The What Podcast

Barry Courter and Bryan Stone
  • 4.9 (148)
  • 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. Reliving Bonnaroo's Best Shows and the Latest Festival News

    23 HR. AGO

    Reliving Bonnaroo's Best Shows and the Latest Festival News

    Bonnaroo is packed with unforgettable performances, from iconic sets by My Morning Jacket to legendary moments with Tom Petty. In this week's episode of The What Podcast, we reflect on some of the shows we'd love to relive and hear from listeners about their favorite Bonnaroo memories. Speaking of reflection, Barry, Bryan, and Russ also share some of their favorite interviews over the past 7 years from older episodes of The What Podcast. Plus we dive into the latest festival news, including Moon River's 2025 pause in Chattanooga and the amazing Bourbon & Beyond lineup headed for Louisville in September. We also preview some upcoming Record Store Day releases, and finally, we reveal this week's question! Submit your answer via https://thewhat.co/win and you'll be in our contest drawing for 2 Bonnaroo 2025 tickets plus a camping pass, a Bonnaroo Yearbook, or a print from I Am Bonnaroo photographer David Bruce! Listen to the full episode here, orwatch it via YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe toThe What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a rating and review. ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:02:08) History of the podcast (00:08:59) Moon River news (00:23:33) Bourbon & Beyond lineup (00:28:47) Contest updates (00:30:43) Diving in to the Bonnaroo 2025 lineup (00:36:11) Record Store Day (00:40:16) Past guests on The What Podcast (00:46:45) Contest entries (01:08:48) Outro

    1h 10m
  2. 3000 Miles to Bonnaroo: A Solo Traveler's Experience from Ireland

    FEB 5

    3000 Miles to Bonnaroo: A Solo Traveler's Experience from Ireland

    In this episode of The What Podcast, we go international with our special guest, Geraldine from Dublin, Ireland. A devoted Bonnaroo attendee since 2019, Geraldine shares her incredible journey of traveling solo across the Atlantic to experience the festival. From navigating long-haul flights and shuttles to discovering new music and embracing the Bonnaroo community, she gives a unique perspective on what makes the festival so special. We dive into her favorite performances, her approach to accommodations (no camping for her!), and finally we get some tips for solo traveling to Bonnaroo. Later on, we play some more contest entries and introduce this week's question. We're giving away two Bonnaroo 2025 tickets with a camping pass, plus some other great prizes as well! Visit https://thewhat.co/win for details on how to enter and keep listening for a new question to answer each week! ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:03:43) Peter Buck and Kevn Kinney (00:10:59) Interview with Geraldine (01:03:50) Contest entries (01:24:58) Outro

    1h 26m
  3. The Bonnaroo Yearbook: Capturing Festival Memories

    JAN 29

    The Bonnaroo Yearbook: Capturing Festival Memories

    What started as a simple icebreaker at music festivals has blossomed into the Bonnaroo Yearbook, a one-of-a-kind community art project created by photographer Caleb Arias. Caleb’s journey began when he brought a journal to his first festival and invited others to sign it. By the time he attended Bonnaroo, he discovered its unparalleled sense of community and decided to publish the Bonnaroo Yearbook to share and celebrate the memories he'd collected. Get your copy of the Bonnaroo Yearbook at bonnarooyearbook.com and use promo code THEWHATPODCAST for 50% off! A big thanks to Caleb for joining the show and offering this exclusive discount. Elsewhere in the episode, we discuss Hinterland’s new weather policy, recap the recent TOTEM meetup in Nashville, and play some of the latest contest entries. Don't forget to listen for our question of the week and submit your answer for a chance to win two tickets to Bonnaroo 2025, plus a camping pass! Visit thewhat.co/win for details. ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:03:52) Hinterland (00:10:18) Steve Martin and Martin Short (00:18:26) Interview with Caleb Arias of the Bonnaroo Yearbook (01:11:00) Contest entries (01:18:56) TOTEM meetup in Nashville (01:23:47) Outro

    1h 25m
  4. How to Enjoy a Substance-Free Bonnaroo 2025 Experience with Soberoo

    JAN 22

    How to Enjoy a Substance-Free Bonnaroo 2025 Experience with Soberoo

    A growing number of Bonnaroovians are choosing to experience the festival substance-free, and in this episode of The What Podcast, we catch up with Patrick Whelan, founder of Soberoo. Soberoo has been a part of Bonnaroo since its inception and has grown into Harmonium Inc., a nonprofit that now supports sober spaces at festivals and concerts nationwide. Patrick shares his personal journey to sobriety and the transformative role live music played in his recovery. Whether you're in recovery or curious about trying a "Sober Saturday" on The Farm, Soberoo provides invaluable resources and support for a substance-free festival experience. We also dive into the Bonnaroo 2025 lineup, spotlighting standout acts like King Gizzard's innovative three-night residency and the increasing availability of non-alcoholic options like Athletic Brewing. Plus, we hear from our audience as they share their lineup picks during our ticket giveaway—find out how to enter at thewhat.co/win. Lastly, Bryan Stone doubles down on his take that the 2025 lineup is better than the 2020 lineup. Do you agree? Join our Discord and share your thoughts! https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:05:58) Interview with Patrick Whelan of Soberoo (01:12:34) Gov Ball lineup (01:15:48) Contest entries (01:24:15) Outro

    1h 25m
  5. Is Bonnaroo 2025's Lineup Better Than 2020?

