Best Qualitative Reach Podcasts (2025)

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#205: Estimation - a wrap-up 8:34

3M ago8:34

8:34

This episode is a wrap-up for a mini-series looking at estimation in software development - recapping the guidelines I provided in Episode 189 and providing some additional tips that didn't have a home elsewhere in the series.----- Find this episodes show notes at: https://red-folder.com/podcasts/205 Have an idea for an episode topic, or want to se…

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#204: Estimation - Professionalism 21:30

3M ago21:30

21:30

In this episode, the penultimate episode in the Software Estimation mini-series, I want to discuss how Software Estimation works in terms of professionalism - and in many cases, surprisingly, the professional response is not to provide an estimate. ----- Find this episodes show notes at: https://red-folder.com/podcasts/204 Have an idea for an episo…

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#203: Estimation - Is Artificial Intelligence the answer? 15:23

3M ago15:23

15:23

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development. In this episode, I ask the question, is AI the answer? Following on from the episodes on Qualitative and Quantitative approaches, it's easy to see there are pros and cons to individual practices. And realistically, it feels like you will need a blend of vario…

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#202: Estimation - Quantitative approaches 14:00

4M ago14:00

14:00

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development. In the last couple of episodes, I've looked at a number of methods that fall under the Qualitative approach to software estimation. Qualitative estimation is predominantly based on expert judgment, some think based on subjective thought process. In this week'…

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#201: Estimation - the #NoEstimate approach 8:26

4M ago8:26

8:26

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development. In last week's episode, I looked at a number of methods that fall under the Qualitative approach to software estimation. Qualitative estimation is predominantly based on expert judgment, something based on subjective thought process. In this episode I wanted …

1
#200: Estimation - Qualitative Approaches 14:49

4M ago14:49

14:49

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development. In last week's episode, I introduced two approaches to software estimation, Qualitative and Quantitative estimation. Qualitative estimation is predominantly based on expert judgment, something based on subjective thought process. Whereas Quantitative is based…

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#199: Estimation - Quantitative vs Qualitative 15:23

4M ago15:23

15:23

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development. In this episode, I wanted to look at practical methods to help develop the team's estimation skills. We cannot expect valuable estimation without investment. It's like any skill, it has to be practiced and refined to obtain a good level of proficiency. So in …

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#198: Estimation vs the punitive target 10:18

5M ago10:18

10:18

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development. In this episode, I wanted to highlight the emotional baggage that you developers may associate with estimation, and through no fault of your own, will carry that baggage into future estimation work. In the episode, I look at the psychological scarring left be…

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#197: Estimation vs Dependencies 10:09

5M ago10:09

10:09

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development. In this episode, I wanted to look at the impact that dependencies have on software estimation. This episode was inspired by a blog post on scrum.org entitled "Eliminate Dependencies, Don't Manage Them", which I read while preparing this series. In brief, the …

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#196: Estimation vs Planning 9:37

5M ago9:37

9:37

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development. In this episode, I want to encourage you to mentally separate estimation and planning. They are often conflated, which leads to confusion, distrust and dysfunctional behavior. An estimate is generally part of a plan, and a plan can be the outcome of the act o…

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#195: Estimation - An estimate by any other name 12:35

6M ago12:35

12:35

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development. In last week's episode, I asked you to think about what the term "estimate" means to you, your team and your organisation. In the episode I talked about different definitions that could easily be conflated - the amount of effort, a target, and a commitment. I…

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#194: Estimation - What are you actually asking for? 16:45

6M ago16:45

16:45

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development. In this week's episode, I want to discuss what the term "estimate" may mean to you and the colleagues that you work with. The term 'estimate' is often used interchangeably to mean the effort required, the target completion date, or even a commitment to comple…

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#193: Estimation - How much to invest 14:56

6M ago14:56

14:56

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development. In this episode I want to take a deeper dive into the cost of achieving that - what is the correct cost for the perceived value of the estimate to you and your organisation. This episode continue on from 190 where I asked "Don't invest in estimates unless the…

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#192: Estimation - Predictability vs Optimism 14:32

6M ago14:32

14:32

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development. In the last episode, I talk about the short hand of a "valuable estimate" - an estimate that is desirable for the organisation asking for it. While what constitutes "valuable" will differ from organisations to organisation, team to team, and maybe even piece …

