Podcast · Tech & Science

The Cisco Learning Network

by The Cisco Learning Network · English · Tech & Science

Jump-start your use of the Cisco Learning Network's dynamic features and vibrant community offerings. Here you will find technical information and professional networking opportunities, which will help advance your certification goals. By joining the Cisco Learning Network you will be a part of the

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 34 min
Latest: 14 Aug 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 2 min

Cracking the CCIE Collaboration Lab

In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Tanner Swift is joined by CCIE Collaboration Exam Product Manager Kashif Zeeshan, along with Ade Kehinde-Idowu and Charanjeet Singh, also known as CJ, for a focused discussion on preparing for the CCIE Collaboration lab exam. Together, they explore how the CCIE Collaboration exam is evolving, including the addition of AI-focused components, and take a closer look at the design module — where candidates need to think beyond configuration and approach questions from a full solution architecture perspective. Ade shares his personal…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

7 Aug 2026 · 37 min
Find Yourself in the Future Part 2: AI and the Tech Job Search
In part two of this Cisco Learning Network Podcast conversation on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the future of work, Beth Oommen, Leader of Cisco Networking Academy Global Marketing, speaks with Matt Berndt, Head of Indeed’s Job Search Academy. Matt shares practical advice for early-career technology professionals navigating the job search in an AI-driven market — including how to communicate technical skills clearly, turn experience into evidence, use AI tools thoughtfully, prepare for interviews, and build professional relationships. The conversation also explores the Cisco…
21 Jul 2026 · 37 min
Find Yourself in the Future Part 1: Al and Cybersecurity Skills for Careers
In part one of this two-part conversation, Cisco Networking Academy Global Marketing Leader Beth Oommen speaks with Giuseppe Cinque, Principal Architect with Cisco Networking Academy, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping cybersecurity work and the skills learners need to prepare for the future. Giuseppe discusses Cisco’s work with the AI Workforce Consortium, how generative AI and agentic AI are being used in cybersecurity, and why AI is more likely to transform jobs than simply replace them. He also explains why early-career cybersecurity professionals should focus on building…
20 May 2026 · 23 min
Evolving the CCNA in the Age of AI
The CCNA is evolving to help learners build practical, job-ready networking skills for a world increasingly shaped by AI, automation, security, and cloud-managed architectures. In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift sits down with Mubasher Nawaz, Cisco Certification Portfolio Manager, to discuss the newly refreshed CCNA certification and what learners can expect when the updated exam launches in February 2027. Together, they explore why Cisco is updating the CCNA, how the certification is shifting toward hands-on,…
5 May 2026 · 16 min
Cisco Collaboration Certification Updates
Major updates are coming to Cisco collaboration certifications in 2026, and learners preparing for CCNP Collaboration and CCIE Collaboration will want to pay close attention. In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift sits down with Scott Hunt, Product Manager for Learn with Cisco and Training Certifications, to discuss the latest changes to Cisco collaboration certifications, including updates to CLCOR, CLACC, and CLHCT. Together, they break down the shift from a primarily on-prem certification track to a more balanced…
1 Apr 2026 · 31 min
What's the Deal with the Cisco AI Technical Practitioner Certification?
Is AI a "magic wand" for your network, or is it a tool that requires a professional playbook? In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, we cut through the industry noise to explore what it truly means to be an AI expert in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. Join Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders and Principal Engineer Kareem Iskander as they sit down with Ryan Rose, Director of Product Management for Skills and Certifications at Cisco Learning & Certifications. Together, they break down the "why" and "how" behind Cisco’s latest AI educational…
21 Feb 2026 · 25 min
What’s Changing for CCNP & CCIE Wireless
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…
3 Nov 2025 · 28 min
AI in Enterprise Networking – Top Community Questions Answered Part 2
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…
17 Oct 2025 · 36 min
AI in Enterprise Networking – Top Community Questions Answered
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…
21 Aug 2025 · 31 min
What’s the Deal with Agentic AI?
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…
