Lee Brownhill is a Principal Cloud DBA at Cloud Rede with deep expertise in SQL Server performance tuning and automation. With years of experience across Azure and AWS, Lee helps clients optimize their cloud data platforms.

His journey began in IT support, quickly evolving into a passion for SQL Server that led him through roles as a Production and Developer DBA. Now, he’s a trusted consultant, known for making systems run faster and smarter.

Lee is a Redgate Community Ambassador, a regular at SQLBits and Data Relay, and once spent a transformative week learning from T-SQL legend Itzik Ben-Gan. Whether on-prem or in the cloud, Lee’s mission is simple: make SQL Server shine.

Topics of Discussion:

[2:33] Lee shares his career journey, starting in general IT support and transitioning to a role involving Microsoft Dynamics NAV, which introduced him to SQL Server.

[5:48] Jeffrey discusses the challenges faced by young programmers who work with databases but lack deep experience.

[7:05] Lee highlights common anti-patterns in SQL Server.

[8:04] The concept of “row by agonizing row.”

[8:46] Lee shares his thought process when addressing performance problems in SQL Server.

[9:12] Categorizing issues based on their severity and urgency using a tried-and-true checklist.

[10:36] Taking a step back to look at the issue holistically before diving into specific details.

[16:04] An optimal database structure and segmentation in 2025, and the importance of normalization to avoid redundant data and ensure data integrity.

[20:00] The different ways to host SQL Server in Azure and the benefits of each.

[23:02] Metrics for determining if an Azure SQL instance is over- or under-provisioned.

[25:02] The value of Azure’s costing tools in helping to optimize resource usage and reduce costs.

[26:07] The work of site reliability engineers who use KQL to analyze logs and identify issues.

[30:09] Lee’s blog is a repository of technical topics, including SQL Server, performance tuning, and unit testing.

[32:10] SQL Server 2025 features and the importance of learning and understanding new technologies.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Clear Measure Way

Architect Forum

Software Engineer Forum

Lee Brownhill’s Blog

Lee Brownhill LinkedIn

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Aaron Palermo is a Senior Solutions Architect, DevOps engineer, and all-around cybersecurity expert. He works for a global cybersecurity services company, Appgate. Aaron was last on the show in episode 196, sharing about Zero Trust Networking.

Topics of Discussion:

[3:20] Aaron shares his excitement for learning new things and solving innovative challenges, which keep him engaged in the field.

[3:30] Aaron explains his current role at Appgate, a zero-trust network access company.

[4:25] The importance of direct-routed solutions for federal customers who want to own and manage their infrastructure.

[6:27] Aaron recounts how he applied insights from previous ADP guests Scott Hunter, Burke Holland, and Greg Leonardo.

[7:56] He explains the process of querying the Appgate API with natural language and the insights gained from the AI agent’s code generation.

[8:24] Testing an Integration in the Lab.

[11:05] Jeffrey and Aaron discuss the benefits of using open-source tools and the flexibility of Proxmox for network testing.

[14:47] VS Code and Copilot Integration, and what’s next.

[19:39] Aaron introduces n8n.io as a low or no-code automation platform that integrates with AI agents and APIs for workflow orchestration.

[21:15] Integrating simple automation examples, such as weather-based watering systems and data-driven decisions without sensors.

[28:09] OpenWRT’s flexibility and customization.

[30:01] What are some of the scenarios where a software-defined network might be the right tool?

[33:26] Know what you want, and write from a purpose.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Clear Measure Way

Architect Forum

Software Engineer Forum

Ep 196 with Aaron Palermo

n8n

AppGate

Want to Learn More?

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Jonathan Tower is known to friends and colleagues simply as “J.” J. is a Microsoft MVP, Telerik Developer Expert, and the founder of Trailhead Technology Partners, a global custom software consultancy. With nearly 25 years of experience in the industry, J. has held roles ranging from senior architect to director of development, and now leads a team building high-quality, large-scale applications across a wide range of technologies.

J.’s technical expertise spans C#, .NET, ASP.NET MVC, and modern JavaScript frameworks, along with mobile app development. But what truly sets him apart is his passion for building community. He’s the driving force behind Beer City Code, Michigan’s largest software conference, and serves on the board of SoftwareGR, a nonprofit dedicated to growing the software industry in West Michigan.

He’s also a frequent speaker at conferences and meetups around the world, a LinkedIn Learning course author, and a mentor to many through his work with robotics teams and local tech groups.

Outside of tech, J. is an adventurer at heart. He and his family recently completed a year-long road trip across the U.S., visiting 58 of the 63 national parks. He’s also a fan of photography, hiking, reading, and catching every Best Picture nominee before the Oscars.

Topics of Discussion:

[3:30] Fun fact! J. has been to 58 of the 63 national parks, with his current favorite being Glacier National Park.

[4:46] J. explains his early interest in creating things and his discovery of software development in middle school.

[7:33] J.’s journey into leadership and consulting.

[11:04] J. talks about his Blue Blazes podcast and the inspiration behind the name.

[14:27] The “shiny object syndrome” and the misuse of microservices architecture.

[15:06] Understanding the true needs of a project before implementing complex solutions.

[21:20] AI should be viewed as a collaborative tool, not a replacement for team members.

[22:51] The insight that J. got at a Ford Factory about how AI can help us shape and create jobs instead of just replacing them.

[27:50] J. mentions he recently released courses on Dome Train about migrating legacy applications.

[29:05] Choosing the framework that is the most similar model.

[31:29] The type of traits that J. would look for in a lead engineer or a team leader.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Clear Measure Way

Architect Forum

Software Engineer Forum

Jonathan “J.” Tower LinkedIn

JTower Website

Trailhead Technology

Jonathan “J.” Tower MVP

Blue Blazes Podcast

.NET Foundation

Dome Train — Jonathan Tower

Want to Learn More?

Visit AzureDevOps.Show for show notes and additional episodes.