Life Is But A Stream

• Ep 8 - How Airy Powers Real-Time AI Agents with Data Streaming and Confluent

  Agentic AI is transforming how modern systems interact with data, and Airy is at the forefront with its real-time approach.In this episode, Steffen Hoellinger, Co-founder and CEO of Airy, discusses the transformative impact of agentic AI for enterprises and why real-time data streaming is a crucial component. From Apache Flink® and Apache Kafka® to the importance of focusing on core business challenges, Steffen breaks down how Airy builds intelligent systems that react to data as it happens.You’ll learn:How Airy’s team uses Confluent to simplify their data infrastructureWhat agentic AI means beyond the buzzwords and why it’s a leap past basic natural language processing (NLP)Why real-time interaction is essential for creating next-generation software experiencesHow business users can create and test AI-driven patterns without writing any codeIf you’re building AI-powered apps—or planning to—this one’s for you.About the Guest:Steffen Hoellinger is the Co-founder and CEO of Airy, where he leads the development of open-source data infrastructure that connects real-time event streaming technologies like Apache Kafka® and Apache Flink® with large language models. Airy helps enterprises build AI agents and data copilots for both technical and business users across streaming and batch data. Steffen is also an active early-stage investor focusing on data infrastructure, AI, and deep technology.Guest Highlight: “Real-time is getting more and more important. Once you understand all the fancy ways people in the market are trying to solve a real-time data problem, you come to the realization that [data streaming] is the best way of doing things. It became natural to adopt it early on in our journey.”Episode Timestamps: *(05:10) - Overview of Airy’s AI Solutions*(37:20) -   The Runbook: Tools & Tactics*(44:00) -   Data Streaming Street Cred: Improve Data Streaming Adoption *(47:50) - Quick Bytes*(50:25) - Joseph’s Top 3 TakeawaysDive Deeper into Data Streaming:EP1—Stream On: Unleashing Innovation with Data Streaming | Life Is But A StreamEP2—Processing Without Pause: Continuous Stream Processing and Apache Flink® | Life Is But A StreamEP3—The Connective Tissue: Shift Left to turn Data Chaos to Clarity | Life Is But A StreamLinks & Resources:Connect with Joseph: @thedatagiantJoseph’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thedatagiantSteffen’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hoellingerLearn more at Confluent.ioOur Sponsor:  Your data shouldn’t be a problem to manage. It should be your superpower. The Confluent data streaming platform transforms organizations with trustworthy, real-time data that seamlessly spans your entire environment and powers innovation across every use case. Create smarter, deploy faster, and maximize efficiency with a true data streaming platform from the pioneers in data streaming. Learn more at confluent.io.

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• Ep 7 - Streaming for Impact: APFA's Real-Time Journey

  What does real transformation look like when the stakes are high? Todd Smitala, Technology Solutions Architect at the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), shares how his journey of modernizing data system support 27,000 union members.With the legacy infrastructure crumbling under peak traffic during a high-volume union vote, Todd’s team turned to cloud-based real-time streaming with Apache Kafka® on Confluent Cloud. The result? A more reliable, scalable system that delivered immediate impact, ensuring every vote counted. In this episode, Todd walks through the technical decisions and leadership alignment that made it possible.You’ll learn:How real-time infrastructure solved a high-stakes voting challengeWhat it took to modernize under pressure and bring leadership on boardHow to frame cost, reliability, and system ownership to drive successful changeIf you're leading a data streaming initiative and need a blueprint for impact, this episode is for you.About the Guest:As a Technology Solutions Architect at APFA, Todd Smitala brings over 10 years of experience as a flight attendant and 20 years in IT, allowing Todd to bridge the gap between technology and the needs of flight attendants. He’s passionate about leveraging technology to create meaningful change, support union members, and enforce contractual legalities. This combination of industry insight and technical expertise empowers Todd to deliver innovations that make a real difference. Outside of work, Todd enjoys scuba diving, adventure travel, hiking, playing music, and dancing at Carnaval in Brazil.Guest Highlight: “We all agreed that Confluent Cloud would be the way we want to go because of how it does host. It does really handle all of the background stuff. I'm not a Java developer… We didn't have the time to invest in all of that so Confluent Cloud is actually perfect for this type of thing.”Episode Timestamps: *(01:22) - How APFA Is Using Data Streaming to Empower Members *(20:39) -   The Runbook: Tools & Tactics*(26:45) -   Data Streaming Street Cred: Improve Data Streaming Adoption *(28:30) - Quick Bytes*(33:36) - Joseph’s Top 3 TakeawaysDive Deeper into Data Streaming:EP1—Stream On: Unleashing Innovation with Data Streaming | Life Is But A StreamEP2—Processing Without Pause: Continuous Stream Processing and Apache Flink® | Life Is But A StreamEP3—The Connective Tissue: Shift Left to turn Data Chaos to Clarity | Life Is But A StreamLinks & Resources:Connect with Joseph: @thedatagiantJoseph’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thedatagiantTodd’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tsmitalaLearn more at Confluent.ioOur Sponsor:  Your data shouldn’t be a problem to manage. It should be your superpower. The Confluent data streaming platform transforms organizations with trustworthy, real-time data that seamlessly spans your entire environment and powers innovation across every use case. Create smarter, deploy faster, and maximize efficiency with a true data streaming platform from the pioneers in data streaming. Learn more at confluent.io.