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#191: Estimation - what is a valuable estimate? 14:23

7M ago14:23

14:23

This episode is part of a wider mini-series looking at Estimation in Software Development. So for this episode I want to introduce the idea of a "valuable estimate" and what that may mean for you. As I go through this series I will use the term "valuable estimate" as a short hand for some value that is desirable by the organisation asking for it. T…

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#190: Estimation - Do you get value? 18:24

7M ago18:24

18:24

I started the mini-series in episode 189 by providing the following guidelines: Don't invest in estimates unless there are clear demonstrable value in having them Agree what a "valuable" estimate looks like - this will likely be a desirable level of accuracy and precision for an estimate Provide the team with training & time to develop their estima…

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#189: Estimation - a review 21:12

7M ago21:12

21:12

Back in January 2023, in episode #160, "RevisitingSoftware Development Estimation," I made the commitment to revisit and potentially revise my views on software development estimation. While I acknowledged the desirability of estimations for reasons like cost, risk, and planning, the episode recognized that these desires don't always make estimatio…

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#188: Bad for ROI - More Developers 23:29

1+ y ago23:29

23:29

Following on from the last two episodes that look at the dysfunctional and unexpected results that can from the seemly well intentioned call for "more planning", this week's episode takes a look at a similar paradox - the call for "more developers". We look at why "more developers" does not generally equal "greater output" - the unexpected operatio…

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#187: Bad for ROI - More Planning - Part 2 23:37

1+ y ago23:37

23:37

In this episode, the second of two, I conclude the exploration of the dysfunctions and unexpected results that can occur from the seeming well intentioned call for "more planning". In last week's episode, I looking at the historical context of why the request for "more planning", and explored the high cost and dysfunctions that can arise from over-…

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#186: Bad for ROI - More Planning - Part 1 20:04

1+ y ago20:04

20:04

In this episode, the first of two, I start to explore the dysfunctions and unexpected results that can occur from the seeming well intentioned call for "more planning". In this episode, I will start by looking at the historical context of why the request for "more planning", and an exploration of the high cost and dysfunctions that can arise from o…

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#185: Bad for ROI - Overemphasis on Perfection 22:16

1+ y ago22:16

22:16

In the last episode I the dysfunctions and unexpected results of a "feature factory" within Software Development. This week I look at what happens if the pendulum swings too far the other way - where an overemphasis on perfection leads again to dysfunction and unexpected results. ----- Find this episodes show notes at: https://red-folder.com/podcas…

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#184: Bad for ROI - the Feature Factory 12:55

1+ y ago12:55

12:55

In the fast-paced world of software development, the “feature factory” model, with its promise of rapid growth and high ROI, can easily captivate businesses. This episode takes a dive into why the the feature factory is so alluring - and why beneath the allure, lies a multitude of hidden dysfunctions and potential for long-term damage. ----- Find t…

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#183: Bad for ROI - Performance measurements in software development 24:48

1+ y ago24:48

24:48

In this episode I look at another practice that can be bad for ROI - a practice that may commonly be considered good or common practice, but is actually causing dysfunctional, and unexpected, results. In this episode I want to explore the dangers of performance measurements in modern software development - how, while they are a useful and powerful …

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#182: Bad for ROI - Bonuses 23:08

1+ y ago23:08

23:08

We all know that a heft bonus improves productivity. Its a management stable - dangle the carrot and good results just roll it. But is that really true? In this episode, I look at the negative consequences of using bonuses for motivation - once again, leaning heavily on the work of Daniel Pink and his book "Drive" to explore the idea of extrinsic a…

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#181: Bad for ROI - RAG reporting 19:47

1+ y ago19:47

19:47

Occasionally I record an episode exploring something that may commonly be considered good, or common practice, but is actually causing dysfunctional, and unexpected, results in modern software development - and thus would be bad for ROI. This week I look at the RAG (Red Amber Green) status reporting and its impact on modern software development. --…

1
#180: Bad for ROI - the HiPPO 19:54

1+ y ago19:54

19:54

Occasionally I record an episode exploring something that may commonly be considered good, or common practice, but is actually causing dysfunctional, and unexpected, results in modern software development - and thus would be bad for ROI. This week I want to introduce you to a strange beast, found way too often in our organisations, the HiPPO. While…

