The What Podcast - Bonnaroo, Festival News, and More

Latest Episode

What's Next After Bonnaroo? Devo at Shaky Knees and More 2025 Festivals

Season 8, Episode 35 August 27, 2025 36m Video Chattanooga, TN

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!

Listen Via:

Previous Episodes

Bonnaroo Shake-Up: Brad Parker Departs, & Kyle Hollingsworth on New Album, String Cheese, and Beer

S08E34 Aug 15, 2025 1h 18m Video

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. Read More

Why Bonnaroo Feels Like Home: Fans Share Their Stories & Memories

S08E33 Aug 13, 2025 1h 16m Video

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. Read More

Bonnaroo 2026: Brad & Cory from C3 Answer Your Questions

S08E32 Aug 6, 2025 1h 4m Video

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. Read More

Is Rock Dead? The Bonnaroo Music Census and Remembering Ozzy Osbourne

S08E31 Jul 30, 2025 1h 6m Video

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. Read More

Bonnaroo 2026: The Comeback and the Cutbacks

S08E30 Jul 23, 2025 1h 8m Video

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. Read More

Back to The Farm: Bonnaroo 2026 Details & Beers at Common John

S08E29 Jul 16, 2025 1h 13m Video

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. Read More

How Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet Roo

S08E28 Jul 9, 2025 51m Video Manchester, TN

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. Read More

Bonnaroo's Survey Questions and hey, nothing's Big Summer

S08E27 Jul 2, 2025 50m Video

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. Read More

What's next for Bonnaroo?

S08E26 Jun 25, 2025 35m Video

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. Read More

When Bonnaroo Breaks Your Heart: Our Reaction to the 2025 Cancellation

S08E25 Jun 17, 2025 57m Video

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. Read More

Bonnaroo Week Begins: Packing, Travel, Weather Prep & More!

S08E24 Jun 9, 2025 1h 1m Video Chattanooga, TN

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. Read More

Bonnaroo 2025 Prep: Last-Minute Tips, Packing Hacks & Bryan's Festival Picks

S08E23 Jun 4, 2025 1h 23m Video

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. Read More

Reviews for The What Podcast

Rate and Review on Apple Podcasts

"Whether you have been to Bonnaroo many times or this is your first - this podcast is great. These guys understand Bonnaroo so you'll get a good feel for the vibe you're going to get on the farm."

Patoirish

"You guys get me so excited for Bonnaroo. Thank you for this!"

scottshane0

"Lots of knowledge and insight from years of going from these guys. They know the festival very well and I'd recommend to any Bonnaroovian!"

Bparkinson12345

"The What Podcast is both very helpful for knowing the happenings of Bonnaroo during the season, but also for keeping the excitement of Roo alive during the offseason. These guys put a lot of care into the content they make and it shows. I greatly appreciate all of the videos y'all make, and I hope to see you on the farm again this year!"

Alyssa Rose Miller

× Link copied to clipboard

Latest Episode

The Weekly Podcast for Music Festival Junkies

Previous Episodes

Reviews for The What Podcast

Join Our Email List