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• Ep 6 - From Roadblocks to Results: How Shared Vision Drives Data Streaming Success

  Whether you're an executive setting the strategy or an architect building the backbone, alignment is the key to turning transformation from a buzzword into results. Rick Hernandez, principal technical architect at EY, shares how to unlock shared vision and turn it into enterprise-wide data streaming success. In this episode, Rick joins Joseph to explore how organizations can connect leadership ambition with technical execution. Exploring how top-down buy-in, clearly defined objectives, and strategic alignment with  the right technology can give your organization “wings to a tiger.”You’ll learn:How to directly map business pain points to streaming-first solutionsHow real-time infrastructure enables faster decisions and a competitive edgeWhat happens when stakeholders discover their challenges are already solvable through streamingIf you're leading modernization efforts or championing real-time data, this episode is your guide for building momentum across teams.About the Guest:Rick Hernandez is a Principal Technical Architect at EY, specializing in enterprise architecture and digital transformation. He helps organizations implement innovative solutions and optimize IT strategies. Rick’s expertise includes architecture and development in middleware technologies, cloud integration work, business process management, enterprise application integration, and more. Guest Highlight:“Technology transformation is not for one area of a company. The overall company needs to actually change to do something better, differently, and more efficiently.”Episode Timestamps: *(01:00) - EY’s Data Streaming Strategy*(05:30) -  Data Streaming Goodness: Having a Shared Vision*(22:00) -   The Runbook: Tools & Tactics*(26:45) -   Data Streaming Street Cred: Improve Data Streaming Adoption *(31:10) - Quick Bytes*(33:45) - Joseph’s Top 3 TakeawaysDive Deeper into Data Streaming:EP1—Stream On: Unleashing Innovation with Data Streaming | Life Is But A StreamEP2—Processing Without Pause: Continuous Stream Processing and Apache Flink® | Life Is But A StreamEP3—The Connective Tissue: Shift Left to turn Data Chaos to Clarity | Life Is But A StreamLinks & Resources:Connect with Joseph: @thedatagiantJoseph’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thedatagiantRick’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rick-hernandez-3298574Learn more at Confluent.ioOur Sponsor:  Your data shouldn’t be a problem to manage. It should be your superpower. The Confluent data streaming platform transforms organizations with trustworthy, real-time data that seamlessly spans your entire environment and powers innovation across every use case. Create smarter, deploy faster, and maximize efficiency with a true data streaming platform from the pioneers in data streaming. Learn more at confluent.io.

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• Ep 5 - The Secret to Data Streaming Success: Speaking the Same Language

