Testing Peers

Testing Peers
Testing Peers

Testing Peers is a growing community of ~60 peers in testing, software quality, agility, test leadership, engineering management, and broader software development. We’re united by a shared goal: to drive quality in everything we do within our workplaces and beyond. Through collaboration, accountability, and mutual support, we strive to elevate one another both professionally and personally.The Testing Peers podcast is now expanding beyond its original four hosts, David Maynard, Chris Armstrong, Russell Craxford and Simon Prior, striving to represent the voices of a diverse and thriving community. Our inaugural in-person conference, PeersCon, launched in Nottingham in March 2024 and will return in March 2025, further solidifying Testing Peers as a not-for-profit, by testers, for testers initiative.

  1. 3H AGO

    Knowledge Resilience

    Welcome to episode 130 of the Testing Peers Podcast. This time join David, Russell, Chris and Dermot as we talk Knowledge Resilience. After an ice breaker where Russell poses the question to the Peers of what have we wanted to learn, but have not yet achieved. Then Dermot sets up the main topic with the following question: "what would you do with the knowledge that you acquired? If you learned it, it's fine, but if you wanted to share that knowledge. How would you transmit that? We talk about: How people learn differently, and why a mix of formats mattersCreating living documentation that stays connected to real questionsWhat stops people from sharing, from fear and past experience to unspoken team dynamicsHow consulting and leadership roles shift your perspective on giving away knowledgeWhy rotating responsibilities and refreshing training helps surface hidden gapsThe role of psychological safety in building a culture where sharing is the normIf you've ever struggled with stale docs, tribal knowledge, or a team that relies on “just ask Dave” then this one’s for you. Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

    34 min
  2. JUL 2

    Bad Quality By Design

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Testing Peers podcast. This time, join David, Chris, Sanne and Beth as we discuss Bad Quality By Design (a more SFW term for ensh!ttifcation). Where products and services become deliberately less usable or joyful over time, often to drive monetisation. This isn’t accidental degradation, but intentional design choices aimed at nudging users towards subscriptions, upsells, or ad exposure. Examples the Peers discuss include: Getting a “premium” experience temporarily, then losing it unless you payMaking it easy to sign up but frustratingly hard to cancelDesigning mobile apps that force you onto desktop for key actions like unsubscribingCookie banners and friction-heavy consent flowsUX patterns that prioritise business goals over user experience (e.g. CarPlay’s rigid UI rules)The group reflect on how this gradual decline in delight has eroded pride in product quality. AI tools, for now, feel delightful by contrast because they’re still in the VC-funded honeymoon phase, but this too may fade. The group calls out the trade-off between "good enough" and genuinely caring about quality. Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

    28 min
  3. JUN 9

    Making Work Visible

    Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers Podcast. On this episode, Chris, Simon and David are joined by first time co-host Rachel Kibler. The Peers discuss the topic of making work visible. David starts us off with the banter on the topic of fashion mistakes, everything from dress down fridays to bright shirts being used as a prank. David also hints at his 80's fashion challenges and his ties he wore as a teacher. Rachel kicks off the main topic, giving the back story of where the topic came from. Having to create a coherent story on how to show when a project is good to go live and how the testing can be made visible. They all discuss the value and cost of testing and how to articulate this to PMs in projects.  The conversation goes on to different techniques to show value and how to help get everyone onto the same page. What techniques can you use to make it visible to stakeholders? Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

    38 min
  4. MAY 19

    Getting Quality a Seat at the Table

    Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers Podcast. On this episode, Chris, Russell, David and Simon talk about how we can ensure Quality has a seat at the table of discussions, projects and all such scenarios where it should be there. Before that, Mr Banter (Chris) leads us off down a wonderful trail of memories of social media when it all began, everything from MySpace, Bebo, Friends Reunited and MSN Messenger covered and of course, the old Twitter during the pandemic. Simon leads us into a the topic, and mentions a comment Stephen Platten made on one of Chris's posts about a Culture of Quality on LinkedIn. Here is Stephen's comment: "How do you see us making sure we get our feet at the table so to speak? How do we get senior stakeholders to take notice?"Of course it depends on the context, and what influence is needed. It's also about who needs to care? Depending on the context and the problem you are having. The best way to get started is to look at engaging your senior leaders or the leadership level that make decisions in the context. It may be a need to educate and showcase the value that can be provided by being involved.  The Peers dive into their own experiences and ways to help influence the decision makers to include a voice of quality. What challenges have you had in this scenario? contactUs@TestingPeers.com Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024 and 2025, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

