5 Random Questions

In this week’s 5 Random Questions, Danny chats with Susan Barry, host of the award-winning Top Floor podcast and fonder of Hive Marketing. They discuss everything from why pineapple belongs on pizza, beans that can knit socks, the perfect day, and more.Answering the questions this week: Susan BarrySusan Barry is known for connecting ideas across hotel investment, operations, and marketing. As host of the award-winning Top Floor podcast, named a Top 10 Hospitality Podcast by the International Hospitality Institute in 2025, Susan sparks curiosity and conversation by interviewing leaders who are shaping the future of the industry. Her career spans B2B marketing, hotel ownership and management, and start-ups ranging from aviation data to spa products, giving her a unique vantage point on the business of hospitality. Susan founded Hive Marketing, a firm specializing in B2B demand generation for the hospitality industry. In addition to her advisory and thought leadership work, she serves on the steering committee of Female Founders in Hospitality and is a partner at Cayuga Hospitality Consultants. Susan is known for her sharp insights, humor, and ability to push conversations beyond the expected. She lives in Atlanta with her artist husband, Sean.Susan's Website@topfloorpod on InstagramFurther reading for this episodeSusan Barry | LinkedInTaking White Advice as a Black Person, Killer Kimonos, and More with Keisha "TK" Dutes - 5 Random QuestionsWe Are the Creators of Hate - Is It Too Late to Undo Who We Have Become? | Danny BrownPizza restaurant | Grant Central Pizza | AtlantaVirgin Movie Experiences, Tech Trip Ups, and More with Colin Gray - 5 Random QuestionsThe Light Phone Focus Friend Productivity App by Hank GreenDon Shindle has been appointed General Manager at The Westin Verasa in NapaTripman | Your Favourite Driver (@thetripman_)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, get the full experience with The 5RQ Companion, where I talk about the question that stayed with me, the one thing you didn't hear, and a question for you, the listener.Please let your friends know 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.5 Random Questions is part of the Mercury Podcast Network - for more Mercury podcasts, head to www.mercurypodcasts.com.All questions provided by ConversationStarters.

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, get the full experience with The 5RQ Companion, where I talk about the question that stayed with me, the one thing you didn't hear, and a question for you, the listener.Please let your friends know 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.5 Random Questions is part of the Mercury Podcast Network - for more Mercury podcasts, head to www.mercurypodcasts.com.All questions provided by ConversationStarters.

In this week’s 5 Random Questions, Danny chats with Rob Lynch, author of "Voudon Caliber". They discuss everything from wealth creating toxic people, creativity, why he'd want a melon for a head, and more.Answering the questions this week: Rob LynchI've always been a jack of all trades, but with the common thread of the written word connecting everything together. I've written music reviews, screenplays, short stories, movie reviews, sporting articles and just released my first full length novel Voudon Caliber available on Amazon. With the deaths of many important family members in the last few years, and the complicated presence of addiction in my family, my whole way of thinking and negotiating life has been turned on its head, and I work to understand life a little more day to day. Life is about gratitude and service, and finding out what that looks like to you. @Official_voudoncaliber on InstagramFurther reading for this episodeVoudon Caliber, by Rob LynchLittle Face | Dick Tracy Wiki | FandomSo I Married an Axe Murderer (1993) - IMDbBeetlejuice Waiting Room SceneDNA Genetic Testing For Health, Ancestry And More - 23andMeBecome 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, get the full experience with The 5RQ Companion, where I talk about the question that stayed with me, the one thing you didn't hear, and a question for you, the listener.Please let your friends know 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.5 Random Questions is part of the Mercury Podcast Network - for more Mercury podcasts, head to www.mercurypodcasts.com.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, get the full experience with The 5RQ Companion, where I talk about the question that stayed with me, the one thing you didn't hear, and a question for you, the listener.Please let your friends know 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.5 Random Questions is part of the Mercury Podcast Network - for more Mercury podcasts, head to www.mercurypodcasts.com.All questions provided by ConversationStarters.

Creative conversations rarely go in a straight line.This week on 5 Random Questions, I chat with independent audio producer and educator Keisha “TK” Dutes. We dive into killer kimonos, advice given with good intentions that can still sting, dream homes, and more.Funny, strange, and real - just how the best conversations happen. Five unexpected questions, unfiltered answers, no scripts.If this is your first time here, welcome - this is exactly what the show sounds like.Answering the questions this week: Keisha "TK" DutesAbout TK Dutes Keisha "TK" Dutes (she/her) is an independent audio producer, educator, host, and reporter with nearly two decades in radio and podcasting. Her production credits include Buzzfeed’s Thirst Aid Kit, Function with Anil Dash, Good Words with Kirk Franklin, and Open World. She has taught at Spotify, PRX Podcast Garage, and BRIC Arts Media, and currently serves on the board of the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR). Through her company Philo’s Future Media, TK helps producers bring their ideas to life. Learn more at tastykeish.com.Keisha "TK" 's Website@tastykeish on Instagram@tastykeish on XFurther reading for this episodeTalking With My Husband About His Recent Diagnosis - Mental Health and UsCity of Chicago :: Millennium ParkThe Secret Life of TK Dutes - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Real Live Show | Wonderwheel RecordingsVisual Art — Keisha TK DutesAIR is a Global Community of Independent Audio ProducersBRIC Arts MediaPRX Podcast GarageGood Words with Kirk Franklin | Podcast on SpotifyFunction with Anil Dash | Podcast on SpotifyThirst Aid Kit - Podcast - Apple PodcastsBecome 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, get the full experience with The 5RQ Companion, where I talk about the question that stayed with me, the one thing you didn't hear, and a question for you, the listener.Please let your friends know 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.5 Random Questions is part of the Mercury Podcast Network - for more Mercury podcasts, head to www.mercurypodcasts.com.All questions provided by ConversationStarters.