We asked the Bonnaroo community to send us their best advice for surviving and thriving at Roo, and you delivered! Today we're going through your top tips, plus sharing a few of our own. We also highlight some of the community events announced recently! This episode will help get you prepped for The Farm and help you make the most out of your festival experience.

Number one tip, don't miss our live podcast on the How Stage inside Planet Roo on Thursday at 4:00 PM! We announce some more giveaway stuff that you must be present to win! We're also celebrating 2,500 subscribers on YouTube, thanks to each and every one of you for helping us reach that milestone!

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

(00:01:40) How Our Bonnaroo Prep Has Evolved Over the Years

(00:05:37) The What Podcast Live Show + Giveaway

(00:09:50) Community Events in Outeroo

(00:11:29) Shotgunaroo Returns

(00:13:09) John Cena Lookalike Contest

(00:14:28) Beer Exchange + Coffee Exchange

(00:15:40) Roo Bus Baseball Game

(00:19:55) House of Yes Events Announced for Bonnaroo 2026

(00:23:11) Celebrating 2,500 YouTube Subscribers

(00:24:05) Your Best Bonnaroo Tips (29 Listener‑Submitted Hacks)

(00:58:44) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Catching Up with I am Bonnaroo Creator David Bruce

Bonnaroo 2026: Why Ticket Deals Are Dropping Now

Bonnaroo Cuts, Changes, and What's Returning (JamTrak, App, Who Stage, Radio Bonnaroo)

Church Boners React to Bonnaroo Ticket Contest Entries

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 just made several big changes: some cuts, some returns, and some updates that will affect everyone going in 2026. In this episode, we break down everything we know so far: JamTrak disappearing, the app shifting to Festiverse, questions around the Who Stage, Radio Bonnaroo returning, wristband warnings, ticket updates, and more. We also talk about our live show at Bonnaroo, this year’s giveaway, and what these changes mean for your weekend on the Farm.

After the Bonnaroo block, stick around for fun extras: Volkswagen stories, VIP upgrades at The Caverns, Rock the Country news, Ticketmaster rulings, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame updates, and Roo Bus/Bob Dylan talk.

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

(00:49) The What Podcast Live

(01:15) Bonnaroo Prep and Recap from Last Week

(03:53) Giveaway with Lunchbox

(06:28) Wedding Update

(07:46) Wristbands are shipping

(11:20) Schedule Conflicts and Reactions

(14:34) JamTrak is not returning

(17:55) "Magic Man" not returning

(20:21) No more Bonnaroo App

(21:35) No Who Stage

(23:08) The Return of Radio Bonnaroo

(25:27) Music Genre Venn Diagram

(28:05) Bug-a-Paluza Recap and Bus History

(34:16) VIP Upgrades at Venues

(44:49) Rock the Country

(46:38) Live Nation/Ticket Master Judgement

(50:12) Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

(54:25) Roo Bus in town for Bob Dylan

(55:24) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

How Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet Roo

2026 Bonnaroo Schedule Deep Dive with John (EDM, Conflicts, Must-Sees)

Riot Fest, CaveFest, and Catching Up with flipturn at Moon River Festival

Bonnaroo 2026 Venn Diagram

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

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 2026 Bonnaroo schedule is finally here, and we’re breaking it all down. Russ is off this week, so John joins Barry and Bryan for a full day‑by‑day walkthrough of the biggest conflicts, the must‑see sets, and the real‑world strategies that will shape your weekend on the Farm. From EDM to jam to indie to late‑night chaos, this episode gives you the context and advice you need to build your perfect Bonnaroo plan.

We also hit the biggest festival‑world stories of the week: Coachella's wild first weekend, the Hulaween 2026 lineup and Sweetwater 420 Fest this weekend. Plus, we drop some more info on our live show on the How Stage this year, and Bonnaroo Radio!

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: Where is Lord Taco?

