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.

Plus: we talk festival prep, campsite upgrades, and the latest Bonnaroo updates—like sold-out Friday and Saturday day passes, new JamTrak routes, and the stacked SuperJam lineup featuring Hayley Williams, Geese, and a whole lot more.

Stick around until the end of the episode when Russ has an unexpected encounter with Chris the Dancing Man—a Bonnaroo and festival icon with a story you won't believe. From surviving homelessness to becoming a symbol of joy and celebration at festivals across the country, Chris shares heartfelt wisdom and positivity that you need to get hyped for Bonnaroo next month!

Don't miss Podcast Party with a Purpose! We're doing a live show, Q&A session, and meetup at Planet Roo on Thursday at 4PM that you won't want to miss! We've got some special guests lined up to join us. Find out more at https://thewhat.co/live

We're giving away a hydration pack from Lunchbox! Simply review The What Podcast on Apple Podcasts, screenshot it and email it to [email protected] along with your address. One winner will be chosen on June 2nd, so hurry! Details: https://thewhat.co/giveaway

Listen to this week's episode with Taco's picks here, or watch the video on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:05:47) Lunchbox giveaway

(00:08:09) Bonnaroo SuperJam update

(00:10:03) Magic Man MTG cards

(00:11:49) JamTrak update

(00:13:24) Ticket sales update

(00:17:04) Camping at The Caverns

(00:20:20) Live show at Bonnaroo

(00:22:35) Taco's picks

(00:23:45) Thursday

(00:28:25) Friday

(00:33:16) Saturday

(00:38:15) Sunday

(00:41:50) Conclusion

(00:45:22) Interview with Chris the dancing man

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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

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. We also cover some details about your wristband, and preview the upcoming CaveJam festival at The Caverns this weekend. It's our 250th episode!

We also take a look at the updated maps for Centeroo and Outeroo and the placement of key areas such as the new Infinity Stage, the Who Stage, and more. We also tease the upcoming live podcast, Q&A session, and meetup at Planet Roo on Thursday at 4PM that you won't want to miss! We've got some special guests lined up to join us.

Listen to this week's episode of The What Podcast right here, or watch it on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for news, tips, and more every week!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:02:37) Wristbands shipping

(00:05:24) Barry's bad mood

(00:08:32) Taco on Roo Bus

(00:10:13) Bonnaroo weather outlook

(00:11:35) CaveJam this weekend

(00:15:07) Local shows we saw

(00:21:42) The What Podcast live at Bonnaroo

(00:27:05) Ticket sales update

(00:29:08) The map is out

(00:37:46) Shoutout to Pondo

(00:38:29) Barry's picks

(00:40:56) Thursday

(00:44:46) Friday

(00:51:40) Saturday

(00:56:05) Sunday

(01:00:15) Outro

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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

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. It’s a deep dive into Bonnaroo tradition, fan culture, and how communication from organizers plays a role in festival loyalty.

Bryan also catches us up on what he’s been doing these past few weeks, and the crew runs through the latest Bonnaroo 2025 news as we hit the 30-day countdown to the Farm. Also, be sure and join The What Podcast for a special meetup and live episode on The How Stage inside Planet Roo at 4:00 PM on Thursday during Bonnaroo!

Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here, or watch it on YouTube. We'd love to hear your thoughts as well, leave a comment on YouTube or Spotify! Be sure and like and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:04:04) Platinum and VIP viewing areas

(00:05:44) Wiffle ball and coffee exchange

(00:10:40) Fountain updates

(00:13:03) Bandanas

(00:50:10) Catching up with Bryan

(01:00:56) Live podcast in Centeroo on Thursday

(01:05:50) Outro

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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. Get practical insights on camp setup, including how to claim your space, orient your tent for shade, and quickly befriend neighbors for a supportive festival community.

The conversation also highlights music day by day, including the new Infinity Stage, and the diversity of genres-especially EDM. Kyle shares his curated playlist and top picks, while the group discusses the logistics of navigating the massive festival grounds, and the value of exploring plazas and fan-driven events like the Roo Bus party and Beer Exchange. Key festival survival tips include staying hydrated, applying sunscreen early, and bringing items to trade with fellow campers.

Kyle's Bonnaroo 2025 playlist here: https://thewhat.co/kylespicks

Get some of Kyle's Bonnaroo stickers on his Etsy store at https://dohpechytt.etsy.com/ and save 15% when you use code THEWHAT at checkout! Also, be sure and join The What Podcast for a special meetup and live episode on The How Stage inside Planet Roo at 4:00 PM on Thursday during Bonnaroo!

Listen to this episode of The What Podcast with Kyle and Evan here, or watch it on YouTube. Be sure and like and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get podcasts. Thanks for listening!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:08:35) Kyle joins

(00:14:04) Getting into Bonnaroo and setting up

(00:28:59) Wednesday

(00:35:57) Thursday

(00:50:40) Friday

(00:59:31) Saturday

(01:10:45) Sunday

(01:16:02) Rating our plans

(01:19:20) Where in the Woods and wrap-up

(01:23:18) Outro

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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

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.

Sam doesn't shy away from discussing Hinterland’s tough 2023, where a perfect storm of record-breaking heat, overcrowding, and poor water logistics led to fan frustration. In response, Sam did the unthinkable: he listened. After combing through every Reddit post and angry comment, he launched the "90-Degree Guarantee": a bold refund policy if temperatures cross a certain threshold, and revamped the entire site design for 2024 to improve shade, water access, and flow. He credits part of this shift to inspiration from C3 Presents, the powerhouse behind festivals like Bonnaroo, and their commitment to behind-the-scenes best practices that Sam sought to emulate.

