The What Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Okay...We Were Wrong About Geese Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

Geese’s performance on SNL last week sparked such a huge debate that we decided to walk it back and revisit the whole thing. Find out how we feel now about the band, what changed after a deeper listen, and whether they've made our list of must‑see sets for Bonnaroo 2026. We also dig into the latest Bonnaroo news, including a tragic update on Lil Jon's missing son and a look at how many Bonnaroo artists showed up at this year's Grammy Awards.

We also get into CaveFest now that the 2026 dates are official (get tickets here!), plus some speculation about CaveJam's future and other performances we're excited about at The Caverns. And we wrap things up with a look at the Record Store Day 2026 releases we’re most excited about, from Tony Bennett's MTV Unplugged to Billy Strings' Tiny Desk to a mountain of Rolling Stones exclusives. All this week on The What Podcast!

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

(05:20) A special gift from Dale Green

(08:48) Revisiting our Geese Take

(17:33) Lil Jon's Son Found Dead

(19:28) CaveFest 2026 Dates Announced

(26:05) Record Store Day 2026 List Released

(35:21) Bonnaroo Artists on the Grammys

(36:58) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Most People Aren't Physically Ready for Bonnaroo... Are You?

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

Geese: Trinidad (Live) - SNL

The Les Claypool Interview: Primus, South Park, And The Art Of Weird Bass

Record Store Day 2026

Billy Strings: Tiny Desk Concert

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CaveFest at The Caverns, Oct 10-11, 2026 | Get Tickets Here!
$20 off Hulaween 2026 GA 4-day passes with code THEWHATPODCAST
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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.

Most People Aren't Physically Ready for Bonnaroo… Are You? Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Most people think they're physically ready for Bonnaroo…until they hit the farm and realize just how intense four days of heat, walking, dancing, and nonstop movement really are. That's why we're talking to Christin Craig of the Roo Fitness Challenge: a simple, realistic, community‑driven plan to help you show up stronger, safer, and more prepared than ever.

In this episode, certified personal trainer Christin breaks down exactly what it takes to get Roo‑ready, why even small changes now can transform your festival experience, and how YOU can join the challenge starting today. Whether you’re a first‑timer or a seasoned veteran, this is your roadmap to surviving (and actually enjoying) the physical side of Bonnaroo. Sign up for the Roo Fitness Challenge here!

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

(00:05:48) Message from Brad Parker

(00:07:35) Artists bailing on Kid Rock festival

(00:09:15) 420 fest in Atlanta lineup and new location

(00:13:16) New Noah Kahan music

(00:14:08) Geese on SNL

(00:17:26) Roo Fitness Challenge with Christin

(01:07:17) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Noah Kahan - The Great Divide

Geese: Trinidad (Live) - SNL

Camping at Bonnaroo: Must-Know Updates and New Amenities for 2025

instagram.com/roofitnesschallenge

Roo Fit 2026 Signup Form

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: Why Ticket Deals Are Dropping Now Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Bonnaroo 2026 ticket deals are dropping earlier than expected. In this episode of The What Podcast, we break down the latest pricing shifts including referral codes, the introduction of 4‑ and 6‑pack bundles, and one-day passes. Is this a sign of lower demand, strategic marketing, or something deeper? Also, we explore the newly announced late-night sets and who we are looking forward to staying up late for.

And finally, let us introduce Keera and Tyler, the winners of Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway! Hear their reaction to the news, their story, and their wedding plans! Thank you to everyone who participated in our contest, and stay subscribed to The What Podcast as we bring you the latest festival news and insights over the coming months.

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

(00:03:06) Bryan's Ear Infection

(00:07:24) Bonnaroo After Hours Lineup

(00:14:13) New Ticket Options

(00:29:15) Our Contest winners

(00:59:10) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

totemfnd.org

Church Boners React to Bonnaroo Ticket Contest Entries

RooHamm: Fantasy Superjam Draft

Sean Stewart: Exploring Bonnaroo 2022

We Play Your Bonnaroo Contest Entries...They Hit Hard

Keera's Entry for Bonnaroo 2026 Tickets

How Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet Roo

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.

Church Boners React to Bonnaroo Ticket Contest Entries Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

With Bryan Stone out sick, the Church Boners step in to help us react to your Bonnaroo ticket contest entries! From emotional first‑timer stories to selfless submissions from fans entering on behalf of loved ones, this episode of The What Podcast highlights the heart of the Bonnaroo community: generosity, vulnerability, and the shared belief that the farm brings people together in ways nothing else can.