(00:04:05) Coachella Week 1 Chaos

(00:09:37) Hulaween 2026 Lineup Reaction

(00:16:13) Sweetwater 420 Fest This Weekend

(00:17:33) Roo Run Registration Opens

(00:19:54) The What Podcast Live Show + Bonnaroo Radio

(00:24:08) Bonnaroo Schedule First Impressions

(00:31:29) Friday Schedule Breakdown

(00:41:31) Saturday Schedule Breakdown

(00:54:54) Sunday Schedule Breakdown

(01:03:58) Final thoughts + Weekend Strategy

(01:09:48) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Bonnaroo Changed My Life: The Yearbook Guy's Story

How Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet Roo

Printable Schedules from Lindsey

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

Riot Fest, CaveFest, and Catching Up with flipturn at Moon River Festival

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.

Flying to Bonnaroo this year? Our long‑time campmate and West Coast correspondent Elizabeth Thorpe breaks down exactly how she does it, based on years of flying to Manchester from Maine, Philly, and now Washington State.

We also catch up on Beth’s own “tour,” highlighting the shows she’s been shooting in Seattle and beyond, and what it’s like working deep in the photo pit as a festival and venue photographer. From Jeff Tweedy at the Moore to Color Me Badd at the Clearwater Casino, Beth brings us a side of live music most fans never get to see.

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

(03:14) Angine de Poitrine & Math Rock

(07:30) Bonnaroo Updates & Festival Talk

(13:35) Rush "Fifty Something" Tour Plans

(15:19) Flying to Bonnaroo: Packing & Travel Tips

(24:08) Beth's Seattle Shows & Photography Tour

(49:09) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

@ethorpephoto on Instagram

What IS This Band?

Anika Nilles: Who Is Rush's New Drummer?

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.

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to do Bonnaroo sober? This week we’re joined by longtime guest Patrick Whelan, founder of Soberoo and Harmonium Inc., the nonprofit that provides community and support for sober and sober‑curious festivalgoers at Bonnaroo and dozens of other events around the country. Whether you’re in recovery, "California sober," or just need a break from a crew that's going a little too hard, Patrick explains how Soberoo creates a safe, welcoming space for anyone who wants to experience the festival with a clear head.

We also take a quick tour through this year’s festival landscape, from Bourbon & Beyond to Shaky Knees to CaveFest (get tickets here!), before reacting to Angine de Poitrine, a wildly unique Canadian math‑rock duo that listeners have been sending our way. And make sure you stick around to the end for an exciting announcement!

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

(00:02:01) Our Bonnaroo 2026 Prep

(00:18:15) Talking Soberoo with Patrick

(00:55:12) Bourbon & Beyond

(01:05:06) CaveFest Tickets on Sale

(01:13:18) Angine de Poitrine

(01:18:13) Live Show at Bonnaroo

(01:19:53) Record Store Day

(01:21:24) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

How to Enjoy a Substance-Free Bonnaroo Experience with Soberoo

86 Days to Bonnaroo, Start Your Prep Now

Bonnaroo Changed My Life: The Yearbook Guy's Story

Rick Beato: Please STOP Sending Me This

Angine de Poitrine - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

How Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet Roo

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.

With 86 days to Bonnaroo, prep season is officially here. In this week's shorter check‑in, Barry and Russ walk through the early steps every Roo camper should be taking now: from pulling out gear, checking tents and fans, and buying non‑perishables a little at a time, to coordinating with your group so nobody shows up without poles, stakes, or the essentials.

We also break down the Live Nation settlement with the DOJ, and how it might (or might not) affect events like Bonnaroo. Plus a little vinyl talk, and some making fun of Bryan.