Listen to the full interview with Sam Summers here, or watch it on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:05:22) Interview with Sam Summers

(00:58:03) Outro

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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

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. Abbey and Beth share personal tips for first-timers and veterans alike, emphasizing the importance of preparation, hydration, and building community at camp. Plus, hear insights about upgrading your campsite, the magic of shoe organizers, why teamwork is crucial, and how friendships and new camps can transform your Bonnaroo experience.

Whether you're driving from across the country or flying in, this episode is packed with actionable advice for Bonnaroo camping, packing essentials, and festival survival tips. Make sure you and your gear are festival-ready!

Also, be sure and join The What Podcast for a special meetup and live episode on The How Stage inside Planet Roo at 4:00 PM on Thursday during Bonnaroo!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:10:30) Abbey and Beth join

(01:35:07) Outro

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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

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. It's not just all on the main stages though, the Outeroo schedule is packed with events and performances that are guaranteed not-to-miss.

But that's not all: we've got some details to share on our first-ever live podcast and meetup on Thursday in Planet Roo, and we want you to join! Plus, we dive into Bryan's SweetWater 420 Fest experience, the Dogs in a Pile show last week, and we look ahead to CaveJam weekend next month. Get your own printable copy of the schedule here: https://thewhat.co/2025schedule (thanks Lindsey!)

Also, be sure and join The What Podcast for a special meetup and live episode on The How Stage inside Planet Roo at 4:00 PM on Thursday during Bonnaroo!

Listen to the breakdown of the Bonnaroo 2025 schedule here, or watch it on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:33) Correction

(00:04:24) Schedule is out

(00:07:10) Wednesday

(00:10:57) Tuesday

(00:12:12) Thursday

(00:16:30) Dogs in a Pile in Chattanooga

(00:22:35) The What Podcast Live on Thursday

(00:27:27) Thursday (Outeroo)

(00:32:45) Friday

(00:40:38) Saturday

(00:48:39) Sunday

(00:58:02) Bryan at SweetWater 420 Fest

(01:07:52) Outro

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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

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.

The guys talk about their expansive approach to setlists, how covers like “Linus and Lucy” and “Mr. Banker” find their way into their shows, and the collaborative spirit that drives their creativity. Plus, they reveal a behind-the-scenes story of writing a song with Phish lyricist Tom Marshall and tease some ideas for their Bonnaroo 2025 performance. It’s a deep dive into one of the most exciting acts on the jam scene — and one that’s tailor-made for the Roo crowd.

Also, be sure and join The What Podcast for a special meetup and live episode on The How Stage inside Planet Roo at 4:00 PM on Thursday during Bonnaroo!

Listen to the full episode with Dogs in a Pile here, or watch it on YouTube. And don't forget to rate and review The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:07) Russ at Bug-a-Paluza

(00:03:47) The What Podcast live at Bonnaroo announcement

(00:06:32) Coachella news

(00:09:20) Bryan at Sweetwater 420 Fest

(00:11:56) Roo Run 5K announced

(00:14:20) Interview with Jeremy and Brian from Dogs in a Pile

(01:06:19) Outro

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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

This week on The What Podcast, we're diving into Bonnaroo and the World of Bluegrass! In an exclusive interview, we chat with Ken White, Executive Director of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), and Randy Steele, a local bluegrass musician, about moving the World of Bluegrass event from Raleigh to Chattanooga in 2025. They share insights into what this means for Chattanooga's growing music scene and how the event will blend a business conference, live showcases, and a vibrant downtown festival experience.

Meanwhile, Bonnaroo fans have plenty to celebrate with the return of Snake and Jake's Barn to Centeroo, replacing the House of Matroomony. We also talk about the Who Stage lineup and its new location at Plaza 7, and whether this is a good move or not.

Listen to the full episode about the World of Bluegrass coming to Chattanooga here, or watch it on YouTube. And don't forget to rate and review The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:03:34) Corrections

(00:07:40) Bonnaroo updates

(00:16:49) Interview with Randy Steele and Ken White

(01:06:24) Bus problems

(01:09:28) Upcoming shows

(01:14:10) Outro

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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

The countdown to Bonnaroo 2025 is officially on! In this episode, we dive into the buzz surrounding ticket sales—could this be a rare sellout year? We also explore the lineup with fan-suggested artists you won't want to miss and build the ultimate festival playlist. Plus, we discuss exciting updates like Bonnaroo's new disc golf announcement, the World of Bluegrass coming to Chattanooga, and shakeups in Goose that could impact their set. Whether you're a Bonnaroovian veteran or a first-timer, this episode has everything you need to get hyped for The Farm!

Also, be sure and join The What Podcast for a special meetup and live episode on The How Stage inside Planet Roo at 4:00 PM on Thursday during Bonnaroo!

Listen to the whole episode right here, or watch the video on YouTube. And don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:08:43) Bonnaroo tickets are selling fast

(00:25:05) Disc golf coming to Bonnaroo

(00:26:30) World of Bluegrass coming to Chattanooga

(00:29:10) Goose member fired

(00:39:45) Our Bonnaroo picks

(01:10:57) Outro

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The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat