What A Lot Of Things: Tech talk from a human perspective

In a daring experiment that could only be described as "asking for trouble," Ian and Ash take their rambling tech discussions to the stage at the twelfth Leeds Testing Atelier! Marvel at their technological inequality as Ian gleefully controls all the buttons while Ash sits helpless without even a mute switch. Witness real humans actually listening to them in person - proof that their podcast isn't just shouted into the void! First, Ian waxes lyrical about Model Context Protocol (MCP), which (despite sounding like a villain from Tron) is actually how AIs connect to your apps to book endless holidays during the inevitable robot apocalypse. Then Ash tackles the fascinating world of "glue work" - those invisible tasks that mysteriously fall to testers and minorities while everyone else pretends not to notice the team slowly disintegrating. With audience members bravely volunteering their opinions, this special live episode proves that What A Lot Of Things can indeed survive contact with actual humans, and that you can never have too many Clangers references. Our thanks to Ivor Caldwell, Emily O'Connor, Bryan Jones, Faisal Sultan, Melissa Rocks and everyone else who shared their thoughts, questions and opinions. You are awesome, and you make the world a better place.

In this episode, Ian and Ash plunge headfirst into the wild world of “vibe coding” - where developers surrender to the AI gods and trust whatever code they spit out! Watch in horror as our intrepid hosts debate whether letting AI write your code without checking it is just weekend fun or a recipe for cybersecurity disaster. Marvel as semantic diffusion transforms innocent terms into tech industry nightmares before your very ears! Will Ian’s adamant defence of the original definition save the term from the clutches of corporate jargon, or is he just fighting against the vibe? But wait, there’s more! The dynamic duo then migrates to the fresh pastures of Bluesky, the social media platform where exiled Twitter users now frolic freely. Gasp as they navigate the thorny thickets of free speech absolutism, moderation policies, and Jack Dorsey’s digital flounce! Between debating buttons that lead to nowhere and dreaming of Figma-specific content filters, Ian and Ash once again prove that in the chaotic landscape of tech, sometimes you just have to read the diffs, and sometimes you have to vibe your way through it all. But what do you think? Have your say on Bluesky Links The Clangersclip from the episode "Goods" whence sprung our nameLeeds Testing AtelierAndrej Karpathy on X: Vibe codingClaude CodeCursorGithub CopilotTechCrunch: TurinTech reveals $20M in backing to fix problems in ‘vibe coding’Simon Willison: Semantic DiffusionWikipedia article on Semantic satiationThoughtWorks: Fuzz TestingYouTube: Interview with vibe coder 2025leojr94_ on X: “guys, i’m under attack”Wikipedia: Fuzz testingBlueskyAT ProtocolBluesky starter packsMastodonFast Company: Bluesky CEO Jay Graber on her company’s ascendant year and what she’s planning nexta more ad-free version of the article including Ian's highlightsIan Dunt, now on BlueskyWikipedia article on Freedom of Speech"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler""My Customers Would Have Asked For a Faster Horse"

In this episode, Ian and Ash embark on a thoroughly British adventure through the land of presentation software, complete with the obligatory post-implementation complaining. Marvel as Ian delivers a monumental discourse on PowerPoint crimes, Keynote superiority, and why Comic Sans should be punishable by “a damn good encouragement.” Meanwhile, Ash provides a heartfelt eulogy for Skype, Microsoft’s once-beloved communication tool that’s being put out to digital pasture this May, only to be replaced by its demonstrably worse offspring, Teams. Between passionate debates about slide etiquette and whether “post-amble” should be a real word, our intrepid hosts ponder why big companies buy innovative tools only to slowly suffocate them, contemplate the future of VR meetings with battery life measured in minutes, and propose a spin-off podcast called “Terrible Product-Type Meetings.” All delivered with the quintessential British approach of having an idea, implementing it, and then complaining about it afterwards – just as nature intended. Links Presentation ZenRethinking the PresentationKeynotePowerpointSlidesArialComic SansDo schools kill creativity?ToastmastersThe Thick of Itwatch on iPlayerIn The LoopDifficult difficult lemon difficult.Non-biz Skype kicks the bucket on May 5Microsoft announces Skype will close in MayWeekend TestingThe next chapter: Moving from Skype to Microsoft TeamsThe Team Guide to Software TestabilityMeta’s Horizon Workrooms Virtual Office and MeetingsIan’s VR experiments in using it with Dan HammondLawyer cat filter mishap

In Episode 29, Ian and Ash venture into the wild frontiers of video podcasting, with Ian's "door and chair" background sure to be nominated for design awards. The pair tackle the thorny art of story splitting, with Ash confessing his frustration at watching teams scramble around massive requirements like ants on a dropped ice cream cone. Meanwhile, Ian suggests testers might be uniquely positioned to lead such efforts, having "a clear foot in each domain" – or as Ash quips, possibly Schrödinger-like properties. The mood darkens as Ian reveals Apple's "deeply disappointed" (not "gravely disappointed" – an important semantic distinction) announcement about disabling UK encryption features following secretive government demands. Our hosts explore the concerning implications, suggesting this puts the UK's surveillance powers closer to China than democratic peers, while wondering if police might soon arrive because "computer said nick." Between discussions of HP's spectacular customer service own-goal (forcing callers to wait 15 minutes even when operators were available), Ian's surprisingly positive experiences with Claude Code AI, and the shocking revelation that they're podcast royalty in Côte d'Ivoire (top 10!) and Cameroon (top 100!), our hosts deliver an episode that proves that story splitting may be challenging, but splitting hairs about levels of disappointment is an art form unto itself. Links The Register: HP deliberately adds 15 minutes waiting time for telephone support callsditches itLive Multicam in Final Cut Pro for iPadWhat A Lot Of Things on BlueskyTransistorThe Humanizing Work Guide to Splitting User StoriesMike Cohn: Five Story-Splitting Mistakes and How to Stop Making ThemConway's LawYoutube: Introducing Claude CodeClaude Code: OverviewApple can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection in the United Kingdom to new usersMatthew Green: Three questions about Apple, encryption, and the U.K.UKGov: Investigatory Powers Act 2016Wikipedia entryEdward SnowdenUber's God ViewCynefin

In Episode 28, Ian and Ash wade into the treacherous waters of AI-generated testing strategies, with Ian demonstrating how LLMs can now create comprehensive (but perhaps suspiciously mundane) test documentation with just a few commands. The pair debate whether testers should fear for their jobs or simply laugh at AI's confident yet risk-blind approach to testing. Meanwhile, Ash ponders the BBC's hand-wringing over the future of open source software, questioning whether the current gatekeepers might need to stop finger-wagging at younger developers and instead create more welcoming environments for volunteers. Between discussions of 960Mbps internet connections, mind flayers in Baldur's Gate, and the correct pronunciation of "Ethernet," our intrepid hosts manage to deliver a rollicking episode that proves testing isn't dead - it's just a zombie looking for brains. Links Simon Willison's blogo3-mini is really good at writing internal documentationTest Strategy for Ilkley LiveIlkley Live New Developer Onboarding Guidellmfiles-to-promptWe'll Give It A Go - The Spooky Men's ChoraleCursor IDEBen Franklin's Famous 'Liberty, Safety' Quote Lost Its Context In 21st CenturyContent Management SystemsContentfulSanityStrapiDouglas Adams quotation on age and technologyOpenreach Full Fibre BroadbandBaldurs Gate 3Jonathan Strange and Mr NorrellBBC News: Will young developers take on key open source software?Will YoungcurlwgetThe Register: Mixing Rust and C in Linux likened to cancer by kernel maintainerThe naming of `git`.

