Testing Peers is a community-driven initiative built by testers, for testers. We are a not-for-profit collective focused on supporting each other across software testing, quality, leadership, and engineering. This group is peer-led, values-driven, and passionate about shaping a more thoughtful, collaborative testing culture. 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…
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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 backdrop of AI, changing roles and questions about future relevance, the Peers…
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 of context, the conversation…
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: Using a term alongside terms like user journey and which user Being clear about what 'flow' is being tested Not to test…
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 and conference season to new projects, new teammates, and…
Quality on the Boundaries #PeersCon27 Theme Launch
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 submissions. It also reinforces what makes #PeersCon different: real…
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 over outputs A recurring theme…
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 accelerate progress and support women’s advancement around the…
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 details that spark curiosity. The idea for this…
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 joining difficult team contexts, building…
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 systems thinking, value, and the often unseen friction…