IDUG Db2 Table Talk Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:52:59 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2088343 en-us © 2026 IDUG Db2 Table Talk yes 16dc4ce8-a2fe-55cd-8ddd-62835a039261 Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG https://storage.buzzsprout.com/37655hiqy6qayinzlzp6r6ap8kk9?.jpg IDUG Db2 Table Talk Every Day is a School Day - with Eddie Roe and Paulo Sergio Lemes Queiroz Every Day is a School Day - with Eddie Roe and Paulo Sergio Lemes Queiroz How often do you interact with a mainframe each day? More than you might think...Eddie Roe and Paulo Queiroz discuss the longevity and the future of the mainframe platform, and how that may translate to career success for the next generation of Db2 professionals. It seems that old dogs could learn from these new tricks - present company excepted from "old," of course. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> How often do you interact with a mainframe each day? More than you might think...Eddie Roe and Paulo Queiroz discuss the longevity and the future of the mainframe platform, and how that may translate to career success for the next generation of Db2 professionals. It seems that old dogs could learn from these new tricks - present company excepted from "old," of course. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19360752 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 2200 full false From assembler to AI: Sheryl Larsen on Optimizing DB2 on the Mainframe From assembler to AI: Sheryl Larsen on Optimizing DB2 on the Mainframe Sheryl Larsen, IBM Gold Consultant and Hall of Fame speaker, shares how she was “forced” from robotics and assembler into DB2 and turned it into a lifelong passion for optimizers and performance tuning. Sheryl also discusses the surprising growth of mainframe MIPS in the AI era, security driven hybrid cloud realities, and war stories from rescuing real world workloads under extreme pressure.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Sheryl Larsen, IBM Gold Consultant and Hall of Fame speaker, shares how she was “forced” from robotics and assembler into DB2 and turned it into a lifelong passion for optimizers and performance tuning. Sheryl also discusses the surprising growth of mainframe MIPS in the AI era, security driven hybrid cloud realities, and war stories from rescuing real world workloads under extreme pressure.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-19178106 Sun, 17 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400 2401 full false Tech, Teams, and a Little More Fun - with Marcin Marczewski Tech, Teams, and a Little More Fun - with Marcin Marczewski Twenty years at IBM will teach you a lot about technology, but Marcin Marczewski believes relationships matter just as much. An active member of PDUG, Marcin is on a mission to make UG meetings as engaging as they are educational.

The fun doesn't stop at city tours, though; Marcin goes deep on what's changing in the Db2 world. (For example: if you're wondering what your job is going to look like now that Genius Hub is around, this episode is for you.) Hear Marcin's insights - including the answer to the question "What's Bob?" - and learn where you may get a hands-on sneak peek at Db2 Genius.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Twenty years at IBM will teach you a lot about technology, but Marcin Marczewski believes relationships matter just as much. An active member of PDUG, Marcin is on a mission to make UG meetings as engaging as they are educational.

The fun doesn't stop at city tours, though; Marcin goes deep on what's changing in the Db2 world. (For example: if you're wondering what your job is going to look like now that Genius Hub is around, this episode is for you.) Hear Marcin's insights - including the answer to the question "What's Bob?" - and learn where you may get a hands-on sneak peek at Db2 Genius.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-19032251 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 2815 full false Chemistry, Coding, and Collaboration - with Jørn Thyssen Chemistry, Coding, and Collaboration - with Jørn Thyssen From quantum chemistry to Db2, Jørn Thyssen’s journey is anything but typical. What started with a PhD and a few too many acid-damaged lab coats led to early work in neural networks, and eventually to Db2 via a “weird platform” called the mainframe. 

His story shows there’s no single path into our community, and his advice is simple: learn by doing, even when things break. Along the way, he shares insights on where Db2 is headed next.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> From quantum chemistry to Db2, Jørn Thyssen’s journey is anything but typical. What started with a PhD and a few too many acid-damaged lab coats led to early work in neural networks, and eventually to Db2 via a “weird platform” called the mainframe. 