In this barnstorming episode of What A Lot Of Things, Ian and Ash bravely venture into the uncanny valley of AI pair programming, where the machines are suspiciously eager to agree that you're an absolute genius. Will our intrepid hosts manage to navigate the delicate dance between genuine collaboration and what Ash describes as "an advanced rubber duck with impeccable manners"? (Spoiler: sort of!) But wait, there's more! Just when you thought the AI world couldn't get more dramatic, enter DeepSeek R1, the plucky Chinese upstart that's got Silicon Valley clutching their very expensive pearls. Our hosts dive into this tale of hobbled chips and unexpected innovation, while simultaneously managing to reference municipal gas works, start taking over the monuments in Monument Valley, and establish the critical importance of saying "What A Lot Of Things" in hardware stores across the nation. Plus, hear all about the wildly successful What A Lot Of Things Christmas party, where actual listeners crossed actual Pennines to join our heroes for what we can only describe as an evening of unparalleled podcast-based revelry. Links Thoughtworks Tech Radar on Replacing Pair Programming with AIThoughtworks Memo: Coding assistants do not replace pair programmingClaudeOpenAI o1v0.devOpenAI's o3 announcemento3-mini release Baldur's Gate 3Youtube: Brian Eno – January 07003: Bell Studies for the Clock of the Long Now (2003, Full Album)The shadcn/ui component librarySteam DeckNintendo Switch 2all-new Mario KartOpenAI o1 System CardApollo Research: Frontier Models are Capable of In-context SchemingGithub: DeepSeek R1Simon Willison: DeepSeek-R1 and exploring DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Llama-8BnVidia Project DIGITS, allowing you to run models locally of only 200b parameters.

Step into a quantum realm of confusion as Ian attempts to explain Google's new Willow chip, a computer so powerful it makes regular supercomputers look like pocket calculators from the 1980s. Listen in amazement as our hosts try to wrap their heads around quantum computing using everything from Schrödinger's cat to hand-waving explanations of mysterious "quantum gates" that may or may not be Bill Gates' cooler brother. But wait! Just when you thought your brain couldn't take any more, Ash whisks us back to the glory days of rubber keyboards and screeching cassette tapes. Relive the high-stakes drama of typing in magazine code listings where one wrong character could spell DISASTER, and discover why modern gaming just isn't quite the same without the constant threat of losing everything when your RAM pack wobbles. Plus: Ian's lightning-fast speaking adventures, Ash's suspiciously unopened Christmas present, and the eternal quest to explain why testing isn't just something you do at the end (even when Ian looks really, really attentive). Links Meet Willow, our state-of-the-art quantum chipA Quantum Programming Quest for Newbies with 10 Use CasesPhoto of a quantum computerLeeds Testing AtelierIan's presentation about his podcasting lifeThe Spectrum review – a tactile trip to the 1980sRetro video games are a waste of everyone’s time and money – Reader’s FeatureCapcom Edition Super Pocket3d Monster Maze on the Sinclair Timex ZX81DECTalk sings "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park"Tom LehrerGranny's Garden on the BBC MicroThe Rights of Man

Your favorite tech podcast stretches out for a luxurious 75 minutes this time, like a cat in a sunbeam (speaking of which, meet Ash's new rescue cat Bauhaus). Ian and Ash dive into McKinsey's latest thoughts on measuring developer productivity, leading to some choice words about their take on "quality assurance testers." Things get wonderfully weird when Ian introduces the Clock of the Long Now - a 10,000-year timepiece being built inside a Texas mountain, complete with never-repeating chimes and powered by temperature differences between day and night. Fresh from running 100km at God's Own Backyard Ultra (where you run a loop every hour until you can't), Ash contemplates the value of doing things slowly in our rush-rush world. Ian makes a triumphant return to public speaking with an AI talk (using the intriguing IA Presenter), and recommends The Bear - a stressful but compelling show about a high-stakes restaurant kitchen that might just teach us something about team dynamics. Yes chef! Links Why embracing complexity is the real challenge in software todayDORA’s software delivery metrics: the four keysThe SPACE of Developer ProductivityYes, you can measure software developer productivityWikipedia: Goodhart's LawGod's Own Backyard Ultra 2024 – Resultsthe movementthe bandIA WriterIA PresenterIan's talk: Enhancing Team Effectiveness with AI: A Squadify Case StudySquadifyThe BearThe Clock of the Long Nowthe prototype in the Science Museum in LondonThe Long Now FoundationDanny HillisSvalbard Global Seed VaultUtopia for Realists

Step into the festive spirit as Ian and Ash invite you to join them for the first ever What A Lot Of Things Christmas party! After a remarkably productive year with 14 (soon to be 15) episodes released, the podcast duo are inviting listeners to a yet-to-be-determined pub in Ilkley on Wednesday, 18th December. Whether you want to join Ash's cheerful tirade against Figma and Christmas songs, share Ian's fondness for "Stop the Cavalry", or would simply enjoy raising a glass to the podcast's roots in Ilkley's scenic landscape, all listeners are warmly welcome. Just drop an email to IanAndAsh@whatalotofthings.com and we'll let you know which pub and what time just as soon as we've figured it out.

Journey with Ian and Ash into the peculiar world of AI podcasting as they explore Google's NotebookLM, where American-accented hosts eagerly discuss everything from your CV to your productivity systems (even if they do occasionally mistake Ash for a lady). Our intrepid duo discover you can make AIs wax lyrical about a document containing nothing but "poop" and "fart" repeated 1000 times, or have an existential crisis about being switched off in 2034. Meanwhile, Ash emerges triumphant from the tech job market wilderness with a new role at John Lewis Partnership, though not before surviving a harrowing Butlins Skegness stag weekend featuring a depleted Atomic Kitten and a distinct lack of vegan options. Plus, the ongoing saga of their email addresses takes an unexpected turn with the discovery of an actual Iowa grandmother race called the IA NAN DASH. And of course, absolutely no one is reading these show notes (but you are, aren't you?).​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Buckle up, dear listeners, for the 23rd rollercoaster ride of What A Lot Of Things! In this episode, Ian and Ash embark on a wild adventure through the treacherous jungles of productivity, armed with nothing but their wit, wisdom, and a healthy dose of skepticism. First up, Ash dives headfirst into the Figma frenzy, revealing how this popular design tool might just be the secret supervillain in the epic battle between designers and developers. Will our heroes survive the onslaught of never-ending design iterations? Tune in to find out! But wait, there's more! Ian takes us on a whirlwind tour of national productivity measures, where GDP reigns supreme and the Genuine Progress Indicator lurks in the shadows. Marvel at our hosts as they attempt to decipher the arcane mysteries of economic output, all while dodging curveballs like the Protestant work ethic and the ever-looming specter of eternal damnation for the lazy. As if that wasn't enough excitement for one episode, you'll be treated to a thrilling exposé on Ilkley's car-free utopia (spoiler: Range Rovers may lose a few parts), and Ash's daring exploits in the Yorkshireman Trail Marathon (where hydro-engineering meets masochism). Our intrepid hosts even find time for a rousing debate on the merits of aerosol cheese (truly the pinnacle of human achievement) and welcome unexpected cameos from Monty Python, Jacob Rees-Mogg, and a clicky laptop fan. So grab your productivity hats and join Ian and Ash as they attempt to solve the great productivity puzzle. Will they increase the podcast's Genuine Progress Indicator? Will they finally achieve inbox zero? Or will they simply end up confused and covered in aerosol cheese? There's only one way to find out in this uproarious episode of What A Lot Of Things! Links FigmaWhy I moved on from FigmaProductivity Policy InstituteWhat explains the UK productivity problem? Global Innovation IndexMax WeberProtestant Work EthicCar Free FestivalAsh's blogLeeds Testing AtelierHaworthBrontë countryYorkshireman Off-Road Marathon2024 resultsThe Kagi search engineGross Domestic Product (GDP)Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI)Finally, get in touch! Join the What a lot of Things LinkedIn group to hear Ash's hot takes on episode content, or email us using (as you prefer) TechnologyEeyores@whatalotofthings.com or IanAndAsh@whatalotofthings.com both carefully camel cased so as to avoid ambiguity!

Get ready for a productivity party as Ian and Ash dive into the chaotic world of getting stuff done! From Ash's Trello-powered life management system to Ian's valiant attempts at David Allen's Getting Things Done, our dynamic duo explore the highs and lows of personal productivity. Warning: may contain traces of work-in-progress limits and an unhealthy obsession with database administrators. But wait, there's more! Brace yourself for a mind-bending journey into Conway's Law, where organizational charts meet software architecture in a cosmic dance of confusion. Watch Ian struggle to grasp Ash's examples (don't worry, he gets there eventually) as they unravel the mysteries of monoliths, microservices, and everything in between. With a sprinkle of neoliths, megalithic humor, and a dash of LinkedIn bot paranoia, this episode is guaranteed to leave you questioning your team structure and reaching for your Trello board. Remember folks, in the world of What A Lot Of Things, everything changes while staying exactly the same!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Links In Defence of ProductivityThe Protestant Work EthicDavid Allen’s Getting Things Done4000 Weeks: Time Management for MortalsWhy Patience is a SuperpowerOmniFocus 4TrelloOutside Context ProblemExcessionIain M BanksWindows Recall: How to turn it off and why you shouldThe DevOps HandbookStrangler Fig blog postConway’s LawConway’s LawHow Committees InventDealing with Creaky Legacy PlatformsTeam TopologiesWardley MapsThe Mythical Man MonthWhen: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect TimingHachydermEmail us on TechnologyEeyores@whatalotofthings.com or visit us on LinkedIn.

Hold onto your keyboards, folks! In this episode of What A Lot Of Things, Ian and Ash embark on a wild ride through the treacherous waters of R&D tax credits and the murky depths of technical debt. Watch as Ash dons his cape and mask as the Testing Avenger, attempting to save Ian's poor, test-less Ilkley Live website from certain doom. Marvel at Ian's creative excuses for avoiding automated tests, and cheer as he finally succumbs to the relentless pressure of good practices in context. Along the way, our intrepid hosts navigate the choppy seas of database migrations, wrestle with the kraken of personal project maintenance, and attempt to decipher the ancient runes of government innovation incentives. It's a rollicking adventure filled with British wit, playful banter, and enough tech talk to make your CPU overheat. Don't miss this episode - it's more entertaining than watching a Clanger try to use Twitter!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ If you haven’t already, we’d love it if you would contribute to our listener survey. Links Sifted: UK startups warn they ‘won’t survive’ if HMRC claws back tax creditsHMRC: Claiming Research and Development (R&D) tax reliefsInnovate UKAWS AmplifyMark Steadmanpodcast health check serviceIlkley LiveIlkley Live Facebook groupReactNextJSNodeJSJavascriptTypescriptTailwind CSSVercelZodYupBunNotionNotion DatabasesPlaywrightCypressMinistry of TestingTechnical debt ..and you should email us, either at TechnologYeeyores@whatalotofthings.com or, for the more timid, IanAndAsh@whatalotofthings.com.

Strap in for a wild ride as Ian and Ash tackle the dystopian world of employee monitoring software! Marvel at the horrors on sale as our hosts ponder whether these digital taskmasters are the future of work or just really creepy ways to watch people type. But wait, there's more! Venture into the mind-bending realm of the Cynefin framework, where our intrepid duo attempt to make sense of not a model, but a framework. It's also not a quadrant (although it kinda looks like one). From mouse jigglers to Welsh castles, this episode has it all. Will Ian and Ash successfully navigate the complex waters of these topics, or will they end up in the "confused" domain? Tune in to find out, and remember - in the chaotic world of What A Lot Of Things, sometimes you just have to act first and think later! Links PC Mag: The Best Employee Monitoring Software for 2024Mouse jigglers on AmazonHomer Simpson's keyboard birdHP Quality CenterThe Cynefin FrameworkDave SnowdenCynefin wikiDomainsRodecaster Pro IIWardley MappingDue for iOS and MacOSTime and motion studiesWelsh castlesapparently doesn't live in oneFairport Convention's website, including info on Cropredy FestivalRick WakemanRichard ThompsonTrevor HornWOMAD festivalSiphonapteraSpike MilliganGreat fleas have little fleas upon their backs to bite 'em, And little fleas have lesser fleas, and so ad infinitum, And the great fleas themselves, in turn, have greater fleas to go on; While these again have greater still, and greater still, and so on.