5 Aug 2025 · 48 min
Inside Cisco’s Ethical Hacker Certificate
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…
22 May 2025 · 22 min
The Cisco Certified Field Technician Certification
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
17 Feb 2025 · 34 min
Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities with Michael Bowden
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 you can subscribe to here: https://www.youtube.com/@debtfreeinitwmike/videos
19 Dec 2024 · 39 min
Jason Belk on Balancing Your Career and Mental Health Journey
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…
26 Nov 2024 · 32 min
What’s the Deal with Purple Team?
Whats the deal with Purple Team? Find out how this Cybersecurity ideology helps improve both offensive and defensive effectiveness in this episode by hearing Cisco Technical Advocate Kyle Winters talk with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Tech Advocate Kareem Iskander about “What the Deal is” with Purple Team ideology. Get a foundational understanding of Purple Team, and find out what resources are available to you to learn more. Cisco U. Capture the Flag Challenges: https://u.cisco.com/challenges
4 Oct 2024 · 28 min
Network Security in the Age of AI
Get a fundamental understanding of how artificial intelligence has changed the Cybersecurity Threatscape, and how AI can be leveraged to defend against attacks in this episode with AI Solutions Engineer Dan Stacks and Enterprise Solutions Engineer John Cuneo. Dan and John sit down with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Rigo Villa to discuss network security from an artificial intelligence standpoint including AI empowered attacks, tools like Cisco Hypershield, and what kinds of practices and solutions companies will be leveraging in the future as artificial intelligence flourishes in…
11 Sep 2024 · 42 min
CCDE Program Updates with Exam Program Manager Mark Holm
An announcement about updates to the Cisco Certified Design Expert or CCDE certification was made in June of 2024. Find out what’s changed about the CCDE Exam Topics from Exam Program Manager Mark Holm as he sits down with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders. Together, they discuss concepts like network optimization to meet the demands of a network due to heavy requests from things like artificial intelligence.
24 Jul 2024 · 49 min
Generative AI – What is It and Why is It Special?
Generative AI is everywhere now, but how did it explode into popularity, and how can it be leveraged in network operations? Guarav Khanna – a Solutions Engineer Leader at Cisco – takes us through the basics of Generative AI, and tells the story of how this emerging technology evolved. Understand the fundamentals of generative and predictive AI, and how artificial intelligence can help you manage your network.
11 Jun 2024 · 28 min
What’s the Deal With? - AI in the CCNA
Beginning August 20, 2024, the CCNA exam topics will include Generative AI, Cloud Network Management, and Machine Learning. In this episode of “What’s the Deal with?” Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Technical Advocate Kareem Iskander discuss what the deal is with Cisco’s decision to include AI in the CCNA, and the specific details of the exam topics that have changed. If you have a tech topic that you’d like Matt and Kareem to cover, please leave us a comment on this episode, or on the Cisco Learning Network: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/podcasts
23 Apr 2024 · 19 min
What’s the Deal With? - Observability
In this episode of the "What's the deal with" series, Community Manager Matt Saunders, and Lead Technical Advocate Kareem Iskander answer the question, what’s the deal with Observability? Matt and Kareem dive deep into the finer details of Observability and discuss the resources and certifications Cisco has produced that ensure your learning and validate your skills in this emerging technology.
29 Mar 2024 · 42 min
Women in Tech - Rita Younger's Journey and the Impact of AI
We’re continuing our series, “Women in Tech” in honor of International Women’s month by speaking with Rita Younger, the Practice Lead of Data Center Networking at a global technology service provider. Rita speaks with Learning and Certifications Marketing Specialist Stef Garraffa about her journey into a career in tech, the role of AI in the evolution of the field of networking and networking security, and the importance of mentoring and empowering women in IT.
22 Mar 2024 · 19 min
Women in Tech - Developing Your Career - Riikka Sihvonen
In continuing our series “Women in Tech” in honor of International Women’s Month, Learning and Certifications Marketing Specialist Stef Garraffa spoke with Network Engineer Riikka Sihvonen to discuss career development in the networking field. Together, the two discuss Riikka’s career journey, and the role that professional networking plays in career growth. Riikka holds numerous professional and specialist certifications and has well over 12 years of experience in design, implementation, and support.