His story shows there’s no single path into our community, and his advice is simple: learn by doing, even when things break. Along the way, he shares insights on where Db2 is headed next.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-18828572 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 3018 full false Learn, Try, Do: Kacper Kubica on Db2, Blogging, and Saying Yes Learn, Try, Do: Kacper Kubica on Db2, Blogging, and Saying Yes Kacper Kubica didn't exactly ease into Db2 - he was "thrown into the ocean" and ended up sailing (pun intended). In this episode, we learn how saying yes has helped Kacper become a recognizable name in the Db2 community. Kacper shares his perspective on community found within user groups, why he blogs as a learner as much as an expert, and how being a sailing captain shapes his work-life balance. A conversation that's equal parts technical, human, and genuinely fun! 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Kacper Kubica didn't exactly ease into Db2 - he was "thrown into the ocean" and ended up sailing (pun intended). In this episode, we learn how saying yes has helped Kacper become a recognizable name in the Db2 community. Kacper shares his perspective on community found within user groups, why he blogs as a learner as much as an expert, and how being a sailing captain shapes his work-life balance. A conversation that's equal parts technical, human, and genuinely fun! 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-18700065 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500 2621 full false The First Rule of Flight Club - plus some Db2 insights with Mark Gillis The First Rule of Flight Club - plus some Db2 insights with Mark Gillis Consultant Mark Gillis describes the early days of his career as a series of events that happened “completely by accident.” More than 30 years later, it all seems to have worked out... In this episode, Mark shares how he anticipates the next big impacts in Db2 technology, discusses some favorite pastimes, and tells the story of the time he received advice from himself via generative AI. A fascinating conversation, if we say so ourselves.  

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Consultant Mark Gillis describes the early days of his career as a series of events that happened “completely by accident.” More than 30 years later, it all seems to have worked out... In this episode, Mark shares how he anticipates the next big impacts in Db2 technology, discusses some favorite pastimes, and tells the story of the time he received advice from himself via generative AI. A fascinating conversation, if we say so ourselves.  

