Are you looking to learn more about Quality Assurance (QA)? In this podcast, we will delve into the world of QA, discussing common phrases used in the field, the importance of QA in software development, and how to navigate the sometimes-challenging political landscape of QA. We will also explore some of the key skills and qualities that make a great QA professional. Whether you are a seasoned QA professional or just starting out, this podcast is for you. We will provide you with insights and tips to help you excel in your QA career.
What happens when the lights go out on the biggest stage in sports?
In this episode of QA in a Box, we’re rewinding to SuperBowl 47, aka The Blackout Bowl—when the Superdome went dark for 34 minutes in the middle of the game. The Baltimore Ravens were dominating, the 49ers were on the ropes, and then... BOOM! Half the stadium lost power.
For football fans, it was a shocking moment. But for QA professionals, it was a real-world case...
Welcome to QA in a Box, the podcast where software testing meets real-world chaos, unexpected bugs, and the all-too-familiar last-minute production patches!
In this episode, host Chris Ryan dives into a QA horror story: the $100K Bug that turned into a $1M catastrophe—all because of a quick fix that wasn't quite "fixed" enough.
🔍 Key Takeaways:
✅ Why "patching fast" isn’t always "patching right"
✅ The importance of root cause anal...
Welcome back to QA in a Box—the podcast where we don’t just react to technology trends, we get ahead of them!
This week, we’re diving into the AI breakthrough that’s taking the world by storm—DeepSeek.
You may have just started hearing about it, but here’s the kicker: the signs were there months ago. And just like in Quality Assurance, the difference between knowing in advance and finding out too late can make or break everything.
...
What do Scooby-Doo and Quality Assurance have in common? More than you might think!
In this fascinating episode of QA in a Box, host Chris Ryan draws unexpected but brilliant parallels between the beloved Mystery Machine crew and successful QA professionals. Just as Scooby and the gang collaborate to solve mysteries, effective QA teams need curiosity, persistence, and strong teamwork to uncover software bugs and issues.
Ryan clever...
If you grew up in Massachusetts in the 70s and 80s, you likely heard the name Tip O’Neil. A legendary figure in American politics, O’Neil served as the 47th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1977 to 1987. Among his most famous sayings was, “All politics is local,” a phrase that captured the essence of addressing the unique concerns of individual communities.
In this episode of "QA ...
Welcome back to QA in a Box—your favorite spot for quality assurance insights and a hefty dose of inspiration! I'm your host, Chris Ryan, and this week, we're celebrating a monumental milestone in tech history: the 41st anniversary of Apple's iconic Macintosh Computer.
Join us as we dive deep into the orchard of innovation, resilience, and sheer determination that has defined Apple's journey over the past four decades. From the hum...
Welcome to QA in a Box, the official podcast of Chris Ryan's renowned Cryan.com Blog. This month marks nine incredible years since we launched our blog on January 3rd, 2016, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with you!
About the Podcast: Join host Chris Ryan as he takes you behind the scenes of Cryan.com’s journey from its humble beginnings—created as a creative solution for Google Ads advertising—to becoming a trusted r...
In this week’s episode of QA in a Box, host Chris Ryan dives into a remarkable moment in tech history: Steve Jobs’ inspiring commentary on the state of the economy at MacWorld 2002. Despite challenging times in the tech industry, Jobs’ unwavering optimism and vision for the future of personal computing continue to resonate.
Explore how Apple’s innovative mindset, driven by a commitment to “Think Different,” served as a beacon of ho...
Seventeen years ago, the world changed forever with the introduction of the iPhone—a revolutionary device that redefined technology, communication, and our daily lives. In this week’s episode, Chris Ryan takes you on a journey through time to explore how the iPhone’s announcement sparked a mobile QA revolution.
From the simplicity of testing one device in 2007 to today’s complex landscape of countless models, OS versions, and confi...
Welcome to QA in a Box! I’m your host, Chris Ryan, and this week we’re bringing the excitement of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 into the QA world. What do world-class tech demos and successful software deployments have in common? Dry runs.
In this episode, I’ll share a story from my early days as an Implementation Specialist and reveal how dry runs turned nerve-wracking software demos into unforgettable successes. We’ll ...
Welcome to Episode 11 of *QA in a Box*! In this episode, host Chris Ryan reflects on key lessons learned in Quality Assurance throughout 2024. From refining automation strategies to leveraging the power of Python libraries in Pytest, this year has brought valuable insights. Learn why "less is more" in automation, how to enhance your testing toolbox, and the importance of retrospectives for continuous improvement.
Tune in for acti...
In this episode of QA in a Box, we explore the key differences between test case details and test case summaries. Drawing insights from our recent blog post, we discuss when to focus on detailed test cases, how summaries can save time, and the role each plays in efficient QA processes. Learn how to strike the right balance and tailor your test documentation for maximum impact.
Let’s talk about the infamous phrase, “Works as designed.” Ever heard it? Of course, you have. It’s often the developer's polite way of saying, “Not my problem.” But in QA, we know it’s never that simple.
In this episode of QA in a Box, we dive into what really happens when that phrase enters the conversation. Through two real-life stories, we’ll explore how communication breakdowns can turn minor design quirks into major productio...
In this week's episode of QA in a Box, we're tackling one of the most legendary phrases in software development: "Works on my machine." You know it, you've heard it, and if you're in QA, you've probably rolled your eyes at it more times than you can count.
Join me as I share a hilariously relatable tale of a QA Engineer (me) vs. a developer (let's call him Dave), who insists there can't be a bug because everything works perfectly o...
In today’s episode of "QA in a Box," we’re diving into the exciting happenings at the QA Summit in Bangalore, India. This two-day event, themed "Engineering the Future of Testing: Quality, Innovation, and Agility," brings together global leaders and innovators to discuss the latest in software testing and quality assurance.
Inspired by the conference sessions, I’ll share a story from a QA event I attended in New England back in 201...
In this episode of QA in a Box, we explore the critical concept of achieving zero downtime in QA environments. Drawing insights from the blog post "Zero Downtime in QA", we discuss strategies for minimizing disruptions, ensuring seamless testing, and maintaining high-quality deliverables even during significant transitions or deployments. Whether you're managing infrastructure changes or handling dynamic testing needs, this episode...
In this episode, we dive into the dynamic relationship between QA and Development, exploring the "Five Answers QA Gives to Dev When Testing Changes." Learn how Quality Assurance professionals tackle change validations, respond to developer queries, and ensure smooth implementations. Packed with insights and practical tips, this episode sheds light on how QA can bridge the gap between teams and keep the development process on track....
Unlock the secrets of Blue-Green Deployment, a powerful DevOps strategy for seamless software releases with zero downtime. In this episode, we break down how Blue-Green Deployment works, its advantages for minimizing risk, and real-world scenarios where it shines. Whether you're a developer, QA engineer, or IT professional, learn how this deployment method ensures smooth transitions, quick rollbacks, and enhanced user experience. T...
Test cases play an important role in Quality Assurance. In this episode, we look at the blog post NEVER Underestimate the Power of a Good Test Case. We will see how test cases can help find bugs in the software. We’ll look at some real-world examples, some tips for writing effective test cases and how they save time, mitigate risk, and boost confidence in any release. In case you are interested in testing or want to understand why...
QA in a Box - In this episode, we dive deep into the world of risk-based testing and how it can revolutionize your QA strategy. Learn how to focus on high-risk areas, avoid the pitfalls of "testing everything," and deliver better quality assurance through strategic risk assessment. We'll share real-world stories, practical tips, and techniques to help you intelligently identify and prioritize risks. Whether you're a seasoned QA pro...
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If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.