
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Send us Fan Mail
David Morgan-Gumm speaks with Alex Merced, Head of DevRel at Dremio, tech educator, and author, about the open source foundations behind modern data engineering. They break down Apache governance, Apache Arrow, Iceberg, Polaris, and how these pieces fit together in lakehouse architectures. Alex also shares his path into technical writing, community building, and why AI is changing how creators and data teams work.
Key topics
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to SQL Squared and guest welcome
03:46 - What Apache means in open source governance
06:06 - How Apache projects become community driven
07:59 - Community over code and why that matters
09:52 - Dremio’s roots in Arrow, Drill, and Calcite
10:21 - Hadoop, MapReduce, and the need for better query engines
11:46 - Why Apache Arrow standardizes in-memory data
13:55 - Where Arrow shows up in modern tools
15:22 - Why Iceberg emerged from Hadoop and Parquet limitations
17:10 - From folders of files to tables with metadata
18:10 - How Hudi, Iceberg, and Delta Lake solve versioning differently
19:07 - Iceberg metadata trees and manifest lists
20:04 - File skipping and why it speeds up analytics
23:26 - Iceberg as the table, Polaris as the catalogue
24:24 - Polaris as vendor-neutral phone book and governance layer
25:47 - Querying the same Iceberg tables from different engines
26:47 - Why lakehouse architecture is future-proof
28:12 - AI makes data silos harder to live with
30:00 - How Dremio helps migrate without a hard cutover
31:28 - Table-by-table migration with views and abstraction
33:47 - Why the role of DevRel matters in data infrastructure
34:32 - Alex’s early tech roots, from GeoCities to RPG Maker
36:27 - Years in finance, training, and building a personal brand
38:20 - Boot camp teaching, video content, and the move into DevRel
41:41 - Why Alex started writing an Iceberg book
43:10 - The timing of the Iceberg book and rising industry interest
45:37 - Tabular, Polaris, and the catalogue gap
48:03 - Snowflake, Databricks, and the open catalogue race
50:15 - Alex’s YouTube channels and weekly newsletters
51:10 - AI, creativity, and the tension for working artists
54:39 - Using AI as a tool, not a shortcut
55:53 - What makes strong technical communities
58:36 - Different community types and how programming should match the audience
62:05 - Closing thoughts on community and open ecosystems
Support the show
Support the show!
Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!
The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.
Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
In this episode of The sql_squared Podcast!!!, we're joined by our special guest, Andrew Pruski, for a deep dive into the evolution of database infrastructure and modernization. As an expert in SQL Server containers and a Field Solution Architect at Everpure, Andrew shares his unique insights on deploying, managing, and breaking databases in modern environments. This conversation is centered around our guest's experiences and knowledge. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of containerization versus traditional VMs , practical tips for leveraging the new AI and performance features in SQL Server 2025 , and a fresh perspective on chaos engineering and resiliency testing. This is a can't-miss episode for anyone interested in modern data development, high availability, and disaster recovery.
Guest Information
Resources Mentioned
#SQLServer, #DatabaseInfrastructure, #Containers, #Kubernetes, #SQLServer2025, #ArtificialIntelligence, #ChaosEngineering, #DataHorrorStories
Support the show
Support the show!
Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!
The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of The sql_squared Podcast!!!, we're joined by our special guest, Sergio Sisternes, for a deep dive into the latest announcements from GitHub Universe and the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven development.
As the Director of Technology Solutions for Microsoft Azure at EPAM, Sergio shares his unique insights fresh off the plane from Silicon Valley, giving us a direct debrief on the tech that is rewriting the future. This conversation is centered around moving beyond the hype of AI to understand the practical shifts in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the difference between standard AI and Agentic AI, practical tips for building effective Model Context Protocols (MCPs), and a fresh perspective on how junior developers and architects must adapt their mindsets from "what" to "how". This is a can't-miss episode for anyone interested in Cloud Native development, Copilot strategies, and surviving the productivity "arms race".
Guest Information
Name: Sergio Sisternes
Bio: Sergio is the Director of Technology Solutions for Microsoft Azure at EPAM, where he leads high-performance teams and architects delivering cloud and AI solutions for the future.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sesispla/
00:00 Intro 01:58 The GitHub Universe Vibe: Agent HQ & Mission Control 05:17 Why Code Quality Matters Before AI Adoption 10:37 Explained: Machine Learning vs. Deep Learning vs. GenAI 15:07 The Mindset Shift: Moving from "What" to "How" 21:00 3 Ways to Optimize Copilot: Instructions, Prompts & Agents 28:33 The Right Tool for the Job: Understanding MCP 38:18 Can Junior Developers Survive the AI Era? 44:15 Becoming a "100x Engineer" 47:53 The Global Productivity "Arms Race" 52:07 Outro
#data #ai #github #softwareengineering #podcast #azure #agents #sdlc #cloud
Support the show
Support the show!
Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!
The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.
Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
In this episode of The sql_squared Podcast, we're joined by our special guest, James Reeves , for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of data engineering platforms , the importance of cost efficiency in the cloud , and the critical role of neurodiversity and equality in building strong, innovative tech teams.