  Want your real-time data streaming initiative to stick? Success hinges on more than pipelines—it’s about people, governance, and business impacts. Jeffrey Johnathon Jennings (J3), managing principal at signalRoom, shares how to bring it all together.In this episode, J3 shares how he’s used impactful proofs of concepts to demonstrate value early, then scaled effectively through shift left with governance and stronger cross-team collaboration.You’ll learn about:Why proofs of concept are key to securing buy-in and demonstrating ROI earlyHow data governance as a shared language create consistency across teamsStrategies for establishing a data streaming center of excellenceThe role of business outcomes in guiding streaming data adoption strategiesIf you’re building or scaling a data streaming practice, this episode goes beyond the technology, showing you how to drive real impact.About the Guest:Jeffrey Johnathan Jennings is the managing principal of signalRoom, a dedicated father, avid traveler, and EDM enthusiast whose creativity and energy shape both his personal and professional life. As a cloud-native data streaming expert, he specializes in integrating ML/AI technologies to drive transformative change and improve business outcomes. With a focus on innovation, he designs scalable data architectures that enable real-time insights and smarter decision-making. Committed to continuous learning, Jeffrey stays ahead of technological advancements to help businesses navigate the evolving digital landscape and achieve lasting growth.Guest Highlight:“We need to speak the same language. The only way to speak the same language is to have a Schema Registry.  I don't think there's an option. You just have to do this. We share a common language and therefore we build common libraries.”Episode Timestamps: *(01:13) - J3’s Data Streaming Journey*(07:07) -  Data Streaming Goodness: Strategies to Demonstrate Value*(26:38) -   The Runbook: Data Streaming Center of Excellence *(37:00) -   Data Streaming Street Cred: Improve Data Streaming Adoption *(42:35) - Quick Bytes*(45:00) - Joseph’s Top 3 TakeawaysDive Deeper into Data Streaming:EP1—Stream On: Unleashing Innovation with Data Streaming | Life Is But A StreamEP2—Processing Without Pause: Continuous Stream Processing and Apache Flink® | Life Is But A StreamEP3—The Connective Tissue: Shift Left to turn Data Chaos to Clarity | Life Is But A StreamLinks & Resources:Connect with Joseph: @thedatagiantJoseph’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thedatagiantJ3’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeffreyjonathanjennings/J3’s GitHub: github.com/j3-signalroom“Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution” by Uri Levine“Ask Your Developer” by Jeff LawsonLearn more at Confluent.ioOur Sponsor:  Your data shouldn’t be a problem to manage. It should be your superpower. The Confluent data streaming platform transforms organizations with trustworthy, real-time data that seamlessly spans your entire environment and powers innovation across every use case. Create smarter, deploy faster, and maximize efficiency with a true data streaming platform from the pioneers in data streaming. Learn more at confluent.io.

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• Ep 4 - From Legacy to Cutting-Edge: Henry Schein One's Data Streaming Vision

  Despite its value, legacy data can feel like a roadblock in a fast-paced digital world—Henry Schein One is clearing the path forward with real-time data streaming.In this episode, Chris Kapp, Software Architect at Henry Schein One (HS1), shares how his team modernizes data management to stay competitive and unlock real-time insights.You’ll learn about:How tagging strategy, immutable audit log, and governance keep data secure and reliableThe challenges (and wins) of getting leadership buy-in for data modernizationHS1’s approach to decentralized data ownership, domain-driven design, and the importance of stream processing for scalingThe role of GenAI in the future of real-time stream processingGet ready to future-proof your data strategy with this must-listen episode for technology leaders facing scalability, governance, or integration challenges. About the Guest:Chris Kapp is a Software Architect at Henry Schein One specializing in domain-driven design and event-driven patterns. He has 34 years of experience in the software industry including Target and Henry Schein One. He is passionate about teaching patterns for scalable data architectures. He’s currently focused on the One-Platform initiative to allow Henry Schein applications to work together as a single suite of products.Guest Highlight:“It's important to collect the data, try to eliminate our biases and go towards what is delivering quickly. The key is to start small, agile, iterative, and build something small with the people that are excited and willing to learn new things. If it doesn't work, then be agile, adjust, and find the thing that does work."Episode Timestamps: *(01:18) - Chris’ Data Streaming Journey*(03:35) -   Data Streaming Goodness: AI-Driven Reporting & Data Streaming*(21:08) -   The Playbook: Data Revitalization & Event-Driven Architecture*(31:55) -   Data Streaming Street Cred: Executive Alignment & Engineering Collaboration*(32:03) - Quick Bytes*(40:14) - Joseph’s Top 3 TakeawaysLinks & Resources:Connect with Joseph: @thedatagiantJoseph’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thedatagiantChris’ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chris-kapp-87868a4Designing Event-Driven Systems eBookDesigning Data-Intensive Applications eBookCurrent 2025—The Data Streaming EventLearn more at Confluent.ioOur Sponsor:  Your data shouldn’t be a problem to manage. It should be your superpower. The Confluent data streaming platform transforms organizations with trustworthy, real-time data that seamlessly spans your entire environment and powers innovation across every use case. Create smarter, deploy faster, and maximize efficiency with a true data streaming platform from the pioneers in data streaming. Learn more at confluent.io.

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