Community Manager Bob Rhubart, host of the Oracle Groundbreakers Podcast, is calling it a day as he retires from Oracle. Bob is one of a kind and anyone who knows him can verify that. Smart, helpful, generous, and friendly are just a few of the many words that describe him. Bob started what is now the Oracle Groundbreakers Podcast in March 2009. It has since grown into one of Oracle’s most popular podcasts.

In this interview Bob talks about growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, about the people who inspired him, and about how a blue-collar guy ended up in tech. Bob also talks about what goes into a good podcast. “I think it’s how my hair looks. If my hair is good, then the interview is going to be good,” he admits. But the biggest part of the success of the podcast is the community. “There’s a greater sense of brotherhood amongst software developers. Go to a software developers conference and take a look around. It’s kind of like Comic-Con without the superhero costumes.” In selecting panelists for the podcast, Bob tries to draw on that energy.

The conversation with Bob ranges from technology and the evolving role of the software developer, to the impact of technology on our lives. “My six-year-old grandson has his own iPad,” Bob says. “It makes me wonder what the future is going to look like. What expectations will today’s six-year-olds have of technology when they are 20, when they are 30? What will software development look like in another 10 or 20 years? Will people even be involved in software development? Will software generate itself?”

Bob’s influence will certainly be apparent as this podcast moves into the future. Whatever happens, one thing is for sure: It is hard saying goodbye. It has been a pleasure working with Bob, and we will sorely miss him. But we wish him the best in his retirement. Just for the record, Bob started and grew the Oracle Groundbreakers Podcast into the #1 rated podcast from Oracle. We hope to continue his legacy.

This conversation was recorded via Zoom on Tuesday, July 21, 2020.