The What Podcast - Bonnaroo, Festival News, and More

Latest Episode

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

Season 8, Episode 27 July 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.

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!

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Previous Episodes

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

Planning Your Perfect Bonnaroo Week: Packing Tips, Schedule Strategies & Survival Guide

S08E19 May 7, 2025 1h 27m Video

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. Read More

Inside Hinterland: Sam Summers on Festival Challenges and the 90-Degree Guarantee

S08E18 May 1, 2025 59m Video

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. Read More

Ultimate Bonnaroo 2025 Camp Prep: Packing, Planning, and Survival Tips

S08E17 Apr 30, 2025 1h 36m Video

In this episode of The What Podcast, hosts Barry, Russ, and Bryan are joined by special guests Beth and Abbey to dive deep into Bonnaroo 2025 prep and camp setup essentials. With less than 46 days until we are back on The Farm, the crew discusses smart strategies for getting ready now - from vehicle maintenance and camping gear organization to planning group logistics and must-have supplies. Read More

Bonnaroo 2025 Schedule Breakdown: Highlights, Conflicts & Surprises

S08E16 Apr 23, 2025 1h 10m Video

The Bonnaroo 2025 schedule is finally here! Barry, Bryan, and Taco break it down day-by-day and explore the surprises, conflicts, and can't-miss sets on this year's lineup. From the historic addition of three What Stage acts on Thursday-Luke Combs, Marcus King, and Wilderado-to Friday's major scheduling conflicts like Goose and Rainbow Kitten Surprise, the crew delivers their initial thoughts and reactions. Read More

Dogs in a Pile Talk Bonnaroo 2025 Debut, Jam Band Roots, and Songwriting with Tom Marshall

S08E15 Apr 16, 2025 1h 7m Video

In this episode of The What Podcast, Barry and Bryan sit down with Brian Murray and Jeremy Kaplan from Dogs in a Pile, the fast-rising jam band making their Bonnaroo debut in 2025. From their early days playing Grateful Dead covers on the Jersey Shore to developing a genre-bending sound influenced by Zappa, Coltrane, and Miles Davis, the band shares their journey and what fans can expect when they hit the stage in Manchester this June. Read More

Reviews for The What Podcast

Rate and Review on Apple Podcasts

"Great content, great stories look forward to every episode."

auDebbs

"Unlike some other media outlets who focus on Roo, these guys just lay down the facts and info about the fest unlike other people who spout out “leaks and insider info” with no backing. They do it in a fun way that doesn’t drag on. If you love Roo or are interested in it, check these guys out for a fun time."

JRWenzel

"Great content to keep me amped for upcoming Bonnaroo! Love that the topics have evolved to discuss more than Roo."

marianoballon

"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

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