The Big Five answers the most pressing question of our time: what are the “Big 5” of any given category? Not the best 5. Not the top 5. Not anyone’s favourite 5. But objectively, the Big 5. In each episode, Donovan Woods, Tom Power, and a celebrity guest tackle new topics and debate things like: what are the Big 5 farm animals? Types of hats? Slang terms for “butt”? Ways to cook a potato? Guys named Paul? Guests in this season include Vivek Shraya, Jordan Canning, William Prince, Lindsay Ell, Elamin Abdelmahmoud and more!
And at the end of each segment, the debate is settled by a listener from across the country, who chimes in to decide once and for all, what is the Big Five.
Donovan Woods and Tom Power go head-to-head with writer, CBC host and Jeopardy superchampion Mattea Roach about the big five animal noises, sticks and things you forgot to pack. Plus, Donovan’s impressive pig impression, we brainstorm some of our favourite schticks and everyone gets demolished by one of the categories.
22 Jun 2026
Your guide to texting famous people
Donovan Woods and Tom Power are joined by singer, songwriter and Canada’s Got Talent host Lindsay Ell to brainstorm the big five things you find in a tool box, bodies of water and terms of endearment for a significant other. We also exchange ideas about how good Keith Urban smells and learning to snap in your thirties.
15 Jun 2026
What sound does the shrugging emoji make?
Donovan Woods and Tom Power are joined by artist, author and pop star Vivek Shraya to dive into the big five road signs, natural disasters and emojis. Also featuring in-depth discussions about the meteor coming to crush Tom and Alanis Morrisette deep cuts.
8 Jun 2026
Why are dalmations so rude?
Donovan Woods and Tom Power are joined by comedian, actor and writer Pat Thornton to contest the big five things related to firefighters, slang terms for “friend” and elements on the periodic table. We also have it out about the bad boys of snooker and how watching TV can save your marriage.
1 Jun 2026
The magic of Nickelback tribute bands
Donovan Woods and Tom Power are joined by singer/songwriter William Prince to settle on the big five board games, McDonald’s menu items and slang terms for “money.” We also dive into the ever quirky Filet-O-Fish, sitting court-side with the mayor and Tom’s daily ritual of six Breton crackers.
25 May 2026
Put on your m’lady hats
Donovan Woods and Tom Power are joined by TV host, author and chef Mary Berg to decide on the big five hats, slang terms for “kissing” and Tom Hanks movies. Plus, Donovan teaches us how NOT to enjoy Australia … and we have our first ever tie-breaker.
18 May 2026
Who even drinks juice? & why are thumbs so popular?
Donovan Woods and Tom Power are joined by comedian, writer, and actor Adam Christie to land on the big five beverages, human-made structure and hand gestures. Also, Tom’s Big Five dominance is finally threatened … and we learn about the dangers of pear juice.
11 May 2026
The culturally pervasive hash brown
Back to where it all began! In this unreleased first ever recording of The Big Five, Donovan Woods and Tom Power are joined by Tokyo Police Club’s Graham Wright to tackle the big five birds, ways to prepare a potato and slang terms for “butt.” The potato conversation gets heated, to say the least.
4 May 2026
What makes a celebrity fish?
Donovan Woods and Tom Power are joined by writer, podcaster and radio host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to scrap about the big five sea creatures, guys named John and email sign-offs. Also discussed: new ways to sing the birthday song, the birth names of various popes and whether or not mermaids really exist.
27 Apr 2026
How could you forget the dogs playing poker?
Donovan Woods and Tom Power are joined by comedian and actor Jackie Pirico to do battle about the big five balls, paintings and slang terms for “throwing up.” Plus, we dive into what kind of magazines you hide in the woods and that one episode of Degrassi where everyone gets sick.
20 Apr 2026
Is Air Bud a documentary?
Donovan Woods and Tom Power are joined by TV and film director Jordan Canning to hash out the big five musical instruments, cartoon dogs and slang terms for “drunk.” Along the way, we take a look at why Newfoundlanders love Inspector Gadget and the relative popularity of high school euphonium players ... and Tom gets traumatized by clarinets.
9 Apr 2026
Introducing: The Big Five
Low stakes, big feelings. Join co-hosts Tom Power and Donovan Woods in the game show that's guaranteed to get you riled up about nothing in particular. Each episode, the fellas are joined by a celebrity guest so the group can debate the 'big' five of any given category: forms of cooked potato, guys named Paul, cartoon dogs, and so on. You know, the important stuff. Episode 1 coming April 20.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
24 ratings
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