Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

S3E0: The Teaser

“Stupid is as stupid does.” Forrest Gump said it best... and you don't have to look far in the digital world to see just how much stupid is out there.Whether you're lost in the layers of a bloated website, juggling 5 different collaboration tools just to get ONE project done, or searching for a document you know exists but still can't find... we've all been there.That’s why we started Discussing Stupid. This podcast is our way of calling out the bad digital practices we see every day - and giving you practical advice to fix them.We are BACK for Season 3, building on the foundation we set last season. In Season 2, we tackled search, UX, accessibility, websites, and collaboration systems. This time around, we’re taking those same topics further - unpacking the details, workflows, and decisions that can make or break your digital experiences.We’re kicking things off with a series called Intentional AI, and it is all about using artificial intelligence (AI) more purposefully in your workflow. Too many orgs are throwing it into their workflows without a plan - wasting money, tanking productivity, and getting frustrated when the tech doesn’t deliver.To flip that script, we’re using the content lifecycle as our case study. It’s a process every digital team touches, from research and analysis, to content creation, to management, SEO, accessibility, and personalization - and it’s a perfect way to show how AI can actually work for you instead of against you.In Episode 1, we’ll zoom out with a quick look at how AI could play a role in each stage, then go deep into the first part of the cycle: research and analysis. We’ll break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of AI in that stage, and how to avoid the traps we see so many orgs falling into.If you work in digital experiences, this podcast will put you ahead of the curve - whether that's making smarter use of AI, cleaning up your search strategy, or building digital spaces that actually make sense for people.Season 3 drops September 23rd. Subscribe, share this with your team, and let’s make the digital world a little less stupid, one episode at a time.Subscribe for email updates on our website:https://www.discussingstupid.com/Watch us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupidListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupidCheck Us Out on Socials:https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupidhttps://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupidhttps://x.com/DiscussStupid

What it really takes to build accessible forms

In the Season 2 finale of Discussing Stupid, Virgil and Cole are joined by Ali Gillberg, a senior developer at High Monkey, to talk about one of the most broken (and misunderstood) parts of UX: form accessibility.Using a real-world PowerApps project for the Minnesota Office of Accessibility, the team breaks down the invisible complexity of building forms that actually work for all users, including those using screen readers or assistive tech. Spoiler: most “accessible” forms aren’t.In this episode, they dig into:The most common accessibility fails in forms (labeling, tab order, cryptic errors)Why Microsoft tools like PowerApps and SharePoint often work against accessibilityHow poor form validation breaks user experience and trustWhat it really takes to make dynamic forms work properlyThe tedious but necessary work behind making forms usable for everyoneWhether you’re designing a public-facing form or managing internal workflows, this episode will change how you think about accessibility, and show why most tools still fall short.This wraps up Season 2 of Discussing Stupid. We’ll be back in September with new episodes, fresh rants, and more stupid digital decisions to unpack. Thanks for listening!For more conversations about digital strategy, UX, accessibility, and all the ways we get it wrong (and how to get it right), visit www.discussingstupid.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.(0:00) - Intro(3:13) - The form looks fine… but is it usable?(4:57) - The false promise of built in accessibility(6:08) - Inside a real accessible PowerApps build(10:15) - What screen readers see (that you don't)(12:12) - The workarounds nobody talks about (16:33) - Why this problem isn't just Microsoft's fault(17:38) - OutroSubscribe for email updates on our website:https://www.discussingstupid.com/Watch us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupidListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupidCheck Us Out on Socials:https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupidhttps://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupidhttps://x.com/DiscussStupid