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-18555359 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 2622 full false What kind of SWAT are you? A revealing conversation with Anthony Ciabattoni What kind of SWAT are you? A revealing conversation with Anthony Ciabattoni IBM Db2 for z/OS SWAT Team leader Anthony Ciabattoni discusses his unconventional start in Db2, including an early realization that prompted him to adjust his career path. Hear about his mentors and career progression, a corporate hostage situation that was resolved by Jimmy Carter (not that one), and his responses to the the "rabbit hole" questions that Marcus & Julia identified in their pre-interview research. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> IBM Db2 for z/OS SWAT Team leader Anthony Ciabattoni discusses his unconventional start in Db2, including an early realization that prompted him to adjust his career path. Hear about his mentors and career progression, a corporate hostage situation that was resolved by Jimmy Carter (not that one), and his responses to the the "rabbit hole" questions that Marcus & Julia identified in their pre-interview research. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-18363670 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500 3131 full false An Informative, Funny Conversation Full of History with Cuneyt Goksu An Informative, Funny Conversation Full of History with Cuneyt Goksu Executive IT Specialist Cuneyt Goksu has more than 25 years' experience in Db2, and has volunteered with IDUG for nearly as long. Cuneyt discusses his start with mainframe back in the days of Db2 v2 and Db2-L  – in the mists of ancient times, per Marcus – and discusses life as a passionate mainframe enthusiast, former IBM Gold Consultant and long-time instructor. Learn how marriage changed his career approach, and what prompted Julia to comment "it must be great to have all that in your head" (slightly enviously, we think). 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Executive IT Specialist Cuneyt Goksu has more than 25 years' experience in Db2, and has volunteered with IDUG for nearly as long. Cuneyt discusses his start with mainframe back in the days of Db2 v2 and Db2-L  – in the mists of ancient times, per Marcus – and discusses life as a passionate mainframe enthusiast, former IBM Gold Consultant and long-time instructor. Learn how marriage changed his career approach, and what prompted Julia to comment "it must be great to have all that in your head" (slightly enviously, we think). 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-18177018 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500 3228 full false Db2 Trends and Directions with Haakon Roberts Db2 Trends and Directions with Haakon Roberts In this episode, Marcus asked guest Haakon Roberts to "unpack the sweeties from the box of delights that is Version Next" of Db2 for z/OS. (With an ask like that, how could Haakon refuse?) Hear a preview of Haakon's planned IDUG #EMEA25 session, including why users can now have their cake and eat it relative to Db2 stability and product quality. Haakon also shares some recent updates and current developments for Db2 v13.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> In this episode, Marcus asked guest Haakon Roberts to "unpack the sweeties from the box of delights that is Version Next" of Db2 for z/OS. (With an ask like that, how could Haakon refuse?) Hear a preview of Haakon's planned IDUG #EMEA25 session, including why users can now have their cake and eat it relative to Db2 stability and product quality. Haakon also shares some recent updates and current developments for Db2 v13.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-18002373 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 3132 full false Big Numbers and Deep Thoughts – with Steen Rasmussen Big Numbers and Deep Thoughts – with Steen Rasmussen In this upbeat conversation, Steen discusses his Db2 career of more than 40 years, and the revolutionary nature of his favorite but "very boring" Db2 feature. Of particular note are Steen’s innovative method to save on IDUG travel costs, an eye-opening conference-related beverage experience, and the total number of IDUG Conferences Steen has attended. (Hint: it’s more than 60.) Don't miss his specific advice for anyone getting into the Db2 community, and make sure you don’t fall into the “BS” trap.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> In this upbeat conversation, Steen discusses his Db2 career of more than 40 years, and the revolutionary nature of his favorite but "very boring" Db2 feature. Of particular note are Steen’s innovative method to save on IDUG travel costs, an eye-opening conference-related beverage experience, and the total number of IDUG Conferences Steen has attended. (Hint: it’s more than 60.) Don't miss his specific advice for anyone getting into the Db2 community, and make sure you don’t fall into the “BS” trap.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-17831644 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 2317 full false Sweet Little Synergy with Namik Hrle Sweet Little Synergy with Namik Hrle Recently retired IBM Fellow Namik Hrle discusses his journey from the beginning, where he grew up in "a country that doesn't exist." He shares the realization that inspired him to broaden his perspective beyond the mainframe, the technology that any Z customer running cloud should be interested in, and how retirement feels a bit like keeping a plane in flight. An intriguing - and at times, truly amazing - conversation.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Recently retired IBM Fellow Namik Hrle discusses his journey from the beginning, where he grew up in "a country that doesn't exist." He shares the realization that inspired him to broaden his perspective beyond the mainframe, the technology that any Z customer running cloud should be interested in, and how retirement feels a bit like keeping a plane in flight. An intriguing - and at times, truly amazing - conversation.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-17652192 Sun, 24 Aug 2025 22:00:00 -0400 4196 full false IDUG #EMEA25 Preview: A Panel Discussion IDUG #EMEA25 Preview: A Panel Discussion In this special edition of IDUG Db2 Table Talk, Julia and Marcus chat with a group of attendees who are relatively new to the IDUG EMEA Db2 Tech Conference, with varied levels of professional experience. The panel share insights about key conference benefits that will help justify management approval for attendance, plus easy ways to plan ahead and secure space in special sessions and events. They also reveal where the magic happens (and what the magic is!) that makes in-person attendance a must. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> In this special edition of IDUG Db2 Table Talk, Julia and Marcus chat with a group of attendees who are relatively new to the IDUG EMEA Db2 Tech Conference, with varied levels of professional experience. The panel share insights about key conference benefits that will help justify management approval for attendance, plus easy ways to plan ahead and secure space in special sessions and events. They also reveal where the magic happens (and what the magic is!) that makes in-person attendance a must. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-17545746 Mon, 11 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400 2168 full false De-Mystifying the High Performance DBAT with John Campbell De-Mystifying the High Performance DBAT with John Campbell After hearing John Campbell speak at GSE Nordic 2025, Marcus had questions...What is a high-performance DBAT? How do you make a thread "high performance"? 

John Campbell – Db2 guru, consultant, and former IBM Distinguished Engineer  – starts at the beginning of the distributed journey within Db2 for z/OS. Tune in to learn about cheap connections vs expensive threads, whether a large or small connection pool is better, and the really stupid default in an early Db2 Connect fix pack. Truly an enjoyable conversation (that even our non-technical marketing team could follow). 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> After hearing John Campbell speak at GSE Nordic 2025, Marcus had questions...What is a high-performance DBAT? How do you make a thread "high performance"? 

