The What Podcast

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.

The What Podcast is a music podcast hosted by Barry Courter and Bryan Stone, with 314 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Barry Courter and Bryan Stone hosts The What Podcast, a music show with 314 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #2

  2022 Festival Lineup Rankings: Coachella, Shaky Knees, Bonnaroo, and more

  —40 minS5

  Festival fans got hit with an onslaught of lineups in the last couple of weeks, and Brad and Barry from The What podcast discuss and rank their favorites. Spoiler alert, it's New Orleans Jazz Fest at number 1 and then everyone else. But what of Coachella? Or less "prestigious" events like Shaky Knees or Boston Calling? And then of course there's the biggest elephant in the room, Bonnaroo? ______ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:00:40) Lord Taco in New Orleans (00:01:41) Pandemic Talk (00:04:32) Coachella (00:09:45) When We Were Young (00:12:02) Riverbend (00:18:53) Jazzfest (00:24:08) Boston Calling (00:25:48) Shaky Knees (00:26:31) Does Bonnaroo's Lineup Still Hold Up? (00:31:35) Forecastle (00:35:49) Ranking 2022 Lineups (00:37:24) Closing (00:39:10) Outro ______ Don't miss The What Podcast LIVE at Bonnaroo, on the How Stage inside Planet Roo Thursday at 4:00 PM! 🎧 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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  Episode #45

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

  —1h 10mS8

  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 ______ Don't miss The What Podcast LIVE at Bonnaroo, on the How Stage inside Planet Roo Thursday at 4:00 PM! 🎧 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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  Episode #6

  Church Boners React to Bonnaroo Ticket Contest Entries

  —56 minS9

  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 ______ Don't miss The What Podcast LIVE at Bonnaroo, on the How Stage inside Planet Roo Thursday at 4:00 PM! 🎧 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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  Episode #15

  Inside Soberoo: Bonnaroo's Sober Community with Founder Patrick Whelan

  —1h 23mS9

  Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to do Bonnaroo sober? This week we’re joined by longtime guest Patrick Whelan, founder of Soberoo and Harmonium Inc. , the nonprofit that provides community and support for sober and sober‑curious festivalgoers at Bonnaroo and dozens of other events around the country. Whether you’re in recovery, "California sober," or just need a break from a crew that's going a little too hard, Patrick explains how Soberoo creates a safe, welcoming space for anyone who wants to experience the festival with a clear head. We also take a quick tour through this year’s festival landscape, from Bourbon & Beyond to Shaky Knees to CaveFest (get tickets here!) , before reacting to Angine de Poitrine, a wildly unique Canadian math‑rock duo that listeners have been sending our way. And make sure you stick around to the end for an exciting announcement! 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 (00:02:01) Our Bonnaroo 2026 Prep (00:18:15) Talking Soberoo with Patrick (00:55:12) Bourbon & Beyond (01:05:06) CaveFest Tickets on Sale (01:13:18) Angine de Poitrine (01:18:13) Live Show at Bonnaroo (01:19:53) Record Store Day (01:21:24) Outro LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE How to Enjoy a Substance-Free Bonnaroo Experience with Soberoo 86 Days to Bonnaroo, Start Your Prep Now Bonnaroo Changed My Life: The Yearbook Guy's Story Rick Beato: Please STOP Sending Me This Angine de Poitrine - Full Performance (Live on KEXP) How Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet Roo ______ Don't miss The What Podcast LIVE at Bonnaroo, on the How Stage inside Planet Roo Thursday at 4:00 PM! 🎧 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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  Episode #14

  86 Days to Bonnaroo, Start Your Prep Now

  —25 minS9

  With 86 days to Bonnaroo, prep season is officially here. In this week's shorter check‑in, Barry and Russ walk through the early steps every Roo camper should be taking now: from pulling out gear, checking tents and fans, and buying non‑perishables a little at a time, to coordinating with your group so nobody shows up without poles, stakes, or the essentials. We also break down the Live Nation settlement with the DOJ, and how it might (or might not) affect events like Bonnaroo. Plus a little vinyl talk, and some making fun of Bryan. 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 (03:11) 86 days to Bonnaroo, how to start prepping (09:40) Live Nation Settles with DOJ (20:21) Our first records/albums (23:11) Outro LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Bonnaroo Changed My Life: The Yearbook Guy's Story Ultimate Bonnaroo Camp Prep: Packing, Planning, and Survival Tips Bonnaroo 2026 Lineup Breakdown with Cory & Tuba: Early Release, Big Changes, and What to Expect Bonnaroo 2026: Brad & Cory from C3 Answer Your Questions When Bonnaroo Breaks Your Heart: Our Reaction to the 2025 Cancellation How The Caverns Became Tennessee's Premier Music Destination ______ Don't miss The What Podcast LIVE at Bonnaroo, on the How Stage inside Planet Roo Thursday at 4:00 PM! 🎧 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  ListenShow Notes

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