Why inconsistent layouts wreck your UX

In this episode of Discussing Stupid, Virgil and Cole tackle a quiet killer of user experience: layout inconsistency.From university websites that feel like ten different brands stitched together to internal systems that change button locations with every page, inconsistent layouts confuse users, break trust, and derail digital goals. This episode dives into why it happens, what it costs, and how to start fixing it.They also explore:Why inconsistent layouts are often a sign of deeper organizational problemsHow users feel bad design before they can explain itThe difference between visual theming and layout consistencyWhat a consistent structure looks like across homepage, sections, and detail pagesWhy a style guide is your most underrated assetWhether you’re building a public-facing site or an internal portal, this episode will help you recognize the hidden ways layout chaos is holding you back—and how to clean it up.For more conversations about digital strategy, UX, accessibility, and all the ways we get it wrong (and how to get it right), visit www.discussingstupid.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.(0:00) - Intro(2:22) - Where layour inconsistency happens the most(4:57) - The difference between theming and consistency(7:24) - Structuring consistency in layers (10:57) - Why inconsistency hurts your organization(13:12) - Layout chaos as a symptom of deeper issues(15:22) - How to start fixing this issue(16:51) - OutroSubscribe for email updates on our website:https://www.discussingstupid.com/Watch us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupidListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupidCheck Us Out on Socials:https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupidhttps://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupidhttps://x.com/DiscussStupid

Headless vs traditional CMS: Which one fits your organization?

In this episode of Discussing Stupid, Virgil sits down with High Monkey’s Senior Developer, Chad Heinle, to break down one of the most debated choices in modern digital strategy: headless vs traditional CMS.While flashy features and buzzwords like “omnichannel” dominate vendor pitches, the real decision comes down to your organization’s resources, structure, and long-term goals. Chad and Virgil dive into the practical realities of each approach, helping you cut through the hype and avoid the biggest mistakes teams make when choosing a CMS.They also explore:• Why your internal team structure matters more than the CMS features• The rise (and reality) of content hubs and static site generators• What “freedom” really means in a headless setup• How traditional and headless CMSs are merging in unexpected ways• Why reuse and omnichannel content sound good—but rarely happenWhether you’re in IT, marketing, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you make smarter, more grounded tech decisions.For more conversations about digital strategy, UX, accessibility, and all the ways we get it wrong (and how to get it right), visit www.discussingstupid.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.(0:00) - Intro(2:10) - It's not about the CMS, it's about your team(4:44) - Headless gives you freedom - if you're ready for it(6:36) - Traditional & headless are starting to look alike(9:56) - Don't choose a CMS based on buzzwords(12:00) - There's no perfect CMS - just the right one for you(15:00) - OutroLearn more about High Monkeyhttps://www.highmonkey.com/Subscribe for Email Updates on Our Website:https://www.discussingstupid.com/Watch Us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupidListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupidCheck Us Out on Socials:https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupidhttps://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupidhttps://x.com/DiscussStupid

What separates good projects from great ones? Proper testing.

In this episode of Discussing Stupid, Virgil and Cole are joined by a new guest—High Monkey’s Project Manager and QA specialist, Seth Moline. Together, they dig into the often-overlooked world of quality assurance (QA) and why it can make or break a digital project.From accessibility issues to ripple effects caused by last-minute code changes, Seth walks us through what great QA really looks like—and why it’s not just a checklist you run through before launch. The team discusses how QA needs to be methodical, repeatable, and fully integrated into your build process—not an afterthought.They also explore:Why QA isn’t just testing—it’s marketingHow staging environments save you from public embarrassmentThe value of fresh eyes and non-developer perspectivesCommon QA mistakes and how to avoid themWhy accessibility should never be separated from qualityWhether you’re a developer, content manager, strategist, or digital lead, this episode will change the way you think about testing and quality.For more conversations about digital strategy, UX, accessibility, and all the ways we get it wrong (and how to get it right), visit www.discussingstupid.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.(0:00) - Intro(3:04) - Seth's QA role at high monkey(4:45) - Quality testing is best done by a fresh set of eyes(6:47) - QA is about systems, not spot checks(11:06) - Why you need a staging environment(14:18) - How to stay methodical with your testing(16:36) - Baking accessibility into your QA process(18:06) - A quality site = top tier marketing(19:52) - OutroSubscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid