Best KnowledgeOwl Podcasts (2025)

1
Docs as Tests: Keeping documentation resilient to product changes with Manny Silva 1:03:11

2d ago1:03:11

1:03:11

In this episode, I'm talking with Manny Silva, a technical writer who created the "Docs as Tests" concept name and the open-source tool Doc Detective. We discuss how to automatically test your documentation for accuracy, why customer reports of broken docs are actually failed tests, and practical ways to implement automated documentation testing re…

1
Connecting permaculture and documentation with Liz Argall 45:52

16d ago45:52

45:52

In this episode, I’m talking with Liz Argall, a writer I connected with at Write the Docs Portland 2025. We talk about working on open source projects, developing good qualitative metrics, her work with a permaculture nonprofit in Uganda, and the ways that being interviewed by a technical writer can make hidden expertise shine. Liz and I presented …

1
Documentation as a creative endeavor with Nick Graziade 50:17

1M ago50:17

50:17

In this episode, I'm talking with Nick Graziade, a technical writer and musician who approaches documentation as a creative endeavor. We explore how his early fascination with Lego instructions and synthesizer manuals shaped his philosophy that technical writing doesn't have to be dry or boring, but can be passionate and innovative work that adapts…

1
Kate sounds off on Write the Docs 26:51

1M ago26:51

26:51

In this solo episode, Kate shares an update on her content update progress. She also reflects on Sue Brandt’s interview (S3:E10) and on the Write the Docs Portland 2025 conference. I’ve continued my work to update the KnowledgeOwl Support Knowledge Base to align with major navigation and UI changes that were rolled out in December. I updated an add…

1
How to get hired as a tech writer with Sue Brandt 41:25

2M ago41:25

41:25

In this episode, I’m talking with Sue Brandt, a former Director of Documentation who’d hired around 60 people when we recorded the episode. We discuss practical strategies for technical writing job applications, what hiring managers are really looking for in resumes and interviews, and how to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Sue and I d…

1
Kate sounds off on knowledge sharing and docs stewardship 16:18

2M ago16:18

16:18

In this solo episode, Kate shares an update on her content update progress. She also reflects on Marcia Riefer Johnston’s interview (S3:E8) and on the idea of docs stewardship as opposed to docs ownership. I’ve continued my work to update the KnowledgeOwl Support Knowledge Base to align with major navigation and UI changes that were rolled out in D…

1
The craft of technical writing with Marcia Riefer Johnston 52:31

3M ago52:31

52:31

In this episode, I’m talking with Marcia Riefer Johnston, a technical writer who’s worked in our industry for 40 years. We talk about how the profession has evolved since she first started in it, the grammar patterns that have helped her tighten up her writing, and how “creative” writing and “technical” writing are just different expressions of the…

1
Kate sounds off on mice and iterating 17:28

3M ago17:28

17:28

In this solo episode, Kate shares an update on her content update progress, muses about the similarities between mice infestations and docs projects, and reflects more on Kenzie Woodbridge’s interview (S3:E6) and how we choose what we work on. Since Episode 5, I’ve continued my work to update the KnowledgeOwl Support Knowledge Base to align with ma…

1
We’re all responsible for content accessibility with Kenzie Woodbridge 45:28

4M ago45:28

45:28

In this episode, I’m talking with Kenzie Woodbridge, a documentarian and self-taught accessibility advocate. We talk about how feeling “not expert enough” is no reason to skip content accessibility, four ways you can make your content more accessible right now, and ways you can serve as an accessibility advocate as you review content and work with …

1
Kate sounds off on docs hierarchy of needs and how we talk to ourselves 17:07

4M ago17:07

17:07

In this solo episode, Kate shares an update on working with content types, muses about the idea of a Documentation Hierarchy of Needs, and reflects more on Janine Chan’s interview (S3:E4) and how we talk to ourselves about being tech writers. — I may have overcommitted myself in Episode 3. I have been incorporating content type work into my massive…

1
Bridging the gap from “not technical enough” to “technical” with Janine Chan 56:00

5M ago56:00

56:00

In this episode, I’m talking with Janine Chan, a technical writer and Write the Docs community moderator. We talk about how feeling “not technical enough” is as much about attitude and approach as it is about knowledge and ways you can bridge the gap to a more technical future. Janine and I discuss the fact that there’s no defined/established set o…

1
Kate sounds off on content types 16:04

5M ago16:04

16:04

My current in-flight projects include updating nearly all of our documentation to reflect major changes to our user interface, which includes changes to screenshots, navigation options, and section/subsection labels. I’m also working on my long slog to convert all our screenshots from .png to .webp format. As I make all of those updates, I’m bringi…