15 Mar 2024 · 25 min
Women In Tech - Facing Gender Bias Featuring Denise Donohue
In this installment of our series for International Women’s Month, we’re speaking with Denise Donohue – Business Architect, Cisco Press Author, and Cisco Certified CCIE holder since the early 2000s. Denise speaks with Learning and Certifications’ Marketing Manager Stef Garraffa about her experiences facing gender bias throughout the span of her thirty-year career. She also provides her advice for others who may be facing gender bias in their own careers.
8 Mar 2024 · 45 min
Beyond the Router: Par Merat Spotlights Trailblazing Women in Networking
Step 'Beyond the Router' with host Par Merat, Vice President of Learning and Certifications, as she engages with three remarkable women who are carving, or have carved, their niches in the field of networking. In this episode, Par shines a light on the diverse experiences and insights of these professionals, each at a distinct point in their career journey. They delve into the challenges they've faced, the milestones they've achieved, and the vital role that continuous learning and Cisco certifications have played in their career advancement. This discussion celebrates their achievements and…
6 Feb 2024 · 38 min
David Peñaloza’s CCDE Journey – Learning to Enjoy the View
“It took me quite a while to understand that it was about the mindset, too. It was about how do you handle, for instance, anxiety?” That’s what Principle Engineer David Peñaloza’s advice is to people who are interested in passing the Cisco Certified Design Expert, or CCDE certification. David recently passed this expert-level exam and shared his story with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders in this episode. He shares valuable lessons learned throughout his journey, including how to best prepare, the personal challenges he faced, and how to enjoy and live in the moment.…
20 Dec 2023 · 46 min
Unlocking the New Cisco Multicloud Specialist Certifications
Learn how to earn the Cisco Cloud Specialist Certifications and validate the skills and expertise of professionals in implementing, connecting and securing network infrastructures that enable your cloud technology solutions. This in-depth episode covers exactly what the exams include, and how to best prepare for these new specialist certification exams.
1 Dec 2023 · 23 min
What’s the Deal With? - The Impact of Cloud
“Why should I study this, if the Cloud is going to replace us all anyways?” is a question that is frequently asked these days, and has actually become a running joke in the industry. What’s driving this discussion, and what truth is there to that question? In this episode, we’re kicking off a new series with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Tech Advocate Kareem Iskander asking, “What’s the deal with?” about certain topics in tech, starting with impact of the Cloud in today’s job market. To find out more about Cisco’s Cloud Certification portfolio that Matt and…
26 Oct 2023 · 32 min
Enough to Be Dangerous – Part 2
How can software engineers acquire network engineering skills to stay competitive in today’s job market? That’s exactly what Senior Software Engineer Colin Lacy discusses with Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Tech Advocate Kareem Iskander. Listen in to find helpful courses and resource recommendations to further your career in software, and to begin branching out into the networking field. And be sure to check out the Binary Game on the Cisco Learning Network that Colin, Matt, and Kareem mentioned: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/binary-game
4 Oct 2023 · 35 min
Enough to Be Dangerous – Part 1
"And then I was enough to be dangerous.” That’s Colin Lacy, Senior Software Engineer at Cisco. On this episode of the Cisco Learning Podcast, he sat down with Community Manager Matt Saunders and Lead Tech Advocate Kareem Iskander to speak about his career journey, how software engineers should learn the skill sets of a network engineer, and why it's important to do so.
22 Aug 2023 · 58 min
CCIE Journey – Christian Kellerer Part 2: Finding the Topic You Burn For
If you don't burn for a topic yourself, you can't ignite the fire in others. That’s what Network Engineer Christian Kellerer has learned throughout his CCIE journey. Hear the rest of Christian’s story told to community manager Matt Saunders and Cisco VIP Micheline Murphy. Christian recounts his experience of taking the CCNP and the CCIE certification exams, discusses how he prepared, and what surprise challenges emerged.

About The Cisco Learning Network

The Cisco Learning Network is a English tech & science podcast from The Cisco Learning Network. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Cisco Learning Network
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 34 min
Latest episode: 14 Aug 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1349472942

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