The What Podcast - Bonnaroo, Festival News, and More

Latest Episode

Bonnaroo 2026: Brad & Cory from C3 Answer Your Questions

Season 8, Episode 32 August 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.

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/discord

Listen 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!

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Previous Episodes

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

Lord Taco's Bonnaroo 2025 Picks and an Encounter with "The Dancing Man"

S08E22 May 28, 2025 1h 10m Video Pelham, TN

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. Read More

Barry's Bonnaroo 2025 Picks: What to See, Where to Be

S08E21 May 21, 2025 1h 3m Video

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. Read More

The Bonnaroo 2025 Bandana Debate: What Fans Are Saying

S08E20 May 14, 2025 1h 6m Video

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. Read More

Reviews for The What Podcast

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"I'm as pumped for Roo as I've ever been, which is saying a lot, and it's because of this podcast. This is Roo #8 for me. So glad there is an all Roo pod & that it's such a good one. I look forward to when it drops each week. If you love Roo or are just curious what's it all about give it a listen."

Baltreign

"The one and only podcast you need for Bonnaroo! Last year was my first Roo and I was over prepared thanks to their YouTube channel. Frozen water bottles is the #1 hack!"

Nicole Rodriguez

"I really enjoyed listening to this podcast after the lineup drop. It got me even more excited about roo 2019. You guys have a new listener and subscriber in me!"

haley7777

"Love listening to Barry and Brad's take on the festival and lineup, especially this year when the undercard is so strong! Fantastic way to discover some new artists to see at the farm!"

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