Best Alan Richardson Software Testing Podcasts (2025)

1
Building a Job-Hunting Portfolio for Software Development and Testing 23:17

Play Pause

6d ago23:17

23:17

Should you have an online portfolio showcasing your Software Development and Testing skills to help get a job? It really depends on the recruitment process. But... if I'm recruiting, and you have a profile then I will have looked at it. So it better be good. Most Software Developers and Testers don't have public portfolios so that means you can rea…

1
Respect in Software Testing and Development 21:47

19d ago21:47

21:47

Software Testing deserves respect. Doesn't it? But so does every role in Software Development: managers, testers, QA, programmers, Product, Everyone. This is for you. Ever feel like you’re not getting the respect that you deserve in your job? This episode dives deep into the topic of Respect in tech, especially focusing on software testing versus p…

1
Software Testing Strategy vs Planning The Strategy Episode 29:37

2M ago29:37

29:37

Software Testing typically confuses a Test Strategy Document with the process of strategising. Alan Richardson simplifies the over complicated world of test strategy. Drawing on years of experience creating test strategies and plans, Alan explains the real difference between strategy, approach, and plan. Explaining that what really matters isn’t fo…

1
Software Testing Job Market with Jack Cole 59:34

3M ago59:34

59:34

Are you trying to figure out how to break into the software testing job market or make your next big move? This episode of the Evil Tester Show dives deep into the realities of tech recruitment, job search strategies, and career planning for testers - with recruitment veteran Jack Cole from WEDOTech.uk - Whether you're an experienced Test manager, …

1
Practicing Software Testing - Guest James Lyndsay 52:16

6M ago52:16

52:16

Software Testing is a skill and like all skills require practice, that's what makes you a practitioner of Software Testing. In this episode we're diving into the world of practice with the James Lyndsay. In this conversation, your host Alan Richardson chats with James about the essence of practice in software testing, exploring how exercises and re…

1
Context in Context Driven Software Testing 25:17

9M ago25:17

25:17

Effective Software Testing is highly contextual: we adapt what we do to the project and the process. In this episode of The Evil Tester Show, host Alan Richardson describes context-driven testing. Is there really such a thing as context-driven testing, or is it just a phrase we use to describe our testing approach? Alan explores the intricacies of …

1
The Test Automation Pyramid Episode 34:09

2+ y ago34:09

34:09

Software Testing and Development professionals often mention the Test Automation pyramid when describing Test Autoamtion. Let's do a deep dive and explore what that means. This episode covers the Test Automation Pyramid, created by Mike Cohen in 2008-2009 in the book "Succeeding With Agile". We will go beyond the diagram and look at the model that …

1
The Test Cases and Scripts Episode 28:40

2+ y ago28:40

28:40

Software Testing is often taught with a focus on Test Cases and Test Scripts. But this is the 2025, we don't test like it's 1984 any more. Let's revisit how we model testing and create a more effective test process. The most common Testing Entities that I've encountered over the years are: Test Condition Test Scenario Test Case Test Script In my Te…

1
The Manual Testing Show 14:25

2+ y ago14:25

14:25

Software Testing often looks at the exactitude of language. We look for ambiguity in Software Requirements, we find gaps in Specifications, so it's no wonder we explore the use of terms and definitions in our own Software Testing craft. Top 3 Phrases that should carry trigger warnings for the Test Community: - Manual Testing - Test Automation - Qua…

1
Manual QA is Dead 22:38

3y ago22:38

22:38

Software Testing is going through a time of change. This episode explores how we can adapt. Manual QA is dead. Companies are getting rid of their QA teams. Quality Control performed manually is phasing out of style. What can we do instead? Become coaches, assistants or advisors? We could become developers? Or we could be better testers. QA and Qual…

1
Test Automation Biases 24:12

3+ y ago24:12

24:12

Software Testing is highly contextual and requires flexibility in our approach and thinking. But we are only human and sometimes we have beliefs and biases that limit our approach. In episode 16 of The Eviltester Show we are looking at Test Automation Biases, what they are, how to avoid them, and how to evaluate your own biases. 00:00 What is an Au…

1
Exploratory Testing Government Guidance 31:17

5y ago31:17

31:17

Software Testing is often a proprietary process where we never share how we are doing it. Governmens are an exception because they make public a lot of documents explaining what they do and how they do it. In this episode we have a discussion of a UK government guide to exploratory testing. https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/technology/exploratory-t…

1
Recruiting Testers 11:43

5y ago11:43

11:43

Software Testing is a hard activity to recruit for,.Recruiting Testers is hard. What we want to do is minimise the friction and barriers. In this podcast I'll share some tips on what has worked for me in the past. - remove as much ambiguity from your job spec as possible - someone like me, will read 'the worst' into your ambiguity - send clear mess…

1
How to Get a Job In Software Testing 20:08

5y ago20:08

20:08

What can someone in Software Testing do to improve their chances of getting a job? That's what we consider in Episode 013 of The Evil Tester Show covers "How To Get a Job in Software Testing". - Getting a Job is different from Doing the Job - Persistence is key to getting a job - Build an online portfolio on LinkedIn - Apply for jobs slightly out o…

1
Tips for Talking at Online Conferences 12:10

5+ y ago12:10

12:10

Ever wanted to talk at a Software Testing conference? Or even just be effective when you present over Zoom. This episode is for you. More and more conferences are going online. Speakers will have to adapt. In this post I outline some recommendations based on years of online video, webinar and course creation. If you only want the summary then... - …

1
What Should I Be? Programmer or Tester? 12:37

5+ y ago12:37

12:37

Software Testing often doesn't get the respect it deserves so people wonder if a career in Software Testing is worth it. I do receive a lot of emails asking which way should people focus their career - Testing? Programming? Automating? And that's what I cover in this podcast. Points: - we should not have to think like this - But - we need to get a …

1
The Automate or Die Special - do you have to automate to survive in testing? 18:47

6+ y ago18:47

18:47

Software Testing is not the same as Test Automation. But so many people seem to think so. I receive a lot of concerned emails and messages from testers. People concerned that their testing skills will not be enough to keep them in work and that the future revolves around automation which they don't know how to do. No programming experience. And sho…

1
The Why Special - do you ask why? How else can you ask questions that get results? 22:31

6+ y ago22:31

22:31

Software Testing can be seen as the art of asking questions to Software. So we have to learn how to ask effective and targeted questions. That's the focus of this episode. "Why?" is an incredibly popular question. I think it has problems. I try to avoid it when I'm consulting. In this show we will examine "Why?" and under what circumstances I do us…

1
What is Software Testing? A look at definitions, my definitions, models and why you should create your own. 31:47

6+ y ago31:47

31:47

What is Software Testing? A Hard Question. But many people want easy answers. In this episode we look at: - popular definitions for interview answers- how definitions can help- definitions are models- your definition will change, and should change over time- my working definition, how it changes and how it helps me Show notes: https://eviltester.co…

1
The Finding Tools Special - tactics and strategies for choosing testing tools 15:21

6+ y ago15:21

15:21

When I'm Software Testing I use tools. We all do, even if it is just a keyboard and mouse. But we need specialised Software Testing tools to help us interact with systems fully. In this episode we look at how to choose the best test tool for the job. Have you ever built a tool list? Yes? Me too. I don't any more. And in this show I explain why, and…

1
The Workarounds Special - how to bend the rules rather than break them 20:45

7y ago20:45

20:45

Software Testing is the art of not folowing the rules. No-one else treats the software the way we do. This has a knock on effect on manyt workplace processes. Have you ever used a workaround to get something done? You betcha. In this show I describe some examples and how important they have been in my testing and my career. And some of the risks yo…

1
The Rejection Special - strategies and tactics for when you get pushback 21:14

7+ y ago21:14

21:14

Software Testing isn't easy. We say hard things. And we get push back. In this podcast we talk about Rejection. You will receive rejection in many parts of your life. Happens to everyone. Everyone. The important thing is how you react to it. It is possible to allow a rejection to knock you flat and suck the motivation out of you so you give up. You…

1
New Year Special 2018 - setting goals and following through rather than resolutions 14:50

7+ y ago14:50

14:50

Software Testing skills have a wider reach than we think. In this episode we look at how to use your Testing Skills to define goals and plans - The Evil Tester Show - New Year Special 2018 In this show you will learn: - What is a resolution? - why do you want it? - how your beliefs help you - how your testing skills help you define goals and create…

1
Black Friday Special - thoughts on automating, confidence and options 19:17

8y ago19:17

19:17

Software Testing a retail site becomes really important at specific peak times of the year. In this Black Friday Special of The Evil Tester Show Podcast we consider lessons we can learn from discount sales, retail under pressure, and confidence tricksters and expert provocateurs. We discuss: - The Black Friday Software Testing Game - Oracles - Obse…

1
Provocative Therapy and Quality Coaches - getting to the root of Agile Testing 27:46

8y ago27:46

27:46

Software Testing often means challenging beliefs and changing minds. Where can we learn those type of skills? The book Provocative Therapy has had a big impact on my life as a tester and a consultant. Also I want to discuss the Tester's Role in Modern Software Development and the current vogue for Quality Coaches (that might be a bit provocative) -…

1
Halloween Special 2017 - seeking out and dealing with anomalous phenomena 22:33

8y ago22:33

22:33

Software Testing is the act of entering into the unknown, we don't know what we will find. We are in the Uncertainty Business. We find and investigate anomalous Phenomena Anomalous - "deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected." We are part of a long tradition of Anomalous Phenomena seekers. Show notes…

Alan Richardson Software Testing Podcasts

1
The Evil Tester Show - Software Testing and Development with Attitude

Alan Richardson - Software Testing and Development Consultant

1
Building a Job-Hunting Portfolio for Software Development and Testing 23:17

1
Respect in Software Testing and Development 21:47

1
Software Testing Strategy vs Planning The Strategy Episode 29:37

1
Software Testing Job Market with Jack Cole 59:34

1
Practicing Software Testing - Guest James Lyndsay 52:16

1
Context in Context Driven Software Testing 25:17

1
The Test Automation Pyramid Episode 34:09

1
The Test Cases and Scripts Episode 28:40

1
The Manual Testing Show 14:25

1
Manual QA is Dead 22:38

1
Test Automation Biases 24:12

1
Exploratory Testing Government Guidance 31:17

1
Recruiting Testers 11:43

1
How to Get a Job In Software Testing 20:08

1
Tips for Talking at Online Conferences 12:10

1
What Should I Be? Programmer or Tester? 12:37

1
The Automate or Die Special - do you have to automate to survive in testing? 18:47

1
The Why Special - do you ask why? How else can you ask questions that get results? 22:31

1
What is Software Testing? A look at definitions, my definitions, models and why you should create your own. 31:47

1
The Finding Tools Special - tactics and strategies for choosing testing tools 15:21

1
The Workarounds Special - how to bend the rules rather than break them 20:45

1
The Rejection Special - strategies and tactics for when you get pushback 21:14

1
New Year Special 2018 - setting goals and following through rather than resolutions 14:50

1
Black Friday Special - thoughts on automating, confidence and options 19:17

1
Provocative Therapy and Quality Coaches - getting to the root of Agile Testing 27:46

1
Halloween Special 2017 - seeking out and dealing with anomalous phenomena 22:33