John Campbell – Db2 guru, consultant, and former IBM Distinguished Engineer  – starts at the beginning of the distributed journey within Db2 for z/OS. Tune in to learn about cheap connections vs expensive threads, whether a large or small connection pool is better, and the really stupid default in an early Db2 Connect fix pack. Truly an enjoyable conversation (that even our non-technical marketing team could follow). 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-17489795 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 3083 full false Things I Wish I Knew before Interviewing Michael Cotignola Things I Wish I Knew before Interviewing Michael Cotignola Famous for his globally recognised presentation, ‘Things About Db2 I wish I'd Remember When’, BMC Software’s Principal Solution Engineer, Michael Cotignola is the latest victim of Marcus and Julia’s latest podcast. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Famous for his globally recognised presentation, ‘Things About Db2 I wish I'd Remember When’, BMC Software’s Principal Solution Engineer, Michael Cotignola is the latest victim of Marcus and Julia’s latest podcast. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-17267005 Sun, 08 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0400 2379 full false A Man of Many Talents with Henrik Loeser A Man of Many Talents with Henrik Loeser Perhaps it's natural for Henrik Loeser to share Db2 tips and guidance since he comes from a family of educators. Tune in to learn how Henrik's blog began, what it's like to be a translator from bits & bytes to benefits, and what prompted this next statement: "Brahms Requiem is a banger." (Hint: Will there be an IDUG House Band performing in Dusseldorf?)  

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Perhaps it's natural for Henrik Loeser to share Db2 tips and guidance since he comes from a family of educators. Tune in to learn how Henrik's blog began, what it's like to be a translator from bits & bytes to benefits, and what prompted this next statement: "Brahms Requiem is a banger." (Hint: Will there be an IDUG House Band performing in Dusseldorf?)  

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-16982475 Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 2746 full false "A Peculiar watsonx.data Use Case Example" and other insights with Frank Fillmore "A Peculiar watsonx.data Use Case Example" and other insights with Frank Fillmore What do IBM Champion Frank Filmore and the late Tupac Shakur have in common? Marcus and Julia discuss this connection, plus Frank's favorite Db2 feature of all time, and why you'll have to wait 5 years to hear his views on AI. Don't miss these insights, plus his "peculiar" watsonx.data use case example and a few stories from the road.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> What do IBM Champion Frank Filmore and the late Tupac Shakur have in common? Marcus and Julia discuss this connection, plus Frank's favorite Db2 feature of all time, and why you'll have to wait 5 years to hear his views on AI. Don't miss these insights, plus his "peculiar" watsonx.data use case example and a few stories from the road.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-16796978 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 2802 3 4 full false "No one else wanted to learn it" - and other surprises with Craig Mullins "No one else wanted to learn it" - and other surprises with Craig Mullins IBM Champion and Gold Consultant Craig Mullins shares how he got into Db2, plus the most common error found in almost every Db2 shop, his thoughts on AI (“both brilliant and awful”) and the single most interesting experience in his IT career.  

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> IBM Champion and Gold Consultant Craig Mullins shares how he got into Db2, plus the most common error found in almost every Db2 shop, his thoughts on AI (“both brilliant and awful”) and the single most interesting experience in his IT career.  