Rick and Sean join Russ and Barry to listen through a new batch of Bonnaroo contest entries, including redemption arcs, first‑Roo dreams, and heartfelt messages from fans hoping to give someone else the chance to experience the festival. Their reactions remind us why Bonnaroo is more than a lineup.

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

(00:05:26) Enter our contest

(00:06:16) Catching up with Church Boners

(00:20:50) Playing your contest entries

(00:50:23) Final thoughts

(00:55:00) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Bonnaroo Community Spotlight: How Church Boners Became a Festival Family

Win Tickets to Bonnaroo 2026!

CaveFest 2025: Exploring the Underground Magic of The Caverns

We Play Your Bonnaroo Contest Entries...They Hit Hard

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.

There Is No Bonnaroo Without Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we dig into why there is no Bonnaroo without the Grateful Dead, and why Bob Weir's influence on the festival runs far deeper than any single performance. From the jam band touring culture to the community-first ethos that defines life on The Farm, we break down how the Grateful Dead’s scene effectively migrated to Manchester, Tennessee and became part of Bonnaroo’s DNA.

Plus, we play and react to more of your Bonnaroo contest entries, hearing from listeners about their own experiences, memories, and what Bonnaroo means to them. There's still time to enter our contest for a chance to win two tickets to Bonnaroo 2026 with a camping pass! Visit thewhat.co/win for details on how to enter, or call the hotline at (423) 667-7877!

Thumbnail Photo: Elizabeth Thorpe

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

(00:00:59) Bob Weir Passes Away

(00:33:27) We Play More of Your Contest Entries

(01:03:01) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

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

We Play Your Bonnaroo Contest Entries...They Hit Hard

Keera's Entry for Bonnaroo 2026 Tickets

Win Tickets to Bonnaroo 2026!

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.

We Play Your Bonnaroo Contest Entries...They Hit Hard Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

We're back after a short holiday break, and catching up on everything that's happened in the world of Bonnaroo and music festivals. In this episode, we reflect on our biggest moments from 2025, and how they shaped us as fans. Plus, does Bryan have a new favorite artist discovery from the 2026 lineup?

Then, the heart of this episode comes from you! We play some of the Bonnaroo contest entries sent directly from listeners, and honestly the stories, memories, and emotions behind them hit harder than we ever expected. From first-time Bonnaroo experiences to moments of connection, resilience, and community, these submissions capture what makes Bonnaroo and music festivals so meaningful beyond the lineup. Watch Reece's full video submission here.

There's still time to enter our contest for a chance to win two tickets to Bonnaroo 2026 with a camping pass! Visit thewhat.co/win for details on how to enter, or call the hotline at (423) 667-7877!

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) Catching up after the holidays

(00:17:04) Our best 2025 moments

(00:34:03) Playing your contest entries

(01:09:46) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Bonnaroo Isn’t About the Headliners Anymore: Brad Steiner’s Don't-Miss Picks

TOTEM Holiday Party Live From Straight to Ale

totemfnd.org

YUNGBLUD Plays '36 Floors'

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

Dogs in a Pile Talk Bonnaroo 2025 Debut, Jam Band Roots, and Songwriting with Tom Marshall

Bonnaroo's Survey Questions and hey, nothing's Big Summer

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

Lord Taco's Bonnaroo 2025 Picks and an Encounter with "The Dancing Man"

CaveFest 2025: Exploring the Underground Magic of The Caverns

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

We Enlist in Pondo's Army

The Bonnaroo Yearbook: Capturing Festival Memories

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 Isn’t About the Headliners Anymore: Brad Steiner’s Don't-Miss Picks Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

Former What Podcast host Brad Steiner is back, and he's bringing his most trusted Bonnaroo instincts with him. Recorded on location at Lo Main in Chattanooga, this episode features Brad alongside Bryan Stone and Barry Courter as they dig into why Bonnaroo isn't about the headliners anymore, and how the real magic of the festival lives deeper in the lineup. From legacy acts to emerging artists, the conversation centers on how Bonnaroo has become a place where discovery, timing, and live performance energy matter more than top-line billing.

Brad shares his don't-miss Bonnaroo picks, explains how bands really break, and reflects on unforgettable festival moments that shaped his perspective, along with stories from recent shows, including the Oasis reunion and artists you'll be glad you saw early. There's still time to enter our contest for a chance to win two tickets to Bonnaroo 2026 with a camping pass! Visit thewhat.co/win for details on how to enter, or call the hotline at (423) 667-7877!

