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The What Podcast

The What Podcast
Author: Barry Courter and Bryan Stone
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© Barry Courter and Bryan Stone
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Bonnaroo is more than just a festival, and The What Podcast is your backstage pass to the stories, secrets, and the magic that makes it so legendary. Hosted by two entertainment industry veterans, each week Barry and Bryan will take you deep into festival culture, live music, and behind-the-scenes stories. Since 2018, we've connected with passionate music fans worldwide, sharing personal experiences, expert insights, and exclusive interviews with the musicians and industry insiders who make festivals happen. Whether you're a Bonnaroo veteran or a first-timer, subscribe now to stay in the loop on everything that makes music festivals unforgettable.
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A Bonnaroo love story, fresh Farm updates from Manchester, and a Seattle grunge pilgrimage: all this week in The What Podcast! We preview Shaky Knees Festival 2025 in Atlanta and IBMA bluegrass events in Chattanooga, then detour into PBR beer-cheese soup before diving into the 90s revival with Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails and Oasis all doing big tours. Not to leave out The Farm though, it looks like new earth‑moving and drainage work could mean less flooding Bonnaroo campers next season.Finally, we dive into Bryan's Seattle grunge pilgrimage via Port Townsend, Washington with stops like the Showbox, Pike Place Market, Andrew Wood's (Mother Love Bone, a precursor to Pearl Jam) gravesite, and the Singles apartment, and of course the post office! All of this can be traced back to the magic of Bonnaroo and how it can lead to unexpected connections. Listen to this episode about Bryan Stone's trip to Seattle here or watch it on YouTube. And if you'd like to hear more from Bryan Stone, subscribe to the StoneOnAir Podcast. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:03:09) Upcoming: Shaky Knees and IBMA(00:14:49) Soup (PBR beer-cheese?)(00:16:51) 90s wave: NIN, Oasis, Radiohead(00:18:55) Farm update: earth-moving and drainage(00:21:25) Bryan visits Washington State(00:43:44) Grunge Pilgrimage: Andrew Wood, Singles Apartments(00:57:08) CaveFest in October(00:59:29) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet RooSurviving Woodstock '99: Two Attendees Look Back 25 Years LaterHow The Caverns Became Tennessee’s Premier Music DestinationRed Rocks, My Morning Jacket, and Bonnaroo Stories: RooHamm & Roo Bus Catch-Up______
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Parker Reed from the RooHamm Podcast joins us to catch up and explain why there's been a lull since Bonnaroo, and how their group handled the festival's rainout before becoming optimistic about 2026. We also dive into My Morning Jacket's Red Rocks set and what makes the venue so magical, making it a bucket list stop for MMJ and Bonnaroo fans alike.After the main chat, stick around for a bonus segment as Russ reports from The Other Farm over the holiday weekend before hopping in the creek with Lindsey and Daniel from Storytime at the Roo Bus podcast for a quick field update on TOTEM and a look ahead at fall plans such as CaveFest in October.Catch up with RooHamm and Roo Bus here or watch this episode on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:04:27) Catching up with Parker (RooHamm)(00:07:14) RooHamm origin story(00:13:36) Reliving the Bonnaroo cancellation(00:27:52) Why no new RooHamm episodes(00:31:21) Brad Parker leaving C3(00:34:56) Hinterland notes and fixes(00:40:41) My Morning Jacket at Red Rocks(00:47:58) Changes for Bonnaroo 2026(00:53:14) Russ at The Other Farm(00:55:39) Live from the creek with Lindsey and Daniel (Roo Bus)(01:06:39) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEWhen Bonnaroo Breaks Your Heart: Our Reaction to the 2025 CancellationHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet RooBonnaroo Shake-Up: Brad Parker Departs, & Kyle Hollingsworth on New Album, String Cheese, and BeerInside Hinterland: Sam Summers on Festival Challenges and the 90-Degree GuaranteeHow The Caverns Became Tennessee’s Premier Music Destination______
