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 […]
Read more "Podcast Episode 149 – Celebrate Good Times"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 […]
Read more "Podcast Episode 148 – Quality on the Boundaries #PeersCon27 Theme Launch"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 […]
Read more "Podcast Episode 145 – Bring Your Hobbies to Work"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 […]
Read more "Podcast Episode 144 – Change for Good"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 […]
Read more "Podcast Episode 143 – Flow, Friction, and Value"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. […]
Read more "Episode 142 – Spending Your Training Budget Wisely"It is time for the sixth annual Testing Peers festive special. In this end-of-year episode, our hosts Beth Marshall, Chris Armstrong, Russell Craxford, David Maynard, Tara Walton and Rachel Kibler look back over a chaotic, curious, and occasionally hilarious year in tech and testing through the lens of the 12 Bugs of Christmas. From global […]
Read more "Podcast Episode 141 – The 12 Bugs of Christmas"Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. In this episode, Simon, David, Chris and returning host, Dan Ashby explore what makes a high-performing team and how leaders can intentionally create the right environment for teams to thrive. The conversation builds on both shared experience and real-world examples of navigating complex team dynamics. Topics […]
Read more "Podcast Episode 140 – High Performing Teams Playbook"Welcome to episode 138 of the Testing Peers Podcast In this episode, Chris, Rachel, David and Russell discuss how people begin their careers in testing and software quality today. After a light-hearted round of “Two Truths and a Lie (But All Lies)”, the conversation turns to the different ways people enter the field, and how […]
Read more "Podcast Episode 138 – Quality Careers Beginnings"Welcome to episode 137 of the Testing Peers podcast! This time, join Callum Akehurst-Ryan, Russell Craxford, Chris Armstrong and David Maynard as we discuss Personal Branding and Social Media. In this episode, the Peers discuss the importance of personal branding and the role social media plays in shaping professional identity within the testing community. The […]
Read more "Podcast Episode 137 – Personal Branding and Social Media"