The What Podcast

Barry Courter and Bryan Stone
  • 4.9 (294)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. Bonnaroo Changed My Life: The Yearbook Guy's Story

    5D AGO

    Bonnaroo Changed My Life: The Yearbook Guy's Story

    Bonnaroo really does change lives, and today's talk with Caleb Arias, aka The Bonnaroo Yearbook Guy, proves it once again. From being too nervous to talk to strangers at his first festival to becoming one of the most recognized creators in the festival community, Caleb walks us through the moment everything shifted. He explains how a simple journal turned into the Bonnaroo Yearbook, how that idea exploded across Hulaween and Okeechobee, and how documenting festival culture helped him find confidence, connection, and purpose. We also dive into the massive growth of the Yearbook project, the behind‑the‑scenes work that goes into each book, the emotional fallout of Bonnaroo 2025, what we're looking forward to at Bonnaroo 2026, and Caleb's new collaboration with the festival itself. Finally, Caleb sticks around for a little bit of vinyl talk, where we show off some of our most valuable records from our collections. Get your very own copy of The Bonnaroo Yearbook at 50% using coupon code THEWHATPODCAST: bonnarooyearbook.com 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 (00:01:17) Caleb the Bonnaroo Yearbook Guy joins (00:19:22) Origin story (00:32:54) Thoughts on this year's lineup (00:36:09) How to get a yearbook (00:47:30) Bonnaroo adds 2-day ticket options (01:06:25) Our most valuable vinyl records (01:21:31) Outro LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Bonnaroo Yearbook: Capturing Festival Memories bonnarooyearbook.com Okay...We Were Wrong About Geese Bonnaroo 2026: Brad & Cory from C3 Answer Your Questions Catching Up with I am Bonnaroo Creator David Bruce Save up to 50% off select RTIC Coolers, Drinkware & more! ______ 🎧 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.

    1h 22m
  2. Bonnaroo Adds Sunrise Sets...and Barry Makes His Most Embarrassing Mistake Yet

    MAR 4

    Bonnaroo Adds Sunrise Sets...and Barry Makes His Most Embarrassing Mistake Yet

    Bonnaroo adds sunrise sets to the 2026 lineup, but first, Barry has to eat a little crow. We go down a rabbit hole of music history before shifting gears to talk Bonnaroo news, plus other festivals like Shaky Knees who just released their lineup. Finally we talk a little bit about this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees! 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 (02:16) Barry's Confession and Repentance (09:57) History of Grateful Dead and CBGB (15:00) Bonnaroo Update: Sunrise Sets and Festival 'Shrinkflation' (23:35) Shaky Knees: Worth the Slog? (30:41) Other festival news (42:34) Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (52:11) Outro LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Why Bourbon & Beyond Might Have the Best Lineup of 2026 Danny Clinch: Still Moving on Amazon A History of the Grateful Dead in 10 Songs A History of CBGB in 10 Songs Bonnaroo's 2024 Outeroo Lineup and Television's Richard Lloyd Reflects on Marquee Moon Shaky Knees 2025 vs. IBMA Chattanooga: Live from the Red Carpet + Bilmuri Interview Bonnaroo 2026: Thursday Headliner Confirmed + Our Corona Capital 2025 Breakdown How to Enjoy a Substance-Free Bonnaroo Experience with Soberoo Save up to 50% off select RTIC Coolers, Drinkware & more! ______ 🎧 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.

    55 min
  3. Why Bourbon & Beyond Might Have the Best Lineup of 2026

    FEB 25

    Why Bourbon & Beyond Might Have the Best Lineup of 2026

    Bourbon & Beyond does it again, dropping a stacked lineup that makes us ask the question, "is this real"? With headliners like Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, Mumford, and Dave Matthews, we start wondering if it's time we finally made the trip to Louisville and the lineup keeps getting better the further down you read! Elsewhere in the episode, we catch up with Bryan after his trip to Las Vegas, review the Summerfest lineup that also came out this week, and briefly discuss Bonnaroo ticket sales and pricing. 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 (01:27) A Gift for Barry (05:12) Bryan's Trip to Las Vegas (15:46) Revisiting the Where Stage lineup (20:16) Bourbon and Beyond (30:35) Summerfest (35:25) Bonnaroo Tickets and Pricing (50:38) Outro LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Danny Clinch on Photographing Bruce Springsteen and Getting Radiohead to Play Bonnaroo Danny Clinch: Still Moving on Amazon Dead & Co. at the Sphere and Happy Landing at Bonnaroo 2024 Record Store Day 2026, The Releases We're Grabbing Bonnaroo 2026: Why the EDM Lineup Feels Different (Where Stage) Church Boners React to Bonnaroo Ticket Contest Entries Noah Cyrus on Her Family, Her Songwriting, and More How to Enjoy a Substance-Free Bonnaroo Experience with Soberoo Toasting the Bourbon & Beyond 2024 Lineup Save up to 50% off select RTIC Coolers, Drinkware & more! ______ 🎧 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.

    52 min
  4. Bonnaroo 2026: Why the EDM Lineup Feels Different (Where Stage)

    FEB 18

    Bonnaroo 2026: Why the EDM Lineup Feels Different (Where Stage)

    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 Save up to 50% off select RTIC Coolers, Drinkware & more! ______ 🎧 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.

    43 min
  5. Okay...We Were Wrong About Geese

    FEB 11

    Okay...We Were Wrong About Geese

    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, 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! ______ (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 Save up to 50% off select RTIC Coolers, Drinkware & more! ______ 🎧 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.

    38 min
  6. Most People Aren't Physically Ready for Bonnaroo… Are You?

    FEB 4

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

    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! ______ (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 Save up to 50% off select RTIC Coolers, Drinkware & more! ______ 🎧 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.

    1h 8m
  7. Bonnaroo 2026: Why Ticket Deals Are Dropping Now

    JAN 28

    Bonnaroo 2026: Why Ticket Deals Are Dropping Now

    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! ______ (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 Save up to 50% off select RTIC Coolers, Drinkware & more! ______ 🎧 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.

    1h 4m
  8. Church Boners React to Bonnaroo Ticket Contest Entries

    JAN 21

    Church Boners React to Bonnaroo Ticket Contest Entries

    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! ______ (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 Save up to 50% off select RTIC Coolers, Drinkware & more! ______ 🎧 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.

    56 min
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4.9
out of 5
294 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Barry Courter and Bryan Stone
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    288
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Barry Courter and Bryan Stone
  • Show Website
    The What Podcast

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