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.

Plus, we play and react to more of your Bonnaroo contest entries, hearing from listeners about their own experiences, memories, and what Bonnaroo means to them. 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!

Thumbnail Photo: Elizabeth Thorpe

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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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:00:59) Bob Weir Passes Away

(00:33:27) We Play More of Your Contest Entries

(01:03:01) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Dead & Co. at the Sphere and Happy Landing at Bonnaroo 2024

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

Keera's Entry for Bonnaroo 2026 Tickets

Win Tickets to Bonnaroo 2026!

Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass!

______

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

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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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:17) Catching up after the holidays

(00:17:04) Our best 2025 moments

(00:34:03) Playing your contest entries

(01:09:46) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

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

TOTEM Holiday Party Live From Straight to Ale

totemfnd.org

YUNGBLUD Plays '36 Floors'

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

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

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

Shaky Knees 2025 vs. IBMA Chattanooga: Live from the Red Carpet + Bilmuri Interview

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

CaveFest 2025: Exploring the Underground Magic of The Caverns

Bonnaroo 2026: Thursday Headliner Confirmed + Our Corona Capital 2025 Breakdown

We Enlist in Pondo's Army

The Bonnaroo Yearbook: Capturing Festival Memories

Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass!

______

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

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. From legacy acts to emerging artists, the conversation centers on how Bonnaroo has become a place where discovery, timing, and live performance energy matter more than top-line billing.

Brad shares his don't-miss Bonnaroo picks, explains how bands really break, and reflects on unforgettable festival moments that shaped his perspective, along with stories from recent shows, including the Oasis reunion and artists you'll be glad you saw early. 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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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:02:24) Brad Joins

(00:30:35) Brad's Bonnaroo 2026 Picks

(00:59:42) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

thewhat.co/win

Shaky Knees 2025 vs. IBMA Chattanooga: Live from the Red Carpet + Bilmuri Interview

Noah Kahan on Mental Health and Allowing Himself to Be Honest

Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass!

______

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

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. From headline-level conversations to deeper observations about where the festival is heading, this episode offers thoughtful, honest perspective for both longtime attendees and newcomers planning their next Roo.

Before diving into Bonnaroo 2026, the hosts catch up after a short break, and talk about recent experiences including MAINx24 in Chattanooga, and Portugal. The Man at The Caverns along with other festival news from around the country. They also take a nostalgic look back at the Bonnaroo 2002 DVD, and reflect on how the festival has changed over time before wrapping up with some contest entries. There's still time to enter, 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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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:35) Brief History of The What Podcast

(00:07:41) MAINx24 and Portugal. The Man

(00:16:53) Jazzfest and Other Festivals

(00:21:22) Bonnaroo 2026 Updates and Lineup Thoughts

(00:46:19) Bonnaroo 2002 DVD

(00:49:40) Final Lineup Thoughts

(00:55:09) Contest Entries

(01:04:24) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

thewhat.co/win

instagram.com/ethorpephoto

MAINx24 Parade 2025 LIVESTREAM

Bonnaroo 2026 Lineup Day! LIVE on The What Podcast

Wet Leg: Tiny Desk Concert

Bonnaroo Lineup Behind the Scenes - Interview With AC Entertainment

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

Bonnaroo 2002 Official DVD

Beth's Bonnaroo 2026 Spotify Playlist

Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass!

______

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

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. The conversation also covers stage relocations, late-night possibilities, art installations, pricing philosophy, and a renewed focus on guitars in the lineup - all while emphasizing transparency, data-driven planning, and a commitment to delivering a fully realized Bonnaroo in 2026.

Plus, we've got tickets to give away with a camping pass! Visit thewhat.co/win for details on how to enter, or call our hotline at (423) 667-7877!

But that's not all. Check out our YouTube exclusive livestream with our reactions to the Bonnaroo 2026 lineup with some special guests! Subscribe to The What Podcast and stay up-to-date on Bonnaroo and festival news all year long!

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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:13:17) Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway

(00:16:33) Interview with Cory and Tuba

(01:03:57) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Win Bonnaroo 2026 Tickets

Bonnaroo 2026 Lineup Day! LIVE on The What Podcast

Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass!

______

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Bonnaroo 2026 is already taking shape, and in this episode we break down the latest news coming out of Manchester, including confirmation of the Thursday headliner and what these early updates might mean for the festival experience next year. We discuss fresh Roo Clues, lineup news, changes to the farm layout, and the growing list of improvements Bonnaroo fans can expect in 2026.

We also dive into a full recap of Corona Capital 2025 after Bryan and Beth's trip to Mexico City. From the massive stages and spectacular VIP skybox to the crowd experience, transportation, food, prices, and overall festival atmosphere, we compare Corona Capital to Bonnaroo and share what American festivals could learn from the Mexico City scene. If you're curious about traveling for festivals, international music experiences, or you’re considering making Corona Capital part of your 2025 plans, our detailed breakdown will help you understand what makes it such a standout event.

