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?

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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!

______

(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

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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.

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!

______

(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

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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.