Welcome to the 20th installment of the 2025 MySQL Community Advent Calendar of Content! For this entry, we are highlighting season 3 of the Inside MySQL: Sakila Speaks podcast, which was dedicated to all things artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on MySQL. Across five insightful episodes, Scott, Fred, and a range of expert guests explored how AI is transforming database technology, practical implementations in MySQL, emerging features, and real-world use cases, offering listeners a comprehensive view of AI’s evolving role in the MySQL ecosystem.

Season 3 Episode 1: “AI for the Rest of Us: A High-Level Overview”
To kick off the season, the team welcomes Matt Quinn, Oracle’s head of AI, for a broad introduction to artificial intelligence and its reshaping of industries. The discussion covers the evolution of AI, misconceptions about privacy and security, the differences between enterprise and consumer AI, and the critical role that data – particularly data found in MySQL – plays in powering intelligent solutions. The episode sets the stage for deeper dives into how AI intersects with MySQL and Oracle’s broader technology stack.

Season 3 Episode 2: “HeatWave Hot Takes: The Power of ML and GenAI”
In this episode, Sanjay Jinturkar and Jayant Sharma from Oracle discuss how machine learning (ML) and generative AI are built directly into the MySQL HeatWave service. They explore the advantages of in-database ML over external pipelines, security and privacy considerations, and highlight user experiences and real-world applications, such as predictive maintenance and compliance automation. The conversation also provides tips for getting started with AI in HeatWave, including using always-free instances and a library of practical resources.

Season 3 Episode 3: “Let HeatWave Drive: The AutoPilot Advantage”
In episode three, director of development Onur Kocberber unpacks HeatWave AutoPilot’s role in automating and optimizing MySQL instances using advanced AI and machine learning. The episode details how AutoPilot simplifies tasks such as query optimization, cost and performance management, and adaptive indexing, helping users improve efficiency with minimal manual intervention. There’s also a discussion of generative AI features under development, such as natural language querying, and how Oracle leverages these capabilities internally to improve the MySQL platform.

Season 3 Episode 4: “Homegrown Intelligence: AI Features for On-Prem MySQL Enterprise”
Gaurav Chadha joins Scott and Fred to introduce MySQL AI, a new solution bringing advanced AI features found in HeatWave to organizations running MySQL Enterprise Edition on-premises. The episode covers seamless compatibility with existing MySQL deployments, AI-powered data analysis, LLM (large language model) integration, and how Oracle is making these tools accessible and efficient for on-prem users who may not be ready to move to the cloud. The conversation underscores Oracle’s commitment to privacy, security, and continuous innovation.

Season 3 Episode 5: “MyVector Magic: Elevating MySQL with AI Search”
Oracle Ace Alkin Tezuysal joins for a deep dive into the MyVector plugin, which brings powerful vector search capabilities to MySQL Community Edition. The discussion examines why vector similarity search is now essential for AI-driven applications, the engineering behind MyVector and its use of the HNSW algorithm, and how users can easily get started and contribute. Real-world examples and active community interest are highlighted, showcasing the cutting edge of open-source AI extensions for MySQL.

Summary
Season 3 of Inside MySQL: Sakila Speaks provides a comprehensive look at the accelerating convergence between AI and MySQL, from foundational concepts and strategic perspectives to hands-on tools and innovations. Whether we are just beginning to explore AI or looking to deepen our knowledge of practical implementations in MySQL, this season offers valuable insights for everyone in the community. We look forward to even more exciting content, as season 4 will arrive in early 2026 with new topics and developments at the intersection of MySQL and emerging technologies.