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-16796974 Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400 3308 3 3 full false A Tribute to Robert Catterall with Mark Radar, Anthony Ciabattoni, Sueli Almeida and Frank Fillmore A Tribute to Robert Catterall with Mark Radar, Anthony Ciabattoni, Sueli Almeida and Frank Fillmore Marcus and Julia are joined by a few of Robert's closest colleagues and friends from the last few decades to reminisce and share stories about the Perfect Man, who very sadly left us too soon.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Marcus and Julia are joined by a few of Robert's closest colleagues and friends from the last few decades to reminisce and share stories about the Perfect Man, who very sadly left us too soon.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-16796915 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0400 1712 3 25 full false Db2 12.1 for LUW Features & Enhancements - with Iqbal Goralwalla Db2 12.1 for LUW Features & Enhancements - with Iqbal Goralwalla It's not every day that one gets to "unbox" a product with IBM Gold Consultant and Champion Iqbal Goralwalla! Join Marcus and Julia as they explore what's cool (AI-powered Query Optimizer) and what's confusing (fidgety vs. reliable cluster managers) about Db2 12.1 for LUW.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> It's not every day that one gets to "unbox" a product with IBM Gold Consultant and Champion Iqbal Goralwalla! Join Marcus and Julia as they explore what's cool (AI-powered Query Optimizer) and what's confusing (fidgety vs. reliable cluster managers) about Db2 12.1 for LUW.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-16662913 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0500 2456 3 2 full false Db2! Disaster! Recovery! Db2! Disaster! Recovery! A fireside chat about Db2 disasters, and recovery best practice, starring John Campbell, Emil Kotrc and Bill Pothoff.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> A fireside chat about Db2 disasters, and recovery best practice, starring John Campbell, Emil Kotrc and Bill Pothoff.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-16510435 Mon, 27 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500 3655 3 1 full false 2024 Conference Wrap-up 2024 Conference Wrap-up Julia and Marcus interview guests old and new for a "fireside chat" retrospective of IDUG EMEA and GSE UK  2024.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia and Marcus interview guests old and new for a "fireside chat" retrospective of IDUG EMEA and GSE UK  2024.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-16315604 Fri, 20 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500 3117 2 12 full false IDUG EMEA 2024 Keynote – What's Your Why? IDUG EMEA 2024 Keynote – What's Your Why? Join our hosts, Julia and Marcus, as they interview a panel of distinguished Db2 guests, and interact with the audience in the Motivational Keynote session of the IDUG EMEA 2024 Conference in Valencia, Spain, to find out what drives us to do what we do.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Join our hosts, Julia and Marcus, as they interview a panel of distinguished Db2 guests, and interact with the audience in the Motivational Keynote session of the IDUG EMEA 2024 Conference in Valencia, Spain, to find out what drives us to do what we do.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-16134341 Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0500 2609 2 11 full false The Pit - with David Simpson The Pit - with David Simpson In this episode, we chat to David Simpson about his career, wherein he gives some terrifying advice to would-be speakers... Face the Wall... in The Pit.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> In this episode, we chat to David Simpson about his career, wherein he gives some terrifying advice to would-be speakers... Face the Wall... in The Pit.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Buzzsprout-15984622 Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400 2333 2 10 full false A chat with IBM Lifetime Champion Dusty Rivers A chat with IBM Lifetime Champion Dusty Rivers It's a privilege to speak with a DB2 expert who has been around since the beginning - literally. Dusty Rivers is a 47-year industry veteran who has his own quantum chip and can explain why it was called Db2 in the first place (at least in theory). He also suggests that if you're new to the Db2 community, you should know who you'd like to meet at conferences...especially if Dusty himself is attending. Hear his insights, plus Rules For What To Do If You Hug The Mainframe, in the latest IDUG Table Talk podcast episode.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> It's a privilege to speak with a DB2 expert who has been around since the beginning - literally. Dusty Rivers is a 47-year industry veteran who has his own quantum chip and can explain why it was called Db2 in the first place (at least in theory). He also suggests that if you're new to the Db2 community, you should know who you'd like to meet at conferences...especially if Dusty himself is attending. Hear his insights, plus Rules For What To Do If You Hug The Mainframe, in the latest IDUG Table Talk podcast episode.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-15760328 Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400 2901 2 9 full false Spoilers! with Miran Badzak Spoilers! with Miran Badzak What do a long line at the DMV, a packet of chewing gum, and your bank balance have in common? Miran Badzak explains while reflecting on Db2's best year on record (2023). He also teases some new product announcements that will be shared at IDUG's 2024 EMEA Db2 Tech Conference this fall. (Think AI optimization, performance and UX improvements, and driver support for a certain "fruity" OS...finally.)

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> What do a long line at the DMV, a packet of chewing gum, and your bank balance have in common? Miran Badzak explains while reflecting on Db2's best year on record (2023). He also teases some new product announcements that will be shared at IDUG's 2024 EMEA Db2 Tech Conference this fall. (Think AI optimization, performance and UX improvements, and driver support for a certain "fruity" OS...finally.)

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-15622127 Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:00:00 -0400 2944 full false Found: Experienced Db2 Game Show Hosts with Victoria Felt and Keziah Knopp Found: Experienced Db2 Game Show Hosts with Victoria Felt and Keziah Knopp This dynamic duo already has a cult following for their presentations, and they've breathed fresh air into our typically dusty, gray-haired podcast this month. Victoria Felt and Keziah Knopp are new enough in their careers that nothing really embarrassing has happened yet, but we do delve into some other interesting areas including broken bones and GenAI (using air quotes).

