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The What Podcast

The What Podcast

By: Barry Courter and Bryan Stone
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Bonnaroo is more than just a festival, and The What Podcast is your backstage pass to the stories, secrets, and the magic that makes it so legendary. Hosted by two entertainment industry veterans, each week Barry and Bryan will take you deep into festival culture, live music, and behind-the-scenes stories. Since 2018, we've connected with passionate music fans worldwide, sharing personal experiences, expert insights, and exclusive interviews with the musicians and industry insiders who make festivals happen. Whether you're a Bonnaroo veteran or a first-timer, subscribe now to stay in the loop on everything that makes music festivals unforgettable.

Barry Courter and Bryan Stone Music
Episodes
  • 2026 Bonnaroo Schedule Deep Dive with John (EDM, Conflicts, Must‑Sees)

    2026 Bonnaroo Schedule Deep Dive with John (EDM, Conflicts, Must‑Sees)
    Apr 15 2026
    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!______(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) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEBonnaroo Changed My Life: The Yearbook Guy's StoryHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet RooPrintable Schedules from LindseyBonnaroo 2026: Why the EDM Lineup Feels Different (Where Stage)Riot Fest, CaveFest, and Catching Up with flipturn at Moon River Festival______ CaveFest 2026 Tickets Bundle and Save with Spring Time essentials! Shop Spring Bundles at RTIC 🎧 LISTEN LINKS Website: https://thewhatpodcast.com Spotify: https://thewhat.co/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://thewhat.co/applepodcasts YouTube Music: https://thewhat.co/youtubemusic Amazon Music: https://thewhat.co/amazonmusic 📱 SOCIAL LINKS Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhatpodcast X: https://x.com/thewhat_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhatpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhatpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission. Other music provided by Midist and used with permission. We love to hear from you! Send us an email at comments@thewhatpodcast.com or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Flying to Bonnaroo: What You Actually Need to Bring

    Flying to Bonnaroo: What You Actually Need to Bring
    Apr 8 2026

    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!

    ______

    (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?



    ______

    CaveFest 2026 Tickets
    Bundle and Save with Spring Time essentials! Shop Spring Bundles at RTIC

    🎧 LISTEN LINKS
    Website: https://thewhatpodcast.com
    Spotify: https://thewhat.co/spotify
    Apple Podcasts: https://thewhat.co/applepodcasts
    YouTube Music: https://thewhat.co/youtubemusic
    Amazon Music: https://thewhat.co/amazonmusic

    📱 SOCIAL LINKS
    Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhatpodcast
    X: https://x.com/thewhat_podcast
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatpodcast/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhatpodcast/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhatpodcast
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast

    The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission.
    Other music provided by Midist and used with permission.

    We love to hear from you! Send us an email at comments@thewhatpodcast.com or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Inside Soberoo: Bonnaroo's Sober Community with Founder Patrick Whelan

    Inside Soberoo: Bonnaroo's Sober Community with Founder Patrick Whelan
    Mar 31 2026
    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!______(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) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEHow to Enjoy a Substance-Free Bonnaroo Experience with Soberoo86 Days to Bonnaroo, Start Your Prep NowBonnaroo Changed My Life: The Yearbook Guy's StoryRick Beato: Please STOP Sending Me ThisAngine de Poitrine - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)How Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet Roo______ CaveFest 2026 Tickets Bundle and Save with Spring Time essentials! Shop Spring Bundles at RTIC 🎧 LISTEN LINKS Website: https://thewhatpodcast.com Spotify: https://thewhat.co/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://thewhat.co/applepodcasts YouTube Music: https://thewhat.co/youtubemusic Amazon Music: https://thewhat.co/amazonmusic 📱 SOCIAL LINKS Discord: https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewhatpodcast X: https://x.com/thewhat_podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhatpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhatpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhatpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat, used with permission. Other music provided by Midist and used with permission. We love to hear from you! Send us an email at comments@thewhatpodcast.com or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 23 mins
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