5 Random Questions – Details, episodes & analysis

On this week's Five Random Questions is Mike Boon, better known as Toronto Mike, the hugely popular podcaster from Canada's biggest city. Mike's topics include the afterlife, why his kids don't get his gum, his favourite bromance, and more. Let's jump in!

Answering the questions this week: Toronto Mike

Mike Boon, or Toronto Mike as he's better known, is the owner of TMDS, a digital marketing, content, and web design agency. He's also the host of Toronto Mike'd, with almost 1600 episodes under his belt.

Toronto's Website

Toronto's Facebook page

@toronto.mike on Instagram

@torontomike on X

Toronto on YouTube

Further reading for this episode

• Notable Guests on Toronto Mike'd
• The Old Man Brown Podcast
• Afterlife Adventures, A Very Picky Cat, and More with Em - 5 Random Questions
• Pandemic Fridays with Stu Stone and Cam Gordon - Toronto Mike
• Barenaked Ladies - One Week (Official Music Video) - YouTube

Note: 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 mic
• Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio
• Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones
• Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization
• Kit email marketing
• Boomcaster remote recording and live streaming
• Hindenburg Pro recording and editing
• Auphonic AI assistant for audio post production
• Fourthwall merch stores for creators

5 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 rating or review on your favourite podcast app!

If you'd like to be a guest, please fill out this quick form and I'll be in touch!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on

On this week's Five Random Questions, Elsie Escobar, podcaster, community builder, advocate, and mentor, talks about missing the mom factor, the origins of excitement, a caffeinated ritual, and more. Let's jump in!

Answering the questions this week: Elsie Escobar

Elsie Escobar is a transformative force in podcasting, with over 18 years of experience blending innovation, advocacy, and community building. As the first Latina inducted into the Academy of Podcasters Hall of Fame, she amplifies diverse voices and empowers independent creators. As Director of Content & Community at Libsyn, Elsie leads initiatives that foster connection and education, including creating and co-hosting The Feed: The Official Libsyn Podcast. Elsie works with podcasters at all stages, from new creators to seasoned professionals aligning with their values. She champions inclusivity through collaborations & support for BIPOC Podcast Creators, Afros & Audio, and Edison Research. Through her mentorship program, The E-League, Elsie helps podcasters achieve sustainable growth. Co-founder of She Podcasts, she created a safe, impactful space & stepped down from leadership in Jan 2024

@theelsieescobar on Instagram

Elsie on YouTube

Elsie's Website

Further reading for this episode

• Elsie Escobar (@elsie.bsky.social) — Bluesky
• The Feed: The Official Libsyn Podcast

Note: 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 mic
• Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio
• Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones
• Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization
• Kit email marketing
• Boomcaster remote recording and live streaming
• Hindenburg Pro recording and editing
• Auphonic AI assistant for audio post production
• Fourthwall merch stores for creators

5 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 rating or review on your favourite podcast app!

If you'd like to be a guest, please fill out this quick form and I'll be in touch!

Please let your friends...

Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Frank Racioppi. Answers include a naked neighbour, a special use for lotion, and a life in one word. Let's jump in!

Answering the questions this week: Frank Racioppi

After 38 years as a speechwriter and editor for a Fortune 50 company, I retired and indulged my love of podcasting, starting and managing a successful podcast review online publication -- Ear Worthy. I started it in 2017 and have enjoyed connecting with indie podcasters and anyone who supports podcasting. My brother Paul and I had a podcast four years ago called False Facts, but it was difficult to keep a regular recording schedule. I loved writing my entire life and wrote for print magazines in the 80s from New Jersey Monthly, The Pet Dealer, American Health, The Sewing Circle, etc. I've also published five novels and four nonfiction books in the last four years. The novels range from a romance about two people bonding over the love of reading called For The Love Of Books to Least Best Employee, a novel about surviving as middle management in Corporate America. My most popular nonfiction book was called The COVID Hotel.

Frank's Website

@podcastreports on X

@earworthy141 on Instagram

Further reading for this episode

• PodSummit - Canada's Podcast Event
• Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service
• Verbal Diorama
• Podcast On Society And Culture | Multispective | Shanghai
• Life Shift Podcast - Pivotal Moments
• Daily Tips That May or May Not Help You with Arielle and Ned

Note: these contain affiliate links, so I may get a small percentage of any product you buy/use when using my link.

My equipment:

• Shure SM7B dynamic mic
• TZ Audio Stellar X2 condenser mic
• Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio
• Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones
• JOBY Wavo Boom Arm
• Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Substack
• Boomcaster remote interviewing

5 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 rating or review on your favourite podcast app!

If you'd like to be a guest, please

Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Dave Jackson. Answers include weirdness in a bathtub, a bromance for the ages, and the age old question of food acceptance. Let's jump in!