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> This dynamic duo already has a cult following for their presentations, and they've breathed fresh air into our typically dusty, gray-haired podcast this month. Victoria Felt and Keziah Knopp are new enough in their careers that nothing really embarrassing has happened yet, but we do delve into some other interesting areas including broken bones and GenAI (using air quotes).

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-15220751 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400 2584 full false Not-Exactly-Tech Talk with George Baklarz Not-Exactly-Tech Talk with George Baklarz Generally acknowledged as a Big Star in the world of LUW, George Baklarz discusses his history with IBM and the Db2 community, and shares his thoughts on how to be a bridge between the technical community and its customers and end-users.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Generally acknowledged as a Big Star in the world of LUW, George Baklarz discusses his history with IBM and the Db2 community, and shares his thoughts on how to be a bridge between the technical community and its customers and end-users.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-15082566 Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 3042 full false A Lloyds Reunion and more with Phil Nelson A Lloyds Reunion and more with Phil Nelson Long-time IDUG supporter Phil Nelson never meant to be an IT guy at all...and if he'd known his first IDUG abstract would be accepted, he may never have submitted it. (Presented on foils, no less.)

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Long-time IDUG supporter Phil Nelson never meant to be an IT guy at all...and if he'd known his first IDUG abstract would be accepted, he may never have submitted it. (Presented on foils, no less.)

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-15082555 Thu, 16 May 2024 15:00:00 -0400 3076 2 5 full false Mainframe Mastery with Anna McKee Mainframe Mastery with Anna McKee Once hailed ‘Queen of the Mainframe’ on account of her winning two out of three Master The Mainframe competitions, second-generation mainframer Anna McKee talks Db2, piano and pickleball.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Once hailed ‘Queen of the Mainframe’ on account of her winning two out of three Master The Mainframe competitions, second-generation mainframer Anna McKee talks Db2, piano and pickleball.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-14857431 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0400 2010 full false Rock’n’Roll’n’Db2 with Kurt Struyf Rock’n’Roll’n’Db2 with Kurt Struyf The DBAs have left the building! Join us as we chat with Kurt Struyf about Db2, Elvis and sheep.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> The DBAs have left the building! Join us as we chat with Kurt Struyf about Db2, Elvis and sheep.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-14685182 Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:00:00 -0400 3390 3 3 full false Beer with Roy Boxwell Beer with Roy Boxwell Hold on to your sides as we helter-skelter through the fun-packed, beer-fueled career of serial-programmer, Roy Boxwell, who cannot actually, by all accounts, box well. Shame.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Hold on to your sides as we helter-skelter through the fun-packed, beer-fueled career of serial-programmer, Roy Boxwell, who cannot actually, by all accounts, box well. Shame.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-14353134 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500 3618 2 1 full false Born with High Flying Ambitions with Chris Crone Born with High Flying Ambitions with Chris Crone Chris talks us though his high school dreams to be an Aeronautical Engineer in the US Air Force and how he decided that his sense of humour might lend itself better to Computer Science! It’s been a whirlwind journey developing his career alongside Db2 from Intern to Distinguished Engineer.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Chris talks us though his high school dreams to be an Aeronautical Engineer in the US Air Force and how he decided that his sense of humour might lend itself better to Computer Science! It’s been a whirlwind journey developing his career alongside Db2 from Intern to Distinguished Engineer.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-13960389 Wed, 03 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500 2709 full false Db2’s Christmas Cracker with Frank Rhodes Db2’s Christmas Cracker with Frank Rhodes This month at Db2 Table Talk, we talk to Frank about his cosmic career in Db2 and his world-renowned Christmas displays and how he is passionate about giving all he can to both the Db2 community and his local community. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> This month at Db2 Table Talk, we talk to Frank about his cosmic career in Db2 and his world-renowned Christmas displays and how he is passionate about giving all he can to both the Db2 community and his local community. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-13960350 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500 2257 1 12 full false IDUG Halloween | Db2 Horrors with Phil Grainger IDUG Halloween | Db2 Horrors with Phil Grainger Recently retired Phil Grainger tells us about how failing as a pharmacy student pushed him into Db2 even though he thought it was a terrible choice as a career. From serving as the lone DBA at The Royal Mail with zero experience – terrifying! – to becoming a performance tool expert and navigating head-hunters to finally settling down on his "own" island after a healthy dose of globe-trotting ... Phil has Db2 to thank! 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Recently retired Phil Grainger tells us about how failing as a pharmacy student pushed him into Db2 even though he thought it was a terrible choice as a career. From serving as the lone DBA at The Royal Mail with zero experience – terrifying! – to becoming a performance tool expert and navigating head-hunters to finally settling down on his "own" island after a healthy dose of globe-trotting ... Phil has Db2 to thank! 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-13960285 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500 3456 1 11 full false First Timers at IDUG EMEA 2023 First Timers at IDUG EMEA 2023 First Timers at IDUG EMEA 2023 – In which Julia and Marcus review Prague’s IDUG EMEA 2023, and speak to some first-timers.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> First Timers at IDUG EMEA 2023 – In which Julia and Marcus review Prague’s IDUG EMEA 2023, and speak to some first-timers.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Buzzsprout-13871502 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0400 1360 1 10 full false Nevermore with Joe Geller Nevermore with Joe Geller Join us this month as we talk to Joe Geller. We hope you enjoy this poem about our discussion.