    JAN 15

    Is Bonnaroo 2025's Lineup Better Than 2020?

    The Bonnaroo 2025 lineup has been out for a week! How’s everyone feeling about it now? Bryan, Barry, and Lord Taco share their updated thoughts and compare it to the ill-fated 2020 lineup, which has become almost mythical in the years since. While we’re saving a deep dive into the lineup for later, this week we catch up after the holiday break. Russ shares highlights from his latest camping trip, Barry dives into his passion for Notre Dame football, and Bryan buys Pearl Jam tickets again. We also chat about Bonnaroo's new Infinity Stage and what it could mean for the festival, based on a recent Consequence interview with Brad Parker. Plus, hear about our ticket giveaway contest, featuring fan-submitted videos, voicemails, and even a fax! Enter this week’s question for a chance to win two Bonnaroo 2025 tickets and a camping pass. Visit thewhat.co/win for details. Don’t miss this blend of Bonnaroo insights, holiday stories, and listener creativity! If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, help is available. In the U.S., call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. It's free, confidential, and available 24/7. Visit https://988lifeline.org for more resources and support. ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:02:22) Catching up from holiday break (00:23:33) New Infinity Stage (00:30:10) Contest entries (00:44:08) Comparing 2025 to 2020 (00:49:04) Outro

    51 min
  6. Bonnaroo 2025 First Impressions: Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, The Creator, Hozier, and more!

    JAN 8

    Bonnaroo 2025 First Impressions: Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, The Creator, Hozier, and more!

    The Bonnaroo 2025 lineup is finally here! Bryan, Barry, and Lord Taco bring you a special live edition of The What Podcast with our first impressions. Who are we excited to see? Who surprised us the most? Over the coming weeks, we will bring you even more coverage of Bonnaroo 2025 along with some exclusive interviews. Later in the episode, we bring in our friends Lauren and David from Soundchecks to Stagedives and get their take on the lineup, particularly on the EDM side. Plus, we announce the details of our ticket giveaway! Go to thewhat.co/win for how to enter, and make sure you're subscribed to The What Podcast and listen each week for a new question to answer! Join our Discord for early access to episodes! https://discord.gg/zShHTeCYGn ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:03:14) ICP leaks the lineup (00:16:00) Barry joins (00:25:05) Lineup officially released (00:35:31) Lauren and David join (00:48:23) Ticket giveaway (00:50:36) Final thoughts (00:58:30) Outro

    1h 1m
  7. Essential Vinyl Picks, Bonnaroo News, and Holiday Celebrations

    12/11/2024

    Essential Vinyl Picks, Bonnaroo News, and Holiday Celebrations

    Christmas is just around the corner, and The What Podcast is wrapping up the year with a fun and festive episode before taking a holiday break. Barry, Russ, and Bryan kick things off by recapping MAINx24, Chattanooga’s 24-hour block party. From the parade in the bus to chili competitions and Jell-O shots, it’s the ultimate community celebration. Next, the guys dive into the latest Bonnaroo buzz, including Roo Clues, lineup leaks, and what’s shaping up to be an exciting 2025. Plus, they celebrate a fantastic Spotify Wrapped this year and take a moment to thank YOU, the listeners and viewers, for an incredible year of growth. Finally, Barry poses the ultimate holiday music question: What are your top five records for starting a vinyl collection? The hosts share their lists, highlight essential vinyl for any music lover, and offer some great gift-giving tips for the season. Now it’s your turn—share your top 5 vinyl picks in the comments. See you in the new year! Are you Ready to ROO? The What Podcast wants to send you to the Farm to experience a magical weekend of music, fun, and friendship at Bonnaroo! You'll witness round-the-clock entertainment from over 100 artists! We've got 4-day tickets and a camping pass for you and a guest. Visit thewhat.co/win for details. ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:00:51) MAINx24 in Chattanooga (00:08:28) Spotify Wrapped (00:18:59) Bonnaroo news (00:24:19) Top 5 vinyl albums (00:54:47) Outro

    1h 8m
  8. Van Life, EDM Culture, and Bonnaroo 2025

    12/04/2024

    Van Life, EDM Culture, and Bonnaroo 2025

    Would you live in a van and travel the country going to festivals? While it sounds like a dream lifestyle to most of us, our guests this week, Lauren and David, are living it. They started Soundchecks to Stagedives in 2021 and have spent the last two years on the road full-time, covering music festivals and shows. Lauren and David take us inside the EDM community, sharing insights and speculating on who we might see at Bonnaroo 2025. From Tipper’s big plans for next year to the acts they’re most excited about, this episode is a must-listen for festival lovers. Are you Ready to ROO? The What Podcast wants to send you to the Farm to experience a magical weekend of music, fun, and friendship at Bonnaroo! You'll witness round-the-clock entertainment from over 100 artists! We've got 4-day tickets and a camping pass for you and a guest. Visit thewhat.co/win for details. ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:02:15) Roo clue (00:03:30) Alice's Restaurant (00:04:50) Festive Owl (00:06:14) Ticket giveaway (00:07:19) Shaky Knees dates (00:09:34) Interview with Lauren and David (01:08:40) Outro

    1h 13m
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4.9
out of 5
148 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    236
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Barry Courter and Bryan Stone
  • Show Website
    The What Podcast

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