Answering the questions this week: Dave Jackson

Dave Jackson began podcasting in 2005 and launched the School of Podcasting (schoolofpodcasting.com). His School of Podcasting show has over 3 million downloads. He has helped hundreds of people plan, launch, and grow their podcasts. He is the author of the book Profit from your podcast and is a featured speaker at events. In 2016 Dave joined Libsyn (the largest podcast hosting company) as part of their tech support team.  In 2018 he was inducted into the Academy of Podcasters Hall of Fame. Find all his shows at www.powerofpodcasting.com

Dave's Website

Dave on YouTube

Dave's Facebook group

@schoolofpodcasting on Instagram

Further reading for this episode

• Power of Podcasting - Dave Jackson
• George Heriot's School
• Imperfect Humans, A Giraffe's Christmas Fib, and Freddy Cruz - 5 Random Questions
• Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Go Claws Out While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones
• Remingtons of Niagara Restaurant - Award Winning Steak & Seafood
• Dave Jackson’s Journey from Basic Gear to Professional Podcasting - School of Podcasting - Learn "How To Podcast" with Podcast Coach Dave Jackson

Note: these contain affiliate links, so I may get a small percentage of any product you buy/use when using my link.

My equipment:

• Shure SM7B dynamic mic
• TZ Audio Stellar X2 condenser mic
• Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio
• Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones
• JOBY Wavo Boom Arm
• Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Substack
• Boomcaster remote interviewing

5 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 rating or review on your favourite podcast app!

If you'd like to be a guest, please

Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Em. Answers include how the most horrible situation turned into a positive, why you need to ensure her cat is fed in an apocalypse, and deciding whether the afterlife is just a sliding doors moment. Let's jump in!

Answering the questions this week: Em .

Em has been a podcaster for over five years; creating, producing and hosting the film history podcast Verbal Diorama. She's here to celebrate moving making in all its forms, and is similarly passionate about independent podcasting, and supporting other indie podcasters and content creators.

Em's Website

Em's Facebook page

@verbaldiorama on Instagram

@VerbalDiorama on X

Note: these contain affiliate links, so I may get a small percentage of any product you buy/use when using my link.

My equipment:

• Shure SM7B dynamic mic
• TZ Audio Stellar X2 condenser mic
• Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio
• Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones
• JOBY Wavo Boom Arm
• Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Substack
• Boomcaster remote interviewing

5 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 rating or review on your favourite podcast app!

If you'd like to be a guest, please fill out this quick form and I'll be in touch!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, as well as their preferred podcast app, or online at 5 Random Questions.

All questions provided by ConversationStarters.

5 Random Questions is part of the Mercury Podcast Network - for more Mercury podcasts, head to www.mercurypodcasts.com.

Recognized as one of the Five...

Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Kattie Laur. Answers include her adventures in too much red wine as a teen, looking at our online need for validation, and how a coffee barista completely blindsided her. Let's jump in!

Answering the questions this week: Kattie Laur

Kattie Laur is an award-winning freelance podcast producer and writer based in Brantford, Ontario, who has a life-long love of public radio and has been clinging to the podcasting space since 2013. Kattie writes the biweekly newsletter for the Canadian podcasting ecosystem, Pod the North, whose regular readers include many media executives from the likes of CBC Podcasts, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. She's also just wrapped the first season of her debut podcast, Canardian, which took Canadian podcasters back to their roots to share gossip about their hometowns.

Kattie's Website

@PodKatt on X

Kattie on YouTube

Further reading for this episode

• Canardian - Hosted by Kattie Laur
• Pod the North | Kattie Laur
• RESURRECTION podcast

Note: these contain affiliate links, so I may get a small percentage of any product you buy/use when using my link.

My equipment:

• Shure SM7B dynamic mic
• TZ Audio Stellar X2 condenser mic
• Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio
• Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones
• JOBY Wavo Boom Arm
• Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Substack
• Boomcaster remote interviewing

5 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 rating or review on your favourite podcast app!

If you'd like to be a guest, please fill out this quick form and I'll be in touch!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, as well as their preferred podcast app, or online at

Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Neal Veglio. Answers include why Modern Family is more fact than fiction, why a great British tradition needs to continue, and why sliced bread isn't the best thing. Let's jump in!

Answering the questions this week: Neal Veglio

Owner of podcast agency Podknows Podcasting, helping deliver real world results to serious podcasters and organizations. He's also the founder of Podmastery, a service and podcast that helps you increase your podcast's success.

Neal's Website

Note: these contain affiliate links, so I may get a small percentage of any product you buy/use when using my link.

My equipment:

• Shure SM7B dynamic mic
• TZ Audio Stellar X2 condenser mic
• Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio
• Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones
• JOBY Wavo Boom Arm
• Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Substack
• Boomcaster remote interviewing

5 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 rating or review on your favourite podcast app!

If you'd like to be a guest, please fill out this quick form and I'll be in touch!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, as well as their preferred podcast app, or online at 5 Random Questions.

All questions provided by ConversationStarters.

5 Random Questions is part of the Mercury Podcast Network - for more Mercury podcasts, head to www.mercurypodcasts.com.

Recognized as one of the Five best Independent Podcasts of 2024 by Ear Worthy Media

Mentioned in this episode:

If you enjoy 5 Random Questions, here's how to support the show!

