Podcast Episode 151 – The State of Testing in 2026

What does testing look like in 2026? In this episode, Tara Walton, Chris Armstrong, Russell Craxford and Dan Billing reflect on the current state of testing, quality engineering and software delivery in a rapidly changing industry. From the continued rise of AI and changing organisational priorities to evolving job titles, shifting responsibilities and the importance […]

Podcast Episode 150 – End to what end?

In this episode, Russell, Tara, Ben Dowen, and Al Goodall explore end-to-end testing. Starting with some light-hearted banter on coffee, triggered by Ben. From what start to what end? A recurring theme is being clear with what we mean when we say end-to-end The group reflect on: Integrations Often, these tests cross architecture and […]

Podcast Episode 149 – Celebrate Good Times

In this episode, Chris, Russell, David and Vernon try something a little different. Instead of ranting about the state of the industry, the conversation focuses on optimism, momentum, and the things they are genuinely excited about in 2026. Reasons to be cheerful The team reflect on what is giving them energy right now, from community […]

Podcast Episode 148 – Quality on the Boundaries #PeersCon27 Theme Launch

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, hosts Chris Armstrong and Russell Craxford are joined by #PeersCon27 Programme Chairs, Veerle Verhagen and Callum Akehurst-Ryan, to launch the Call for Collaboration. The conversation introduces the 2027 theme, explores what “quality on the boundaries” means in practice, and sets clear expectations for […]

Podcast Episode 147 – What If We Started a Testing Consultancy?

In this episode, Russell, Chris, Tara, and David explore what a testing consultancy could look like if you stripped it back and built it around values, experience, and honest reflection. Starting with some light-hearted conference banter, the conversation quickly turns to consultancy models, what works, what does not, and what they would do differently. Outcomes […]

Episode 146 – International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day This episode of Testing Peers is published in recognition of International Women’s Day (8 March). International Women’s Day is a global moment to recognise the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while also highlighting the continued work needed to achieve gender equality. It is also a call to action to […]

Podcast Episode 145 – Bring Your Hobbies to Work

Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, Veerle, Chris, Russell and Tara explore how hobbies influence the way we learn, collaborate and grow within testing and quality engineering. Before getting into the main topic, the Peers open with some classic banter, covering unusual fruit sizes, strange dreams and the small […]

Podcast Episode 144 – Change for Good

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. This time, join Chris Armstrong, Rachel Kibler, Tara Walton, and Russell Craxford discussing what it means to create change in teams that are worn down, frustrated, or stuck in longstanding patterns. In this episode, the Peers talk frame the discussion around practical reflections on […]

Podcast Episode 143 – Flow, Friction, and Value

Hello friends, and welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, Chris, Dan, David, and Russell come together for a wide-ranging conversation about flow, what it really means, and why it matters far beyond speed or delivery metrics. The discussion starts with some light New Year banter before quickly moving into […]

Episode 142 – Spending Your Training Budget Wisely

Happy New Year, Peers!! Welcome to the latest episode of the Testing Peers podcast, this time panel explores how testers and quality professionals can make the most of their training budgets, whether that budget is zero, modest, or stretches into several thousand pounds. Hosts this week: Russell Craxford, David Maynard, Chris Armstrong, and Tara Walton. […]