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MSP Unplugged

MSP Unplugged

Paco Lebron · Paco Lebron and Rick Smith

114 episodesEN

Show overview

MSP Unplugged has been publishing since 2023, and across the 3 years since has built a catalogue of 114 episodes. That works out to roughly 75 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 296th season.

Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 32 min and 47 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Technology show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 1 months ago, with 26 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Paco Lebron and Rick Smith.

Episodes
114
Running
2023–2026 · 3y
Median length
37 min
Cadence
Fortnightly

From the publisher

This podcast is where we discuss different ways to run your I.T. business whether you are a one-person shop or leading a growing IT Service provider. This is the place for you.

Latest Episodes

View all 114 episodes

Why Annual Security Training Fails — and How usecure Helps MSPs Fix Human Risk

Sep 1, 202637 min

AI Email Security for MSPs: How Cambrient Cuts "Is This Safe?" Tickets Without MX Changes

Sep 1, 202632 min

From MSP to MIP: Ryan Walsh (Pax8) on AI, Strategy & How Small MSPs Stay Relevant

Aug 28, 202633 min

Ryan McGill on Scaling MSP Operations & Turning Challenges into Growth

Jul 31, 202633 min

Business Outcome Conversations: The Next Phase of MSP Customer Penetration with Luis Giraldo

Jul 20, 202637 min

MSP Revival Guide: Marketing Help, Leadership & Growth with Cynthia Schreiner (Pax8)

Jul 20, 202635 min

From Struggling Business to Thriving MSP in Salt Lake City – Ed Lukacs of 2Fifteen Tech

Jul 6, 202634 min

Stop Getting Breached: Matt Lee Shares MSP Cybersecurity Strategies for Under $3M Shops

Jul 6, 202640 min

Stop Alert Fatigue: Blumira's Approach to MSP Cybersecurity in 2026

Jun 23, 202628 min

MSP Leadership Lessons from Nancy Henriquez – Head of Community at MSP Unplugged

Jun 23, 202631 min

The MSPaaS Revolution: Michael Amiri Reveals How MSPs Can Scale Smarter

Jun 8, 202641 min

From Startup to MSP 501: Antwine Jackson on Scaling Enitech Solutions

May 29, 202640 min

How to Scale an MSP with Partners: Derrick Wlodarz (FireLogic) Returns

May 19, 202636 min

Simplifying Cybersecurity for MSPs: Joe Sykora (CEO of Coro) on Tool Sprawl and AI in 2026

May 12, 202636 min

From Corporate IT Director to MSP Owner: Ron Cervantes on Building C Solutions IT

Apr 24, 202626 min

Ep 300Google Gold for MSPs: Nate Freedman on Reviews, Local SEO & Lead Generation in 2026

Nate Freedman of MSP Sites and TechPro Marketing joins MSP Unplugged to share battle-tested Google strategies that are actually generating leads for MSPs right now. In this episode, we break down how to turn Google into a predictable client acquisition engine — from turning Google Reviews into your #1 sales tool to optimizing your Google Business Profile, dominating local search, and adapting to AI-driven changes that are reshaping how prospects find MSPs in 2026. We cover: Why crossing 100 Google Reviews can boost your visitor-to-booked-call conversion by 40%+ The biggest mistakes MSPs make with Google tools that kill momentum Quick wins and playbooks to make your Google Business Profile a consistent lead generator How to evolve your Google strategy as AI Overviews and zero-click searches change the game The one Google-focused experiment Nate recommends MSPs run in the next 30-60 days Whether you're struggling with consistent lead flow or want to transform your website and Google presence into a reliable growth machine, this episode delivers practical, data-backed tactics from someone who manages marketing for over 100 MSPs and has helped generate 20,000+ high-quality leads. Host: Paco Lebron Podcast: MSP Unplugged – The place to learn how to run your MSP. 🔗 Resources from Nate Freedman: • MSP Sites: https://mspsites.com • Tech Pro Marketing: https://www.techpromarketing.com • MSP Lead Generation Services: https://www.techpromarketing.com/services/msp-lead-generation-services/ Tune in every week for real talk on running and growing your MSP. You can watch the full video episode on YouTube.com/MSPUnplugged. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! Don't forget to grab your tickets for TechCon Unplugged Chicago – Sept 17-19 at TechConUnplugged.com Thank you for listening — we'll see you next time on MSP Unplugged.