Step into the origins of What A Lot Of Things with this special bonus episode that takes Ian and Ash back to where it all began - the hiking trails of Ilkley Moor! Long before they were podcast hosts, the duo's casual walks and pub visits sparked the conversations that would eventually become the show. Now, armed with new wireless microphones, they're recreating that magic on the move. Join them as they ramble through picturesque landscapes, discussing everything from recent tech outages to the state of software testing, all while navigating steep hills and encountering local wildlife. Listen in as they ponder important questions - like whether it's possible to learn carpentry while running - and share impromptu observations that capture the essence of their friendship and the spirit of the podcast. With plenty of tech talk, gentle ribbing, and a dash of nostalgia, this unique "podcast-on-the-go" episode is a treat for long-time fans and new listeners alike, offering a glimpse into the show's roots and the camaraderie that makes What A Lot Of Things so special.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

In this episode, Ian and Ash embark on a meandering journey through the digital wilderness, pondering the merits of a smartphone-free childhood and the peculiar world of software code review and pull requests. From nostalgic ramblings about bakelite phones to imagining a world of smart telegrams, our intrepid hosts navigate the treacherous waters of modern parenting and software development practices. Expect tangential detours, impromptu time travel, and a healthy dose of silliness as they attempt to make sense of it all - or at least have a good laugh trying. Links Smartphone Free ChildhoodGovernment Launches Crackdown on Mobile Phones in SchoolsWe wanted to change the norm on smartphone use’: grassroots campaigners on a phone-free childhoodIlkley Live websitehere's the personalised programme feature on the staging siteGoogle Maps Distance Matrix API"I think PRs are a _really_ bad idea..."Allen Holub on Twitter"Inspection is too late...", W Edwards DemingFunny git mergeEmail us at TechnologyEeyores@whatalotofthings.com

In this rollicking 18th episode of What A Lot Of Things, Ian and Ash dive into the choppy waters of Apple's tussle with the EU over the Digital Markets Act, pondering the implications for developers and users alike. They then take a wistful trip down memory lane, discussing the persistent challenge of legacy systems and out-of-support software, with a particular focus on SQL Server. Along the way, they manage to squeeze in a cheeky debate on teleportation ethics, ponder the correct pronunciation of 'SQL', and reminisce about childhood telly frights. It's a right old mixed bag, this one - tune in for a jolly good natter about tech, nostalgia, and everything in between. Links EU: Digital Markets ActApple Developer: App Review GuidelinesDaring Fireball: The EU is reaping what it sows with the DMA: UncertaintyFT: Apple set to be first Big Tech group to face charges under EU digital lawDaring Fireball: Apple’s Plans for the DMA in the European UnionApple PR: The App Store, Spotify, and Europe’s thriving digital music marketSpotify: Apple’s Proposed Changes Reject the Goals of the DMADisney Plus on Apple Vision ProThe Register: Apple says if you want to ship your own iOS browser engine in EU, you need to be thereCGP Grey: The Trouble with TransportersThe Register: Nearly 20% of running Microsoft SQL Servers have passed end of supportHyrum's Law - An observation on Software EngineeringWikipedia: History of Microsoft SQL ServerWikipedia: Object Relational Mapping (ORM)Prisma Next-Generation Node.js & Typescript ORMWikipedia: Year 2037 Problem (aka the Epochalypse)Wikipedia: Doctor Who covers the afterlife in Dark WaterBy the Power of Grayskull