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Bonnaroo 2025 is behind us, so what’s next? On this week's The What Podcast, we do some porch sittin' and look ahead to more festivals still to come in 2025, including Shaky Knees, World of Bluegrass, and CaveFest. We dive deep into the legacy of Devo, one of our most-anticipated acts of Shaky Knees this year, and explore the surprising event that sparked the band's creation.Plus, we preview World of Bluegrass and the big guests heading to Chattanooga next month. And finally, we’re looking forward to CaveFest at The Caverns in Tennessee, our second favorite place in the world. What festivals are you most excited about as we wrap up 2025? Let us know in the comments!Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00) Intro(03:36) Devo documentary(11:39) Shaky Knees preview(18:26) World of Bluegrass preview(21:43) CaveFest preview(22:04) Bonnaroo news(25:23) Bryan in Washington state(27:30) Weird Al(31:04) More Devo documentary(34:04) Back in the studio(36:13) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThe Backseat Lovers on Growing into a Festival Band, Technical Difficulties and AllBonnaroo 2024 Recap Part 2 with MichiganderBonnaroo's Survey Questions and hey, nothing's Big SummerWet Leg: Tiny Desk ConcertWorld of Bluegrass comes to Chattanooga and the Latest Bonnaroo 2025 NewsHow The Caverns Became Tennessee’s Premier Music DestinationBonnaroo Shake-Up: Brad Parker Departs, & Kyle Hollingsworth on New Album, String Cheese, and Beer______
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Bonnaroo is facing a big change: Festival Director Brad Parker is leaving C3 Presents and saying goodbye to the Bonnaroo family. In this episode, we talk about what Brad's departure could mean for the future of The Farm, and look ahead to what’s next for Bonnaroo. It's a special "breaking news" edition of The What Podcast.Next, we sit down with Kyle Hollingsworth of The String Cheese Incident for an in-depth conversation about his brand-new solo album All We Are, the evolution of String Cheese's sound, and his long-running passion for brewing craft beer. Kyle shares festival memories, songwriting insights, and the surprising connection between making music and making beer. If you love Bonnaroo, jam bands, and craft beer, you won't want to miss this interview!Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:23) Brad Parker leaving C3(00:11:53) Flooding in Chattanooga(00:17:18) Interview with Kyle HollingsworthLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEMoon River with Drew Holcomb and AC EntertainmentBonnaroo 2026: Brad & Cory from C3 Answer Your QuestionsBonnaroo, Cruise Festivals, and More with Sixthman VP Jeff Cuellar______
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Despite Bonnaroo's cancellation this year, fans persevere and call in to share what makes the festival so special: freedom, life-changing connections, and more. But first, The What Podcast crew celebrates a big milestone. Thank you for 2,000 YouTube subscribers! Fresh off last week's in-depth interview with Brad Parker and Cory Smith about Bonnaroo 2026 plans, we dive into the heartfelt listener voicemails, reflect on the 2025 shutdown aftermath, talk transparency, programming changes, and more. Want to share your own thoughts with us? Call our voicemail line at (423) 667-7877.We also head into the off-season by spotlighting a few recent trips to The Caverns for a last-minute Drive-By Truckers show, and a visit to Dave's Little Magic Bar in Johnson City. Stay subscribed to The What Podcast for an upcoming interview with Kyle Hollingsworth from String Cheese Incident and some upcoming fall festivals we're covering, too!Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:41) YouTube milestone(00:06:36) Recapping last week's show(00:34:53) Russ' bus trip(00:41:30) Bryan at The Caverns(00:44:58) Hinterland Update(00:46:39) Listener Voicemails(01:06:56) Previewing next week's show(01:08:32) Rock is dead, part 2(01:15:45) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEBonnaroo 2026: Brad & Cory from C3 Answer Your QuestionsThe Real Roo Bus Joins The What PodcastThe Bonnaroo Yearbook: Capturing Festival MemoriesHow The Caverns Became Tennessee’s Premier Music DestinationBonnaroo Community Spotlight: How Church Boners Became a Festival FamilyInside Hinterland: Sam Summers on Festival Challenges and the 90-Degree GuaranteeHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet RooIs Rock Dead? The Bonnaroo Music Census and Remembering Ozzy Osbourne______
