Tech Talks with Kimberly and AIJoe

Kimberly L. Tripp

Kimberly L. Tripp (SQLskills) and Joe Sack (Independent / resume includes Elastic, Microsoft, PostGres, and SQLskills) like to talk tech and always have fun doing it. We're mostly focused on topics for data professionals. SQL Server is our preferred database for prototyping and testing but many concepts apply to other databases (especially around AI and Vector Search). We, like many tech types, also like to branch out (squirrel) to all things Tech - especially animals, photography, gadgets, and who else knows what?!

Episodes

  1. Mar 26

    011: Designing for Embeddings with Partitioning

    The conversation delves into the design considerations for embedding models, storage and management of embedding models, model versioning, separate tables for embedding models, switching data and model cut-over, strategic partitioning for data analysis, handling chunking and provenance tracking, recency and legal requirements, read, write, and data structure considerations, and policy-based management for agents. Takeaways Embedding models require careful design and considerationThe use of separate tables for embedding models allows for flexibility and better management Chapters 00:00 Exploring Vector Use Cases 02:44 Embedding Storage Strategies 05:29 Managing Embedding Models 08:10 Data Partitioning and Embedding 10:42 Designing for Change in Embeddings 13:36 Best Practices for Database Agents

    18 min

  2. Mar 25

    010: Reconciling Database Sprawl and Hybrid Queries

    The conversation delves into the use of vector search for identifying schema and table structure similarities, highlighting its benefits and limitations. It explores the challenges of using vector search to identify redundancy and foreign key relationships within databases. Takeaways Vector search for schema and table structure similaritiesLimitations of vector search in identifying redundancy and foreign key relationships Chapters 00:00 Schema and Table Structure Similarities

    11 min

  3. Mar 11

    009: Navigating Vector Search and Staying Relevant

    The conversation explores the power of AI and vector search, focusing on code exploration and analysis. It delves into the challenges of code sprawl, semantic similarity, and the potential of vector search to identify and address inconsistencies in code. The use of vector search as a tool for code analysis and refactoring is highlighted, along with its potential to enhance the role of DBAs and developers. The conversation also touches on the future role of AI agents in code search and the practical applications of vector search in database management. Takeaways Code sprawl and semantic similarity pose challenges in code exploration and analysis.Vector search can be used to identify inconsistencies in code and facilitate refactoring.The use of vector search enhances the role of DBAs and developers in code analysis and refactoring. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Vector Search and Its Impact02:59 The Role of DBAs in Vector Search06:01 Agentic Coding and Its Implications08:59 Use Cases for Vector Search in E-commerce12:11 Prototyping with SQL Server and AI14:59 The Future of Vector Search and Its Adoption17:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    11 min

  4. Mar 10

    008: Unlocking the Power of Vector Search

    Why isn't Vector Search taking off as fast as we expected? We both agree that the power and complexity of vector search are both pros and cons - setting its adoption rate at a slower pace. However, we both feel that those who embrace this technology -- and especially those that master it -- will be able to move forward much faster than those who do not. Agentic coding, prototyping, and AI integration are really ramping up; those who leverage this technology quickly, effectively, and most importantly, correctly will see incredible benefits in productivity and ability to adopt exciting and powerful features / capabilities. Unlike many other features that seemingly never went anywhere, vector search is here to stay. It's time to get motivated / educated in understanding and implementing vector search effectively. Takeaways Vector search is a powerful feature with potential for data professionalsThe complexity of vector search requires education and understanding for effective implementation Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Vector Search06:01 Agentic Coding and Decision Making13:02 The Impact on Database Administrators18:59 Complexity and Potential of Vector Search

    20 min

  5. Mar 9

    007: Productivity with Claude Code

    Kimberly and Joe dive into the capabilities of Claude Code, demonstrating its use for automation, natural language interaction, and custom skill development. It explores the integration, extensibility, and learning potential of Claude Code, emphasizing optimization, efficiency, and the challenges associated with its use. The conversation explores the potential of AI in various aspects of database management, business exploration, and creative endeavors. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI-generated content and the role of consultants and researchers in leveraging AI effectively. The discussion highlights the need for understanding and utilizing AI tools to make day-to-day tasks more efficient and productive. Takeaways Claude Code enables natural language interaction for task automationCustom skills and automation with Claude Code offer rapid prototyping and experimentationClaude Code provides opportunities for optimization, efficiency, and integration with external tools Exploring new business ideas with AI and Claude CodeLeveraging AI for database management and creative endeavors Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Claude Code05:58 Custom Skills and Automation12:09 Integration and Extensibility18:06 Learning and Iteration with Claude Code23:58 Optimization and Efficiency with Claude Code30:05 Challenges and Considerations36:16 Implementing Partitioning and Data Strategy42:36 Enforcing Best Practices in AI-Generated Databases47:46 The Role of Consultants and Researchers53:08 AI Applications in Reading and Learning59:46 Leveraging AI for Database Management