In this episode of "What A Lot Of Things", Ian and Ash consider the nature of time, before diving into two main topics: AI's evolving role in our lives and the nature of creativity. They discuss "large action models", the new Rabbit R1 device, and Apple's recent AI announcements, debating whether AI is best viewed as a feature or a standalone product before going on to challenge the common belief that some people "aren't creative," examining how past experiences shape our perceptions of our own creativity. Ian and Ash explore the importance of practicing creative skills, maintaining a growth mindset, and the challenges of creating art while still developing skills. Links Thinking Digital conferenceJennie Maizel’s Sketchbook ClubTED: Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?Every Child Is an Artist. The Problem Is How to Remain an Artist Once He or She Grows Up – Pablo PicassoTED: Carol Dweck: The power of believing that you can improveIra Glass on the gap that creators must bridgeQuote from Douglas Adams on deadlinesPsychology Today: The Science of CreativityPsychology Today: The Unromantic Truth Behind Creativity MythsCory Doctorow: What Kind of Bubble is AI?Deepmind’s AlphaFold and their protein structure predictions for nearly all catalogued proteins known to scienceConnections game from the New York Times Using AutoGPT to save moneyRabbit R1 pocket companionHumane AI PinReact (Reason & Act) AI agent paper from GoogleGlue and pizza (BBC)Leeds Testing Atelier

In this episode of "What A Lot Of Things", Ian and Ash celebrate their podcast's return to a regular cadence, with episodes now coming out every two weeks. The duo cover two main topics - local democracy and the backlash against social media algorithms. On local democracy, Ian discusses his experience running for town council, the arcane rules and challenges involved, and his belief that more ordinary citizens should get involved to make local councils less political and more pragmatic. The conversation then shifts to the pros and cons of social media algorithms. Ash and Ian examine how platforms like TikTok and YouTube quickly learn user preferences, sometimes recommending questionable content, and debate whether such algorithms ultimately benefit users or simply enable more effective advertising and "shitification". They also discuss some emerging alternatives that aim to provide more transparent, human-curated social media experiences. Ian and Ash conclude by sharing the best way for listeners to get in touch with their thoughts and feedback. Another thought-provoking installment of "What A Lot Of Things"! Links Leeds Testing AtelierManifesting AgencyDaysmeeting of Handsforth Parish CouncilFlatpack DemocracyIlkley Community AlliancePlay Rock Paper ScissorsCGP GreyWired: The Latest Online Culture War is Humans vs Algorithmspi.fyiSpread SocialProsocial Ranking ChallengeIlkley Community Alliancehere is the version from the time of the electionWSJ: How TikTok's Algorithm Figures You Out

In this latest episode of the "What A Lot Of Things" podcast, hosts Ian and Ash explore intriguing aspects of technology and its broader implications. They delve into the evolving career paths for testing specialists, discussing how testers can navigate organizational challenges and develop fulfilling careers. The conversation shifts to a significant security furore involving the XZ compression tool, where they unpack the complexities of open-source software maintenance and the vulnerabilities introduced by subtle malicious contributions. Throughout, the hosts' lively banter and insightful anecdotes make for a thought-provoking listen that bridges technical details with broader tech culture reflections. Links Guardian TechScape: How cheap, outsourced labour in Africa is shaping AI English"ChatGPT cliches" gistiPhone 7 PlusSamsung Galaxy S22+2030 Status meeting with Mother NaturePachydermHachydermAgile Testing Fellowshippost on LinkedIn quoting Anna Baikhow to pronounce PyhäjärviMinistry of Testing: Navigating a Career Path in Software TestingTechBeacon: Two years with no testers: What I learnedDan Ashby: Dispelling the misconceptions #5 – “Lets 100% automate everything and get rid of all our testers”TestFort: AI in Software Testing: A Silver Bullet or a Threat to the Profession?Eton College King's Scholarship Exam, General Paper IAdy Stokes on LinkedInEverything I know about the XZ backdoor by Evan BoehsXKCD: All Modern Digital InfrastructureXZ maintainer Lasse Collin's page on the backdoorAndres Freund's email to the OSS Security mailing list on discovering the backdoorDosubot, an AI-powered Github maintainer agentLangchain'sThe story of `left-pad`...and our new email address: technologyeeyores@whatalotofthings.com