    35 min
  5. APR 3

    Storytelling

    Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers. Chris, Russell and David are joined by the returning Sam to talk about a topic close to all testers hearts, the ability of storytelling. Before diving into the main topic, Russell asks the Peers what their favourite cars are, lots of classics mentioned including the almost predictable choice from Russell of the AC Cobra (which he may have mentioned before). Part of the testers role includes storytelling, whether this is in bug reports, presentations, or just discussions with team members, it is key that the right story is told to bring everyone along the journey.  Sam tells of his adventures at Agile Testing Days where a musical was performed to tell a story, possibly taking story telling to a new level (for testers anyway) The key with story telling is making it relevant to it's audience, which will enable them to invest effectively. What are your tips for good storytelling? contactUs@TestingPeers.com Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. Support the show

    32 min
  6. FEB 20

    Testability

    Hello and welcome to episode 125 of the Testing Peers podcast. This time, joining Chris, Russell and David is the returning guest host, Al Goodall. Before diving into the main topic, Al asks the group to think about book collections, a nice mix of techno-thrillers and classic prose on offer. Russell kicks off the main discussion around testability, what is it in which context? The Peers talk through implementation, pitches, prompts, value, maintainability and more. Chris also brings out the TestSphere card deck to look at the Testability Quality Aspect card. What does Testability look like in your context? Have we mastered it? What can we do better?  The Testing Peers Conference is happening on the 13th March 2025. Tickets available here: https://testingpeerscon.com/ticket/ If you wish to Sponsor the conference: https://testingpeerscon.com/partners/ If you wish to volunteer for the event: https://testingpeerscon.com/volunpeer/ contactUs@TestingPeers.com Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

    29 min
  7. JAN 29

    Transformations

    Hello and welcome to the latest episode of the Testing Peers podcast. This week join Chris, David, Shey and Russell as the Peers talk about transformations. The banter for this week's episode comes from Shey, asking the group which sport they would have love to have been a professional in. Then the Peers dived into the main topic, introduced by Shey. We talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of our experiences with transformations.  What role do we, as testers, play in transformations? We are by very nature, change agents. The group discuss the somewhat forced transformational change that the Covid pandemic had on workplaces, and how organisations have diverged a lot in the new normal. What are your experiences with transformations? The Testing Peers Conference is happening on the 13th March 2025. Tickets available here: https://testingpeerscon.com/ticket/ If you wish to Sponsor the conference: https://testingpeerscon.com/partners/ If you wish to volunteer for the event: https://testingpeerscon.com/volunpeer/ contactUs@TestingPeers.com Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors – NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They’ve been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they’ve now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years! nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

    29 min
  8. JAN 13

    Professional Development

    Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers podcast. David, Russell and Chris are joined by Sergio Friere to talk about all things Professional Development. Sergio leads the banter and asks the peers what their oldest memories are, everything from canal boat parties to visiting a zulu hut are mentioned, with ages ranging from age 3-6ish between the peers. As we start the main topic, Sergio shares his journey of going into teaching now to educate students on testing (win for #MakeATester). He shares how he made the decision to jump into this and his learnings once taking on the role. The peers share their own journeys of professional development and offer tips to the listeners to focus on their own development to grow their careers. What have been your key learnings on your professional development journey? The Testing Peers Conference is happening on the 13th March 2025. Tickets available here: https://testingpeerscon.com/ticket/ If you wish to Sponsor the conference: https://testingpeerscon.com/partners/ If you wish to volunteer for the event: https://testingpeerscon.com/volunpeer/ contactUs@TestingPeers.com Twitter (https://twitter.com/testingpeers) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/testing-peers) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/testingpeers/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TestingPeers) We’re also now on GoodPods, check it out via the mobile app stores If you like what we do and are able to, please visit our Patreon to explore how you could support us going forwards: https://www.patreon.com/testingpeers Thanks to our brand new sponsors - NFocus Testing. nFocus are a UK based software testing company. They've been supporting businesses for 24 years by providing services that include burst resource, accelerated test automation, performance testing and fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers and they've now created jobs for 48 people in our industry in just under three years!  nFocus were a big part of PeersCon in 2024, really grateful for all they do supporting the Testing Peers. www.nfocus.co.uk and info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch. Support the show

    46 min

About

Testing Peers is a growing community of ~60 peers in testing, software quality, agility, test leadership, engineering management, and broader software development. We’re united by a shared goal: to drive quality in everything we do within our workplaces and beyond. Through collaboration, accountability, and mutual support, we strive to elevate one another both professionally and personally.The Testing Peers podcast is now expanding beyond its original four hosts, David Maynard, Chris Armstrong, Russell Craxford and Simon Prior, striving to represent the voices of a diverse and thriving community. Our inaugural in-person conference, PeersCon, launched in Nottingham in March 2024 and will return in March 2025, further solidifying Testing Peers as a not-for-profit, by testers, for testers initiative.

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