IDUG Db2 Table Talk

Hosted by Julia Carter & Marcus Davage for IDUG

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

IDUG's Db2 Table Talk is an open conversation with our hosts, Julia Carter and Marcus Davage. We'll tackle topics of interest to our Db2 community, engage industry thought leaders, and discuss new features and technologies as well as tips and tricks to help the Db2 community to continue to learn and develop both technically and professionally.

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43 recent

May 17, 202640 min

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.

April 17, 202646 min

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.

March 23, 202650 min

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.

February 23, 202643 min

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.

January 27, 202643 min

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.

December 17, 202552 min

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.

November 12, 202553 min

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.

October 15, 202552 min

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.

September 24, 202538 min

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.

August 25, 20251 hr 9 min

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.