The What Podcast

Barry Courter and Bryan Stone
  • 4.9 (293)
  • 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 Isn’t About the Headliners Anymore: Brad Steiner’s Don't-Miss Picks

    2D AGO

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

    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! ______ (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 Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass! ______ 🎧 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.

    1 hr
  2. Bonnaroo Veterans React to the 2026 Lineup (What Stands Out)

    DEC 17

    Bonnaroo Veterans React to the 2026 Lineup (What Stands Out)

    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! ______ (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 Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass! ______ 🎧 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 5m
  3. Bonnaroo 2026 Lineup Breakdown with Cory & Tuba: Early Release, Big Changes, and What to Expect

    DEC 3

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

    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! ______ (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 Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass! ______ 🎧 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 6m
  4. Bonnaroo 2026: Thursday Headliner Confirmed + Our Corona Capital 2025 Breakdown

    NOV 26

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

    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! ______ (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 Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass! ______ 🎧 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 10m
  5. Bonnaroo 2026 Updates: Farm Improvements and New Clues

    NOV 19

    Bonnaroo 2026 Updates: Farm Improvements and New Clues

    In this episode of The What Podcast, we break down the newest Roo Clue, take a close look at the farm improvements happening right now in Manchester, and talk through what these changes might mean for the festival experience next year. Bryan is still off in Mexico City, so Barry and Russ sit down for a quick update. We discuss the visible work happening on the Bonnaroo grounds, including new crushed-run roads, turf upgrades, and a smaller campground footprint designed to reduce flooding and improve traffic flow. Plus, we share news of our upcoming Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway! Call us at (423) 667-7877 and share your clue theories, lineup leaks, wishlist, contest ideas, or whatever else is on your mind. 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 (01:09) Bryan in Mexico City (03:50) Roo Clue #2 (06:42) Ticket Giveaway (08:55) Infrastructure upgrades on The Farm (16:39) Future episodes (18:12) Outro LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Why You Should Attend a Mexican Music Festival Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass! ______ 🎧 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.

    20 min
  6. Inside Bonnaroo 2026: Clues, Presale News... and a Trip to Mexico City?!

    NOV 12

    Inside Bonnaroo 2026: Clues, Presale News... and a Trip to Mexico City?!

    Bonnaroo came alive last week with a flurry of updates for 2026, and The What Podcast is back to dive into them! Beth joins us this week and we recap Bonnaroo's social reactivation after months of silence, and listen to the first Roo Clue "bread" hint. We also speculate if the lineup drop could happen earlier than ever before and what to expect for ticket sales. Then it's off to Mexico City! Beth and Bryan outline their plans for attending Corona Capital next week, and what U.S. festival fans can learn from Mexico's sponsorship-forward model that helps keep tickets surprisingly affordable. Expect a preview of a 90s‑leaning top line (Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, Deftones) and undercard curiosities, plus a compare/contrast on crowd energy, branding on stages (yes, Doritos), and production style versus Bonnaroo. 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 (00:01:55) Catching up with Beth (00:10:21) Bonnaroo Roo Clues and News (00:30:21) Bryan and Beth prepare for Corona Capital in Mexico City (00:58:58) Outro LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE CaveFest 2025: Exploring the Underground Magic of The Caverns StoneOnAir.com https://instagram.com/ethorpephoto Why You Should Attend a Mexican Music Festival We Enlist in Pondo's Army Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass! ______ 🎧 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.

    1 hr
  7. Why You Should Attend a Mexican Music Festival

    OCT 22

    Why You Should Attend a Mexican Music Festival

    What makes a music festival in Mexico feel so different from one in the United States? This week on The What Podcast, Barry and Bryan talk with Ricardo Gómez from OCESA, the promoter behind Mexico City's massive Corona Capital Festival. Ricardo shares how Mexican festival culture compares to the U.S., from the unmatched passion of Mexican fans and the emotional connection they have with artists, to how sponsorships help keep ticket prices affordable without compromising the experience. The conversation goes deep into the logistics of building a large-scale event in Mexico City, including lineup curation, routing challenges, and the economics of booking international headliners. For Bonnaroo and music festival fans alike, it's a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how live music thrives south of the border, and what American festivals could learn from the energy, community, and creativity that define Mexico's biggest music festivals. 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 (00:01:44) Interview with Ricardo Gómez of OCESA (00:48:50) Wrap-up (00:53:24) Outro LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE CaveFest 2025: Exploring the Underground Magic of The Caverns ticketmaster.com.mx Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass! ______ 🎧 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
  8. CaveFest 2025: Exploring the Underground Magic of The Caverns

    OCT 15

    CaveFest 2025: Exploring the Underground Magic of The Caverns

    The What Podcast is on location at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee for CaveFest 2025, just down the road from Bonnaroo! Barry couldn't make it this week, so our friend Beth Thorpe steps in to co-host. We talk about our experience at the festival, why CaveFest is more than just bluegrass, and how an independent venue like The Caverns runs differently from Live Nation's Bonnaroo. Plus, we get a full cave tour with the owner himself! Could CaveFest be the most magical small festival in the Southeast? Does it give Bonnaroo a run for its money when comparing vibes? But that’s not all, we also cover the latest music and festival news. We speculate on Bonnaroo's radio silence over the past few months and what it might mean for the festival next year. Nine Inch Nails' Future Ruins Festival has been cancelled, Rush announces a surprise 2026 tour, and we share some hot takes on Taylor Swift’s new album. Listen to this week's episode with our coverage of CaveFest 2025 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 (00:03:33) Bonnaroo updates and speculation (00:06:09) Nine Inch Nails festival cancelled (00:08:41) Rush tour announced (00:12:42) Taylor Swift's new record (00:24:20) Bonnaroo merch (00:27:11) CaveFest Coverage (00:52:33) Outro LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Radiohead, Oasis & Nine Inch Nails: The 90s Rock Revival Taking Over Festivals Taylor Swift vs. Pixies - Actually Romantic/Where Is My Mind Mashup Wood Brothers: Luckiest Man Radiohead Vs. The Hollies How The Caverns Became Tennessee's Premier Music Destination Caveman Chronicles by Todd Mayo on Amazon Thumbnail photo by: Elizabeth Thorpe Enter our Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway at thewhat.co/win! We've got two tickets to give away with a camping pass! ______ 🎧 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.

    53 min
See All (278)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
293 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    278
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Barry Courter and Bryan Stone
  • Show Website
    The What Podcast

You Might Also Like