1
Developer collaboration with Lorna Mitchell 43:46

6M ago43:46

43:46

In this episode, I’m talking with Lorna Mitchell, a technology leader, published author, tech blogger, and developer experience expert who is passionate about APIs and developer tools. We talk about why developers writing docs is good for both your devs and your docs, the best ways to build successful collaboration with developers, and more! Lorna …

1
Introducing The Not-Boring Tech Writer Reboot 12:46

6M ago12:46

12:46

Meet our new host Kate Mueller and get the inside scoop on how The Not-Boring Tech Writer (TNBTW) will work moving forward. Kate Mueller is the Documentation Goddess of KnowledgeOwl, a seasoned technical writer and owner of knowledgewithsass, a knowledge management coaching service. She’s written and maintained documentation for companies in broadc…

1
Tech Writer Advocacy and Managing Write the Docs with Swapnil Ogale 37:31

4y ago37:31

37:31

In this episode I’m talking to Swapnil Ogale, a Technical Writer Advocate for Redocly based in Melbourne, Australia, who is also a Community and Conference Manager for Write the Docs. He gives us the inside scoop on arranging Write the Docs events conferences both in-person and online, and talks to us about the importance of advocacy for technical …

1
Documentarians for Diplomacy: Bringing the Mirth with Kat Stoica Ostenfeld 50:44

4y ago50:44

50:44

We’re back after a short and unexpected break! Sorry to keep you waiting! This episode you’ll hear Kat Stoica Ostenfeld, an accomplished tech writer living in Copenhagen in Denmark. A linguist by credential, she says diplomacy is the key to being an effective documentarian, and shares how her translation and applied linguistics background helped he…

1
Marrying skillsets and existential googling with Caity Cronkhite 36:12

4+ y ago36:12

36:12

In this episode, I’m excited to be speaking to Caity Cronkhite, Seattle-based founder and CEO of Good Words LLC. We talk about her experience of starting up as a tech writer both in-house and freelancing, before starting and growing her own successful business in the technical writing industry, and the successes and struggles of operating Good Word…

1
How to Infiltrate a Hackathon in Iowa with Philip Kiely 46:23

4+ y ago46:23

46:23

In such a complex and fast-moving industry as tech writing, it can be interesting to see how burgeoning tech writers get started - and become successful. Enter Philip Kiely, author of Writing for Software Developers and owner of PK&C, the world's smallest conglomerate. He graduated from Grinnell College in May 2020 with a degree in computer science…

1
A Fond Farewell (Yet Warm Welcome!) 1:22:13

4+ y ago1:22:13

1:22:13

After four exciting years hosting The Not-Boring Tech Writer—the podcast that gives listeners the skills to break the stereotype that technical writing is a boring career—I’ve passed the podcast along to longtime sponsor KnowledgeOwl, a knowledge base software company. This sobers me, admittedly: What began as a medium to connect with colleagues wh…

1
Skill #36: Creating Usability Tests for Your Organization 46:42

4+ y ago46:42

46:42

Technical writers must ensure their help resources, such as documentation and video tutorials, are useful for their users. Therefore, they study language, design, and Support tickets—gathering all the context they need to ensure users can accomplish their task. But get this: Through feedback loops such as quizzes and interviews with subject matter …

1
Skill #35: Understanding Basic Design Principles 40:30

5y ago40:30

40:30

Technical communicators wield the power of plain language to ensure their readers find and understand the information they need to complete a task—no matter how complex. Basic design principles, such as alignment, contrast, and other principles you’ll learn in this episode, give your documentation that extra lift it needs to engage readers througho…

1
Skill #34: Crowdsourcing Technical Communication 37:04

5+ y ago37:04

37:04

Folk working in technical communication—whether they’re academics or practitioners—through their own unique skill sets, perspectives, and experiences, often discover best practices to excel at their job. These hard-earned insights would likely benefit others facing similar challenges; however, silos often keep folk in technical communication from q…

1
Skill #33: Getting Started with Open Data 43:26

5+ y ago43:26

43:26

For the civically-mind technical writer, there’s a growing movement in cities across the world where technical writers can use their skills to better their community. It’s called Open Data Day: an annual celebration of open data groups around the world partnering with local governments to use open data to achieve a shared goal in the community. Fro…

1
Skill #32: Understanding Translation and Localization 31:03

5+ y ago31:03

31:03

As products and services reach markets outside of their geographic origins, organizations must consider how to translate and localize their existing documentation. It’s a must, as these new users will need to refer to a knowledge base. But how exactly do organizations translate their documentation? Do they copy and paste all of their content into G…

