Breaktime Tech Talks
Episodes
Ep63: MCP Integration Success + Advancing Semantic Search
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Breaktime Tech Talks! In this episode, get my latest breakthroughs and insights with Quarkus and Langchain4j, a new vector data type in Neo...
Ep62: Quarkus Langchain4j Updates + Production-Ready Agents on JVM
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hear my latest adventures in the world of Java development, focusing on integrating Langchain4j with Quarkus, tackling dependency man...
Ep61: William Lyon on Knowledge Graphs + Agentic Memory
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the first time ever, Jennifer welcomes a guest to the show! William Lyon gives us a deep dive into the evolving world of AI agents, knowledge grap...
Ep60: Langchain4j & Neo4j Integration Breakthroughs + The Decade of Agents in AI
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Breaktime Tech Talks! In this episode, dive into the latest updates and challenges in the world of developer tools, AI, and graph databases...
Ep59: NODES 2025 Highlights + Solving Graph Problems with Cypher 25
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: Recap of NODES 2025 and standout sessions How AI and music graphs are shaping new tech (featuring Luanne Misquitta’s talk) Explor...
Ep58: Hybrid Search Headaches + GraphRAG as MCP Server
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Breaktime Tech Talks, dive into the real-world challenges and discoveries from my recent work with Langchain4j, Quarkus, and Neo4j....
Ep57: Developer Advocacy Realities + Conditional Logic in Cypher
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Breaktime Tech Talks, I share an inside look into developer advocacy, discuss the highs and lows of the role, and review new featur...
Ep56: Java and Langchain4j Releases + GraphRAG with Langchain4j
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Breaktime Tech Talks, we focus on frameworks, libraries, and integrations that streamline workflows and enable more powerful applic...
Ep55: Demystifying MCP + Future of Vibe Coding and RAG
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the latest challenge with Neo4j vector indexes, demystify Model Context Protocol (MCP), and hear insights on vibe coding and Retrieval-Augment...
Ep54: Spring AI Integrations + Real-World RAG Challenges
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hear my latest hands-on experiences and lessons learned from the world of AI, graph databases, and developer tooling. What’s Inside: The difference...
Ep53: Language Models for Data Tasks + MCP Journey Begins
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Breaktime Tech Talks, I delve into my recent experiences with Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Large Language Models, specifically...
Ep52: Enhancing AI with Spring Advisors + GraphRAG Python Adventures
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Breaktime Tech Talks, I share insights from my recent work, including a successful GraphRAG workshop and breakthroughs in utilizing...
Ep51: Exploring AI Agents + Agentic GraphRAG in Java
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I delve into the world of agents, discussing my experience with Spring AI tool calling. I share my approach to vector search and gra...
Ep50: GraphRAG with Advisors + Spring AI Concepts
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the 50th episode of Breaktime Tech Talks! And to celebrate, I launched a podcast feedback form for you, my listeners. In this 50th episode, follo...
Ep49: Moving toward AI Tools/Agents + Local RAG app with Quarkus
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I simplified my Langchain4j project with improved prompt variable injection. Then hear my perspective on the role of tools vs. agents in AI...
Ep48: Java GraphRAG and Langchain4j 1.0 + Thoughts on conversational interfaces
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, there were quite a few things I learned: Common steps for implementing GraphRAG in Java using Spring AI and Langchain4j, highlighting key ...
Ep47: Langchain4j GraphRAG Friction + MCP Authorization Headaches
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share some hands-on insights from building apps with Langchain4j using Quarkus and Neo4j, and co...
Ep46: Quarkus Neo4j Application + Development Lessons Learned
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the Quarkus framework with a code repository and an article about development lessons learned. Topics covered include: ...
Ep45: Exploring Java Frameworks + Launch of Spring AI 1.0
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I have some exciting technical updates, along with insights from my recent work and learning. Topics covered include: 📝 Neo4j Ja...
Ep44: Updates in Java tools + MCP and Security
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep43: MCP Java SDK + Naive RAG vs GraphRAG
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. W...
Ep42: RAG and Java + AI-generated content and MCP
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, star...
Ep41: Spring AI M7, NODES, RAG + Neo4j, Quarkus, and Intelligent Apps
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we unpack a busy week of updates, learning, and cool tech! From Spring AI’s milestone 7 release with simplified Pinecone configurat...
Ep40: Recent AI learnings + More than a vector database
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep39: Why embedding models should match + Advice for starting a blog
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, hear about my hands-on experience (code repository on Github) understanding the importance of using the same embedding models...
Ep38: Spring AI Debugging + How to Contribute to Open Source
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I continue my journey with vector databases, integrating Pinecone, Neo4j, and Spring AI. While making some progress, I also encounter...
Ep37: Vector Database Frustration + Microsoft LazyGraphRAG
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss my challenges exploring vector databases for an upcoming demo. From what is a vector database to integration issues, hear h...
Ep36: What is a Developer Advocate + Balancing Digital Consumption
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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/Evang...
Ep35: Vector Databases + Building Effective Agents
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 unders...
Ep34: Outlines and Iterating + Lessons from Grace Hopper
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, hear my process of preparing for an upcoming conference with insights on how outlines enhance presentations and blog posts, a...
Ep33: Cypher DSL examples + Crowd-source AI hacking
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share recent blog posts. The first is about tackling challenges with GitHub repositories, offering solutions on syncing forks and u...
Ep32: Official CLI + Bread Code Framework
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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). ...
Ep31: Database CLI + Containerization Refcard
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Ep30: SDN update entity + Knowledge Graph ebook
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into my latest experiences with Spring Data Neo4j, specifically exploring new methods for updating nodes. After revisiting my 2023 blog post on t...
