5 Random Questions - Conversations with Creators and Curious Minds

In this week’s 5 Random Questions, Danny chats with Emily Williams, a Webby, Signal and Anthem award-winning podcast host, and former Executive Director of the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership. They discuss everything from a life-changing loss, cats owning dogs, superhero shenanigans, and more.Answering the questions this week: Emily WilliamsEmily Williams (she/her) is a Webby, Signal and Anthem award-winning podcast host, and former Executive Director of the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership. A gender studies scholar and global advocate for social justice, Emily has worked with communities in more than 20 countries and co-founded the Social Justice Initiative at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her work includes contributing to a global treaty adopted by the United Nations and decades of leadership in advancing equity, gender justice, and human rights in the US and beyond.Emily's Website@heyemilyraquel on InstagramEmily's Facebook pageFurther reading for this episodeBeyond Voting PodcastEmily R. Williams | LinkedInBecome a Patron!Thanks to the wonderful Question Starter members on Patreon for supporting the show! As a member, you receive producer credits for the show, bonus content, early ad-free access, and more - join today!Products I Use for 5 Random QuestionsNote: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link.My equipment:RODE NT1-A large diaphragm condenser micRodecaster Pro II audio production studioSony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor HeadphonesElgato Wave Mic Arm Low ProfileRecommended resources:Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetizationKit email marketingBoomcaster remote recording and live streamingHindenburg Pro recording and editingAuphonic AI assistant for audio post production5 Random Questions is an entertainment podcast brought to you by Danny Brown.If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a review and let other potential listeners know why they might want to check the podcast out.And if you have friends that would enjoy the show, tell them they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, as well as their preferred podcast app, or online at 5 Random Questions.Winner of the Best Interview Podcast at the 2025 Ear Worthy Podcast Awards.All questions provided by ConversationStarters.

2025 was a banner year for 5 Random Questions, and so I wanted to pause and say thank you.In 2025, the show won Best Interview Podcast at the Ear Worthy Podcast Awards, was signed to the Mercury Podcast Network, featured by Apple Podcasts, made the Top 20 Podcasts on Apple, and was even written about in the local press. Every one of those moments felt a little surreal - and all of them happened because people like you kept showing up and sharing the show.One number that was lovely to see: in 2025, 5 Random Questions welcomed over 5,000 new listeners. Not downloads - actual people who discovered the show, stuck around, and made it part of their routine.So thank you to you, the listeners, who make the show part of your week, and thank you to the guests who said yes, trusted the format, and leaned into the unexpected. You’re the reason this show works.Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited about what’s next, including the very real possibility of live shows and more interactive ways to bring 5 Random Questions even closer to the audience.Grateful for the year behind - energized for what’s ahead.Here’s to an amazing 2026.Further reading for this episodeAnnouncing The 2025 Ear Worthy Podcast AwardsMercury Podcast NetworkBecome a Patron!Thanks to the wonderful Question Starter members on Patreon for supporting the show! As a member, you receive producer credits for the show, bonus content, early ad-free access, and more - join today!Products I Use for 5 Random QuestionsNote: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link.My equipment:RODE NT1-A large diaphragm condenser micRodecaster Pro II audio production studioSony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor HeadphonesElgato Wave Mic Arm Low ProfileRecommended resources:Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetizationKit email marketingBoomcaster remote recording and live streamingHindenburg Pro recording and editingAuphonic AI assistant for audio post production5 Random Questions is an entertainment podcast brought to you by Danny Brown.If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a review and let other potential listeners know why they might want to check the podcast out.And if you have friends that would enjoy the show, tell them they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, as well as their preferred podcast app, or online at 5 Random Questions.Winner of the Best Interview Podcast at the 2025 Ear Worthy Podcast Awards.All questions provided by ConversationStarters.

On this week's 5 Random Questions, I chat with Deb Brown, author of "From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town with these Uniquely Do-able Ideas, Projects, and Success Stories". Answers include how she ended up drinking tequila next to Oliver Stone at 3.00am, the secret (and proper) way to drink tequila, small town mindsets, and more.Answering the questions this week: Deb BrownDeb Brown is a dynamic small-town advocate and community development expert with extensive experience empowering rural communities. Deb is the author of "From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town with these Uniquely Do-able Ideas, Projects, and Success Stories," a comprehensive workbook filled with practical strategies and real-world examples for small-town revitalization Deb's WebsiteDeb's Facebook page@Debworks on XFurther reading for this episodeBuilding Possibility | Deb Brown - Small Towns & Rural Challenges ExpertSaveYour.Town – Practical steps to shape a better future for your community, small town, rural or local neighborhoodDrive by kindness 💗✨(Tiktok Compilation) PART-2 - YouTubeRussell Westbrook's Wholesome Moment With Reporter - YouTubeRingling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey | Get ready to have the most amazing time at The Greatest Show On Earth®!Become a Patron!Thanks to the wonderful Question Starter members on Patreon for supporting the show! As a member, you receive producer credits for the show, bonus content, early ad-free access, and more - join today!Products I Use for 5 Random QuestionsNote: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link.My equipment:RODE NT1-A large diaphragm condenser micRodecaster Pro II audio production studioSony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor HeadphonesElgato Wave Mic Arm Low ProfileRecommended resources:Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetizationKit email marketingBoomcaster remote recording and live streamingHindenburg Pro recording and editingAuphonic AI assistant for audio post production5 Random Questions is an entertainment podcast brought to you by Danny Brown.If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a review and let other potential listeners know why they might want to check the podcast out.And if you have friends that would enjoy the show, tell them they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, as well as their preferred podcast app, or online at 5 Random Questions.Winner of the Best Interview Podcast at the 2025 Ear Worthy Podcast Awards.All questions provided by ConversationStarters.