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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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:02:28) Bonnaroo bandanas are back

(00:04:04) Skrillex confirmed for Thursday night

(00:07:05) The third Roo Clue

(00:10:54) New grass planted on The Farm

(00:14:01) Corona Capital Festival recap

(01:07:43) Previewing what's coming up

(01:09:10) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Bonnaroo 2025 Bandana Debate: What Fans Are Saying

Bonnaroo 2026 Updates: Farm Improvements and New Clues

Why You Should Attend a Mexican Music Festival

instagram.com/ethorpephoto

Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass!

______

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

In this episode of The What Podcast, we break down the newest Roo Clue, take a close look at the farm improvements happening right now in Manchester, and talk through what these changes might mean for the festival experience next year. Bryan is still off in Mexico City, so Barry and Russ sit down for a quick update.

We discuss the visible work happening on the Bonnaroo grounds, including new crushed-run roads, turf upgrades, and a smaller campground footprint designed to reduce flooding and improve traffic flow. Plus, we share news of our upcoming Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway! Call us at (423) 667-7877 and share your clue theories, lineup leaks, wishlist, contest ideas, or whatever else is on your mind.

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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(00:00) Intro

(01:09) Bryan in Mexico City

(03:50) Roo Clue #2

(06:42) Ticket Giveaway

(08:55) Infrastructure upgrades on The Farm

(16:39) Future episodes

(18:12) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Why You Should Attend a Mexican Music Festival

Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass!

______

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Bonnaroo came alive last week with a flurry of updates for 2026, and The What Podcast is back to dive into them! Beth joins us this week and we recap Bonnaroo's social reactivation after months of silence, and listen to the first Roo Clue "bread" hint. We also speculate if the lineup drop could happen earlier than ever before and what to expect for ticket sales.

Then it's off to Mexico City! Beth and Bryan outline their plans for attending Corona Capital next week, and what U.S. festival fans can learn from Mexico's sponsorship-forward model that helps keep tickets surprisingly affordable. Expect a preview of a 90s‑leaning top line (Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, Deftones) and undercard curiosities, plus a compare/contrast on crowd energy, branding on stages (yes, Doritos), and production style versus Bonnaroo.

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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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:55) Catching up with Beth

(00:10:21) Bonnaroo Roo Clues and News

(00:30:21) Bryan and Beth prepare for Corona Capital in Mexico City

(00:58:58) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

CaveFest 2025: Exploring the Underground Magic of The Caverns

StoneOnAir.com

https://instagram.com/ethorpephoto

Why You Should Attend a Mexican Music Festival

We Enlist in Pondo's Army

Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass!

______

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

What makes a music festival in Mexico feel so different from one in the United States? This week on The What Podcast, Barry and Bryan talk with Ricardo Gómez from OCESA, the promoter behind Mexico City's massive Corona Capital Festival. Ricardo shares how Mexican festival culture compares to the U.S., from the unmatched passion of Mexican fans and the emotional connection they have with artists, to how sponsorships help keep ticket prices affordable without compromising the experience.

The conversation goes deep into the logistics of building a large-scale event in Mexico City, including lineup curation, routing challenges, and the economics of booking international headliners. For Bonnaroo and music festival fans alike, it's a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how live music thrives south of the border, and what American festivals could learn from the energy, community, and creativity that define Mexico's biggest music festivals.

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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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:44) Interview with Ricardo Gómez of OCESA

(00:48:50) Wrap-up

(00:53:24) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

CaveFest 2025: Exploring the Underground Magic of The Caverns

ticketmaster.com.mx

Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass!

______

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

The What Podcast is on location at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee for CaveFest 2025, just down the road from Bonnaroo! Barry couldn't make it this week, so our friend Beth Thorpe steps in to co-host. We talk about our experience at the festival, why CaveFest is more than just bluegrass, and how an independent venue like The Caverns runs differently from Live Nation's Bonnaroo. Plus, we get a full cave tour with the owner himself! Could CaveFest be the most magical small festival in the Southeast? Does it give Bonnaroo a run for its money when comparing vibes?

But that’s not all, we also cover the latest music and festival news. We speculate on Bonnaroo's radio silence over the past few months and what it might mean for the festival next year. Nine Inch Nails' Future Ruins Festival has been cancelled, Rush announces a surprise 2026 tour, and we share some hot takes on Taylor Swift’s new album.

Listen to this week's episode with our coverage of CaveFest 2025 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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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:03:33) Bonnaroo updates and speculation

(00:06:09) Nine Inch Nails festival cancelled

(00:08:41) Rush tour announced

(00:12:42) Taylor Swift's new record

(00:24:20) Bonnaroo merch

(00:27:11) CaveFest Coverage

(00:52:33) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Radiohead, Oasis & Nine Inch Nails: The 90s Rock Revival Taking Over Festivals

Taylor Swift vs. Pixies - Actually Romantic/Where Is My Mind Mashup

Wood Brothers: Luckiest Man

Radiohead Vs. The Hollies

How The Caverns Became Tennessee's Premier Music Destination

Caveman Chronicles by Todd Mayo on Amazon

Thumbnail photo by: Elizabeth Thorpe

Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass!

______

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.

We love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.