Josh Majsterski has been helping IBM i customers since 1998, and is currently one of the best Performance analysts IBM i has to offer. On this episode of the podcast. Josh joins us to talk about how customers can help themselves by opening more specific cases, collecting the right data, and even analyze their own issues more effectively using iDoctor. As an added bonus, we get the inside scoop about how Josh saved Christmas in Minnesota, and why visiting customer websites is not always allowed.

Josh Majsterski has worked in the IBM i Global Support Center for 28 years and is an expert in the areas of Performance, Work Management, and more. He's one of the most beloved and effective members of the IBM i support family.

Josh Majsterski

IBM i Global Support Center

Honey Badger Does Actually Care

Matt Stockwell is a multi-talented IBMer who recently retired this February. Matt's work at IBM in Rochester touched on multiple areas, from development, to support, and eventually to System Test, where he excelled in finding problems before customers did. When Matt was deep into his tests, he liked to joke that he was "Channeling Bonalumi," a highly skilled and respected system tester of yore, gone too soon. In this episode, recorded before his retirement in February of 2026, Matt discusses his work in System Test, fondly reflects on his home state of Ohio, and offers insight into systems administration, storage, FSPs, and even racing philosophy and his gentle brand of parenting. Matt Stockwell is one of the many people who made IBM Rochester a better place to work, and the IBM i a reliable system to support. At the bottom of this Episode page you will find a list of some of the books we discussed. And as an added bonus, any listener that submits a question or comment about this podcast will be entered into a drawing to win a signed copy of John Barnes book, "The Duke of Uranium."

Matt Stockwell

IBM i System Test (Retired)

Lael Daire

IBM i Support Center

"Channeling Bonalumi"

Polish technical support expert and Technical Account Manager Dariusz Maliszewski kicks off our first episode of season two. He joins us to discuss his career path, which ebbed and flowed from taking basic support calls, to supporting customers on site, to taking on a unique dual role as both as a support engineer and as a member of the Premium Support and Expert Care team. Along the way, Dariusz shares insights into how IBM TAMs engage with the accounts they oversee to deliver a great support experience, drops some knowledge about NetServer, and still has time to talk about company cars and coffee machines. Helpful NetServer links:<a href="https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/mapping-drive-i5os-netserver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/mapping-drive-i5os-netserver</a><a href="https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/netserver-best-practices" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/netserver-best-practices</a> More information about Expert Care and IBM's Hardware and Software Maintenance Services<a href="https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/entitled-systems-support?topic=management-expert-care-overview" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/entitled-systems-support?topic=management-expert-care-overview</a><a href="https://www.ibm.com/downloads/documents/us-en/10a99803f32fd7d6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ibm.com/downloads/documents/us-en/10a99803f32fd7d6</a>

Dariusz Maliszewski has worked in a number of technical support roles at IBM through his 26 year career, and currently works a dual role in support both as a technical specialist on the Access/Navigator/Telnet team, and as a Technical Account Manager supporting Expert Care customers. A uniquely engaging and talented personality who's deep skill and care are perfectly suited to his role.

Dariusz Maliszewski

IBM i GSC Technical Rep / Technical Account Manager

Polish technical support expert and Technical Account Manager Dariusz Maliszewski kicks off our first episode of season two. He joins us to discuss his career path, which ebbed and flowed from taking basic support calls, to supporting customers on site, to taking on a unique dual role as both as a support engineer and as a member of the Premium Support and Expert Care team. Along the way, Dariusz shares insights into how IBM TAMs engage with the accounts they oversee to deliver a great support experience, drops some knowledge about NetServer, and still has time to talk about company cars and coffee machines.

A Conversation Across Time and Tide: Insights from Dariusz Maliszewski

In this episode, we sit down with Nina Ng, an IBM support veteran whose cosmopolitan career has taught her to speak fluently in the language all customers expect: the clear and timely communication of correct answers. From her roots in the Philippines to her life today in Singapore, Nina Ng has built a reputation for technical excellence, empathy, and infectious good humor. Join us for a thoughtful look at what it really means to connect across cultures, one call at a time.

Nina Ng joined IBM in 2005 at IBM Philippines and currently lives and works in Singapore as the team lead for AP and ASEAN support, specializing in Work Management, Data Access, ACS, Navigator, SMP and IFS. Nina is known for her mentorship of new team members in complex support processes, has developed dashboards and reports for case management and metrics, and recently took on the additional challenge of being a Duty Manager.

Nina Ng

IBM i iGSC OFFTRG Team Lead

Connecting Cultures, One Call at a Time

In this episode, we are joined by none other than IBM's own Scott Forstie, who sits down to talk about all things SQL. From how he got started at IBM, and how he goes about writing SQL that others can learn from, to the business of challenging users to transition to database technologies that will ensure that their newest employees can hit the ground running. Alex and Scott also discuss system security and the future of SQL in the AI age. After you listen, make sure to seek out Scott and Tim Rowe's iSee video blog at COMMON.org, and the other links below to learn even more SQL. <a href="http://ibm.biz/Db2foriSQLTutor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://ibm.biz/Db2foriSQLTutor</a><a href="https://learn.common.org/products/ibm-isee-video-blog" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://learn.common.org/products/ibm-isee-video-blog</a><a href="https://gist.github.com/forstie" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://gist.github.com/forstie</a><a href="https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/1119129/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/1119129/</a>

Scott Forstie is a Senior Technical Staff Member within IBM i development and spends most of his time working as the Db2 for i Architect. He has worked on IBM operating system development since joining IBM in 1989. Scott is a frequently published author, speaker at industry events around the globe and can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottforstie/ and forstie@us.ibm.com. 
Scott is an avid runner, enjoys cooking and shooting pool.