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After the unprecedented cancellation of Bonnaroo 2025, fans have had big questions about the future of the festival and in this episode, we get real answers straight from C3 Presents, the team that puts on the festival. Brad Parker, Festival Director and Cory Smith, Marketing Manager join us today for an in-depth look at the changes to Thursday programming, the removal of Tuesday entry, campground changes, stage updates, and more.Many thanks to our Discord members for submitting questions for Brad and Cory! Fan feedback definitely plays a role in shaping the future of Bonnaroo, and we are very fortunate for Brad and Cory to sit down with us and answer all these questions and more. Join our server at: https://thewhat.co/discordListen to this episode with Brad and Cory here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:54) Recapping 2025's cancellation(00:22:10) Thursday welcome party(00:27:43) Removal of Tuesday entry(00:34:36) How many less tickets will be sold(00:35:09) The Infinity Stage(00:38:25) Kalliope, Outeroo, and the Who Stage(00:44:51) 2025 artists returning for 2026(00:46:17) Missed performances this year(00:49:12) Roo Residency and jam bands(00:52:49) Lineup, ticket sales, and pricing(00:55:33) Vibe check(01:01:39) Changes to camping and 1-day ticket sales(01:03:36) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEJoin the Discord!When Bonnaroo Breaks Your Heart: Our Reaction to the 2025 CancellationBonnaroo Community Spotlight: How Church Boners Became a Festival FamilyBonnaroo Lineup Behind the Scenes - Interview With AC EntertainmentHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet RooThumbnail photo by: Evan Brown______
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Bonnaroo released their annual Music Census last week, and Barry and Bryan dive into it and what it means for the changing festival landscape. Is rock music being pushed to the sidelines, or is it adapting with the times? We look at how fan preferences have changed and continue to shape what Bonnaroo looks and sounds like.We also take time to remember the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, whose influence on rock and metal continues to be felt. With rock's presence fading from the festival landscape, Ozzy’s legacy hits harder than ever.Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:15) The Bonnaroo Music Census(00:16:02) Last week's Bonnaroo announcement(00:24:02) Back to the Music Census(00:38:19) Oasis vs. The Beatles revisited(00:52:50) Remembering Ozzy(01:01:45) Lineup thoughts(01:04:04) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet RooBonnaroo 2026: The Comeback and the CutbacksOasis vs. The Beatles: the debate continues…Mama I'm Coming Home______
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Bonnaroo is officially coming back in 2026, but not without some major changes. From losing Tuesday arrival and Thursday programming to scaled-back campgrounds and the end of "Where in the Woods" as we know it, Barry, Bryan, and Lord Taco break down the official announcement and what it really means.Is this a "shrinkflation Bonnaroo" or are things just returning back to the way they were? Plus with some other things in the news recently, we get into a deep discussion about how infrastructure, weather, and politics are all shaping the future of The Farm. Finally, Barry shares the one thing that scares him about Bonnaroo's future more than anything else.Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!Thumbnail photo by: Evan Brown______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:19) History of The What Podcast(00:11:32) Glastonbury video(00:14:31) Bonnaroo's announcement(00:42:48) Land disputes in Manchester(00:51:17) Coldplay kiss cam incident(00:54:33) Tomorrowland stage burns down(00:56:34) The risk of outdoor events(01:00:04) Shaky Knees schedule(01:04:24) Bus trip(01:06:01) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThe Logistics of Music FestivalsThe Bonnaroo 2025 Bandana Debate: What Fans Are SayingHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet RooSurviving Woodstock '99: Two Attendees Look Back 25 Years LaterWet Leg: Tiny Desk ConcertHigh Country Bus Festival 2023 - VW Camping on the River______
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Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn
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Bonnaroo 2026 is happening and we've got the first real confirmation. In this episode of The What Podcast, Barry, Bryan, and Lord Taco take a look at the (as of now) unofficially official dates (June 11-14), the subtle ways the news dropped, and why this feels like the first truly optimistic Bonnaroo moment since the cancellation in 2025.Then we head to Common John Brewery, just outside the festival grounds in Manchester, where we sit down with the team behind this year's King Gizzard-inspired hazy IPA, "Nuclear Fusion". We talk about the brewery's roots in the Bonnaroo community, the Camp Reddaroo collaboration, and what it takes to create a beer that's become integral to the Bonnaroo experience.Plus: A recap of Russ' last two weekends of travel, including a July 4th trip to "The Other Farm" and a campout on the side of a mountain with airplanes, fireworks, and rock concerts in the woods. And finally, Bryan and Barry dive into a spirited debate: Does Oasis deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the Beatles? One of them says absolutely not.Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!Thumbnail photo by: Evan Brown______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:26) Bonnaroo's dates for 2026(00:07:21) Bryan's merch issues(00:11:00) Camping trips from the last 2 weeks(00:22:47) Oasis vs. The Beatles(00:34:12) Setting up this week's interviews(00:39:20) Interview with Bull at Common John(01:03:25) Interview with LeBron and Derek at Common John(01:12:35) Outro______
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In this special live episode of The What Podcast from Bonnaroo 2025 at Planet Roo, hosts Barry, Bryan, and Lord Taco moderate an insightful panel celebrating the festival's cultural, civic, and economic impact on Manchester, Tennessee, and the broader region. Guests include Priscilla Norman, Rebecca French ("Miss Bonnaroo"), Festival Director Brad Parker of C3 Presents, and Ryan French from the City of Manchester. Together, they share personal stories of their Bonnaroo beginnings, reflect on the festival's evolution since 2002, and underscore its transformation into a generational rite of passage that fuses community spirit with musical magic.The conversation highlights how Bonnaroo has become a year-round civic partner - investing millions into local schools, infrastructure, and nonprofit organizations through the Bonnaroo Works Fund. Stories range from prankish memories of sneaking into early fests to tales of locals opening swimming pools to traffic-trapped fans. They also address complex dynamics like city annexation and festival logistics while honoring the late co-founder Jonathan Mayers and unveiling new initiatives like the Infinity Stage and enhanced charitable integration. The panel closes with reflections on Bonnaroo's irreplaceable role as a beacon of positivity, unity, and transformation in both local and global festival culture.Got something to say about Bonnaroo? Call our voicemail line at (423) 667-7877 and tell us what Bonnaroo means to you. We just might feature your message on a future episode!Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!Photo by: David Bruce______
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How are we all feeling, 3 weeks removed from Bonnaroo's 2025 cancellation? This episode might just improve your mood a little. With the new survey out, it offers a rare insight into the festival organizers' thoughts about the future of Bonnaroo. We all feel pretty sure it should stay in June on The Farm, however.We also introduce you to one of our favorite new discoveries from the festival: emo/folk duo hey, nothing. Bryan and Barry sit down with Tyler and Harlow for a conversation about their journey from high school musicians to Bonnaroo performers, the creative power of Maine, and their stacked summer tour that includes stops at Lollapalooza, Shaky Knees, and more.Got something to say about Bonnaroo? Call our voicemail line at (423) 667-7877 and tell us what Bonnaroo means to you—we just might feature your message on a future episode!Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00) Intro(01:16) StoneOnAir Podcast's Bonnaroo Coverage(02:30) Comments on social media(06:08) Phone line is open(07:14) I Am Bonnaroo photos(08:38) Our thoughts, 3 weeks later(10:17) The Bonnaroo survey(27:59) Setting up this week's interview(29:47) Interview with Hey, Nothing(46:51) Upcoming episodes(49:59) Outro______
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Today on The What Podcast, Barry and Bryan dive into the aftermath of the unprecedented Bonnaroo 2025 cancellation, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster experienced by fans, organizers, and the broader festival community. They discuss the announcement of 100% ticket refunds, the challenges of upgrading infrastructure on the farm, and the intense scrutiny faced by organizers like Live Nation and C3. The hosts also explore how online commentary can distort the real picture, emphasizing that while frustrations and personal anecdotes abound, the broader context and two decades of successful events should not be overlooked.Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!Thumbnail photo by: Evan Brown______
