x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Breaktime Tech Talks

A bite-sized tech podcast for busy developers where we’ll briefly cover technical topics, new snippets, and more in short time blocks. Your host, Jennifer Reif, is an avid developer and problem-solver with special interest in data, learning, and all things technology.

technology tech news

All Episodes

10:58

Ep44: Updates in Java tools + MCP and Security

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/05/16

In this episode, we dive into three key updates from the world of Java development and emerging tech standards:First, walk through a new feature in the Neo4j Java driver (v5.28.5) that enables lightweight object mapping. I’ve set up a sample code repository showcasing how to return Cypher query results directly into your Java domain objects—no full-blown OGM needed. It’s a big improvement, but with a few gotchas you’ll want to understand. Next, we take a look at Jackson Jr, a lightweight

en

11:18

Ep43: MCP Java SDK + Naive RAG vs GraphRAG

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/05/09

In this episode, we dive into the latest upgrades in Neo4j tooling, along with recent bug fixes and enhancements in the LLM Knowledge Graph Builder. We also explore a new preview feature for Java object mapping in the Neo4j Java driver and check out the MCP Java SDK. Next, we highlight the new "Using Neo4j with Java" course on GraphAcademy and unpack a compelling Weaviate article on RAG vs. GraphRAG, featuring Microsoft’s GraphRAG methodology.Whether you're a Java dev, graph enthusiast, or

en

12:33

Ep42: RAG and Java + AI-generated content and MCP

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/05/02

Star Wars Day is nearly here, and this episode is stacked with tech goodness to celebrate! I’m diving into highlights from the Neo4j ecosystem, starting with an early look at the Using Neo4j with Java course—perfect for getting started with the Java driver in a framework-less setup.Also in this episode: ⚙️ Behind-the-scenes of APOC + Pinecone integration ✨ Part 2 of my Intro to Retrieval Augmented Generation series 🎥 My recent guest spot on Neo4j Live, discussing the Developer’s Guide to

en

11:46

Ep41: Spring AI M7, NODES, RAG + Neo4j, Quarkus, and...

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/04/25

In this episode, we unpack a busy week of updates, learning, and cool tech! From Spring AI’s milestone 7 release with simplified Pinecone configuration to some tricky wifi, I walk through recent changes and adventures. Plus, NODES 2025 is officially announced, and there’s hints of our upcoming GraphAcademy Java course. I also talk about the first part of my new blog series on Retrieval Augmented Generation and highlight a fantastic article on Neo4j, Quarkus, and intelligent applications.

en

10:24

Ep40: Recent AI learnings + More than a vector database

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/04/11

Fresh from the Arc of AI conference, I’m unpacking the biggest insights that stuck with me—ranging from the extremes of AI’s capabilities to the deeper implications for how we build and maintain our tech systems. I’ll also share a new blog post and code repo I published on loading data into Pinecone, some next-gen tools I’m eyeing, and thoughts on a great article from the Redis blog about why vector databases aren’t enough. Navigate the evolving landscape of LLMs, generative AI, and modern

en

13:36

Ep39: Why embedding models should match + Advice for...

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/04/04

In this podcast episode, hear about my hands-on experience (code repository on Github) understanding the importance of using the same embedding models for both creating and searching vector embeddings in databases and how mismatched models can lead to poor search results.I also pull highlights from an article with advice for those interested in blogging, and how it particularly relates to my own approach to tech blogging.

en

13:25

Ep38: Spring AI Debugging + How to Contribute to Open...

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/03/21

In this episode, I continue my journey with vector databases, integrating Pinecone, Neo4j, and Spring AI. While making some progress, I also encountered hurdles, such as evolving APIs and the unique architecture of vector stores.Next, I share insights from an article on contributing to open-source projects, how it can accelerate your career and enhance both your technical and soft skills. From picking the right project to building credibility within the community, it's a series of steps that gets

en

12:22

Ep37: Vector Database Frustration + Microsoft...

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/03/14

In this episode, I discuss my challenges exploring vector databases for an upcoming demo. From what is a vector database to integration issues, hear how I tried a few different approaches with limited success and discover the surprising one with the most promise. I also explore Microsoft's "Lazy Graph RAG" approach, which seems to trade one challenge for another but could be valuable in certain cases.

en

11:27

What is a Developer Advocate + Balancing Digital...

