The What Podcast - Bonnaroo, Festival Culture & Live Music

Latest Episode

Bonnaroo 2026: Why the EDM Lineup Feels Different (Where Stage)

Season 9, Episode 10 February 18, 2026 42m Video

Bonnaroo 2026's EDM lineup feels different, and the move to the new Where Stage is at the center of it. In this episode, Russ, Barry, and guest John break down why this year's late-night energy has shifted, what the community is reacting to, and how the new location changes the vibe of sunrise sets, crowd flow, and the festival's overall identity. From longtime Roo veterans feeling uncertain to the Saturday lineup pulling people "right back in," we dig into the reasons this year stands out.

If you'd like to be a part of our Discord community like John, it's free to join! https://thewhat.co/discord

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!

Listen Via:

Previous Episodes

Okay...We Were Wrong About Geese

S09E09 Feb 11, 2026 37m Video

Geese's performance on SNL last week sparked such a huge debate that we decided to walk it back and revisit the whole thing. Find out how we feel now about the band, what changed after a deeper listen, and whether they've made our list of must-see sets for Bonnaroo 2026. We also dig into the latest Bonnaroo news, including a tragic update on Lil Jon's missing son and a look at how many Bonnaroo artists showed up at this year's Grammy Awards. Read More

Most People Aren't Physically Ready for Bonnaroo... Are You?

S09E08 Feb 4, 2026 1h 7m Video

Most people think they're physically ready for Bonnaroo... until they hit the farm and realize just how intense four days of heat, walking, dancing, and nonstop movement really are. That's why we're talking to Christin Craig of the Roo Fitness Challenge: a simple, realistic, community-driven plan to help you show up stronger, safer, and more prepared than ever. Read More

Bonnaroo 2026: Why Ticket Deals Are Dropping Now

S09E07 Jan 28, 2026 1h 3m Video

Bonnaroo 2026 ticket deals are dropping earlier than expected. In this episode of The What Podcast, we break down the latest pricing shifts including referral codes, the introduction of 4- and 6-pack bundles, and one-day passes. Is this a sign of lower demand, strategic marketing, or something deeper? Also, we explore the newly announced late-night sets and who we are looking forward to staying up late for. Read More

Church Boners React to Bonnaroo Ticket Contest Entries

S09E06 Jan 21, 2026 55m Video

With Bryan Stone out sick, the Church Boners step in to help us react to your Bonnaroo ticket contest entries! From emotional first-timer stories to selfless submissions from fans entering on behalf of loved ones, this episode of The What Podcast highlights the heart of the Bonnaroo community: generosity, vulnerability, and the shared belief that the farm brings people together in ways nothing else can. Read More

There Is No Bonnaroo Without Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead

S09E05 Jan 14, 2026 1h 3m Video

In this episode, we dig into why there is no Bonnaroo without the Grateful Dead, and why Bob Weir's influence on the festival runs far deeper than any single performance. From the jam band touring culture to the community-first ethos that defines life on The Farm, we break down how the Grateful Dead's scene effectively migrated to Manchester, Tennessee and became part of Bonnaroo's DNA. Read More

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

S09E04 Jan 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. Read More

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

"These guys are so open minded and true Bonnaroo fans! Always listening for the best discussion and information."

cgriffin1292

"Sparky Totem here to say we love the Pod and look forward to seeing you on the farm."

MoRoRadio

"Been going to Roo the last 5 years and recently started listening to The What last year and couldn't wait to catch season 2 episode 1! Lineup day for me is the equivalent to how a 5 year old feels on Christmas Day! Love this podcast and Roo so much."

Emi Jemii

"These guys have seen it, lived it and love it. From stories, news and culture to interviews with fans, participants. artists and Bonnaroo staff, this show goes way deep into the ins and outs of a truly unique community experience."

NGavush

× Link copied to clipboard

Latest Episode

The longest-running and highest-rated weekly show about Bonnaroo, festival culture, and live music

Previous Episodes

Reviews for The What Podcast

Join Our Email List