SQL Batman Didn't Want to Be a Data Janitor, w/ Thomas LaRock Raw Data By P3 Adaptive

In our inaugural episode, Rob and Tom cover all this and more:
The slow decline of the “storage only” professional Tom has some unkind words for a rock and roll superstar Why SQL Batman had to retire The rise of hybrid IT/Business professionals Why are database administrators (DBA’s) such a miserable crew? Rob shares a great story about a former colleague who pissed off Steve Ballmer Why storage has gone “curly” but analysis remains “rectangular” How discovering Power BI feels like you’re the first person to discover fire Episode Transcript:
Rob Collie (00:00):
Okay, welcome. So this is our inaugural episode and our first guest is also going to be our ongoing 75% co-host; 75% only because his schedule won't always allow him to join us, but he's Tom, or Thomas LaRock. Now, I've known Tom for over a decade and he's just a fantastic human.
Rob Collie (00:22):
I hope you're going to find that to be a theme here on Raw Data with our guests and various participants. But data-wise, the thing I've always found so compelling about Tom, his crossover status. Now, here's a guy who branded himself publicly as SQL rockstar for years, and he kind of still does. And you'd think that pretty much cements him as a storage professional.
Rob Collie (00:44):
But basically the whole time I've known him, he's been trumpeting the idea that analytics are the real show. Now, in my experience, that sort of crossover is atypical and it's super valuable and it speaks to why I'm thrilled to have him as my fractionally available co-host and as our first guest. So how do we get this started? Luke, do you think we could do one of those like fancy produced intros with music and stuff?
Luke (01:11):
Yes. The budget did allow for a fancy produced intro.
Rob Collie (01:14):
Oh yeah?
Luke (01:15):
Yep.
Rob Collie (01:16):
Well, let's do it then.
Announcer (01:18):
Ladies, may I have your attention please?
Announcer (01:22):
This is the Raw Data by P3 podcast, with your host, Rob Collie, and your co-host, Thomas LaRock. Find out what the experts at P3 can do for your business. Go to powerpivotpro.com. Raw Data by P3 is data with the human element.
Rob Collie (01:40):
Welcome to Raw Data. I'm your host, Rob Collie, CEO and founder of P3, powerpivotpro.com. And Tom.
Thomas LaRock (01:50):
Hi, Thomas LaRock here. I am a head geek at SolarWinds.
Rob Collie (01:56):
Thomas. He's Thomas LaRock.
Thomas LaRock (01:58):
Thomas.
Rob Collie (01:59):
Yeah. And who else do we have here with us?
Luke (02:01):
My name is Luke. I'm talk radio guy in South Florida. And I'm the guy that knows nothing about data.
Rob Collie (02:09):
So welcome to the first ever edition of Raw Data. I'm really excited by the crew we've got here. So let's jump right in. Tom, we've... Or should I call you Thomas?
Thomas LaRock (02:23):
You call me Tom. I usually introduce myself as Thomas just that people don't think it's like John or Dom or something like that.
Rob Collie (02:30):
I see. Thomas is easier to parse. I get it. But I just wonder if you were one of those guys that changed his name at some point, like you grew up. Because I've always known you as Tom. But Thomas. So we've known each other now for... We had our 10 year anniversary recently, didn't we?
Thomas LaRock (02:49):
Yes, we did. It was 10 years ago, this past June.
Rob Collie (02:53):
Yeah. It's crazy. It was like it was just yesterday. So we have interesting complimentary backgrounds, you and I, and that's why I think I was really excited to do this with you. What's your handle on Twitter?
Thomas LaRock (03:07):
SQL Rockstar.
Rob Collie (03:08):
SQL rockstar. Now, Luke here, in his day job, he actually interviews real rock stars. He just had Sammy Hagar.
Thomas LaRock (03:21):
Oh, I thought you said rock stars.
Rob Collie (03:22):
Oh, cold. All right. Well, he had Jason Newsted. How's that?
Thomas LaRock (03:30):
I don't even know who that is.
Rob Collie (03:34)