Apr 2, 202653 min

Ep 299From Chicago to Peoria: Pierre Anyansi on Proactive IT, Security & Building a Local MSP

Pierre Anyansi of Any IT Support sits down with us to talk about his journey from network security engineering to founding a boutique IT company focused on proactive support, secure remote solutions, and helping small businesses grow through technology. We explore the "farming technology" philosophy, balancing home and business clients, turning education into prevention, and fortifying your own operations while supporting others. A raw, relatable conversation full of real-world lessons for MSP owners and IT pros working with smaller or regional clients. Tune in every Week. You can catch us Video podcast on Youtube.com/MSPUnplugged. Like, Subscribe and hit that notification button to be notified whenever a new episode is available. You can also take us on the go with your favorite podcatcher app show notes. Don't forget get your tickets at TechConunplugged.com Thank you for listening and we will see you next time on MSP Unplugged.

Mar 25, 202627 min

Ep 298Rick Smith Unplugged: Pivots, Hard Calls & the 2026 MSP Game Plan

Co-host Rick Smith drops in for a reflective deep dive: Recent pivots that reshaped his MSP (and why some changes hurt before they helped), key lessons from the past year, and his no-BS predictions/advice for MSPs finishing Q1 strong and crushing the back half of 2026. If you're debating a big shift in your business—pricing, tools, culture, or strategy—this one's loaded with actionable takeaways from the trenches. Tune in weekly on https://youtube.com/mspunplugged for more actionable MSP advice. Like, subscribe, and hit notifications! Also available on your favorite podcast app. Don't forget tickets for TechConUnplugged at https://techconunplugged.com.

Mar 18, 202633 min

Ep 297Should Your MSP Start a Podcast The Storytelling Advantage

Podcasting is not about being famous. It is about being relevant. In this episode, Jose Torres of Dimelo Media and I talk about how storytelling helps MSPs build trust, create community, and stay top of mind. If you have ever wondered whether your MSP should start a podcast or how to do it the right way, this episode is for you.

Mar 11, 202630 min

Secure Your Own House First: Degly Mendez on MSP Cyber Education

In this insightful episode of MSP Unplugged, host Paco Lebron welcomes Degly Mendez, CEO of Avanzar IT Systems (South Pasadena, CA) and Vice Chair of the GTIA ISAO Advisory Group. Degly shares his journey into MSP leadership, his focus on cybersecurity for small/mid-sized businesses, and practical ways to make education a real defensive layer. Key takeaways include: Building ongoing cybersecurity awareness for non-tech-savvy SMB clients (beyond one-offs like "Be Cyber Aware" sessions) — challenges, retention tips, and scaling methods (webinars, tools, gamified scenarios) Metrics and stories showing when education truly reduces incidents "Secure your own house first": Fortifying Avanzar internally (team training, processes, tough investments) to avoid being the weak link Common MSP pitfalls on internal security (vendor risks, tool sprawl, early practice drops) and how to fix them Using the "Run, Protect, Grow" IT budgeting framework to prioritize Protect (including people education) without it feeling like a cost sink Evolving programs for AI-driven threats/opportunities — recent changes to stay ahead Best advice for resource-constrained MSPs: Scaling education without burnout or client overload, plus one non-negotiable step to fortify your own business now Rapid-fire: Underrated resource/habit for scaling efforts, biggest "aha" on internal ops, and the one cyber education practice he'd mandate industry-wide Perfect for MSP owners, cybersecurity pros, and IT leaders focused on proactive defense, people-powered security, and leading by example in a resource-tight world. Tune in weekly on YouTube.com/MSPUnplugged for more actionable MSP advice. Like, subscribe, and hit notifications! Also available on your favorite podcast app. Don't forget tickets for TechConUnplugged at TechConunplugged.com. #MSP #Cybersecurity #CyberEducation #MSPsecurity #RunProtectGrow #SMBcyber #ITLeadership

Feb 24, 202643 min