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We're still reeling from the cancellation of Bonnaroo 2025, and in this episode of The What Podcast, we open up about the heartbreak, frustration, and confusion that swept through the Bonnaroo community after historic rainfall forced organizers to call off the festival. We talk about what it was like to travel from all over the country—some of us from as far away as Seattle and New York—only to have the weekend cut short, and how we’re coping with the "Bonnaflu" that seems to follow every year. Even though the festival ended early, we reflect on the incredible Thursday we did get—packed with music, laughter, and some unforgettable moments.We also dig into the tough decisions organizers faced, why this year's weather was truly a once-in-a-century event, and how the Bonnaroo community continues to come together, even in disappointment. Joining us is campmate Elizabeth Thorpe, who shares her cross-country travel saga from Seattle. We all talk about the silver linings—like extra time with friends, the Friday beer exchange, and a little show and tell. Plus, we shout out contest winners, longtime friends, and the many fans who stopped us to say hello and share their stories. Whether you’re feeling angry, sad, or just plain lost, you’re not alone—we encourage you to connect with others who “get it,” join our Discord, and look ahead with us to future Bonnaroos. https://thewhat.co/discordListen to this week's episode about the Bonnaroo 2025 cancellation here or watch it on YouTube. And as always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts for festival news, tips, and more.______
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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat
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As Bonnaroo week kicks off, the crew records a special on-location episode at Lo Main in Chattanooga, diving into last-minute festival prep, weather worries, and the unique culture that makes Bonnaroo a can't-miss event. The hosts and guests, including long-time campmate Tara Viland (now in charge of events and programming at the Chattanooga Choo Choo) and Cassie Wanamaker (celebrating her 10th "Bonnaversary" and fourth year attending sober), share packing tips, weather-proofing strategies, and the importance of patience and flexibility for a successful festival experience. The conversation highlights the unpredictable Tennessee weather, the value of practical gear like rubber boots, and new festival features—such as Bonnaroo's QR code lock screen for lost phones.Russ is already en route to Manchester, where he plans to meet up with friends at Common John Brewery to sample the new Camp Reddaroo beer (and hopefully sleep in their parking lot). The rest of the crew arrives later in the week. Don’t miss The What Podcast live from The Farm! Join us Thursday at 4PM in Planet Roo for Podcast Party with a Purpose, featuring special guests and a look at Bonnaroo’s impact on the local community.Listen to this episode here or watch it on YouTube. As always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts for weekly updates on Bonnaroo and festival news!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:01) Packing for Bonnaroo(00:04:23) Change your phone's lock screen(00:06:42) How to get help from Bonnaroo(00:10:09) Weather(00:12:53) Parachute People(00:14:04) Our travel plans(00:18:08) Tara joins(00:26:18) Cassie joins(00:48:50) Russ in Manchester on Monday(00:52:02) David Bruce on Hulu(00:56:23) The What Podcast live at Bonnaroo(00:59:51) Outro______
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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat
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Bonnaroo 2025 is nearly here, and in this massive episode of The What Podcast, we've got essential last-minute tips and hacks to help you not just survive the farm, but have the greatest time ever. From cooler strategy and sleeping secrets to underrated essentials, it's a festival prep episode you don’t want to miss.We then catch up with Bryan Stone and his recent trip to Mexico, before diving into his Bonnaroo schedule. We start with Roo Run updates from Kyle the Bonnaroovian and then finally we go day by day with Bryan and discover his can't-miss acts. Plus, you don't want to miss our live show, Podcast Party with a Purpose, at 4PM Thursday on the How Stage inside Planet Roo! We've got special guests, including festival director Brad Parker, a Q&A, and more. Find out more at https://thewhat.co/liveAnd if you're