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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.