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?

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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.

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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/

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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Seasons Greetings! Thank you for joining us for our fifth annual podcast at Christmastime, this year's festive cheers with the Testing Peers brings Russell, Simon, David, Tara, Beth & Chris together to refine the holiday season backlog [see the footnote after the sponsor message for more details].

Who doesn't feel the festive warm & fuzzies over a refinement session?

Before we jump in, Russell warms us all up with an ice breaker based on Christmas drink preferences.

The we all dive in.

Chris (the business - in this case) has populated a series of epics for the team of Peers to commit to delegating Christmas on time.

Christmas Tree Size Estimation Framework: From desk-sized (1) to forest-worthy (6).

• Epics:
  • Festive Décor: Lights, trees, & cosy vibes (no tinsel, for the pets!).
  • Festive Events: Baking nights, light tours & Secret Santa.
  • Gift-Giving: Thoughtful presents, no gimmicks.
  • Holiday Self-Care: Quiet evenings & avoiding burnout.
  • Traditions: Advent calendars, holiday movies, & music playlists.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from us all here at Peers HQ

The Testing Peers Conference is happening on the 13th March 2025.

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 & fully managed testing services. In 2021, they launched a Test Automation Academy to create amazing testers & 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 & info@nfocus.co.uk for anyone wanting to get in touch.

Holiday Season Backlog

The Peers embraced their festive spirit by creating a "Holiday Season Backlog," blending testing concepts with holiday preparation! Here's the breakdown:

Christmas Tree Size Framework

• 6: Forest
• 5: Town Square
• 4: Shopping Centre
• 3: Fancy House
• 2: Modest House
• 1: Desk

Definition of Ready (DoR): 3 Peers agree it’s ready
Definition of Done (DoD): Santa’s approval! 🎅

Epics and User Stories

1. Festive Décor - Town Square

Goal: Transform spaces into magical holiday settings.

• Tasks: Fairy lights, tree decorations, wreaths, and cushions.
• Requirements: Keep it cosy and avoid tinsel (pets say no!).

2. Festive Events - Town Square

Goal: Spread holiday cheer through activities.

• Tasks: Tree-lighting ceremony, film marathons, Secret Santa, baking nights, and light tours.
• Risks: Festive fatigue from over-scheduling.

3. Gift-Giving - Fancy House

Goal: Thoughtful gifts for smiles and joy.

• Tasks: Draft gift lists, set postage reminders, donate to charity, and avoid gimmicky gadgets.

4. Holiday Self-Care - Modest House

Goal: Maintain mental well-being during the holidays.

• Tasks: Relaxing evenings, “no obligation” days, acts of kindness, and avoiding burnout.

5. Festive Traditions - Forest

Goal: Celebrate beloved seasonal traditions.

• Tasks: Advent calendars, holiday movies, music playlists, theatre shows, and family games.
• Notes: Self-care wins over endless activities.

Highlights:

• Peer collaboration: Everything was

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Thank you for joining us for episode 121 of the Testing Peers Podcast.

This time, join Chris, Tara, Russell and David as we discuss tools for testers.

Before diving into the main topic, to mark the festive period, Tara poses the ice-breaker question of the Peers' favourite Holiday movie.
It's a Wonderful Life, Die Hard, Home Alone, Spirited, The Grinch and Violent Night are included.

Then we move on to the main event.....tools for testers.

The Peers discuss screen readers and recorders, AI, computers, phones, tablets, post-it notes, to-do lists, whiteboarding tools, dictating tools and more.

As testers, we all use tools everyday. What's in your toolkit?

Are there any tools that you couldn't live without?

What are you looking for in a tool? How do you navigate the sales pitches?

Can there be one tool to rule them all?

Do we listen to music while we work?

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

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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 touc

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Welcome to another Testing Peers podcast episode.

This time, join Chris, David, Richard Bradshaw and Al Goodall (whose surname Chris had some real issues remembering, sorry Al!)

In this episode, the Peers talk about the role of the SDET. Is it SDEad?

To break the ice, Al leads the group into a discussion about the best live albums, in our humble opinions. Shout-outs to Linkin Park, Sky, Raye, Live Aid, Iron Maiden, U2, Seal and Hoobastank!

The main topic dives into the main topic - the role of the SDET.

What does it mean? Is it a synonym for a test automation engineer? Are you a tester if you're an SDET? What does the role of an SDET look like where you work?

Chris asks his favourite AI tool for a definition to stimulate the conversation.

"The main difference between a software development engineer in test and a test automation engineer is focus and responsibility.
An SDET focuses on bridging the gap between development and testing processes. And a test automation engineer focuses on designing and implementing automated tests."

The Peers talk about context, focus, tooling, frameworks, responsibility, problem-solving and quality!

What do you think the future for the SDET is?

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/

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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.

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Welcome to another episode of the Testing Peers. On this episode, Chris is joined by Vernon Richards, Heather Carter and Richard Hinton to talk about career journeys and making that decision around next steps.

Before that, Heather kicks off the banter by asking for 2 Truths and 1 Lie from each of the hosts. You'll need to listen to work out which ones are which.

Chris starts the conversation about what is next for our careers, and the topic moves toward Personal Brand/Professional Reputation and the importance of being able to stand out. The key aspect discussed is channelling your passion and shouting about it. Heather also talks about setting her own company and the branding related to that. Discussion moves to looking into going out on your own and Richard talks about the challenges of contracting while also setting up your own business.

Heather's business page here: https://wearetether.com/

Chris talks about his job searching experiences and how he started with his values, key quotes and some of his challenges.

There's a lot of power in sharing knowledge and continuously learning and this is a key theme in the discussion.

What are your next career steps?

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

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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.

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