The What Podcast
The What Podcast
Podcast Description
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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on music festivals, live music experiences, and community culture, with episodes covering topics such as festival logistics, lineup announcements, attendee experiences, and artist insights. For example, recent episodes featured discussions on the Bonnaroo 2025 lineup and camping tips, as well as reflections on memorable performances from past festivals.
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.
Parker Reed from the RooHamm Podcast joins us to catch up and explain why there's been a lull since Bonnaroo, and how their group handled the festival's rainout before becoming optimistic about 2026. We also dive into My Morning Jacket's Red Rocks set and what makes the venue so magical, making it a bucket list stop for MMJ and Bonnaroo fans alike.
After the main chat, stick around for a bonus segment as Russ reports from The Other Farm over the holiday weekend before hopping in the creek with Lindsey and Daniel from Storytime at the Roo Bus podcast for a quick field update on TOTEM and a look ahead at fall plans such as CaveFest in October.
Catch up with RooHamm and Roo Bus here or watch this episode 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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CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:04:27) Catching up with Parker (RooHamm)
(00:07:14) RooHamm origin story
(00:13:36) Reliving the Bonnaroo cancellation
(00:27:52) Why no new RooHamm episodes
(00:31:21) Brad Parker leaving C3
(00:34:56) Hinterland notes and fixes
(00:40:41) My Morning Jacket at Red Rocks
(00:47:58) Changes for Bonnaroo 2026
(00:53:14) Russ at The Other Farm
(00:55:39) Live from the creek with Lindsey and Daniel (Roo Bus)
(01:06:39) Outro
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
When Bonnaroo Breaks Your Heart: Our Reaction to the 2025 Cancellation
How Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet Roo
Bonnaroo Shake-Up: Brad Parker Departs, & Kyle Hollingsworth on New Album, String Cheese, and Beer
Inside Hinterland: Sam Summers on Festival Challenges and the 90-Degree Guarantee
How The Caverns Became Tennessee’s Premier Music Destination
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🎧 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
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Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast
Email: [email protected]
The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat
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Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.