Scott Forstie

 Db2 for i Business Architect.

IBM Db2 for i Business Architect Scott Forstie joins us to talk about 

SELECT * FROM EPISODES WHERE GUEST = 'SCOTT FORSTIE';

Loralie Fritel has been helping customers install, upgrade, and manage their IBM i Systems since 1998, and on today's episode she does a joins us to talk about her particular area of expertise, PTFs. So..what is a PTF? What's the best way to put them on? And how do you pronouce Loralie Fritel? Just hit play and find out. Some helpful PTF links: IBM i Technology Refresh&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ibm-i-technology-refresh" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ibm-i-technology-refresh</a>PTFs: FAQs / Question and Answers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ptfs-faqs-question-and-answers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ptfs-faqs-question-and-answers</a>Best Practices: PTF or Fixes Installation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/645469" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/645469</a>Installing cumulative PTF packages&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.5.0?topic=scenario-installing-cumulative-ptf-packages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.5.0?topic=scenario-installing-cumulative-ptf-packages</a>Automatic ordering of PTF groups&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.5.0?topic=fixes-automatic-ordering-ptf-groups" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.5.0?topic=fixes-automatic-ordering-ptf-groups</a>IBM i Group PTFs with Level&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ibm-i-group-ptfs-level" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ibm-i-group-ptfs-level</a>IBM i APARs/PTFs have migrated to Known Issues/Fix Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ibm-i-aparsptfs-have-migrated-known-issuesfix-information" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ibm-i-aparsptfs-have-migrated-known-issuesfix-information</a> We also want to put in a plug for Michael Mayers <a href="https://ibmireference.blogspot.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IBM i Reference</a> blog is a user-created site that provides helpful links for PTFs, Upgrades, TR Enhancements, and more. The IBM iGSC celebrates and thanks users like Mike who work independently to promote and support the IBM i community.

Loralie Fritel has been a key member of the IBM i Global Support Center's Save/Restore team since she joined IBM in 1998, and is relied on for her deep skills when it comes to all things PTF related. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, relaxing days on the lake, and going back to her family farm.


Loralie Fritel

Loralie Fritel has been helping customers install, upgrade, and manage their IBM i Systems since 1998, and on today's episode she does a joins us to talk about her particular area of expertise, PTFs. So..what IS a PTF? What's the best way to put them on? And how do you pronouce Loralie Fritel? Just hit play and find out.

Putting on PTFs with Loralie Fritel

In this episode, we meet Jerry McKee and do a deep dive into SSL, TLS, Self-Signed Certificates, and get some great tips on securing your networks from bad actors. And as an added bonus we get some fun stories about AS/400 reliability straight from the guy who soldered the chips that made them so in the first place. It’s a no-nonsense breakdown of how customers can keep their data and devices safe in a world wired for risk. <a href="https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.4.0?topic=i-configuring-ssl-admin-wizard" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Configuring SSL for ADMIN wizard - IBM</a> <a href="https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.4.0?topic=servers-setting-up-i-use-ssl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Setting up IBM i to use SSL</a> <a href="https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/configuring-your-ibm-i-system-secure-sockets-layer-ssltransport-layer-security-tls-protocols-and-cipher-suites" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Configuring Your IBM i System Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)/Transport Layer Security (TLS) Protocols and Cipher Suites</a>

Jerry has worked at IBM in various roles since 1992, and currently is a trusted resource on teams supporting the IFS, database client side drivers, and RPG programing. Jerry lives near Rochester, MN and enjoys many hobbies such as electronics and woodworking.

Jerry McKee

In this episode, we meet Jerry McKee and do a deep dive into SSL, TLS, Self-Signed Certificates, and get some great tips on securing your networks from bad actors. And as an added bonus we get some fun stories about AS/400 reliability straight from the guy who soldered the chips that made them so in the first place. It’s a no-nonsense breakdown of how customers can keep their data and devices safe in a world wired for risk.

"Who Needs SSL When You’ve Got Twinax?" — Jerry McKee

You, Me, and IBM i lives at the intersection of wit and wisdom, and offers an inside look at the lives of the technical support experts at the IBM i Global Support Center. Each episode explores a new aspect of support, and leaves listeners better able to solve their own issues and get back to business. Kurt Schroeder (<a href="mailto:kschroe@us.ibm.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kschroe@us.ibm.com</a>) welcomes your comments, questions, and show suggestions.

IBM

Honey Badger Does Actually Care

DESCRIPTION

Today's Host

Kurt Schroeder

Today's Guests

Josh Majsterski

Recent Episodes

Honey Badger Does Actually Care

DESCRIPTION

Today's Host

Kurt Schroeder

Today's Guests

Josh Majsterski

Related Resources

Recent Episodes

"Channeling Bonalumi"

A Conversation Across Time and Tide: Insights from Dariusz Maliszewski

Connecting Cultures, One Call at a Time

SELECT * FROM EPISODES WHERE GUEST = 'SCOTT FORSTIE';

Putting on PTFs with Loralie Fritel

"Who Needs SSL When You’ve Got Twinax?" — Jerry McKee