On this week's 5 Random Questions, I chat with Ana Xavier, founder of The Podcast Space. Answers include stereotypes and why they need busting, candy from the past and present, making people smile by just being there, and more.Answering the questions this week: Ana XavierAna Xavier empowers podcasters to discover their full potential with strategic content that drives business growth, builds trust with ideal audiences online, and creates endless opportunities. As the founder of The Podcast Space, she has coached impact-driven women, minorities, and multilingual businesses to 2x listener engagement, secure sponsorships, and position themselves as industry leaders. Her practical approach and deep expertise, honed over 10+ years in podcasting, radio, and digital marketing across Portugal, London, and the U.S., make her a sought-after coach and consultant. In 2023, Ana’s commitment to advancing diverse voices earned her the American Marketing Association Maverick Award (DFW Chapter). A frequent speaker and collaborator with global organizations, Ana delivers actionable insights to help podcasters turn their shows into powerful tools for influence and success.Ana's Website@thepodcastspace on InstagramAna on YouTubeFurther reading for this episodeThe Podcast Space PodcastLanguage Alchemy PodcastBlackpool Rock – The Candy BarOur Online range of Lion Chocolates | Nestlé Family MEUnleashing Joy: The Iconic Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich! - YouTubeMathematics Standards | Common Core State Standards InitiativeVirgin Movie Experiences, Tech Trip Ups, and More with Colin Gray - 5 Random QuestionsGlobal Day of UnpluggingLONDON FIELDS (2025) All You MUST Know Before You Go (w/ Reviews)Become a Patron!Thanks to the wonderful Question Starter members on Patreon for supporting the show! As a member, you receive producer credits for the show, bonus content, early ad-free access, and more - join today!Products I Use for 5 Random QuestionsNote: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link.My equipment:RODE NT1-A large diaphragm condenser micRodecaster Pro II audio production studioSony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor HeadphonesElgato Wave Mic Arm Low ProfileRecommended resources:Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetizationKit email marketingBoomcaster remote recording and live streamingHindenburg Pro recording and editingAuphonic AI assistant for audio post production5 Random Questions is an entertainment podcast brought to you by Danny Brown.If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a review and let other potential listeners know why they might want to check the podcast out.And if you have friends that would enjoy the show, tell them they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, as well as their preferred podcast app, or online at 5 Random Questions.Winner of the Best Interview Podcast at the 2025 Ear Worthy Podcast Awards.All questions provided by ConversationStarters.

On this week's 5 Random Questions, I chat with Ned Donovan - actor, singer, writer, producer, and a bunch of different hyphens around the entertainment industry. Answers include what he really misses about childhood, why failure is success, his favourite day of the year, and more.Answering the questions this week: Ned DonovanI'm an actor, singer, writer, producer, bunch of different hyphens around the entertainment industry. I am a series regular on (and co-creator/executive producer on) the Dungeons & Dragons tv show Encounter Party. I am the host of Daily Tips That May or May Not Help You, a tip-of-the-day podcast in 2 minutes or less Monday-Friday. And I'm the director of Audio Fiction for the New Jersey Web Festival, the first "film" festival experience for fiction podcasts and actual play media. Now in its 5th year, I've worked with festivals all over the world to launch the Audio Fiction World Cup, the first international collective of festival experiences with jury-adjudicated competitions in audio fiction. I live in the Bronx, NY and generally my personality is Gotham FC, my dog Buggsy Mogues, tabletop roleplaying games, and generally trying to be artistic and creative whenever possible.Ned's WebsiteNed's Facebook page@neddonovan on Instagram@neddonovan on XNed on YouTubeFurther reading for this episodeKissin' Cousins (1964) - IMDbThe Boy and the Airplane | Book by Mark PettSchooner FareWeekend in New England - song and lyrics by Barry Manilow | SpotifyGerry & The Pacemakers | SpotifyGotham FCEdward Peck Curtis - WikipediaJay Larson's Wrong Number Prank | CONAN on TBS - YouTubeDanny Brown (@xdannyxbrownx) • Instagram photos and videosTeacher to Taster, Inside Out Intestines, and More with Jenn Trepeck - 5 Random QuestionsMuggsy Bogues - WikipediaDaily Tips That May or May Not Help YouEncounter PartyProducts I Use for 5 Random QuestionsNote: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link.My equipment:RODE NT1-A large diaphragm condenser micRodecaster Pro II audio production studioSony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor HeadphonesElgato Wave Mic Arm Low ProfileRecommended resources:Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetizationKit email marketingBoomcaster remote recording and live streamingHindenburg Pro recording and editingAuphonic AI assistant for audio post production5 Random Questions is an entertainment podcast brought to you by Danny Brown.If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a review and let other potential listeners know why they might want to check the podcast out.And if you have friends that would enjoy the show, tell them they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, as well as their preferred podcast app, or online at 5 Random Questions.Winner of the Best Interview Podcast at the 2025 Ear Worthy Podcast Awards.All questions provided by ConversationStarters.

