The What Podcast

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. Even though the festival ended early, we reflect on the incredible Thursday we did get—packed with music, laughter, and some unforgettable moments.

We also dig into the tough decisions organizers faced, why this year's weather was truly a once-in-a-century event, and how the Bonnaroo community continues to come together, even in disappointment. Joining us is campmate Elizabeth Thorpe, who shares her cross-country travel saga from Seattle. We all talk about the silver linings—like extra time with friends, the Friday beer exchange, and a little show and tell. Plus, we shout out contest winners, longtime friends, and the many fans who stopped us to say hello and share their stories. Whether you’re feeling angry, sad, or just plain lost, you’re not alone—we encourage you to connect with others who “get it,” join our Discord, and look ahead with us to future Bonnaroos. https://thewhat.co/discord

Listen to this week's episode about the Bonnaroo 2025 cancellation here or watch it on YouTube. And as always, subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts for festival news, tips, and more.

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.

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. The conversation highlights the unpredictable Tennessee weather, the value of practical gear like rubber boots, and new festival features—such as Bonnaroo's QR code lock screen for lost phones.

Russ is already en route to Manchester, where he plans to meet up with friends at Common John Brewery to sample the new Camp Reddaroo beer (and hopefully sleep in their parking lot). The rest of the crew arrives later in the week. Don’t miss The What Podcast live from The Farm! Join us Thursday at 4PM in Planet Roo for Podcast Party with a Purpose, featuring special guests and a look at Bonnaroo’s impact on the local community.

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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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:01) Packing for Bonnaroo

(00:04:23) Change your phone's lock screen

(00:06:42) How to get help from Bonnaroo

(00:10:09) Weather

(00:12:53) Parachute People

(00:14:04) Our travel plans

(00:18:08) Tara joins

(00:26:18) Cassie joins

(00:48:50) Russ in Manchester on Monday

(00:52:02) David Bruce on Hulu

(00:56:23) The What Podcast live at Bonnaroo

(00:59:51) Outro

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 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.

We then catch up with Bryan Stone and his recent trip to Mexico, before diving into his Bonnaroo schedule. We start with Roo Run updates from Kyle the Bonnaroovian and then finally we go day by day with Bryan and discover his can't-miss acts. Plus, you don't want to miss our live show, Podcast Party with a Purpose, at 4PM Thursday on the How Stage inside Planet Roo! We've got special guests, including festival director Brad Parker, a Q&A, and more. Find out more at https://thewhat.co/live

And if you're in the Chattanooga area on Sunday, June 8th, join us at Lo Main Bodega at 11:00 AM EDT for a meet and greet with us as we record our final episode before Bonnaroo!

Finally, we close the show with our Hayley Jane interview, recorded last weekend at CaveJam. We go inside the cave and discuss her musical influences, van breakdowns on tour, and why she wants to play Bonnaroo one day. Plus, her connection to Dogs in a Pile. Can she convince them to play Bryan's favorite song on the farm next weekend?

Listen to this week's episode with Bryan'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

(00:02:50) Giveaway update

(00:06:01) Barry on the radio

(00:07:48) Dancing man

(00:10:35) Bonnaroo prep tips

(00:30:32) Live podcast in Planet Roo

(00:32:43) Roo Run and Bonnaroovian Kyle

(00:36:37) Bryan in Mexico and Bryan's picks

(00:39:16) Thursday

(00:41:34) Friday

(00:45:58) Saturday

(00:49:36) Sunday

(00:51:59) Wrap-up

(00:55:47) Chattanooga meetup

(00:59:11) Outro

(01:03:49) Interview with Hayley Jane

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 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

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

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 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

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 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

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.

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

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, 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

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, 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

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 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

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.