Podcast Episode 155 – Not Every Idea Needs Buy-In

We’ve all had ideas that we thought were brilliant, only to be met with silence, indifference or a room full of questions we weren’t quite ready to answer. So how do we get people on board with our ideas, and do we always need to? In this episode, Chris, Ben, Rachel and Russell explore the […]

Podcast Episode 154 – Getting a Seat at the (AI) Table

AI is changing how software is built. More can be generated, changed and shipped faster than before. So where does that leave testing and quality engineering, and what do we bring with us as the way we build software continues to change? In this episode, Chris, Russell and Tara are joined by Richard Hinton to […]

Podcast Episode 153 – Why We Still Love Testing

What brings you joy in testing? In this episode, Chris, Russell and Tara are joined by Linda van der Vooren to talk about the parts of testing that still make the job worthwhile, even when work itself isn’t always particularly joyful. They explore the satisfaction of making a genuine difference, solving difficult problems, helping others […]

Podcast Episode 152 – Intellectual Territory

What are you known for? Is it what you want to be known for? And how much control do you have over either? In this episode of the Testing Peers, Chris Armstrong, Russell Craxford, Dan Ashby and Tara Walton explore intellectual territory: the ideas, problems and patterns of thinking we repeatedly return to. Against a […]

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 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 […]