On this week's 5 Random Questions, I chat with Colin Gray, founder of The Podcast Host, and Alitu. Answers include his approach to online movie critics, cartoon memories, tech trip-ups, and more.Answering the questions this week: Colin GrayColin is a podcaster, speaker, PhD and founder of ThePodcastHost.com and Alitu. ThePodcastHost.com is a huge audio, video and written resource on how to create a successful show. Alitu.com is a podcast maker tool, designed to help you create your podcast in the easiest way possible, and with full creative control, including call recording, audio cleanup, audio editing, building your episode and hosting your show. Colin's WebsiteColin on YouTubeFurther reading for this episodeAkihabara - Tokyo TravelMark Beaumont (@mrmarkbeaumont) • InstagramBattle of the Planets (TV Series 1978–1980) - IMDbDungeons & Dragons (TV Series 1983–1985) - IMDbBack in Time - A Back to the Future Documentary (2015) - IMDbEddie And The Cruisers - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - Compilation by John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band | SpotifyThis is What it Sounds Like! Let's Discuss KPop Demon Hunters - Chatsunami PodcastKPop Demon Hunters (2025) - IMDbThundercats Movie trailer (fan made) - YouTubeEurotrash 1993-1997 (now on prime) : r/BritishTVEurotrash (TV Series 1993–2016) - IMDbChernobyl (TV Mini Series 2019) - IMDbLetterboxd • Social film discovery.The Ferry Inn, Scrabster — Coast & Country PubsScrabster Harbour - Scrabster Harbour is one of the top fishing landing ports in Britain.Isle of Skye & Scotland's Island Hopping Adventure 14 Day Tour - Award Winning Small Group ToursProducts I Use for 5 Random QuestionsNote: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link.My equipment:RODE NT1-A large diaphragm condenser micRodecaster Pro II audio production studioSony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor HeadphonesElgato Wave Mic Arm Low ProfileRecommended resources:Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetizationKit email marketingBoomcaster remote recording and live streamingHindenburg Pro recording and editingAuphonic AI assistant for audio post production5 Random Questions is an entertainment podcast brought to you by Danny Brown.If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a review and let other potential listeners know why they might want to check the podcast out.And if you have friends that would enjoy the show, tell them they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, as well as their preferred podcast app, or online at 5 Random Questions.Winner of the Best Interview Podcast at the 2025 Ear Worthy Podcast Awards.All questions provided by ConversationStarters.

On this week's 5 Random Questions, Max Kurton talks about weird hamster dreams, the parent/child smartness conundrum, teachable tech moments, and more.Answering the questions this week: Max KurtonMax Kurton is an award-winning journalist and content creator with a passion for storytelling in all its weird and wonderful forms. Over the years, he’s worn many hats — food writer, Green Party of Canada media campaign manager, UK radio news host, interviewer of sports and music personalities… and, more bizarrely, a pro wrestler, street sweeper, late-night burger flipper, and potential future candlestick maker. Max lives and breathes content. He’s led and advised content marketing campaigns for global heavyweights like Sony, Microsoft, LEGO, IBM, the UK Parliament, and many more. A podcasting veteran since 2008, Max has hosted and produced shows for brands and personal projects alike. He founded the GT5 Network and launched shows including Got Till Five, Are We There Yet?, and his latest creation, The Surface Knowledge Podcast.Max's Website@hocmaxkurton on XFurther reading for this episodePeeved About Pet Peeves, Time Travel Tips, and More with Dan LeFebvre - 5 Random QuestionsInvisible People - Changing The Story Of Homelessness with Mark HorvathOnline Safety Act: explainer - GOV.UKAmanda Todd Legacy Society Official SiteA Surface Knowledge of Dream Science - Surface KnowledgeNapoli On The RoadProducts I Use for 5 Random QuestionsNote: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link.My equipment:RODE NT1-A large diaphragm condenser micRodecaster Pro II audio production studioSony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor HeadphonesElgato Wave Mic Arm Low ProfileRecommended resources:Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetizationKit email marketingBoomcaster remote recording and live streamingHindenburg Pro recording and editingAuphonic AI assistant for audio post production5 Random Questions is an entertainment podcast brought to you by Danny Brown.If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a review and let other potential listeners know why they might want to check the podcast out.And if you have friends that would enjoy the show, tell them they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, as well as their preferred podcast app, or online at 5 Random Questions.Winner of the Best Interview Podcast at the 2025 Ear Worthy Podcast Awards.All questions provided by ConversationStarters.