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The Service Ducks Podcast

The Service Ducks Podcast

Hosted by Russell Shear, James Downs

Episodes

39

Latest episode

Nov 2025

Language

EN

About the show

Find out what's quacking with the The Service Ducks Podcast - the UKs funniest ServiceNow Podcast! "Talk to the Duck" and join our co-hosts, James Downs and Russell Shear (aka ServiceNerd) every other week for a hilarious spin on all things ServiceNow. We promise to keep you entertained with all the ups and downs of the ServiceNow world - and who knows, you might even learn something useful! So come on over and join the fun - the ducks are waiting!"

Listen to episodes

39 recent
November 19, 2025Episode 253 min

S03 E02: Duck Duck Deepfake

Title: Embracing Change: Insights from the Service Ducks Podcast Introduction: Welcome to another exciting episode of the Service Ducks podcast! In this episode, hosts Russ and James dive into a variety of topics, reflecting on the past year and sharing their personal experiences. They explore the importance of adaptability in both life and work, engaging listeners with humor and relatable anecdotes. Main Content: 1. Returning to the Podcast Scene Russ and James begin the episode by acknowledging the long gap since their last recording, emphasizing how life can sometimes get in the way. They humorously discuss their busy schedules, including family and work commitments, and how they’ve missed the opportunity to connect through their podcast. This candid openness sets a friendly tone for the episode, allowing listeners to feel part of their conversation. 2. Exploring New Technologies As they catch up, Russ mentions their exploration of new technologies to enhance their podcasting experience. He expresses excitement about using different features of their recording platform, Riverside, to make the sessions smoother and more engaging. This discussion highlights the importance of innovation and adaptation, a theme that resonates throughout the episode. 3. Personal Updates and Humor The hosts share personal updates, with James revealing he will be attending an analyst dinner in London, marking a rare occasion to dress up and mingle. Their comedic banter about clothing choices adds a light-hearted touch. For instance, James jokes about not wanting to work in his pants, while Russ playfully critiques his outfit changes. This exchange showcases their chemistry and keeps the tone relaxed and enjoyable. 4. Game Time: Duck Duck Deep Fake In a fun twist, James introduces a new game called "Duck Duck Deep Fake," inspired by a classic British show. The game involves identifying the real image among deep-fake versions of famous personalities. This segment not only adds an interactive element but also reflects current trends in technology and entertainment, making it relevant and engaging for their audience. James's enthusiasm in preparing the game shines through, inviting listeners to participate mentally even if they can’t see the visuals. 5. Reflecting on Fitness and Mental Health Russ shares his recent purchase of a new fitness watch, linking it to his commitment to mental health and fitness. This segment emphasizes the significance of self-care and personal well-being, resonating with listeners who may also be seeking ways to balance their mental and physical health. The hosts advocate for "me time," encouraging their audience to prioritize their well-being amidst life's chaos. Conclusion: In this episode of the Service Ducks podcast, Russ and James provide a delightful mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions on technology, fitness, and the importance of adaptability. Their authentic interactions make the episode relatable and enjoyable, leaving listeners with key takeaways about embracing change and prioritizing personal well-being. Key Takeaways: - Life can be busy, but staying connected through conversations is essential. - Embracing new technologies can enhance experiences and efficiency. - Prioritizing mental health and fitness is crucial for overall well-being. - Engaging with humor and creativity keeps conversations lively and relatable.

November 6, 2025Episode 136 min

S03 E01: Shoulder Buddies & Catchup Chats

After nearly a year off, the Service Ducks are back to talk all things ServiceNow , Disney shoulder buddies, and the AI takeover we apparently slept through. It’s a chaotic catch-up featuring James’ jet-setting adventures, everyday AI confessions, and the usual dose of mild gripes and questionable wisdom.

March 28, 2023Episode 935 min

S01 E09: The One without James

In this episode of our podcast, we have a special co-host filling in for our regular host who is currently MIA. Our guest (Harry Campbell) shares his journey into the world of ServiceNow, one of the hottest cloud computing platforms in the market right now. In our exploration of Harry's journey, we gain insights into what drives him from his humble beginnings as a janitor to becoming an exceptional ServiceNow technical consultant extraordinaire. Additionally, we pick up some valuable tips and hints for anyone who is entering the ServiceNow arena. As we near the end of the show, things get wild as we dive into a game of ServiceNow trivia. Our co-host takes on the Alphabet Challenge, where we challenge him to come up with a ServiceNow-related term for each letter of the alphabet. Will we succeed, or will we fail miserably and embarrass himself on air? Tune in to find out! Don't miss this hilarious and informative episode as we learn about the power of ServiceNow and have some laughs along the way! Email: talktotheduck@service-ducks.com #serviceducks#talktotheduck

March 1, 2023Episode 740 min

S01 E07: Navigating the World of Magic and Staying in the "Know" with ServiceNow Releases

