Episodes

Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Degree Free Healthcare?!, AI is Taking Over, and the Other 2024 Predictions (DF#130)
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
2024’s gonna be crazy! We got all the predictions that you need to know about in today’s episode. To the rise of Degree Free healthcare, AI taking over the world, and more!
What you’ll learn:
- Explore the concept of down credentialing in medicine, technology, and teaching, and how it has become a viable alternative to a traditional degree.
- Discover the driving factors behind down credentialing in the healthcare industry and the accessibility of online education in the technology field.
- Understand the irrelevance of certain academic courses for job performance and the need for practical knowledge and skills.
- Discuss the need for a shift in mindset, more practical approaches, and predictions of increased small business creation focusing on AI-proof service-based businesses.
Join us as we delve into the idea of 'down credentialing' and its impact on various industries. We emphasize the necessity of practical learning opportunities and predict a shift in business creation towards AI-proof service-based ventures. Wishing all listeners a prosperous 2024!
To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co
Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network
Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/
Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course: degreefree.co/pathways

Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
2023 was wild! We’re going over the most important lessons we learned from our podcast guests this year. You should definitely listen to all the episodes. But, if you don’t have time, these are the highlights!
In this episode, we delve into the importance of portfolios and projects for showcasing skills and experience. We take a moment to reflect on Degree Free's incredible year, expressing gratitude to our amazing listeners.
What makes this episode special is that we go a step further, highlighting the key points and takeaways from each guest we've had this year.
What you’ll learn:
- Explore the highlights and takeaways from riveting interviews with industry experts including Billy Cosentino, Diana Spencer, Bradley Rice, and others.
- Uncover valuable insights on career transitions, being bold in your moves, and different paths to enter industries like IT and software administration.
- Discover the importance of personal projects and portfolios for developers and the impacts of learning fast, taking action, and showcasing proof of work.
- Learn about the significance of job security and making strategic decisions while capitalizing on trends in your career and life choices.
- Get insider tips on connecting your skills to the job you're applying for and stand out as an effective job seeker.
Join us as we wrap up this episode, expressing our gratitude to the incredible guests who joined us in 2023. We have big plans for the future and can't wait to share more exciting content with you. As we welcome the new year, we wish you all the best in your endeavors. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes on the Degree Free Podcast!
To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co
Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network
Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/
Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course: degreefree.co/pathways

Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
In this episode, Linda Le, founder of Creatively Quiet and a recruiter in the defense industry, shares her experience as an introvert and debunks the misconception that introverts are weak. Linda discusses her journey into recruiting, overcoming challenges without a degree, and how she became a top recruiter in her division.
“Hi I'm Linda :) I am currently a recruiter in defense and Founder of Creatively Quiet a mental health brand centered towards amplifying quiet voices. I was a college dropout and for the longest time, society told me that I was never going to amount to much without a college degree. With learning to have confidence in myself and finding different ways to network and sell myself on my potential instead of the limits others labeled me with, I ultimately broke into corporate and built a successful side brand :)” - Linda Le
What You’ll Learn:
- Linda Le’s transition from a bank teller to a successful recruiter by impressing hiring managers with her determination and attitude.
- Her decision to decline acceptance to her dream school, UC Davis, due to fears of student loan debt and discomfort in a classroom setting.
- The challenges she faced in job applications without a degree and how she found a recruiting position after working at Whole Foods.
- Insights into the hiring process in recruiting and the pay structure for recruiters in staffing agencies versus corporate recruiting.
- The acknowledgment of bias in the employment process and Linda's efforts to mitigate it by being open to candidates with gaps or overqualification.
- Introduction to Creatively Quiet, Linda's platform offering guidance and resources for job seekers and professionals in the recruiting industry.
- Discussion on the experience and challenges of being an introvert in the workplace, and the misconception that introverts are weak.
- Inspiring advice for overcoming insecurities and fear of judgment, focusing on growth, and seeking inspiration from successful individuals.
- Final thoughts on the guest's contact information and the reminder that everyone has the ability to succeed and make positive changes in their lives.
Tune in to the Degree Free Podcast to gain insights into Linda Le's journey as an introverted recruiter, breaking barriers, and finding success without a degree. This episode offers valuable advice for job seekers, professionals in recruiting, and anyone seeking inspiration to thrive in their chosen paths. Don't miss out!
To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co
Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network
Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/
Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course: degreefree.co/pathways

Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
College Marketing Secrets and $800,000 in Debt for a Photography Degree?! (DF#127)
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Colleges are the best marketers in the world. Sometimes they market to us without us even knowing. In this episode, we talk about how AP courses are used by colleges to capture students early and get them hooked.
What you’ll learn:
- Explore the high cost of college degrees, particularly in niche fields like film and photography, and the challenges faced by graduates in finding well-paying jobs.
- Find out why pursuing high-value skills and practical choices may be a better alternative to a traditional degree.
- Learn about the importance of gaining practical experience and building a solid portfolio in creative fields like photography and film, without solely relying on formal education.
- Discover how parents can support their children in pursuing their interests and gaining exposure in desired industries.
We hope you found this episode enlightening and thought-provoking. Let us know if you liked this new segment in the comments!
To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co
Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network
Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/
Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course: degreefree.co/pathways

Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
A college degree isn’t necessary for success. In this episode, we go over the growing trend of employers lowering degree requirements and the importance of identifying high-leverage skills. Let's shift the narrative to 'Degree Free' instead of 'college dropout' and emphasize the value of a skill-based society.
What You’ll Learn:
- Discover how jobs without degrees can be just as lucrative as those requiring a college degree. We debunk the myth that certain jobs are only reserved for college graduates and discuss examples of Degree Free individuals obtaining these roles.
- Learn about the significance of negotiation skills in securing higher salaries, regardless of whether someone has a degree or not. We highlight the impact of starting salaries on future earning potential and share personal stories of negotiation experiences.
- Listen to a thought-provoking conversation about the pressure to follow predetermined paths and the benefits of shifting towards a skill and merit-based society. We address the influence of colleges as marketing machines and question their hold on individuals who did not purchase their product.
- Engage in a discussion about the necessity of college and the value of alternative learning paths. We challenge the idea that college is always the best option and share anecdotes that question its importance.
- Reflect on the financial motivations behind parental insistence on college and explore the broader aspects of life beyond monetary gains. We invite you to reevaluate the traditional expectations imposed on young individuals.
Join us as we unravel the perception of success without a college degree. This episode aims to inspire and empower listeners to embrace skill-based opportunities and negotiate for higher salaries. Let's break free from conventional norms and embrace the 'Degree Free' approach. Don't miss out!
To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co
Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network
Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/
Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course: degreefree.co/pathways

Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
3 Conversations to Have With Your Child Before They Buy a Degree (DF#125)
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
In this episode, we discussed three important conversations to have with your child before they spend five and a half years and hundreds of thousands of dollars on a college degree.
What You'll Learn:
• Determining if the desired job legally requires a degree and exploring alternative paths such as trade schools or online courses.
• Weighing the financial implications of pursuing a degree and considering options like apprenticeships or starting a business.
• Researching job prospects, salary expectations, and the current and future demand for a particular career before making a decision.
Tune in to gain valuable insights about the practical aspects of pursuing a college degree.
To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co
Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network
Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/
Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course: degreefree.co/pathways

Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
In this episode, we explore the myth that college is the only path to education. We emphasize that education can be obtained in various ways and locations, challenging the idea that colleges monopolize knowledge.
We also delve into the increasing financial literacy and cost-consciousness of the younger generation, questioning the value and affordability of college.
What You’ll Learn:
- The perception of college as synonymous with education is debunked, highlighting the flexibility of learning outside traditional institutions.
- The influence of parents' experiences with college on their children's decisions is explored, questioning the relevance of a well-rounded education in today's job landscape.
- The importance of soft skills and the trend of hiring individuals with specialized skill sets is discussed, emphasizing the value of adapting to the evolving job market.
- Examples of disappearing jobs due to advancements in technology, specifically AI, are given, prompting us to stay informed and adapt to new technologies.
- Understand the importance of tailoring education to personal interests and becoming a well-rounded individual.
- Discover strategies for upskilling and transitioning into growing job categories, while emphasizing the importance of mindset and skill set.
Join us as we unravel the changing landscape of education, jobs, and personal growth!
To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co
Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network
Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/
Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course: degreefree.co/pathways

Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
The Papered Mindset: The Disconnect Between College Education and Employment (DF#123)
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
In this episode, we dive into the controversial topic of degree vs. experience. We explore the misleading promises of the college system and the unrealistic expectations many graduates have.
What You’ll Learn:
- The misconception that a degree is equivalent to experience and guarantees high-paying jobs
- The importance of gaining real-world experience and starting at entry-level positions
- Our personal experiences of facing lower salaries after college and the need to adapt
- Challenging the 'loser's mindset' and embracing alternative paths to success
- The limitations imposed by the education system's narrow focus on college enrollment
Enjoy the episode!
To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co
Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network
Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/
Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course: degreefree.co/pathways

Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
4 Ways to AI Proof Your Child’s Future (DF#122)
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
In today's episode, we delve into the concept of 'AI-proofing' a child's career and the role of college in a future dominated by artificial intelligence. We challenge the belief that AI will entirely replace jobs and explore the potential for new opportunities.
What You'll Learn:
- Discover the impact of technology, especially AI, on job automation.
- Understand why focusing solely on hard skills might not guarantee job security and why a college degree's relevance is shifting in today's AI-influenced world.
- Uncover the importance of curiosity and lifelong learning for success in an AI-driven job market.
- Explore the significance of building a strong network and creating valuable connections.
- The importance of soft skills and learning to use AI tools to adapt to the changing job landscape.
- Strategies for standing out in the age of AI, including being highly skilled, easy to work with, and creatively pursuing education.
- The value of creating a strong network and taking action to showcase one's work.
Remember to subscribe and join us next week for another engaging episode!
To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co
Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network
Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/
Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course: degreefree.co/pathways

Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
In this episode, we delve into the exciting world of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and their transformative potential.
Join us as we chat with Brandon and Christian Chin, esteemed Internet entrepreneurs and NFT experts, about their experiences, strategies, and the future outlook of NFTs.
What You’ll Learn:
- Discover how NFTs can represent digital identity, provide exclusive access, and have practical real-world applications like ticketing and certification.
- Explore the rise and evolution of the NFT market, from its hype-driven boom to its current state of reduced liquidity.
- Uncover the promising future of NFTs beyond art, as they evolve to focus on real-life usage and subscription-based models.
- Hear firsthand about Brandon and Christian’s success in the NFT market, including leveraging trading bots and creating the innovative Squishy Squad project.
- Learn valuable lessons about navigating the volatile NFT market, including the importance of taking profits, managing money, and exercising caution.
- Gain insights into the experiences of Brandon and Christian as they share personal stories, highlight the role of luck, and advise on setting realistic expectations.
- Get to know the challenges faced in the NFT space, from managing blockchain platforms to converting currencies, and the importance of building a reliable team.
- Discover Brandon and Christian's perspectives on pursuing careers in the crypto space, their shift towards real estate, and the significance of diversification and networking.
- Wrap up the podcast with valuable advice on embracing opportunities, taking calculated risks, and continuously exploring new skills and personal branding.
Whether you're a seasoned NFT enthusiast or curious about this rapidly evolving market, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and perspectives. Stay tuned for more captivating conversations on the Degree Free Podcast!
To keep up with everything Degree Free check out our website: degreefree.co
Join the Degree Free Network and get the support you need to get hired, get that promotion, and achieve your career goals! You’ll get access to our free resources such as the 5 Degree Free Pathways and 7 Day Get Hired Challenge Course: degreefree.co/network
Learn job hunting skills and learn how to land your dream job in 7 days: degreefree.co/gethired/
Starting your degree free journey but don't know where to start? Check out our free ‘5 Degree Free Pathways’ Course: degreefree.co/pathways