1
Skill #31: Choosing the Right Knowledge Base Software for Your Organization 50:09

5+ y ago50:09

50:09

No matter your industry—tech, nonprofit, marketing—your organization likely needs a knowledge base software, a dedicated place to capture essential knowledge. However, choosing the right knowledge base software can be challenging—and takes much more work then a quick Google search. You need to understand the core knowledge problems within your orga…

1
Skill #30: Landing a Tech Writing Internship 34:51

5+ y ago34:51

34:51

As prospective tech writers look for ways to get into the tech writing field, many pursue internships. And understandably so: internships give prospective tech writers hands-on experience in tech writing, giving them an opportunity to boost their skills and get a feel for the industry. However, finding that tech writing internship can be challengin…

1
Skill #29: Understanding Your Reader (as a Whole) 35:16

5+ y ago35:16

35:16

One of the most important skills tech writers can have is the ability to analyze their audience—researching who’s using the product their documentation, understanding how they it, and most important, ensuring their goals are reflected in the documentation. But as tech writers research their audience, digging deep into insights such as demographic a…

1
Skill #28: Researching as a Tech Writer 27:36

5+ y ago27:36

27:36

All of the help resources tech writers create, such software documentation, video tutorials, or blog posts, require research. Imagine creating a document to explain a new feature before, say, even understanding how customers actually use the feature. Tech writers use several different resources to research the information they need, including conve…

1
Skill #27: Contributing to GitHub 25:39

5+ y ago25:39

25:39

As tech writers consider how to stay relevant in the field, many look to GitHub—the git repository service where people host their open-source projects, allowing others to contribute as well. And understandably so: as the demand for tech writers specialized in developer documentation grows, GitHub gives tech writers low-lift opportunities to ramp u…

1
Skill #26: Getting Started in API Documentation 38:19

6y ago38:19

38:19

As tech writers consider how to stay relevant in the field, many consider getting started in API documentation. And who can blame them—it’s one of the most trending and highest paying roles in tech writing. But getting started in API documentation can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never worked with code. That’s why, in this episode, we have…

1
Skill #25: Nudging Users to Action Through Contextual Help 23:14

6y ago23:14

23:14

As technical writers, we help users learn processes or complete particular tasks. And we offer this help in several ways, including documentation, video tutorials, or learning management systems. But get this: through gentle nudges and clues throughout the users’ journeys, technical writers can help users achieve their goal without sending them str…

1
Skill #24: Finding Your Content DNA 29:39

6y ago29:39

29:39

John Espirian—technical copywriter and author of the soon-to-be-released book Content DNA—describes content DNA as the "shape" of your brand and then using the power of consistency and congruence to create content that gets remembered and acted on. As technical communicators, the content DNA could take several forms: a freelance technical writer co…

1
Skill #23: Transitioning into Tech Writing from Very-Much-Not Tech Writing 30:52

6y ago30:52

30:52

Think back to the early years of your career as you considered pursuing a career in technical writing. Unless you happened to pursue a formal education in technical writing; and perhaps land an internship, it’s a challenging period—just like any career change. You have to learn the jargon of the technical writer; the networks with which they mingle…

1
Skill #22: Using Your Detective Skills as a Technical Writer 35:51

6y ago35:51

35:51

As technical writers, we often wear many different hats within an organization: we write documentation that teaches people how to use a product; we test new features to ensure they’re working properly; we write marketing copy that encourages people to research a product. But, as you’ll learn in this episode, we wear another hat that perhaps haven’t…

1
Skill #21: Mentoring Prospective Tech Writers 30:15

6y ago30:15

30:15

All technical writers can look back on their career and likely think of a specific person or two who helped them advance their career. It could be a former professor who encouraged them to take technical writing courses; a friend who introduced them to the field; or a boss who invested time into their work. For prospective technical writers, these …

1
Skill #20: Understanding Content Marketing 28:12

6y ago28:12

28:12

As technical writers, we excel at turning technical information into documentation that helps users understand complex concepts. We write software documentation that helps users understand a product; we create video tutorials that teach users how to use a feature. Software documentation is the technical writers’ bread and butter; however, perhaps u…

1
Skill #19: Writing for Nonprofit Organizations 25:01

6y ago25:01

25:01

Throughout technical writers’ careers, they may find themselves working in several different industries: they could start their career writing end-user documentation for a software company; shift to healthcare to write white papers; maybe transition into marketing to write web copy. And this shouldn’t surprise us: technical writers have several ski…