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

(03:11) 86 days to Bonnaroo, how to start prepping

(09:40) Live Nation Settles with DOJ

(20:21) Our first records/albums

(23:11) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Bonnaroo Changed My Life: The Yearbook Guy's Story

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

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

Bonnaroo 2026: Brad & Cory from C3 Answer Your Questions

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

How The Caverns Became Tennessee's Premier Music Destination

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 really does change lives, and today's talk with Caleb Arias, aka The Bonnaroo Yearbook Guy, proves it once again. From being too nervous to talk to strangers at his first festival to becoming one of the most recognized creators in the festival community, Caleb walks us through the moment everything shifted. He explains how a simple journal turned into the Bonnaroo Yearbook, how that idea exploded across Hulaween and Okeechobee, and how documenting festival culture helped him find confidence, connection, and purpose.

We also dive into the massive growth of the Yearbook project, the behind‑the‑scenes work that goes into each book, the emotional fallout of Bonnaroo 2025, what we're looking forward to at Bonnaroo 2026, and Caleb's new collaboration with the festival itself. Finally, Caleb sticks around for a little bit of vinyl talk, where we show off some of our most valuable records from our collections.

Get your very own copy of The Bonnaroo Yearbook at 50% using coupon code THEWHATPODCAST: bonnarooyearbook.com

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) Caleb the Bonnaroo Yearbook Guy joins

(00:19:22) Origin story

(00:32:54) Thoughts on this year's lineup

(00:36:09) How to get a yearbook

(00:47:30) Bonnaroo adds 2-day ticket options

(01:06:25) Our most valuable vinyl records

(01:21:31) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Bonnaroo Yearbook: Capturing Festival Memories

bonnarooyearbook.com

Okay...We Were Wrong About Geese

Bonnaroo 2026: Brad & Cory from C3 Answer Your Questions

Catching Up with I am Bonnaroo Creator David Bruce

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 adds sunrise sets to the 2026 lineup, but first, Barry has to eat a little crow. We go down a rabbit hole of music history before shifting gears to talk Bonnaroo news, plus other festivals like Shaky Knees who just released their lineup. Finally we talk a little bit about this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees!

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

(02:16) Barry's Confession and Repentance

(09:57) History of Grateful Dead and CBGB

(15:00) Bonnaroo Update: Sunrise Sets and Festival 'Shrinkflation'

(23:35) Shaky Knees: Worth the Slog?

(30:41) Other festival news

(42:34) Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

(52:11) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Why Bourbon & Beyond Might Have the Best Lineup of 2026

Danny Clinch: Still Moving on Amazon

A History of the Grateful Dead in 10 Songs

A History of CBGB in 10 Songs

Bonnaroo's 2024 Outeroo Lineup and Television's Richard Lloyd Reflects on Marquee Moon

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

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

How to Enjoy a Substance-Free Bonnaroo Experience with Soberoo

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.

Bourbon & Beyond does it again, dropping a stacked lineup that makes us ask the question, "is this real"? With headliners like Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, Mumford, and Dave Matthews, we start wondering if it's time we finally made the trip to Louisville and the lineup keeps getting better the further down you read!

Elsewhere in the episode, we catch up with Bryan after his trip to Las Vegas, review the Summerfest lineup that also came out this week, and briefly discuss Bonnaroo ticket sales and pricing.

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

(01:27) A Gift for Barry

(05:12) Bryan's Trip to Las Vegas

(15:46) Revisiting the Where Stage lineup

(20:16) Bourbon and Beyond

(30:35) Summerfest

(35:25) Bonnaroo Tickets and Pricing

(50:38) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Danny Clinch on Photographing Bruce Springsteen and Getting Radiohead to Play Bonnaroo

Danny Clinch: Still Moving on Amazon

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

Record Store Day 2026, The Releases We're Grabbing

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

Church Boners React to Bonnaroo Ticket Contest Entries

Noah Cyrus on Her Family, Her Songwriting, and More

How to Enjoy a Substance-Free Bonnaroo Experience with Soberoo

Toasting the Bourbon & Beyond 2024 Lineup

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'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!

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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:04:08) Lineup Discussion and Where Stage with John

(00:39:25) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Church Boners React to Bonnaroo Ticket Contest Entries

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.