The What Podcast

Barry Courter and Bryan Stone
  • 4.9 (147)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The What Podcast

The What Podcast is a weekly show by two veterans of the entertainment media universe with a passion for live music and music festivals. They came together over a love of Bonnaroo and found out pretty quickly that they are not alone. In fact, since launching in 2018, they found kindred spirits all over the world who also love the vibe found only at music festivals. Each week they share their own stories and opinions, but they also dig deeper and talk to the musicians and industry insiders who make the magic happen.

  1. Exit 111 Five Years Later, Hangout Fest, and Hulaween

    2 DAYS AGO

    Exit 111 Five Years Later, Hangout Fest, and Hulaween

    It's been five years since Exit 111 took place on our beloved Farm in Manchester, featuring heavy-hitting acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Def Leppard, and Guns N' Roses. Bryan Stone attended with Taco, while Barry made a visit to check it out. The hosts reflect on the festival's surprising gun policy and discuss how things have changed since then. Will Great Stage Park ever host another festival like this? In more recent news, we explore Sand in My Boots, a new festival headlined by Morgan Wallen in Gulf Shores, AL, which replaces the long-running and beloved Hangout Festival. Hulaween is also on the horizon in Florida. Find The What Podcast on X/Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Discord! ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:05:32) Exit 111 (00:24:43) CaveFest (00:27:23) Hangout Fest (00:38:05) Hulaween (00:43:13) Outro

    45 min
  2. Beyond South Star: Huntsville's Unique Vision for Cultivating a Music Scene

    OCT 16

    Beyond South Star: Huntsville's Unique Vision for Cultivating a Music Scene

    We conclude our coverage of South Star 2024 this week with an exclusive peek behind the curtain into how the festival came together in such a short period of time, and the long-term vision the city has for it. Despite the hurricane weather and Sunday's cancellation, the event was a huge success for the city. Matt Mandrella is Huntsville's Music Officer, quite possibly the first person in the country to hold a municipal position dedicated to developing and improving the musical culture for a city. "Huntsville is working to develop its music infrastructure, including attracting industry professionals and improving music education in schools," Matt tells us. Matt also explains the reasons why Huntsville wanted to host a regional music festival, what commitments the city made when working with C3 Presents to bring the event to life, and the shockingly short timeline they had to complete it when the decision was made to move it up a year from 2025 to 2024. Beyond South Star though, Huntsville believes that music is a critical component to the city's growth and quality of life. Matt takes us on a deeper dive into the plans Huntsville has to bring in more artistic talent, including grants and incentives bands can receive for touring and creating music. It's a fascinating conversation behind the scenes you won't want to miss! Donate to Hurricane Helene relief efforts here Photo by: Evan Brown ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:11:54) Interview with Matt Mandrella (01:09:26) Outro

    1h 13m
  3. Music and Mud: Tom Morello's Epic South Star Performance with Jim Striker

    OCT 9

    Music and Mud: Tom Morello's Epic South Star Performance with Jim Striker

    We continue the South Star Festival conversation this week with Jim Striker, who ran bars and clubs in Chattanooga for over 20 years before getting into music promotion. Jim was there with his wife on Saturday for South Star, and shares his experience rocking out to Tom Morello despite the muddy and rainy weather. Elsewhere in the episode, Bryan Stone tries to get Oasis tickets and we discuss the latest news about Chappell Roan cancelling some of her upcoming festival appearances and concerts amid her rising success. Donate to Hurricane Helene relief efforts here Photo by: Evan Brown ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:03:56) Recapping South Star (00:15:08) Bryan's Oasis tickets (00:19:11) Chappell Roan cancelling shows (00:21:46) Interview with Jim Striker (01:04:33) Outro

    1h 8m
  4. South Star to Couch Star – Hurricane Helene Brings Us Together for a Bonnaroo Reunion

    OCT 2

    South Star to Couch Star – Hurricane Helene Brings Us Together for a Bonnaroo Reunion

    Hurricane Helene has made a big impact on the Southeast, and while we're all grateful to be safe, our weekend took an unexpected turn. The inaugural South Star Festival in Huntsville, AL came and went, but it was shorter and muddier than we had planned. Despite the setbacks, was it worth the trip? After Sunday's cancellation, we sat down with Daniel and Sharla, Evan Bonnaroo, Chloe, and Shaina to chat about 'Couch Star,' and reflect on how we felt lucky to have even one day of the festival—and even luckier to experience a mid-year Bonnaroo reunion. Photo by: Evan Brown ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:10:46) Interview (00:49:29) Outro

    52 min
  5. Algorithms Are Hurting Music Festivals

    SEP 25

    Algorithms Are Hurting Music Festivals

    It's the week of South Star Music Festival, and Barry and Bryan are gearing up to head to Huntsville, while Russ, unfortunately, has to miss out due to a wedding. To make matters worse, the news that Tom Morello is replacing Jane's Addiction only deepens his FOMO. Thanks to The What Podcast's roving correspondent Trevin, the trio also gets some insight into the Bourbon and Beyond festival, which took place this past weekend in Louisville, KY. Finally, the episode dives into the heart of the discussion: how algorithms are reshaping the festival experience. Are festivalgoers still discovering new music at large events like Bonnaroo, or are they just attending for their favorite headliners? Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:02:19) South Star updates (00:14:16) Bourbon and Beyond (00:26:53) Algorithms are hurting music festivals (00:52:06) Outro

    53 min
  6. South Star Picks, Pearl Jam in NYC, and Barry's New Look

    SEP 18

    South Star Picks, Pearl Jam in NYC, and Barry's New Look

    The What Podcast is back after taking a couple of weeks off! What have we been up to? Find out how Bryan's trip to NYC to see Pearl Jam went, and why Barry is wearing those ridiculous sunglasses. We also take the time to make our picks for South Star Festival, coming up soon in Huntsville, AL. Note that we recorded this before the news broke that Jane's Addiction was cancelling the rest of their tour. At this point, a replacement has not been announced yet. Finally, we look ahead to some upcoming events and the start of the Bonnaroo 2025 rumor season! Join the Discord, follow Lord Taco on Twitch, and subscribe to the StoneOnAir Podcast! ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:06:11) What Russ has been up to (00:10:59) South Star picks (00:22:55) Warped Tour coming back (00:24:18) Happy Birthday Barry (00:26:21) Bryan's trip to NYC (00:37:47) Bryan's trip to the caverns (00:39:59) Wrapping up and looking ahead (00:42:18) Outro

    44 min
  7. Bonnaroo 2025 News and Speculation

    AUG 28

    Bonnaroo 2025 News and Speculation

    It's "last call" before The What Podcast takes a short break, so the crew gathers to tie up a few loose ends. No special guests, no topics, just Bryan, Barry, and Russ. But first, Barry has a little news to break about the first confirmed booking for Bonnaroo 2025. It's still too early for rumors and speculation, but Childish Gambino is making the rounds as a potential headliner. We don't think that's likely, despite what other people are reporting. What are our other thoughts on the Bonnaroo lineup for 2025? We then shift gears and look at the rise of EDM in the festival scene, as jam bands are on the decline. Plus, destination concerts and cruises are here. Would you consider going on a cruise to see your favorite artist perform? Finally, we look ahead at other events like South Star in Huntsville, and Burning Man in Nevada, happening as we speak. And Bryan leaves for NYC soon to see Pearl Jam again. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:16) Breaking Bonnaroo 2025 News (00:09:46) Speculating on Bonnaroo 2025 (00:19:20) EDM is up, jam is down (00:23:18) Future show plans (00:24:50) Childish Gambino (00:27:39) Cruise events (00:38:25) Burning Man (00:41:44) Bryan headed to NYC (00:44:52) Outro

    46 min
  8. Behind the Scenes of South Star Festival with Cory Smith of C3 Presents

    AUG 21

    Behind the Scenes of South Star Festival with Cory Smith of C3 Presents

    We take a short break from Bonnaroo this week and finally dive into the upcoming South Star Festival in Huntsville, featuring an exclusive interview with Cory Smith, the marketing manager at C3 Presents. Cory, who has experience working on major festivals like Bonnaroo and Railbird, shares his insights on the challenges and excitement of organizing a new festival. Cory discusses everything from site selection to ensuring a top-notch fan experience, including amenities like flushable toilets and the walkability of the festival grounds. In addition to South Star, we also talk about his band, Boot Scootin' Boogie Nights, that played Bonnaroo this year. Listen to this episode of The What Podcast here or watch it on YouTube. Do us a solid and also like, review, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you listen. Talk Bonnaroo and other festivals with us! Join the Discord ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:06:08) Interview with Cory Smith (00:43:11) Outro

    48 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
147 Ratings

About

The What Podcast is a weekly show by two veterans of the entertainment media universe with a passion for live music and music festivals. They came together over a love of Bonnaroo and found out pretty quickly that they are not alone. In fact, since launching in 2018, they found kindred spirits all over the world who also love the vibe found only at music festivals. Each week they share their own stories and opinions, but they also dig deeper and talk to the musicians and industry insiders who make the magic happen.

Information

  • Creator
    Barry Courter and Bryan Stone
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2024
  • Episodes
    224
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Barry Courter and Bryan Stone
  • Show Website
    The What Podcast

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