TestGuild Automation Podcast

Is traditional performance testing becoming obsolete?
In this episode, performance engineering expert Akash Thakur shares why AI is fundamentally transforming load testing, scripting, observability, and shift-left strategies.
With 17 years of real-world enterprise experience, Akash explains how AI-augmented tools are already reducing scripting time by 30%, improving analysis speed, and helping teams move from reactive performance testing to predictive intelligence.
You'll learn:
How AI is accelerating performance scripting and analysis
Why shift-left performance testing is finally becoming realistic
The role of structured data in predictive QA models
How to test AI applications (LLMs, GPUs, inference throughput) differently than traditional web apps
What the future role of performance engineers looks like — architect, not script writer
If you're a performance tester, SRE, QA leader, or DevOps engineer wondering how AI will impact your role — this episode gives you practical, actionable insights you can apply immediately.

Most teams find defects after the damage is done — during regression, late-stage testing, or production incidents. That's expensive, stressful, and completely avoidable.
Try Spec2Test AI now: https://testguild.me/spec2testdemo
In this episode, Joe Colantonio sits down with Missy Trumpler, CEO of AgileAILabs, to explore how Spec2TestAI helps teams prevent defects before code ships by applying AI directly to requirements.
You'll learn:
Why traditional test automation still misses critical risk
How predictive, requirements-based AI testing works in practice
What "shift-left" actually looks like beyond the buzzword
How to reduce escaped defects without writing more tests
Why secure, explainable AI matters for QA and enterprise teams
This conversation is especially valuable for software testers, automation engineers, and QA leaders who want earlier visibility into risk, faster feedback, and higher confidence releases.
Don't miss Automation Guild 2026 - Register Now: https://testguild.me/podag26

Performance testing often fails for one simple reason: teams can't see where the slowdown actually happens.
In this episode, we explore Locust load testing and why Python-based performance testing is becoming the go-to choice for modern DevOps, QA, and SRE teams. You'll learn how Locust enables highly realistic user behavior, massive concurrency, and distributed load testing — without the overhead of traditional enterprise tools.
We also dive into:
Why Python works so well for AI-assisted load testing
How Locust fits naturally into CI/CD and GitHub Actions
The real difference between load testing vs performance testing
How observability and end-to-end tracing eliminate guesswork
Common performance testing mistakes even experienced teams make
Whether you're a software tester, automation engineer, or QA leader looking to shift-left performance testing, this conversation will help you design smarter tests and catch scalability issues before your users do.

AI testing is everywhere — but clarity isn't. In this episode, Joe Colantonio breaks down the real test automation trends for 2026, based on data from 40,000+ testers, 510 live Q&A questions, and 50+ interviews with industry leaders. This isn't vendor hype or futuristic speculation. It's what working testers are actually worried about — and what they're doing next. You'll learn: Why 72.8% of testers prioritize AI, yet don't trust it alone The real reason AI testing feels harder instead of easier How integration chaos is blocking automation success Why "AI auditor" and "quality strategist" are emerging career paths What agentic AI, MCPs, and vibe testing really mean in practice How compliance, accessibility, and security will redefine QA in 2026 If you're a tester, automation engineer, or QA leader trying to stay relevant — this episode gives you the signal through the noise, and a clear path forward. If you're a software tester, automation engineer, or QA leader looking ahead to 2026, this episode lays out what's coming — and how to stay connected. Discount code: 100GUILDCOIN (https://testguild.me/podag26)

This is a special end-of-year episode of the Automation Testing Podcast.
With family in town and a busy holiday season, Joe didn't want to skip a week without checking in and saying thank you to the TestGuild community.
In this short episode, Joe shares:
A huge milestone as the podcast approaches its 13-year anniversary
Why the Automation Testing Podcast is moving from Sundays to Tuesdays starting in 2026
How loyal listeners can still get $100 off a full 5-day Automation Guild 2026 pass
A sneak peek at TestGuild IRL — live, in-person events coming next year
Gratitude for the listeners, YouTube community, and sponsors who make TestGuild possible
If you're a software tester, automation engineer, or QA leader looking ahead to 2026, this episode lays out what's coming — and how to stay connected.
Discount code: 100GUILDCOIN (https://testguild.me/podag26)
Questions or ideas? Email Joe directly at [email protected]
As always — test everything, and keep the good.