in the Chattanooga area on Sunday, June 8th, join us at Lo Main Bodega at 11:00 AM EDT for a meet and greet with us as we record our final episode before Bonnaroo!Finally, we close the show with our Hayley Jane interview, recorded last weekend at CaveJam. We go inside the cave and discuss her musical influences, van breakdowns on tour, and why she wants to play Bonnaroo one day. Plus, her connection to Dogs in a Pile. Can she convince them to play Bryan's favorite song on the farm next weekend?Listen to this week's episode with Bryan's picks here, or watch the video on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:50) Giveaway update(00:06:01) Barry on the radio(00:07:48) Dancing man(00:10:35) Bonnaroo prep tips(00:30:32) Live podcast in Planet Roo(00:32:43) Roo Run and Bonnaroovian Kyle(00:36:37) Bryan in Mexico and Bryan's picks(00:39:16) Thursday(00:41:34) Friday(00:45:58) Saturday(00:49:36) Sunday(00:51:59) Wrap-up(00:55:47) Chattanooga meetup(00:59:11) Outro(01:03:49) Interview with Hayley Jane______
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We're live on location at The Caverns in Pelham, TN—just down the road from Bonnaroo—as The What Podcast crew assembles for CaveJam just weeks before Bonnaroo 2025. This week, Lord Taco (Russ) reveals his complete Bonnaroo schedule, breaking down the acts he's most excited to see across the four-day festival, including King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Insane Clown Posse, and more.Plus: we talk festival prep, campsite upgrades, and the latest Bonnaroo updates—like sold-out Friday and Saturday day passes, new JamTrak routes, and the stacked SuperJam lineup featuring Hayley Williams, Geese, and a whole lot more.Stick around until the end of the episode when Russ has an unexpected encounter with Chris the Dancing Man—a Bonnaroo and festival icon with a story you won't believe. From surviving homelessness to becoming a symbol of joy and celebration at festivals across the country, Chris shares heartfelt wisdom and positivity that you need to get hyped for Bonnaroo next month!Don't miss Podcast Party with a Purpose! We're doing a live show, Q&A session, and meetup at Planet Roo on Thursday at 4PM that you won't want to miss! We've got some special guests lined up to join us. Find out more at https://thewhat.co/liveListen to this week's episode with Taco's picks here, or watch the video on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:05:47) Lunchbox giveaway(00:08:09) Bonnaroo SuperJam update(00:10:03) Magic Man MTG cards(00:11:49) JamTrak update(00:13:24) Ticket sales update(00:17:04) Camping at The Caverns(00:20:20) Live show at Bonnaroo(00:22:35) Taco's picks(00:23:45) Thursday(00:28:25) Friday(00:33:16) Saturday(00:38:15) Sunday(00:41:50) Conclusion(00:45:22) Interview with Chris the dancing man______
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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat
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With Bonnaroo 2025 just three weeks away, we dive deep into Barry's picks, including must-see acts like Flipturn, King Gizzard, Olivia Rodrigo, and the SuperJam 70s Pool Party, as well as the importance of flexibility-sometimes the best Bonnaroo moments come from wandering and discovering new artists. We also cover some details about your wristband, and preview the upcoming CaveJam festival at The Caverns this weekend. It's our 250th episode!We also take a look at the updated maps for Centeroo and Outeroo and the placement of key areas such as the new Infinity Stage, the Who Stage, and more. We also tease the upcoming live podcast, Q&A session, and meetup at Planet Roo on Thursday at 4PM that you won't want to miss! We've got some special guests lined up to join us.Listen to this week's episode of The What Podcast right here, or watch it on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for news, tips, and more every week!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:37) Wristbands shipping(00:05:24) Barry's bad mood(00:08:32) Taco on Roo Bus(00:10:13) Bonnaroo weather outlook(00:11:35) CaveJam this weekend(00:15:07) Local shows we saw(00:21:42) The What Podcast live at Bonnaroo(00:27:05) Ticket sales update(00:29:08) The map is out(00:37:46) Shoutout to Pondo(00:38:29) Barry's picks(00:40:56) Thursday(00:44:46) Friday(00:51:40) Saturday(00:56:05) Sunday(01:00:15) Outro______
