Episodes

  • What’s Changing for CCNP & CCIE Wireless

    What’s Changing for CCNP & CCIE Wireless
    Feb 21 2026
    Cisco is bringing renewed focus to wireless certifications — and major updates are coming in March 2026. In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift sits down with Andrew Richter, Content Engineering and Program Management lead focused on Wireless and Enterprise Networking, to discuss what’s changing across the wireless certification track. Together, they break down the introduction of the new Wireless Core exam, updates to the CCNP Wireless pathway, changes to the CCIE Wireless practical exam, and what these updates mean for current certification holders. They also explore why these changes are happening now, how industry feedback shaped the new direction, and where learners can find study resources to prepare. Whether you’re already working toward a wireless certification or just curious about where Cisco wireless learning is headed, this episode gives you the context and clarity you need to navigate the road ahead.
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    25 mins
  • AI in Enterprise Networking – Top Community Questions Answered Part 2

    AI in Enterprise Networking – Top Community Questions Answered Part 2
    Nov 3 2025
    In this episode, we continue the conversation on how AI is transforming the world of enterprise networking. You’ll hear how Cisco approached internal AI adoption with caution and clarity, including the importance of private LLM instances and avoiding shadow AI practices. The group also explores how education, governance, and secure tools are critical for protecting data and building trust in AI systems. From prompt injection attacks to certification updates, the episode breaks down how Cisco is evolving its learning paths and certification programs (like CCNA, DevNet, and CCDE) to reflect the skills networking professionals need in an AI-driven future. Whether you’re an entry-level learner or a seasoned network engineer, you’ll walk away with actionable guidance—and a clear call to get involved, experiment responsibly, and help shape the next era of enterprise networking.
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    28 mins
  • AI in Enterprise Networking – Top Community Questions Answered

    AI in Enterprise Networking – Top Community Questions Answered
    Oct 17 2025
    In this two-part episode, we explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in enterprise networking—not just as a buzzword, but as a powerful tool for transformation. Cisco experts: Joe Clarke, Distinguished Engineer; Kareem Iskander, Principal Engineer and Technical Advocacy Lead; and Hank Preston, Distinguished Architect, join host Matt Saunders, Community Manager for the Cisco Learning Network, is joined by three. Together, they dive into how AI is reshaping network automation, operations, and the skills needed to thrive in this new era. The conversation covers foundational definitions of AI, the rise of agentic AI, and practical strategies for network engineers—whether you're writing scripts or not—to leverage AI as a tool for efficiency and insight. AMA with Kareem on the Cisco Learning Network: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/question/0D5Kd0000BkfcuLKQQ/ask-me-anything-ai
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    36 mins
  • What’s the Deal with Agentic AI?

    What’s the Deal with Agentic AI?
    Aug 21 2025
    What exactly is agentic AI, how is it shaping enterprise networks, and what skills do you need to stay ahead in this new era of automation? Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Technical Advocate for Learn with Cisco Kareem Iskander dive into all of these topics as they ask, “What’s the Deal with Agentic AI?" You’ll hear real-world examples, insights from Cisco Live, and learn how agentic AI can help address challenges like configuration drift and network resiliency. Matt and Kareem also explore the human side of AI—why critical thinking, creativity, and accountability are more important than ever. Ask Me Anything open forum featuring all things AI and Agentic AI for Enterprise Networking with Kareem: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/question/0D5Kd0000BkfcuLKQQ/ask-me-anything-ai
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    31 mins
  • Inside Cisco’s Ethical Hacker Certificate

    Inside Cisco’s Ethical Hacker Certificate
    Aug 5 2025
    Learn how Ethical Hackers think. Cisco’s new Certificate in Ethical Hacking is designed to teach just that, combining offensive security techniques with immersive Capture the Flag challenges that help learners validate their knowledge in real-world scenarios. In this episode, Jozef Janitor, Product Manager with Cisco Networking Academy, joins Business Architecture Manager Garet Marling and Cisco U. Product Manager Kate Dignan to discuss the Ethical Hacker program with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift. Together, they break down how this certificate fits into a learner’s cybersecurity journey, what to expect from Cisco U., and how hands-on challenges like Capture the Flag: Operation SMB Exploit can help prepare you for a career in offensive security. • Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking: https://www.netacad.com/courses/ethical-hacker?courseLang=en-US • Capture the Flag: Operation SMB Exploit: https://u.cisco.com/challenges/capture-flag-operation-smb-exploit-26593 • Cisco Learning Network: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/certification/ethical-hacker
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    48 mins
  • The Cisco Certified Field Technician Certification

    The Cisco Certified Field Technician Certification
    May 22 2025
    Listen in as we explore everything you need to know about the Cisco Certified Field Technician Certification – who this certification is for, the training that’s available, and how you can get started earning this certification. With the CCT or Cisco Certified Field Technician Certification, prove you have the skills to diagnose, restore, repair, and replace critical Cisco networking and system devices at customer sites. To learn more about this certification, please visit: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/cct
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    22 mins
  • Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities with Michael Bowden

    Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities with Michael Bowden
    Feb 18 2025
    After getting laid off, Michael Bowden could have looked for a different job doing the same thing. Instead, he chose a career in networking, and never looked back. Listen in as Michael tells Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders about how he launched his career in the IT industry, became a Cisco Networking Academy instructor at the very same community college he studied at, and then started the “Debt Free in IT” video and audio podcast that can subscribe to here: https://www.youtube.com/@debtfreeinitwmike/videos
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    34 mins
  • Jason Belk on Balancing Your Career and Mental Health Journey

    Jason Belk on Balancing Your Career and Mental Health Journey
    Dec 19 2024
    Pursuing a career in tech can be challenging, especially when you’re not prioritizing your mental health. Senior Technical Advocate Jason Belk shares his insights with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift on building a successful career in network automation while learning to prioritize mental health. Drawing from his own journey, Jason offers practical advice on staying ahead in a rapidly evolving field and cultivating resilience in the face of challenges. Tune in to learn how to avoid burnout, ignite career inspiration, and discover strategies to achieve balance in both your personal and professional life.
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    39 mins