With the release of ServiceNow Utah we welcome you to "Staying up to date with ServiceNow Releases" the podcast that will make you laugh and hopefully give you an insight of what we can do to stay up to date with ServiceNow releases. There's some hints n tips if you're planning a trip to the magical kingdom of Disney too...not sure how that made the cut! As you may know, keeping up with ServiceNow releases can be a bit of a daunting task. It seems like every other day there's a new release to apply, and let's be honest, who has time to keep up to date on everything that the geniuses at ServiceNow give us? But fear not, dear listener, for we are here to guide you through some of the things we do to stay up to date..and if we dont do that, at least we have a laugh trying :) So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and prepare to be entertained. Whether you're a seasoned ServiceNow user or just starting out, this podcast is guaranteed to have you giggling and learning at the same time. Remember, staying up to date with ServiceNow releases doesn't have to be a chore. With our help, you'll be a ServiceNow release pro in no time. So tune in and join the fun! Useful links: https://docs.servicenow.com/en-US/bundle/utah-release-notes/page/release-notes/summary/rn-summary-highlights.html https://docs.servicenow.com/en-US/bundle/utah-release-notes/page/release-notes/family-release-notes.html https://developer.servicenow.com/blog.do?p=/post/utah-release/ Feel free to drop us a mail below and make sure you follow to catch the next episode. Email: talktotheduck@service-ducks.com #serviceducks #talktotheduck

January 18, 2023Episode 533 min

S01 E05: CSDM Why Bother?

ServiceNow CSDM - I've heard of it but what is it? How should I approach it? Most most of all, why bother in the first place? In this episode Russ and I talk about the Common Service Data Model (CSDM) which helps identify the right places to put service related data within the CMDB. For more info: CSDM 4.0 Conceptual Model What is the CSDM? CSDM Basics Feel free to drop us a mail below and make sure you follow to catch the next episode. Email: talktotheduck@service-ducks.com #serviceducks #talktotheduck

July 10, 2024Episode 1648 min

S02 E16: Elevating User Experience with ServiceNow Horizon

In this episode of the Service Ducks Podcast, we dive into ServiceNow's exciting new offering, Horizon, which is all about enhancing user experience. 🌟 We explore its integration with Figma, allowing designers to create conceptual designs or images that can be reviewed, commented on, and shared with customers before being handed over for development. 🎨🤝 We also catch up with James about his latest event, hear about Russ's ongoing struggles with running 🏃‍♂️😩, and listen to some updates on the upcoming ServiceNow development meetup, which Russ has been busy organising. 📅👥 Tune in for an engaging discussion on the latest in user experience design and community updates! #ServiceNow #Horizon #UserExperience #Figma #Design #TechTalk #Podcast #ServiceDucks #DevelopmentMeetup #RunningStruggles

June 19, 202451 min

S02 E15: Mastering Change Freezes

Get ready for an exhilarating ride as James unveils his jaw-dropping Game of Thrones figurine collection, while Russ spills the beans on his pro financial hacks! 💰🏰 Diving into the world of 'Change Freezes,' our dynamic duo, Russ and James, tackle topics like clone backs, upgrades, platform governance, and instance management. 🛠️🧊 In this episode, you'll uncover valuable insights on: 🔹 Navigating change freezes amidst a sea of ongoing work 🔹 Effectively communicating change freezes to scrum teams 🔹 Pre-change freeze preparations and post-clone back actions 🔹 Unleashing creativity with innovative ideas for change freeze communication Tune in for an action-packed episode filled with expert advice and out-of-the-box strategies to help you conquer change freezes like a pro!

August 14, 2024Episode 1740 min

S02 E17 ServiceNow Xanadu Updates & Summer Stories

Get ready for a wild ride as James and Russ take a sneak peek at ServiceNow's "Xanadu" release 🚀, where they uncover cool new features like Now Assist enhancements 🤖 and the latest Gen AI magic 🧠. But it's not all tech talk—James shares his crazy plan to run an ultra marathon 🏃‍♂️, and the duo swaps stories of summer holiday chaos with kids running wild 🏖️👧👦. They’ll also vent about the headache of store apps not being available on ServiceNow PDIs 😤. It's the perfect blend of tech geekery and summer shenanigans! 🎉

September 27, 2023Episode 447 min

S02 S04: From ServiceNow Enthusiast to CTA Michael Kelly's Story

🎙️🦆In this episode of the Service Ducks Podcast, join us as we sit down with ServiceNow Certified Technical Architect, Michael Kelly, for an insightful conversation. Michael takes us on a journey into his world of ServiceNow, sharing his experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Discover how Michael found his passion for ServiceNow and explore his deep appreciation for domain separation. Dive into his expertise in the ITSM space, where he has honed his skills to perfection. Michael also shares his thoughts on the ServiceNow Certified Technical Architect (CTA) program and offers valuable advice for aspiring architects looking to embark on a similar career path. 🌟 But that's not all – we uncover Michael's hidden passion for aviation ✈️ and put him to the test as we challenge him to knock Lauren off the top spot in the alphabet challenge. Join us for a captivating and inspiring episode filled with insights into the world of ServiceNow and beyond. 🎙️🔍

December 14, 2022Episode 124 min

S01 E02: Hyper What?

#RiseUp Community Forum : Nike Vaporflys : Introduction to App Engine Studio Join us for a chat about Hyperautomation on ServiceNow. We discuss: what it is, what it means for ServiceNow and whether low code is the future? Email: talktotheduck@service-ducks.com #serviceducks #talktotheduck

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