Ep29: Neo4j GenAI plugin + How-To for Technical Content
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, dive into a few exciting areas I've been exploring, including generative AI and graph technologies. I worked with Neo4j’s generativ...
Ep28: 2024 Recap, 2025 Look-Ahead + Always Be Launching
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Take a moment to reflect on 2024, exploring highlights in AI advancements, personal growth, and professional achievements, along with exciting 2025 go...
Ep27: Lexical vs Semantic Search + Downside of Vector Databases
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the distinction between lexical and semantic search technologies, the growing use of vector databases, and the potential challenges and soluti...
Ep26: Git Troubles + Dungeons & Dragons Graph
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Git issues, finally resetting local branch, cherry-picking, and cleaning up. Then a fun graph presentation - Dungeons, Dragons, and Graph Databases.
Ep25: Github Actions + AI Coding Assistant
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hear some positive tech experiences from the week: the upgrade from GitHub Actions (upload/download artifact) to v4 through a 3rd pa...
Ep24: Graph Data Science + Building Knowledge Graphs
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode, my refresher with the Graph Data Science library with highlights and challenges. Then an overview of the Building Knowledge Graphs book,...
Ep23: Spring Data Neo4j course + Event recap
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hear learnings from the new Spring Data Neo4j course - building blocks, updates/deletes, and modeling. Then recap XtremeJ and NODES 2024, + upcoming ...
Ep22: LLM Graph Builder + Devrel unlocks “aha” moment
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, get my latest experiences with the Neo4j LLM Graph Builder, both the benefits and challenges. Then, an article focusing on the concep...
Ep21: Data is cool + NODES 2024 preview
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hear why data (a less glamorous topic) is actually fascinating and crucial. Then, look forward with a preview of next week's NODES 20...
Ep20: What is a graph + Goodhart’s Law
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cover the basics of graphs, explaining mathematical roots and applications. Introduce Goodhart's Law and highlight the risks of over-focusing on metri...
Ep19: RAG vs Agents + Naming Things
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore agents in AI, distinguishing them from RAG (article1, article2). And discuss naming and the importance of conveying relevance and clarity.
Ep18: What is Vector search + JConf/Dev2next experiences
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Want to take our previous vector topic a step further with vector similarity search. Then, I’ll give my thoughts on 2 recent tech conferences - JCon...
Ep17: Using Asciidoc for Tech Content + Current Productivity Reads
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Asciidoc markup language is powerful and useful for developers and technical writing. Also highlighting productivity books - Atomic Habits and Dee...
Ep16: Mapping Relationships in Applications + Software Estimates
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Documenting how to map relationship entities from a database to an application. Then, delving into one author’s viewpoint on software project estima...
Ep15: What is GraphRAG + Developing Better Software
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The term GraphRAG has recently popped up in the current AI industry, so I review a blog post on what it is and how it fits into the current landscape....
Ep14: Making Tech Relatable + Java Entity Mapping
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m always refreshing my memory and learning new things. How to explain technical concepts to broader audiences, then a question from the community ...
Ep13: GraphQL vs GQL vs Cypher + Road to NODES
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Fall! This week, we talk about confusion around GraphQL, GQL, and graph query languages. Then, I am excited to gear up for NODES 2024 by showcas...
Ep12: What is RAG + Case for Conferences
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we discuss retrieval augmented generation (RAG) and how it’s being used to improve responses (or prevent hallucinations) from an LLM. We ...
Ep11: What is a Knowledge Graph + DevUp Conference
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A recent blog post defines "knowledge graph", a term that has been around awhile and is part of many recent AI conversations. And then we chat about t...
Ep10: What are embeddings + LLM use case and prompt
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With the amount of new information, sometimes it’s hard to review earlier concepts. In this episode, we explain what an embedding is and talk about ...
Ep9: Graphs for Conference Scheduling + Spring AI 1.0
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In preparing for the NODES 2024 conference, I’ll talk about how my colleague and I made scheduling easier by using Neo4j (a database). Spring AI als...
Ep8: Luck Favors the Prepared + LLM Graph Builder Tool
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever feel like some people have all the luck? Sometimes we need to see things in a new light to break through the barrier or overcome the obsta...
Ep7: Deploying Neo4j on Kubernetes + Parallel Relationship Loading
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I now have a code repository and blog post for Neo4j+Kubernetes. We also chat about another blog post on how to solve a deadlock with parallel relatio...
Ep6: Maintaining Personal Website + Git Submodules
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A few years ago, I built a website for my technical blog. Find out how I solved this year's bug. Through the process, we'll discuss git submodules and...
Ep5: What are vectors + KCDC Highlights
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
AI seems to be everywhere in the tech industry right now….but it comes with a lot of new technical jargon. Let's explain vectors - what they are and...
Ep4: Where’s the Graph Data Type in Programming Languages?
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you manipulate or handle a graph in languages like Java, Python, and more, and why can it be so difficult? In this episode, we discuss the blog...
Ep3: Current Tech Read and Exploring Kubernetes
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chat about my current tech read (Where Wizards Stay Up Late) about technology history, touching on networking, internet, and AI. Exploration of Kubern...
Ep2: Spring AI Debugging and Query Tune-Up
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we debug a Spring AI application and review Adam Cowley's blog post on optimizing Cypher statements with popular nodes!
Ep1: Meet Breaktime Tech Talks + Devnexus Summary
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we introduce the Breaktime Tech Talks podcast, chat about how it came about (jmhreif blog + GraphStuff.FM podcast), and provide a recap of the ...