In starry realms of data deep,
Where IBM's wisdom secrets keep,
We interview a sage retired,
Whose insights, like the stars, inspired.

A consultant of Db2 fame,
With knowledge that's a cosmic flame,
Yet 'twas not all, his passions soar,
To skies above and folk band's lore.

"Quoth the Raven" strums its song,
Bass guitar's hum, both sweet and strong,
Astronomy's his guiding light,
And little leagues in memories bright.

"Nevermore" shall this tale be lost,
Of consultant's journey, passion's cost,
A podcast's realm where stories soar,
Through galaxies of "evermore."

Poetry by ChatGPT and Marcus Davage

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Join us this month as we talk to Joe Geller. We hope you enjoy this poem about our discussion.

In starry realms of data deep,
Where IBM's wisdom secrets keep,
We interview a sage retired,
Whose insights, like the stars, inspired.

A consultant of Db2 fame,
With knowledge that's a cosmic flame,
Yet 'twas not all, his passions soar,
To skies above and folk band's lore.

"Quoth the Raven" strums its song,
Bass guitar's hum, both sweet and strong,
Astronomy's his guiding light,
And little leagues in memories bright.

"Nevermore" shall this tale be lost,
Of consultant's journey, passion's cost,
A podcast's realm where stories soar,
Through galaxies of "evermore."

Poetry by ChatGPT and Marcus Davage

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Buzzsprout-13466138 Fri, 01 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0400 2170 1 9 full false The Rise of the Anti-Consultant with Dan Luksetich The Rise of the Anti-Consultant with Dan Luksetich After a brave start, Dan Luksetich has spent years on the road fine-tuning his own art – being a Db2 Anti-Consultant. The original Db2 podcaster talks to us about his exciting career, as well as how he has achieved a work-life balance that many of us can only dream of!

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> After a brave start, Dan Luksetich has spent years on the road fine-tuning his own art – being a Db2 Anti-Consultant. The original Db2 podcaster talks to us about his exciting career, as well as how he has achieved a work-life balance that many of us can only dream of!