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

(00:02:24) Brad Joins

(00:30:35) Brad's Bonnaroo 2026 Picks

(00:59:42) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

thewhat.co/win

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

Noah Kahan on Mental Health and Allowing Himself to Be Honest

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 Veterans React to the 2026 Lineup (What Stands Out) Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The What Podcast, Bonnaroo veterans Beth and Bryan share their first impressions of the Bonnaroo 2026 lineup, breaking down what truly stands out and what feels different. They discuss genre balance, booking reactions across the Bonnaroo community, and ongoing questions around female artists and headliner representation. From headline-level conversations to deeper observations about where the festival is heading, this episode offers thoughtful, honest perspective for both longtime attendees and newcomers planning their next Roo.

Before diving into Bonnaroo 2026, the hosts catch up after a short break, and talk about recent experiences including MAINx24 in Chattanooga, and Portugal. The Man at The Caverns along with other festival news from around the country. They also take a nostalgic look back at the Bonnaroo 2002 DVD, and reflect on how the festival has changed over time before wrapping up with some contest entries. There's still time to enter, for a chance to win two tickets to Bonnaroo 2026 with a camping pass! Visit thewhat.co/win for details on how to enter, or call the hotline at (423) 667-7877!

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

(00:01:35) Brief History of The What Podcast

(00:07:41) MAINx24 and Portugal. The Man

(00:16:53) Jazzfest and Other Festivals

(00:21:22) Bonnaroo 2026 Updates and Lineup Thoughts

(00:46:19) Bonnaroo 2002 DVD

(00:49:40) Final Lineup Thoughts

(00:55:09) Contest Entries

(01:04:24) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

thewhat.co/win

instagram.com/ethorpephoto

MAINx24 Parade 2025 LIVESTREAM

Bonnaroo 2026 Lineup Day! LIVE on The What Podcast

Wet Leg: Tiny Desk Concert

Bonnaroo Lineup Behind the Scenes - Interview With AC Entertainment

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

Bonnaroo 2002 Official DVD

Beth's Bonnaroo 2026 Spotify Playlist

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 Lineup Breakdown with Cory & Tuba: Early Release, Big Changes, and What to Expect Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

The Bonnaroo 2026 lineup is here! In this episode, Cory Smith and Tim "Tuba" Smith from C3 Presents join the show to discuss the early release of the Bonnaroo 2026 lineup, why the team moved faster than usual, and how fan feedback shaped major decisions after a challenging 2025. They break down the strategy behind landing Skrillex for a massive Thursday kickoff, the shift to Wednesday entry, capacity adjustments, campsite and drainage improvements, and new communication tools like the return of Bonnaroo Radio. The conversation also covers stage relocations, late-night possibilities, art installations, pricing philosophy, and a renewed focus on guitars in the lineup - all while emphasizing transparency, data-driven planning, and a commitment to delivering a fully realized Bonnaroo in 2026.

Plus, we've got tickets to give away with a camping pass! Visit thewhat.co/win for details on how to enter, or call our hotline at (423) 667-7877!

But that's not all. Check out our YouTube exclusive livestream with our reactions to the Bonnaroo 2026 lineup with some special guests! Subscribe to The What Podcast and stay up-to-date on Bonnaroo and festival news all year long!

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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:13:17) Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway

(00:16:33) Interview with Cory and Tuba

(01:03:57) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Win Bonnaroo 2026 Tickets

Bonnaroo 2026 Lineup Day! LIVE on The What Podcast

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: Thursday Headliner Confirmed + Our Corona Capital 2025 Breakdown Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

Bonnaroo 2026 is already taking shape, and in this episode we break down the latest news coming out of Manchester, including confirmation of the Thursday headliner and what these early updates might mean for the festival experience next year. We discuss fresh Roo Clues, lineup news, changes to the farm layout, and the growing list of improvements Bonnaroo fans can expect in 2026.

We also dive into a full recap of Corona Capital 2025 after Bryan and Beth's trip to Mexico City. From the massive stages and spectacular VIP skybox to the crowd experience, transportation, food, prices, and overall festival atmosphere, we compare Corona Capital to Bonnaroo and share what American festivals could learn from the Mexico City scene. If you're curious about traveling for festivals, international music experiences, or you’re considering making Corona Capital part of your 2025 plans, our detailed breakdown will help you understand what makes it such a standout event.

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

(00:02:28) Bonnaroo bandanas are back

(00:04:04) Skrillex confirmed for Thursday night

(00:07:05) The third Roo Clue

(00:10:54) New grass planted on The Farm

(00:14:01) Corona Capital Festival recap

(01:07:43) Previewing what's coming up

(01:09:10) Outro

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Bonnaroo 2025 Bandana Debate: What Fans Are Saying

Bonnaroo 2026 Updates: Farm Improvements and New Clues

Why You Should Attend a Mexican Music Festival

instagram.com/ethorpephoto

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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