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There Is No Bonnaroo Without Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead
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Latest Episode

There Is No Bonnaroo Without Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead

Season 9, Episode 5 January 14, 2026 1h 3m Video

Barry CourterLord TacoBryan Stone

In this episode, we dig into why there is no Bonnaroo without the Grateful Dead, and why Bob Weir's influence on the festival runs far deeper than any single performance. From the jam band touring culture to the community-first ethos that defines life on The Farm, we break down how the Grateful Dead's scene effectively migrated to Manchester, Tennessee and became part of Bonnaroo's DNA.

Plus, we play and react to more of your Bonnaroo contest entries, hearing from listeners about their own experiences, memories, and what Bonnaroo means to them. 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!

Thumbnail Photo: Elizabeth Thorpe

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!

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The Weekly Podcast for Music Festival Junkies


Previous Episodes

We Play Your Bonnaroo Contest Entries...They Hit Hard

We Play Your Bonnaroo Contest Entries...They Hit Hard

S09E04 Jan 7, 2026 1h 10m Video
We're back after a short holiday break, and catching up on everything that's happened in the world of Bonnaroo and music festivals. In this episode, we reflect on our biggest moments from 2025, and how they shaped us as fans. Plus, does Bryan have a new favorite artist discovery from the 2026 lineup? Then, the heart of this episode comes from you! We play some of the Bonnaroo contest entries sent directly from listeners, and honestly the stories, memories, and emotions behind them hit harder than we ever expected. Read More
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Bonnaroo Isn't About the Headliners Anymore: Brad Steiner's Don't-Miss Picks

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

S09E03 Dec 24, 2025 59m Video Chattanooga, TN
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. Read More
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Bonnaroo Veterans React to the 2026 Lineup (What Stands Out)

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

S09E02 Dec 17, 2025 1h 4m Video
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. Read More
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Bonnaroo 2026 Lineup Breakdown with Cory & Tuba: Early Release, Big Changes, and What to Expect

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

S09E01 Dec 2, 2025 1h 5m Video
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. Read More
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Reviews for The What Podcast

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"DOLLY WAS AT THE TOP OF MY LIST!!! You guys are amazing. Absolutely amazing, a very interesting and informative podcast for bonnaroo. If you want someone to actually talk lineup to you listen!"
Hailey/Alexis
"Long time Roo Fam first time reviewer! Introduced these guys to my sisters (first Bonnaroo) in order to get them prepped/hyped for Roo, thank you for what you do!"
Coto12
"Lots of knowledge and insight from years of going from these guys. They know the festival very well and I'd recommend to any Bonnaroovian!"
Bparkinson12345
"Love some good #farmtalk to get me excited for Bonnaroo! Brandon"
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Barry Courter, Bryan Stone, and Lord Taco. Photo by Elizabeth Thorpe
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.

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