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In a surprise move for 2025, Bonnaroo is not including a bandana or gift in its wristband shipments — and fans have strong opinions. Barry and Lord Taco reunite with Bryan Stone to unpack the "gift-gate" controversy, why the missing bandana matters to so many, and what it says about the evolution of the festival. It’s a deep dive into Bonnaroo tradition, fan culture, and how communication from organizers plays a role in festival loyalty.Bryan also catches us up on what he’s been doing these past few weeks, and the crew runs through the latest Bonnaroo 2025 news as we hit the 30-day countdown to the Farm. Also, be sure and join The What Podcast for a special meetup and live episode on The How Stage inside Planet Roo at 4:00 PM on Thursday during Bonnaroo!Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here, or watch it on YouTube. We'd love to hear your thoughts as well, leave a comment on YouTube or Spotify! Be sure and like and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts.______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:04:04) Platinum and VIP viewing areas(00:05:44) Wiffle ball and coffee exchange(00:10:40) Fountain updates(00:13:03) Bandanas(00:50:10) Catching up with Bryan(01:00:56) Live podcast in Centeroo on Thursday(01:05:50) Outro______
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It's time to start planning your Bonnaroo week! Bryan Stone is out, so we get Evan Bonnaroo to fill in as guest host and share his picks for what shows and activities he has laid out. We are also joined by EDM Kyle to round out the discussion. The group covers everything from travel routines and pre-festival meetups at local hotspots (like Common John Brewing and the Manchester Walmart) to the importance of having a well-organized Bonnaroo packing list. Get practical insights on camp setup, including how to claim your space, orient your tent for shade, and quickly befriend neighbors for a supportive festival community.The conversation also highlights music day by day, including the new Infinity Stage, and the diversity of genres-especially EDM. Kyle shares his curated playlist and top picks, while the group discusses the logistics of navigating the massive festival grounds, and the value of exploring plazas and fan-driven events like the Roo Bus party and Beer Exchange. Key festival survival tips include staying hydrated, applying sunscreen early, and bringing items to trade with fellow campers.Kyle's Bonnaroo 2025 playlist here: https://thewhat.co/kylespicksGet some of Kyle's Bonnaroo stickers on his Etsy store at https://dohpechytt.etsy.com/ and save 15% when you use code THEWHAT at checkout! Also, be sure and join The What Podcast for a special meetup and live episode on The How Stage inside Planet Roo at 4:00 PM on Thursday during Bonnaroo!Listen to this episode of The What Podcast with Kyle and Evan here, or watch it on YouTube. Be sure and like and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts. Thanks for listening!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:08:35) Kyle joins(00:14:04) Getting into Bonnaroo and setting up(00:28:59) Wednesday(00:35:57) Thursday(00:50:40) Friday(00:59:31) Saturday(01:10:45) Sunday(01:16:02) Rating our plans(01:19:20) Where in the Woods and wrap-up(01:23:18) Outro______
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In this episode of The What Podcast, the hosts sit down with Sam Summers, the founder of Iowa's Hinterland Festival, for a deep dive into the art (and chaos) of modern festival production. From booking Fall Out Boy in college to launching Hinterland in 2015, Sam walks us through his journey from DIY club shows to managing a 20,000-attendee outdoor event that has weathered literal floods and the fury of the internet.Sam doesn't shy away from discussing Hinterland’s tough 2023, where a perfect storm of record-breaking heat, overcrowding, and poor water logistics led to fan frustration. In response, Sam did the unthinkable: he listened. After combing through every Reddit post and angry comment, he launched the "90-Degree Guarantee": a bold refund policy if temperatures cross a certain threshold, and revamped the entire site design for 2024 to improve shade, water access, and flow. He credits part of this shift to inspiration from C3 Presents, the powerhouse behind festivals like Bonnaroo, and their commitment to behind-the-scenes best practices that Sam sought to emulate.Listen to the full interview with Sam Summers here, or watch it on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!______CHAPTERS(00:00:00) Intro(00:05:22) Interview with Sam Summers(00:58:03) Outro______
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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat
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