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-13329742 Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0400 3145 full false The Show Must Go On with Susan Lawson The Show Must Go On with Susan Lawson The saying "the show must go on" is common in the theater world, but some say it originated in the 19th century circus. If an animal got loose or a performer was injured, they kept going because it is a "point of honor not to let other players down by deserting them when no understudy is available." Susan Lawson may not have released any tigers on her latest journey, but she certainly has persevered despite broken bones that might have side-lined your average consultant. Join us for this month's edition of IDUG Db2 Table Talk, where Susan shares the highs and lows of life on the road as one of Db2's most respected consultants, making her way around the world with a very broken hand. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> The saying "the show must go on" is common in the theater world, but some say it originated in the 19th century circus. If an animal got loose or a performer was injured, they kept going because it is a "point of honor not to let other players down by deserting them when no understudy is available." Susan Lawson may not have released any tigers on her latest journey, but she certainly has persevered despite broken bones that might have side-lined your average consultant. Join us for this month's edition of IDUG Db2 Table Talk, where Susan shares the highs and lows of life on the road as one of Db2's most respected consultants, making her way around the world with a very broken hand. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-13138772 Fri, 07 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0400 1982 1 7 full false Confessions of a Super Geek with Julian Stuhler Confessions of a Super Geek with Julian Stuhler In this episode, we talk to Julian Stuhler about his obsession with Db2 and automating everything. We learn how he thrives on a challenge and the more obscure the better, and we bid Addio to one of the all time greats as he starts his next chapter, DB03.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> In this episode, we talk to Julian Stuhler about his obsession with Db2 and automating everything. We learn how he thrives on a challenge and the more obscure the better, and we bid Addio to one of the all time greats as he starts his next chapter, DB03.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-12881170 Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0400 2345 1 6 full false Learn Db2 and see the World with Martin Hubel Learn Db2 and see the World with Martin Hubel In this exciting episode, our intrepid podcasters encounter Martin Hubel, who regales us with tales from his wealth of experiences and conference swag.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> In this exciting episode, our intrepid podcasters encounter Martin Hubel, who regales us with tales from his wealth of experiences and conference swag.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-12785969 Thu, 04 May 2023 16:00:00 -0400 2010 1 5 full false Thoroughly Modern Db2 with Sowmya Kameswaran Thoroughly Modern Db2 with Sowmya Kameswaran “Thoroughly Modern Millie” was a 1920s musical comedy about breaking tradition and finding love in the modern age. In this podcast, we talk to Sowmya Kameswaran (who leads the modernization portfolio for IBM Db2 product line), about breaking traditional green screens and finding IDE-love in the modern age.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> “Thoroughly Modern Millie” was a 1920s musical comedy about breaking tradition and finding love in the modern age. In this podcast, we talk to Sowmya Kameswaran (who leads the modernization portfolio for IBM Db2 product line), about breaking traditional green screens and finding IDE-love in the modern age.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-12628189 Wed, 12 Apr 2023 17:00:00 -0400 1780 1 4 full false Every Leader Leaves a Legacy with Iqbal Goralwalla Every Leader Leaves a Legacy with Iqbal Goralwalla This month on Db2 Table Talk, Iqbal Goralwalla leads the way, offering a lesson in balance as he juggles serving as the President of IDUG while excelling at his day job as a leading Db2 LUW consultant. If there's one thing we can be certain of, Iqbal has navigated his fair share of change during his time at IDUG. Join us as he shares his excitement about what's coming next for IDUG as we work to reach and unite our global Db2 community. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> This month on Db2 Table Talk, Iqbal Goralwalla leads the way, offering a lesson in balance as he juggles serving as the President of IDUG while excelling at his day job as a leading Db2 LUW consultant. If there's one thing we can be certain of, Iqbal has navigated his fair share of change during his time at IDUG. Join us as he shares his excitement about what's coming next for IDUG as we work to reach and unite our global Db2 community. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG Buzzsprout-12403591 Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0400 1323 1 3 full false Way Out West with Akiko Hoshikawa and Haakon Roberts Way Out West with Akiko Hoshikawa and Haakon Roberts What happens when two distinguished engineers from Norway and Japan find themselves way out west in California? Tune in this month to meet Akiko Hoshikawa and Haakon Roberts as they share tales of their respective Db2 journeys – and a few good laughs – with our hosts Julia Carter and Marcus Davage.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> What happens when two distinguished engineers from Norway and Japan find themselves way out west in California? Tune in this month to meet Akiko Hoshikawa and Haakon Roberts as they share tales of their respective Db2 journeys – and a few good laughs – with our hosts Julia Carter and Marcus Davage.

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Buzzsprout-12210676 Tue, 14 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500 2173 1 2 full false New Beginnings with John Campbell New Beginnings with John Campbell As we launch our first IDUG Table Talk Podcast, John Campbell, Distinguished Engineer at IBM, launches his retirement. We talk to John about how he got started with Db2, the highlights of his career (and some bloopers) and wish him well as he starts his new chapter. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> As we launch our first IDUG Table Talk Podcast, John Campbell, Distinguished Engineer at IBM, launches his retirement. We talk to John about how he got started with Db2, the highlights of his career (and some bloopers) and wish him well as he starts his new chapter. 

Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

]]> Buzzsprout-11979512 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:00:00 -0500 2285 1 1 full false