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#179: Does the manager still have a role to play in the modern software development team? 21:12

1+ y ago21:12

21:12

In this episode I wanted to explore what it means to be a manager for a development team - and more importantly in the world of diverse, cross-functional, self-managing, value stream teams, does the manager still have a role to play? Picture this: You've successfully built a software development team that's as diverse as it is dynamic. They are cro…

1
#178: Transaction-based costing - a wrap-up 18:28

2y ago18:28

18:28

In this episode I wrap up this series of episodes on transaction-based costing by looking at the common themes and revisiting some of my initial reasons for starting the series. For me the key takeaway is the common theme of constantly rethinking our best practice and adapting to the changing landscape of technology, our organisation, and our marke…

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#177: Transaction-based costing and Small Batch Sizes 11:58

2y ago11:58

11:58

In this episode I continue the discussion on transaction-based costing by looking at the relationship with Small Batch Sizes. I began by defining small batch sizes - the breaking of work down into more manageable tasks, which can improve the speed and quality of your output. I then explore how small batch sizes play a pivotal role in transaction-ba…

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#176: Transaction-based costing and Value Stream Teams 17:55

2y ago17:55

17:55

In this episode I continue the discussion on transaction-based costing by looking at the relationship with Value Stream Teams. I start by defining value stream teams - cross-functional groups that work towards delivering value from customer request to service delivery. I explore how they fit into the software development landscape, leveraging princ…

1
#175: Transaction-based costing and its relationship with serverless and cloud 16:01

2y ago16:01

16:01

In episode, I discuss the relationship between transaction-based costing models, serverless computing, and cloud computing in a dynamic business environment. I look at how this model offers flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness by allowing businesses to pay only for the resources they use - and compare this model to the traditional capex…

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#174: Transaction-based costing in Software Development 12:09

2y ago12:09

12:09

Are you struggling to track the true return on investment in your software development projects? Traditional CapEx and OpEx models may not be enough in dynamic environments. But don't worry, there's a solution! In this episode, I introduce transaction-based costing. By assigning a cost to each transaction within the software development process, yo…

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#173: AI Coding Assistants - the future 12:39

2y ago12:39

12:39

In this episode, I discusses the potential benefits of organization-specific AI Coding Assistants. While AI won't replace developers, it can provide more refined and less generic answers, leading to improved code quality and enhanced productivity within the organization. By tailoring AI Coding Assistants to an organization, it can understand and ad…

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#172: AI Coding Assistants - the potential negatives 13:00

2y ago13:00

13:00

In this episode I discuss the potential negatives of using AI Coding Assistants in software development. I cover topics such as: over-reliance and skill degradation, lack of creativity and innovation, false positives and incorrect suggestions, limitations with domain-specific knowledge, dependency on internet connectivity, adoption and learning cur…

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#171: AI Coding Assistants - the benefits 10:59

2y ago10:59

10:59

In this episode, I discusses the expected benefits of using AI Coding Assistants in software development. These benefits include: increased productivity, code optimization, learning and knowledge enhancement, error detection and debugging, collaboration and coding consistency, code documentation, and code completion and suggestions. ----- Find this…

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#170: AI Coding Assistants - an introduction 8:16

2y ago8:16

8:16

In this episode I discuss the growing use of AI Coding Assistants in software development, particularly large language models like ChatGPT. I explain how AI Coding Assistants can greatly improve productivity and efficiency for developers, with examples of popular products in the market. AI Coding Assistants will not replace developers, but rather e…

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#169: ChatGPT - initial conversation thoughts 15:28

2y ago15:28

15:28

In this episode, I review last weeks conversation with ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence language model developed by OpenAI. I discuss the technology behind ChatGPT, its potential risks and benefits, and the ethical and societal questions it poses. I also talks about my personal experience with ChatGPT and my intention to use it for podcast scrip…

1
#168: ChatGPT - my first conversation 12:34

2y ago12:34

12:34

In this episode, I aim to explain what ChatGPT is and its future for a non-technical managerial audience - and I do this through conversing with ChatGPT. I share this first chat I've had with ChatGPT - with a followup planned for next week to talk through my experience and initial thoughts. ----- Find this episodes show notes at: https://red-folder…

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#167: Password Hygiene 9:48

2y ago9:48

9:48

In this episode, I discusses the LastPass breach that occurred last year and how it has prompted me to improve my password hygiene. I talk about why the breach has led me to move away from LastPass - and how it has provided an opportunity to clean up my password data and reset passwords for critical accounts. I also re-emphasizes the importance of …

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#166: The value of certifications 8:01

2y ago8:01

8:01

In this episode, I discuss my personal experience with Microsoft Certifications and their value in the IT industry. I believe that certifications provide a wider breadth of knowledge that may not be obtained through day-to-day work - but is still no subsitute for experience when it comes to recruitment. ----- Find this episodes show notes at: https…

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#165: Introduction to the Actor Model 13:51

2y ago13:51

13:51

In this episode, I introduce the Actor Model as a Design Pattern that can offer faster and more efficient processing by managing state in memory. I discuss potential use cases for the Actor Model, such as in online gaming and IoT sensors, but acknowledge that it is a different development model than traditional approaches. ----- Find this episodes …

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#164: Design Patterns 11:28

2y ago11:28

11:28

In this podcast episode, I introduce the concept of design patterns in software development and explain their importance in improving code quality and readability. I give examples of design patterns in everyday life and emphasize how they can speed up the development process by providing tested and proven development paradigms. I also highlight the…

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#163: Taking time for self care 9:09

2y ago9:09

9:09

This is the first episode after a prolonged break - so firstly, an apology for the gap in recordings. In this episode I wanted to talk about why I took a break, the lessons to learn and what I've been up to over the past few months. ----- Find this episodes show notes at: https://red-folder.com/podcasts/163 Have an idea for an episode topic, or wan…

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#162: Recommendations in a downturn 10:33

2+ y ago10:33

10:33

As we start the new year, its not uncommon for organisations to looks at budgets and general expenditure - and given the current financial outlook, I would have expected many organisations to be taking the time to look at how best to weather the storm. I've found that many organisations typically react with a combination of cost cutting and putting…

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#161: State of DevOps 2022 9:32

2+ y ago9:32

9:32

This episode, I wanted to take a quick look at the 2022 edition of the State of DevOps Report. I've talked a number of times about the State of DevOps report. I originally introduced it back in episode 13, and last year I devoted seven episodes, 120-126, to a deep-dive into the 2021 edition. ----- Find this episodes show notes at: https://red-folde…

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#160: Revisiting Software Development Estimation 9:58

2+ y ago9:58

9:58

I've long held the belief that Estimation is the source of much dysfunction within Software Development. However, with a New Year, I'll like to take this as an opportunity to revisit my strong opinions on the subject - are they still valid? Are there better ways? In this episode I recap the understandable desire for Software Development Estimations…

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#159: Gantt Charts revisited 12:31

2+ y ago12:31

12:31

I originally discussed Gantt charts back in episode 62, but I found more history behind them while researching Scientific Management and Taylorism for episode 156. I originally thought to include this additional history in that episode, but it felt out of place - thus this separate episode to revisit Gantt charts. ----- Find this episodes show note…

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#158: The Pitch - one-size does not fill all 11:29

2+ y ago11:29

11:29

In episode 150, I reintroduced this series with a new pitch. It was my way of taking what I've learnt over the last three years, the last 150 episodes, and almost 33 hours of content and updating the why of the podcast. Over recent episodes, I've take a deeper dive into the themes of the pitch and why they made the cut. And in this weeks episode, I…

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#157: The Pitch - its not like flipping hamburgers 13:21

2+ y ago13:21

13:21

In episode 150, I reintroduced this series with a new pitch. It was my way of taking what I've learnt over the last three years, the last 150 episodes, and almost 33 hours of content and updating the why of the podcast. Over the coming episodes, I'll take a deeper dive into the themes of the pitch and why they made the cut. In this episode, I look …

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#156: The Pitch - the management practices of yesterday 11:01

2+ y ago11:01

11:01

In episode 150, I reintroduced this series with a new pitch. It was my way of taking what I've learnt over the last three years, the last 150 episodes, and almost 33 hours of content and updating the why of the podcast. Over the coming episodes, I'll take a deeper dive into the themes of the pitch and why they made the cut. In this episode, I want …

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