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/02/28

This week, I explored the Javalin Java framework and project decisions I'm trying to make. I also answer: What exactly does a Developer Advocate/Evangelist/Devrel do? Finally, I reflect on an article on balancing digital consumption with actual productivity.

en

08:53

Ep35: Vector Databases + Building Effective Agents

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/02/21

In this episode, there are two topics I'm looking forward to diving deeper into: vector databases and AI agents. I'm particularly interested in understanding how vector databases work, how they work with data, and their role in AI applications.Then I share my thoughts on Anthropic’s article about Building AI Agents, which discusses their varying definitions—from simple workflows to fully autonomous systems—and provides practical examples. The article highlights the importance of starting simple,

en

13:21

Ep34: Outlines and Iterating + Lessons from Grace Hopper

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/02/14

In this podcast episode, hear my process of preparing for an upcoming conference with insights on how outlines enhance presentations and blog posts, as well as code and architecture. Also discuss how constant improvement is key with an online course as an example. Finally, I highlight a historical read on cryptography, and share reflections from Grace Hopper's 1982 lecture on data, hardware, and software, drawing connections between her insights and modern challenges in technology.

en

08:58

Ep33: Cypher DSL examples + Crowd-source AI hacking

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/02/07

In this episode, I share recent blog posts. The first is about tackling challenges with GitHub repositories, offering solutions on syncing forks and using git rebasing, diffs, and pruning. Next, I created examples with Cypher DSL, providing beginner-friendly details to help users get started. Additionally, I started prepping for the Devnexus conference, where I'll be delivering my first keynote. I also read an article about an intriguing AI testing project where a user successfully manipulated an

en

10:32

Ep32: Official CLI + Bread Code Framework

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/01/31

In this episode, I’m following up on a few things I’ve mentioned before. I dive into some updates on the Aura CLI (the official product version). I also explored the Neo4j GenAI Java library a bit more, including a connection hiccup I ran into with Neo4j Desktop. Then, I get into my experience with the Cypher DSL library and how Cypher fits into the retrieval part of RAG systems. Finally, I take a fun detour into an interesting article about a GitHub repository that combines coding and sourdough

en

09:31

Ep31: Database CLI + Containerization Refcard

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/01/24

In this episode, hear updates on a few projects, including Neo4j's new Aura CLI and NeoConverse. Plus, the promised blog post from last week's episode on Spring Data Neo4j entity updates. Shout-out to the JAXJUG and TampaJUG groups. If you're not involved with a tech group, there are options!Finally, a review of the DZone RefCard on Java containerization with its clear guidance on Docker containers, native builds, and deployment, making complex concepts more accessible for developers.

en

09:06

Ep30: SDN update entity + Knowledge Graph ebook

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/01/17

Dive into my latest experiences with Spring Data Neo4j, specifically exploring new methods for updating nodes. After revisiting my 2023 blog post on this topic, I share insights on custom Cypher queries and projections. I also discuss the challenges of finding good examples for update operations.In addition, Neo4j announced the release of The Developer's Guide: How to Build a Knowledge Graph, a new ebook I co-authored. Hear my challenges of writing the book, including finding the right dataset for

en

10:16

Ep29: Neo4j GenAI plugin + How-To for Technical Content

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2025/01/10

In this episode, dive into a few exciting areas I've been exploring, including generative AI and graph technologies. I worked with Neo4j’s generative AI plugin for an experiment, and it wasn't all smooth sailing.Next, my highlights from an article in the Descript community on how to expand your educational YouTube audience—especially applied for those creating technical content. Key tips include thinking like a viewer to ask great questions, tweaking video intros to keep people engaged, and

en

12:32

Ep28: 2024 Recap, 2025 Look-Ahead + Always Be Launching

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2024/12/27

Take a moment to reflect on 2024, exploring highlights in AI advancements, personal growth, and professional achievements, along with exciting 2025 goals. Then delve into an article that discusses marketing strategies but aligns well with developer advocacy.

en

08:54

Ep27: Lexical vs Semantic Search + Downside of Vector...

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2024/12/20

Explore the distinction between lexical and semantic search technologies, the growing use of vector databases, and the potential challenges and solutions that may arise as these technologies mature.

en

11:43

Ep26: Git Troubles + Dungeons & Dragons Graph

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2024/12/06

Git issues, finally resetting local branch, cherry-picking, and cleaning up. Then a fun graph presentation - Dungeons, Dragons, and Graph Databases.

en

08:56

Ep25: Github Actions + AI Coding Assistant

Breaktime Tech Talks ·

2024/11/29

In this episode, hear some positive tech experiences from the week: the upgrade from GitHub Actions (upload/download artifact) to v4 through a 3rd party repo, and the new AI coding assistant feature in IntelliJ IDEA.

en

64 results

Similar Podcasts

Lead With AI

Tamara Nall

Linux in the Ham Shack

Black Sparrow Media

Data Engineering Podcast

Tobias Macey

Eye On A.I.

Craig S. Smith

Reflections

Livewire Labs