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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.