Shows
IDUG Db2 Table TalkAn Informative, Funny Conversation Full of History with Cuneyt GoksuExecutive 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...
2025-11-1253 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkDb2 Trends and Directions with Haakon RobertsIn 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.
2025-10-1552 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkBig Numbers and Deep Thoughts – with Steen RasmussenIn 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.
2025-09-2438 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkSweet Little Synergy with Namik HrleRecently 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.
2025-08-251h 09IDUG Db2 Table TalkIDUG #EMEA25 Preview: A Panel DiscussionIn 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.
2025-08-1136 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkDe-Mystifying the High Performance DBAT with John CampbellAfter 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 Interna...
2025-07-1651 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkThings I Wish I Knew before Interviewing Michael CotignolaFamous 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.
2025-06-0839 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkA Man of Many Talents with Henrik LoeserPerhaps 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.
2025-05-1145 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkA Peculiar watsonx.data Use Case Example" and other insights with Frank FillmoreWhat 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.
2025-04-1446 minIDUG Db2 Table Talk"No one else wanted to learn it" - and other surprises with Craig MullinsIBM 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.
2025-03-2055 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkA Tribute to Robert Catterall with Mark Radar, Anthony Ciabattoni, Sueli Almeida and Frank FillmoreMarcus 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.
2025-03-1728 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkDb2 12.1 for LUW Features & Enhancements - with Iqbal GoralwallaIt'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.
2025-02-2040 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkDb2! 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.
2025-01-271h 00IDUG Db2 Table Talk2024 Conference Wrap-upJulia 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.
2024-12-2051 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkIDUG 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.
2024-11-1943 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkThe Pit - with David SimpsonIn 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.
2024-10-2438 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkA chat with IBM Lifetime Champion Dusty RiversIt'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...
2024-09-1648 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkSpoilers! with Miran BadzakWhat 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.
2024-08-2749 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkFound: Experienced Db2 Game Show Hosts with Victoria Felt and Keziah KnoppThis 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.
2024-07-1543 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkNot-Exactly-Tech Talk with George BaklarzGenerally 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.
2024-06-0450 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkA Lloyds Reunion and more with Phil NelsonLong-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.
2024-05-1651 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkMainframe Mastery with Anna McKeeOnce 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.
2024-04-0933 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkRock’n’Roll’n’Db2 with Kurt StruyfThe 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.
2024-03-1356 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkBeer with Roy BoxwellHold 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.
2024-02-011h 00IDUG Db2 Table TalkBorn with High Flying Ambitions with Chris CroneChris 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.
2024-01-0345 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkDb2’s Christmas Cracker with Frank RhodesThis 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.
2023-11-1337 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkIDUG Halloween | Db2 Horrors with Phil GraingerRecently 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.
2023-11-1357 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkFirst Timers at IDUG EMEA 2023First 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.
2023-10-3022 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkNevermore with Joe GellerJoin 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...
2023-09-0136 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkThe Rise of the Anti-Consultant with Dan LuksetichAfter 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.
2023-08-0752 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkThe Show Must Go On with Susan LawsonThe 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...
2023-07-0733 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkConfessions of a Super Geek with Julian StuhlerIn 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.
2023-06-0539 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkLearn Db2 and see the World with Martin HubelIn 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.
2023-05-0433 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkThoroughly 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.
2023-04-1229 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkEvery Leader Leaves a Legacy with Iqbal GoralwallaThis 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.
2023-03-1422 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkWay Out West with Akiko Hoshikawa and Haakon RobertsWhat 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.
2023-02-1436 minIDUG Db2 Table TalkNew Beginnings with John CampbellAs 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.
2023-01-0438 min