The What Podcast - Bonnaroo, Festivals and Music News

Latest Episode

We Play Your Bonnaroo Contest Entries...They Hit Hard

Season 9, Episode 4 January 7, 2026 1h 10m Video

We're back after a short holiday break, and catching up on everything that's happened in the world of Bonnaroo and music festivals. In this episode, we reflect on our biggest moments from 2025, and how they shaped us as fans. Plus, does Bryan have a new favorite artist discovery from the 2026 lineup?

Then, the heart of this episode comes from you! We play some of the Bonnaroo contest entries sent directly from listeners, and honestly the stories, memories, and emotions behind them hit harder than we ever expected. From first-time Bonnaroo experiences to moments of connection, resilience, and community, these submissions capture what makes Bonnaroo and music festivals so meaningful beyond the lineup. Watch Reece's full video submission here.

There's still time to enter our contest for a chance to win two tickets to Bonnaroo 2026 with a camping pass! Visit thewhat.co/win for details on how to enter, or call the hotline at (423) 667-7877!

Listen to this week's 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!

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Previous Episodes

Bonnaroo Isn't About the Headliners Anymore: Brad Steiner's Don't-Miss Picks

S09E03 Dec 24, 2025 59m Video Chattanooga, TN

Former What Podcast host Brad Steiner is back, and he's bringing his most trusted Bonnaroo instincts with him. Recorded on location at Lo Main in Chattanooga, this episode features Brad alongside Bryan Stone and Barry Courter as they dig into why Bonnaroo isn't about the headliners anymore, and how the real magic of the festival lives deeper in the lineup. Read More

Bonnaroo Veterans React to the 2026 Lineup (What Stands Out)

S09E02 Dec 17, 2025 1h 4m Video

In this episode of The What Podcast, Bonnaroo veterans Beth and Bryan share their first impressions of the Bonnaroo 2026 lineup, breaking down what truly stands out and what feels different. They discuss genre balance, booking reactions across the Bonnaroo community, and ongoing questions around female artists and headliner representation. Read More

Bonnaroo 2026 Lineup Breakdown with Cory & Tuba: Early Release, Big Changes, and What to Expect

S09E01 Dec 2, 2025 1h 5m Video

The Bonnaroo 2026 lineup is here! In this episode, Cory Smith and Tim "Tuba" Smith from C3 Presents join the show to discuss the early release of the Bonnaroo 2026 lineup, why the team moved faster than usual, and how fan feedback shaped major decisions after a challenging 2025. They break down the strategy behind landing Skrillex for a massive Thursday kickoff, the shift to Wednesday entry, capacity adjustments, campsite and drainage improvements, and new communication tools like the return of Bonnaroo Radio. Read More

Reviews for The What Podcast

Rate and Review on Apple Podcasts

"I absolutely love that I have found your guys podcast!!! I love Bonnaroo so much, and hearing you guys talk about the lineup gets me and my crew even more excited about being back on the farm in June! Keep up the good work, I will be telling all of my friends about this podcast as well!"

Aswanson77

"This podcast truly gets me pumped for Roo. I learn new artists, there's great banter, and I feel like they're all my friends!"

Cassiosassio

"The What Podcast is a blast to listen to for music and Bonnaroo lovers. It's a fun way to learn about new bands (War and the Treaty, repeat repeat), hear insider info about Bonnaroo, and learn camping/festival tips. Definitely makes the long stretch to the festival go by a little bit faster. The hosts are cool guys and I enjoy listening to them!"

Load the car

"Not only do I love the podcast, but I enjoy it so much, it's the only patreon I subscribe to. Any fan of Bonnaroo, or the festival industry as a whole, should definitely listen!"

RossMac018

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