If you enjoy 5 Random Questions and get value from the show and want to support it, you can do that with a donation of your choosing over at FiveRandomQuestions.com/support. Thank...

Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Freddy Cruz. Answers include the right approach to procrastination, a toy store's part in a Christmas belief, and two dogs getting the best from AI. Let's jump in!

Answering the questions this week: Freddy Cruz

The Greater Houston area has heard Freddy’s voice for more than seventeen thousand hours across three decades. When he's not in the lab writing or creating auditory satisfaction, you can find him nose deep in a book, snuggling with his dog Sparrow, or jogging in his neighborhood (trying not to sound like a horror movie villain). Freddy is the founder of Speke Podcasting, home to shows like Let’s Talk About Your Breasts, hosted by The Rose’s co-founder and CEO Dorothy Gibbons, The Final Curtain Never Closes, hosted by The National Museum of Funeral History CEO Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez, Beauty Unveiled by Dr. Angela Sturm, and Everything Why, hosted by inventor Mike Martin. Freddy also hosts the podcast Cruz through HTX and is the author of three novels, When America Fell Silent, They Canceled the DJ, and Allow Me to Ruin Your Christmas. His work has been hailed by Publisher’s Weekly, Houstonia Magazine, Galveston Monthly, Black Texas Magazine, and Reedsy Reviews.

Freddy's Website

@thefreddycruz on X

@thefreddycruz on Instagram

Freddy's Facebook page

Note: these contain affiliate links, so I may get a small percentage of any product you buy/use when using my link.

My equipment:

• Shure SM7B dynamic mic
• TZ Audio Stellar X2 condenser mic
• Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio
• Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones
• JOBY Wavo Boom Arm
• Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Substack
• Boomcaster remote interviewing

5 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 rating or review on your favourite podcast app!

If you'd like to be a guest, please fill out this quick form and I'll be in touch!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, as well

Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Izolda Trakhtenberg. Answers include aquatic cat adventures, the hypnotic effect of eyes, and a battle for dog supremacy. Let's jump in!

Answering the questions this week: Izolda Trakhtenberg

As a former Master Trainer for NASA, Izolda Trakhtenberg believes innovation isn’t just about the latest fad, it’s about creativity and collaboration. This refreshing approach has made her a sought-after speaker, workshop facilitator and coach for creatives and companies that want to be on the innovative cutting edge. Izolda has released five books on communication, collaboration, and self-improvement. She has also written three fiction novels including the first book in the Cassie Belmont Tarot Reader Mystery series. Additionally, she has recently completed “Listen,” her first play and she’s writing two musicals. Nowadays you’ll find her speaking at conferences, looking for the next great ocean beach, or performing as a soloist or in musical theatre — all while interviewing peak performers on creativity and innovation on her hit show, The Creative Solutions Podcast.

Izolda's Website

Izolda's Facebook group

Izolda's Facebook page

@izoldat on Instagram

@izoldat on X

Further reading for this episode

• Wild Tomorrow
• Happy Doggo | Fixing the global street dog problem

Note: these contain affiliate links, so I may get a small percentage of any product you buy/use when using my link.

My equipment:

• Shure SM7B dynamic mic
• TZ Audio Stellar X2 condenser mic
• Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio
• Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones
• JOBY Wavo Boom Arm
• Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Substack
• Boomcaster remote interviewing

5 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 rating or review on your favourite podcast app!

If you'd like to be a guest, please fill out this quick form and I'll be in touch!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on

Join your host Danny Brown as he puts this week's 5 random questions to Tony Doe. These include a tech horror story, why he'd love to be splashing around with an umbrella, and the dangers of runaway media platforms. Let's jump in!

Answering this week's questions

Tony Onwuchekwa aka Tony Doe is an Audio Content Strategist, with years of experience On-Air, in Production And Management For Multi-Format Radio Stations, most recently at Wazobia 93.7 FM, Onitsha, where he led a team of on-air talents as Programmes’ Manager to top 3 status in the region, growing the audience share by 75% in 3 months. He currently curates, produces and hosts the informative hybrid newsletter-podcast, ‘Into The Podverse’, which explores challenges and opportunities for podcasters from an African perspective. It also features exclusive interviews with masters of the podverse, all aimed at helping to elevate the voices and experiences of the podcasting community. Tony also has other shows as ‘The Tony Doe Podcast’, with radio broadcasters as guests and ‘Up Gunners!’ A weekly review and tribute to his favourite football team, Arsenal FC.

Tony's Website

Further reading for this episode

• Tony (Tony Doe) Onwuchekwa | LinkedIn
• Into The Podverse | Tony Doe

Note: these contain affiliate links, so I may get a small percentage of any product you buy/use when using my link.

My equipment:

• Shure SM7B dynamic mic
• TZ Audio Stellar X2 condenser mic
• Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio
• Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones
• JOBY Wavo Boom Arm
• Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Substack
• Boomcaster remote interviewing

5 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 rating or review on your favourite podcast app!

If you'd like to be a guest, please fill out this quick form and I'll be in touch!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, as well as their preferred podcast app, or online at