1
Skill #18: Embracing the Long Game of Technical Writing 29:41

6y ago29:41

29:41

Anyone who’s been in technical writing for a few years or has attended a technical writing conference has witnessed how quickly the field has evolved. Technical writers have had to shift from Microsoft Word docs to single-source authoring; they’ve had to learn how to become project managers; they’ve had to learn basic programming skills. In short, …

1
Skill #17: Branding Your Work 39:41

6y ago39:41

39:41

As a technical writer, you’ve likely not considered branding yourself and your work—and understandably so: your documentation—no matter how masterful and easy to understand—often isn’t associated with yourself. You don’t get a byline; you don’t get a image of yourself below the headline; instead, it’s just another piece of content created by “the d…

1
Skill #16: Using Cognitive Science to Make Your Technical Writing More Interesting 31:43

6+ y ago31:43

31:43

As a technical writer, what does it mean to make your writing interesting? It’s a question you perhaps have never pondered—and understandably so: you spend your time ensuring that your docs are correct and easy to understand for users—not so much that the work is interesting to read. It’s a comfortable approach to technical writing that’s easy to g…

1
Skill #15: Transitioning into Instructional Design 21:36

6+ y ago21:36

21:36

Instructional design, as described by my guest, instructional designer Katie Price, means you create courses to help people—whether it’s students at a university or end-users for a product—learn a new subject. Take Lynda, for example: the career development website from LinkedIn. You visit the site to learn a new skill—and you find a course that, t…

1
Skill #14: Contributing to Open Source Projects 27:48

6+ y ago27:48

27:48

An open source project is a software program that’s open for anyone to use or modify as they see it. For example, a developer—anywhere in the world—could create an open source project that gives users real-time updates on the location of, let’s say, city buses. The developer had the idea, coded the software, then released a rough version to the wor…

1
Skill #13: Getting Your First Job in Technical Communication 29:33

6+ y ago29:33

29:33

Thaddeus Dieken – Technical Writer at Accuray – shares how you can get your first job in technical communication, including how to effectively search for jobs, market yourself as a qualified entry-level candidate, and how to navigate the workplace.By Jerrard Doran

1
Skill #12: Teaching Technical Writing 25:52

6+ y ago25:52

25:52

The technical writer has a variety of valuable skills – such as making documents enjoyable to read and complex topics easy to understand – however, the skill that I think is most valuable for the technical writer is the desire to stay relevant and advance their career. So we pick up a programming language; we get continued education; we dig into AP…

1
Skill #11: Surviving in the Dev World 36:28

7y ago36:28

36:28

We all know that successful technical writers are more than writers: they’re designers; they’re knowledge managers; they’re support. However, for technical writers in the dev world, they’re expected to gain new skills, particularly, understanding (and writing) programming languages. That’s a challenging next step for technical writers – and underst…

1
Best of 2016 25:17

8+ y ago25:17

25:17

2016 was a lovely year for The Not-Boring Tech Writer podcast. We had 10 episodes with 11 guests, covering a variety of topics that truly captured the theme of the podcast: how technical writers can break the stereotype that technical writing is a boring career. This episode includes my favorite segment from each of the 10 episodes. So if you hear …

1
Skill #10: Implementing Single-Source Authoring 28:46

8+ y ago28:46

28:46

Paul Stoecklein knows documentation: As Documentation Manager at MadCap – the industry leader in documentation software – and longtime technical writer, Paul understands what does and does not work for documentation teams. A methodology that Paul believes is essential for documentation teams is single-source authoring: to use a single-source of doc…

1
Skill #9: Creating a Human Connection in Your Documentation 19:38

9y ago19:38

19:38

We’ve all read (and perhaps written) a boring document: the robot-like language, the walls of text. And we’re all familiar with the result: a disengaged reader who’s likely missed the message. Enter John Espirian, freelance technical writer and Director at the Society for Editors and Proofreaders. John believes the difference between a boring and a…

1
Skill #8: Acquiring the Three Types of Knowledge Tech Writers Need to Succeed 38:02

9y ago38:02

38:02

Knowledge – as technical writers, it’s one of our greatest assets. However, amid the information overload technical writers often face, it’s also one of the most difficult assets to acquire. Enter Tom Johnson and Lisa Meloncon. Today’s guests and tech comm. advocates that have graciously shared how you can filter the information overload and shift …

1
Skill #7: Preparing for the Future of Tech Comm 29:08

9y ago29:08

29:08

As the tech comm industry develops, technical writers must embrace a sobering truth: As Dr. Stan Dicks writes in Digital Literacy for Technical Communication, “Technical communicators who add value to their organizations do not merely write and edit documents.” So how do we prepare for the future of tech comm so we can ensure we’re adding value to …

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