    58 min

  6. Mar 6

    006: Increasing Productivity with AI Tools

    In this conversation, Joe and Kimberly delve into a discussion about the power and pitfalls of AI tools, exploring the challenges of AI reliability and the potential for AI tools to enhance productivity. The conversation covers the exploration of various AI tools and their applications, including Google AI Studio, Notebook LM, Cloud Code, OpenRouter, and more. The discussion delves into the use of temperature settings, document analysis, academic papers, storytelling, translation, language models, and API calls. Additionally, the conversation addresses the importance of trusting AI models and tools. Takeaways AI tools for productivityChallenges of AI reliability AI Studio allows for the configuration of AI models using temperature settings.Notebook LM is a free resource for studying and working with language models.OpenRouter simplifies the use of API calls for different models and provides access to free open-source models. Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Past31:04 Introduction to AI Studio and Temperature Settings36:27 Use Cases of Notebook LM for Academic Papers and Research44:16 Discussion on Mid Journey and Nano Banana AI Tools53:31 Use Cases of OpenRouter for Model Selection and API Calls

    55 min

  7. Mar 6

    005: Vacation Tech

    The conversation covers a range of topics including exciting ventures and inspirations, travel adventures and wildlife encounters, technology and navigation, photography and conservation, and collecting / obsessions. The takeaways include discussions on citizen science and technology, travel experiences and photography, and food choices and dietary preferences. The conversation delves into the journey of collecting and letting go, exploring the emotional and psychological aspects of collecting items and the process of decluttering. It also touches on the impact of technology on learning and entertainment, highlighting the accessibility of educational content and the role of familiar entertainment in regulating emotions. Takeaways Citizen science and technologyTravel experiences and photographyFood choices and dietary preferences The journey of collecting and letting goThe impact of technology on learning and entertainment Chapters 00:00 Exciting Ventures and Inspirations10:12 Technology and Navigation20:02 Photography and Conservation27:06 Collecting and Obsessions32:09 The Journey of Collecting and Letting Go

    59 min

  8. Mar 5

    004: SQL 2025 AI Features

    The conversation delves into the new AI capabilities introduced in SQL Server 2025, focusing on vector embeddings and semantic search. It explores the implementation, use cases, considerations, and security aspects of vector embeddings in SQL Server 2025. Takeaways SQL Server 2025 introduces new AI capabilitiesVector embeddings and semantic search are key features of SQL Server 2025 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to SQL Server 2025 AI06:12 Use Cases and Considerations for Vector Embeddings19:29 Security and Compliance Considerations

    24 min

  9. Mar 5

    003: SQL Server 2025 adds AI

    The conversation delves into the concept of vector embedding models, their applications, integration with SQL Server, use cases, and associated challenges and considerations. It explores the power of vector embedding models for semantic search, fuzzy search, anomaly detection, and contradiction detection, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of data management and search capabilities. Takeaways Vector embedding models enable semantic search and comparison of data based on learned patterns and embeddings.Vector embedding models provide powerful capabilities for fuzzy search, anomaly detection, and contradiction detection. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Vector Embedding06:23 Integration with SQL Server13:09 Hybrid Search and Use Cases20:15 Challenges and Considerations

    27 min

  10. Mar 4

    002: AI is Evil?!

    The conversation covers the frustration of photography, skepticism about AI, AI as a superpower, AI in storytelling and research, AI and information verification, AI and database integration, AI and vector search, AI and database integration challenges, the role of DBAs in AI integration, AI and search technologies, and AI and anomaly detection. Takeaways AI can be a superpower for creative professionalsDBAs play a crucial role in AI integration and database management Chapters 00:00 The Frustration of Photography06:26 AI and Database Integration11:41 The Role of DBAs in AI Integration18:05 AI and Anomaly Detection

    18 min

  11. Mar 4

    001: Reconnecting

    Kimberly and AI Joe talk: --Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Past --The Journey Back to Tech, Data and AI --Navigating Product Management and Challenges --Exploring New Frontiers: MongoDB and Elastic --Embracing Independence and Future Plans

    14 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Kimberly L. Tripp (SQLskills) and Joe Sack (Independent / resume includes Elastic, Microsoft, PostGres, and SQLskills) like to talk tech and always have fun doing it. We're mostly focused on topics for data professionals. SQL Server is our preferred database for prototyping and testing but many concepts apply to other databases (especially around AI and Vector Search). We, like many tech types, also like to branch out (squirrel) to all things Tech - especially animals, photography, gadgets, and who else knows what?!

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