Biggest Surprises of 2025, The Good, Bad & Ugly of AI, and Looking Ahead
Release Date: 12/29/2025
The Simple Talk Podcast
How do organizations protect sensitive data in test and development environments without slowing delivery? That's the question Kellyn Gorman and Microsoft MVP Hamish Watson discuss in this episode – exploring test data management (TDM), data masking, and governance in 2026. Topics include: why non‑production systems are a major security risk, the limitations of DIY and AI‑generated masking scripts, and how automated TDM helps teams stay compliant while supporting DevOps and CI/CD. Learn more about Redgate Test...
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Steve visits Microsoft Data Platform MVP and data consultant Matt Gordon near his home in Lexington, KY. They discuss his love of making databases go faster, AI, the pros and cons of MS Fabric, data quality, community involvement, and much more. Plus, learn all about Matt’s passion for motorsport and what he currently races on the track. Want to see Matt's car and learn more about his racing adventure? Watch from 27 minutes in the video . Check out Lean TECHniques at Listen or watch every episode of the Simple Talk podcast...
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Steve is joined by business intelligence architect and author Tim Mitchell. They discuss why will never die, the general pros of cons of integration services, the evolution from , how AI can help with coding, and taekwondo – among other topics! Recorded on-site at PASS Data Community Summit 2025.
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Steve is joined by Cindy Gross to discuss leadership coaching in the technology industry – what it is, how it works, and the many benefits it brings. Recorded on-site at PASS Data Community Summit 2025 in Seattle. Cindy is an executive coach and Adaptive Leadership Expert with 25 years in the US tech industry. As a former SQL Server Master (MCM) and expert in cross-organizational navigation at Microsoft, she transformed her focus from complex technical systems to empowering leaders within systemic chaos. Today, through Befriending Dragons, she guides indispensable Keystone Leaders struggling...
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Rollbacks act as an ‘undo’ for databases, but why are they important, what happens if you can’t roll back, and how do you prevent even needing to in the first place? Steve, Kellyn, Grant & Pat try to answer these questions – and more. Recorded on-site at Redgate HQ in Cambridge, UK. Watch or listen to every episode of the Simple Talk podcast at:
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Steve, Kellyn & Grant are joined by new Redgate Advocate, Pat Wright, for a wide-ranging discussion about what to expect in the database world in 2026 – from AI and when the bubble may burst, to community events (including the upcoming rebrand of SQL Saturday), the importance of connection, and much more… Recorded on-site at Redgate HQ in Cambridge, UK. Watch or listen to every episode of the Simple Talk podcast at:
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Steve Jones, Kellyn Gorman and Grant Fritchey discuss what surprised them most in the database/tech world in 2025, ruminate on the good, bad and ugly of AI, and ponder where it goes next. Recorded on-site at PASS Summit 2025 in Seattle. Watch or listen to every episode of the Simple Talk podcast at: www.red-gate.com/simple-talk/podcasts Simple Talk is a free learning resource brought to you by Redgate Software, featuring thousands of articles covering databases, AI, Cloud, DevOps and much more: www.red-gate.com/simple-talk
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Ed Pollack (Microsoft Data Platform MVP and community champion) sat down with Steve Jones at PASS Summit 2025 to discuss many topics including: Why change is good - but keeping on top of the fundamentals is still important Data modeling Recommended software/products to use SQL Server 2025, which was just launched into General Availability at the time of recording The process of testing & best practices The importance of community, and how to bring people together Running a marathon Plus, find out what Ed’s baking specialism is – and try it for yourself at the Capital Area...
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Steve Jones is joined by SQLBits founder Simon Sabin at Redgate’s Cambridge HQ to discuss Simon’s early days in the data world (and how the industry has evolved), the importance of context when working with AI, and what’s ahead for SQLBits in 2026. They also dive into the nuances of conference speaking and, for a change of pace, Simon talks about his foray into UK motor racing. SQLBits 2026 takes place 22-25 April 2026 at the ICC Wales: Apply to speak at the event (deadline 21 December 2025): ...
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Steve chats with John Sterrett, CEO of ProcureSQL, about his true love for data from a young age, how SQL Saturday and community events inspired him to start his own company, ProcureSQL’s use of AI to provide more value, and the impacts of work on relationships - plus much more! ProcureSQL: John’s website: Marriage Masterpeace: Check out more Simple Talk podcast episodes at
info_outlineSteve Jones, Kellyn Gorman and Grant Fritchey discuss what surprised them most in the database/tech world in 2025, ruminate on the good, bad and ugly of AI, and ponder where it goes next. Recorded on-site at PASS Summit 2025 in Seattle.
Watch or listen to every episode of the Simple Talk podcast at:
www.red-gate.com/simple-talk/podcasts
Simple Talk is a free learning resource brought to you by Redgate Software, featuring thousands of articles covering databases, AI, Cloud, DevOps and much more:
www.red-gate.com/simple-talk