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Tech and Test
Tech and Test unravels the intricacies of technology, delves into the world of software engineering, and challenge the boundaries of software testing. Your host Peter Johnson will help you navigate the digital landscape, exploring the latest in tech, sharing insights into software development, and talking to the people that drive our digital world.
Whether you’re a coding guru, a testing pro, or just tech-curious, Tech and Test is your dedicated podcast for in-depth discussions, interviews with industry experts, and conversations that will inspire you.
Tech and Test
Taking Testing Seriously with James Bach
I had the privilege of sitting down with James Bach, one of the most influential voices in software testing. With over four decades in the craft, James brings a rare long-view perspective on how testing has evolved from the early days of Apple to today’s AI-driven landscape.
We covered a wide range of topics, including:
🔹 What has and hasn’t changed in testing since the 1980s and why many “new” ideas aren’t new at all.
🔹 Why testers are still misunderstood, and the emotional weight of constantly delivering uncomfortable truths.
🔹 The personal side of testing: boundaries, relationships, and how to switch off the analytical mindset.
🔹 The rising importance of independent evaluation and why testers should inform, not own, release decisions.
🔹 How AI is reshaping the craft from probabilistic testing to the return of the toolsmith, rapid “vibe coding,” and building disposable test utilities at speed.
🔹 A look at industry hype cycles, including a real story of a company that nearly replaced its entire test team with an AI tool that didn’t work.
James also shares reflections from Lessons Learned in Software Testing, Secrets of a Buccaneer Scholar, and his latest book, Taking Testing Seriously.
If you care about testing, the future of testing, or the stories behind the people who shaped it, this conversation is packed with insight, history, and plenty of challenge.