As an expert with a career spanning roles like SQL Server Consultant , Data Warehouse Architect , Data Engineer , and his current role as an AI Engineer at Brabners , James shares his unique insights on the pros and cons of platforms like Databricks and Snowflake , strategies for managing cloud costs , and the future of SQL Server.
Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of key data platform differences , practical tips for avoiding common cloud billing mistakes , and a fresh perspective on the importance of neurodiversity and supporting junior developers. This is a can't-miss episode for anyone interested in data engineering , cloud architecture , and building more human-centric tech teams.
Guest Information
Resources Mentioned
#dataengineering, #databricks, #snowflake, #sqlserver, #cloudcosts, #neurodiversity, #techcareers, #DEI, #dataplatforms, #sql
Support the show
Support the show!
Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!
The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.
Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
In this episode of The sql_squared Podcast!!!, we're joined by our special guest, Simon Sabin , for a deep dive into SQLBits 2026. As the founder of SQLBits , one of Europe's largest and most-loved data conferences , Simon shares his unique insights on the event's core mission: to connect people and help them learn.
This conversation is centered around our guest's experiences and knowledge. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of what makes the SQLBits community so special , practical details on the upcoming 2026 event at the ICC Newport in Wales , and a fresh perspective on hot topics like AI, SQL Server 2025, and Microsoft Fabric. This is a can't-miss episode for anyone interested in the data industry and community events.
Guest Information
Resources Mentioned
Support the show
Support the show!
Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!
The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.
Send us Fan Mail
Summary
In this episode of The sql_squared Podcast!!!, we're joined by our special guest, Simon Frazer, for a deep dive into the journey from software developer to data expert. As an expert in SQL Server performance, optimization, and security, Simon shares his unique insights on the evolving roles within the tech industry. This conversation is centered around our guest's experiences, from his early days in software development to becoming a production DBA and consultant. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the differences between development and DBA roles, practical tips for performance tuning using tools like the Brent Ozar Consultant Toolkit, and a fresh perspective on the value of community engagement through conferences. This is a can't-miss episode for anyone interested in database administration, career transitions in tech, and SQL Server optimization.
Guest Information
Resources Mentioned
#SQLServer, #DatabaseAdministration, #DBA, #PerformanceTuning, #SoftwareDevelopment, #BrentOzar, #DataCommunity, #SQLBits, #DataScotland, #ManagedInstance, #CareerJourney, #QueryOptimization, #Indexes
Support the show
Support the show!
Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!
The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of The sql_squared Podcast!!!, we're joined by our special guest, Mike Hodson, for a deep dive into data development, Agile methodologies, and the evolving role of data in the recruitment industry. As a seasoned tech leader and Scrum Master with a passion for data, Mike shares his unique insights on adopting Agile processes, leveraging data for business success, and the future of AI in development.
Bio: Mike Hodson is a tech leader and Scrum Master with a strong passion for data. He began his career with a maths degree and a love for numbers, falling into a data management role that he grew to love. With over 18 years of experience, Mike has progressed from a data manager and SQL developer to a certified Scrum Master, focusing on Agile methodologies to bridge the gap between development and business needs.
Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masterofscrum/
Key Topics & Timestamps
Resources Mentioned
Support the show
Support the show!
Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!
The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.
Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
In this episode of The sql_squared Podcast, we're joined by our special guest, Elliot Leighton-Woodruff, for a deep dive into Azure cloud migrations. As an expert Principal Architect specializing in Azure, Elliot shares his unique insights on moving beyond simple "lift and shift" projects to truly modernize applications and infrastructure for maximum return on investment.
This conversation is centered around our guest's extensive experiences and knowledge. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the "Five Rs" of cloud migration, practical tips for avoiding common cost pitfalls and managing services effectively, and a fresh perspective on the "build vs. buy" dilemma for software solutions. This is a can't-miss episode for anyone interested in cloud architecture, DevOps, and data platform strategy.
Guest Information
Resources Mentioned
Support the show
Support the show!
Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!
The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.
Send us Fan Mail
In episode 1 of the sql_squared podcast, we welcome Alex Dean, Head of Application Delivery at Vaultex UK. Alex is a long term friend and a former supportive manager of mine. He has many years under his belt working with cutting edge data technologies, and leading teams delivering complex data warehouse and BI integrations. Alex is passionate data and prides himself in creating highly efficient development functions.
In our first ever episode, Alex talks to me about data architecture in the cloud and what it's like managing people and projects in the development space.
Visit the website here: https://www.sqlsquared.co.uk/home
Support the show
Support the show!
Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!
The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of The sql_squared Podcast, we're joined by our special guest, Lee Brownhill, for a deep dive into unit testing for databases, the importance of community, and the future of data platforms. As an expert with nearly 20 years of experience as a DBA and cloud consultant , Lee shares his unique insights on implementing the T-SQLT framework to create robust SQL unit tests. This conversation is centered around our guest's experiences and knowledge.
Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to get started with T-SQLT , practical tips for overcoming resistance to testing from development teams and leadership , and a fresh perspective on the value of continuous learning and giving back to the data community. This is a can't-miss episode for anyone interested in SQL Server development, improving code quality, and growing their career in the data space.
Guest Information
Resources Mentioned
Support the show
Support the show!
Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!
The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.
From the publisher's feed
About The sql_squared Podcast
The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends…
Connect With Us