life. The guest also shares insights on preve…

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#2 Transition From Pentester to Senior Pentester ft. Adolfo (Val) Vask 37:05

10M ago37:05

37:05

Adolfo (Val) Vask, a seasoned cybersecurity professional, shares insights on his journey from intelligence analysis to penetration testing and red teaming. He discusses certifications, the MetaSploit Pro Specialist, the relevance of education in cybersecurity, and the transition from penetration tester to senior penetration tester. He also provides…

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#0 Security Is Not Everybody’s Responsibility 30:23

10M ago30:23

30:23

In this episode, I introduce myself, Kyser Clark, and share my background in cybersecurity. I talk about my experience as a client systems technician in the United States Air Force and my transition into penetration testing. I also discuss my certifications and educational background in cybersecurity. I explain the purpose of this podcast, which is…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Kyser Clark Cybersecurity Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen