The Optimal Hype Show
Welcome to The Optimal Hype Show Community! - (formerly The QA Hype Show) Your dedicated space to connect, engage, and grow in the world of Quality Engineering, Engineering, and Tech. The Optimal Hype Show Evolving from The QA Hype Show, we’ve expanded our focus beyond QA into the full spectrum of QA/QE, Engineering and AI - still bringing the same high‑energy conversations you know and love, now under the Optimal banner. Join the movement and help redefine quality, innovation, and collaboration, one episode at a time. What’s New in 2025 Launching early in 2025, The Optimal Hype Show delivers insightful conversations with some of the brightest and most diverse minds in the industry. With a stellar line‑up of confirmed speakers, expect expert insights, actionable strategies, and the latest innovations in tech - no fluff, no BS, just straight‑talking, real‑world discussions. Our Purpose We exist to: Connect and empower the global QE, Engineering, AI, and wider tech community. Amplify your voice through polls and by gathering your questions for our guests. Create live, interactive sessions for dynamic, real‑time engagement. Champion diversity, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this is your hub for learning, networking, and shaping the future of tech - together.
Episodes
🎙️ Beyond the CV: From the UK to the US - Real Talk for Job Seekers | With Tatyana Arbouzova | Ep.13
Two voices. Two perspectives. One mission: cutting through the noise of today’s job market.
In this episode, myself and Tatyana Arbouzova go across the pond to compare what’s really happening in tech hiring on both sides of the Atlantic. Is the US job market as tough as the UK right now? Are candidates facing the same challenges ...
Engineering‑Led Quality: The End of Dedicated QA? | With Michael Kitchen | Ep.12 - is live!
This one’s a big one - I’m joined by Michael Kitchen, Engineering Manager, for a deep dive into how projects are delivered when engineering takes the lead on quality.
We explore:
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Are dedicated QA roles becoming a thing of the past?
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How engineering‑led quality changes the way teams work
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The realities of delivering projects in fast‑m...
The Gary Gang Chronicles: Rebranding Manual Testing | With Gary Hawkes | Ep.11
Two Garys. One name. Zero idea how we got here - but we’re owning it.
In this episode, we dive head‑first into rebranding manual testing for the modern era: how to ditch outdated perceptions, highlight its strategic value, and show why it still has a place alongside automation in a high‑performing tech stack.
Along the way, we inevitably end up swappin...
🎧 Garages Beats & Test Suites | Automation, Connected TV & FX Digital - Episode 10 is live!
This one’s special - I’m joined by Martin Tyler, Head of Test at FX Digital, for a proper deep dive into Connected TV, automation, and how the test landscape is evolving.
We talk real about how testing’s changed, what’s working (and what’s not), and why hiring the right kind of test talent is more crucial than ever.
And if you know ...
She Codes Quality: Women in Tech Speak Up | With Nataliia Burmei
This one’s special - I sat down with the amazing Nataliia Burmei to talk all things Women in Tech, leadership, and the ongoing shift from QA to QE.
We go in on how the role of QA has evolved into something way more strategic — it’s not just about testing anymore. It’s coaching dev teams, embedding quality from day one, driving automation, and influencing delivery cu...
🎙️ "𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁""
The latest Talent Sessions Bytesize episode is now live - and this time I’m joined by the brilliant Danny Stockwell Talent Manager from FX Digital (someone I’ve known a while, and we’ve been meaning to do this for ages).
We go deep into what’s really happening in today’s tech hiring market, how to stand out when ever...
This latest episode is a special collab between The QA Hype Show and Quality Talks, where we dive into all things TestBash - featuring none other than Rosie Sherry, CEO and Founder of the Ministry of Testing.
Both myself and Stu Day (Quality Talks) will be heading to Brighton this October to take part, and let me tell you… this one’s shaping up to be something special. We talk community, what to expect at the event, and why TestBas...
🎙️ "In the Trenches - 6 Months of Building" is where startup reality meets raw conversation. Hosted by Gary and Neill, this series pulls back the curtain on their journey building businesses from scratch - six months in and still scrapping, learning, pivoting, and growing. Expect honest takes on the wins, the misfires, and the messy middle, with real talk on funding, burnout, breakthroughs, and bold moves. Whether you're a fellow ...
Breaking Barriers: Oculus, the Metaverse, and the Diversity Disconnect join me, Gary Shannon, and Charmaine Short (Operational Test Manager at Fnality) take a critical look at how virtual reality and metaverse technologies are shaping the future - while still facing deep-rooted issues around inclusivity and representation.
In this episode, we dive into the opportunities and challenges of emerging digital spaces, exploring whether t...
🎙️ Nostalgia/Back to the 90s Join me, Gary Shannon, and Leigh Rathbone (Head of Test at Cavu) as we embark on a nostalgic journey through the evolution of testing tools and the rollercoaster ride of the QA market across the decades.
In this special episode, we delve into the tools that defined the '90s, the challenges we conquered, and how the industry has transformed into what it is today.
Whether you're a seasoned QA veteran or ...
🚀 Welcome back this is a spin off show call The QA Hype Talent Show! (ByteSize)🎙️
I’m beyond excited to dive into this episode with a brilliant guest Laura Woods from Ten10 – with so many people in the current marketplace looking for work we thought this would be a great idea for a show to help get people back to work!
The show is called "Standing Tall: How to Shine in a Crowded Job Market"
Here’s a quick breakdown of the epi...
🚀 Welcome back to the 2nd episode of The QA Hype Show! 🎙️
I’m beyond excited to dive into this episode with a brilliant guest as we explore The Power of Community!
In Episode 2, Rosie and I unpack why community is such a game-changer – from th...
🚀 The First Ever Episode of The QA Hype Show 🎙️
I’m thrilled to launch my new podcast, The QA Hype Show!
Episode 1 is packed with insights from Ganesh Practoor, Head of Infrastructure & Quality Engineering at Santander.
Here’s what we’ll be diving into in this episode:
💡Testing & Tech Trends: Boosting Productivity, CX, and Quality
🚀 Your First 90 Days: How to Succeed in QA/Testing & Tech Roles
Here’s a quick brea...
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