In this episode of The What Podcast, the hosts sit down with Sam Summers, the founder of Iowa's Hinterland Festival, for a deep dive into the art (and chaos) of modern festival production. From booking Fall Out Boy in college to launching Hinterland in 2015, Sam walks us through his journey from DIY club shows to managing a 20,000-attendee outdoor event that has weathered literal floods and the fury of the internet.

Sam doesn't shy away from discussing Hinterland’s tough 2023, where a perfect storm of record-breaking heat, overcrowding, and poor water logistics led to fan frustration. In response, Sam did the unthinkable: he listened. After combing through every Reddit post and angry comment, he launched the "90-Degree Guarantee": a bold refund policy if temperatures cross a certain threshold, and revamped the entire site design for 2024 to improve shade, water access, and flow. He credits part of this shift to inspiration from C3 Presents, the powerhouse behind festivals like Bonnaroo, and their commitment to behind-the-scenes best practices that Sam sought to emulate.

Listen to the full interview with Sam Summers here, or watch it on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:05:22) Interview with Sam Summers

(00:58:03) Outro

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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
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast
Email: comments@thewhatpodcast.com

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

In this episode of The What Podcast, hosts Barry, Russ, and Bryan are joined by special guests Beth and Abbey to dive deep into Bonnaroo 2025 prep and camp setup essentials. With less than 46 days until we are back on The Farm, the crew discusses smart strategies for getting ready now — from vehicle maintenance and camping gear organization to planning group logistics and must-have supplies. Abbey and Beth share personal tips for first-timers and veterans alike, emphasizing the importance of preparation, hydration, and building community at camp. Plus, hear insights about upgrading your campsite, the magic of shoe organizers, why teamwork is crucial, and how friendships and new camps can transform your Bonnaroo experience.

Whether you're driving from across the country or flying in, this episode is packed with actionable advice for Bonnaroo camping, packing essentials, and festival survival tips. Make sure you and your gear are festival-ready!

Make sure to join us on Thursday, June 12th at 4:00 PM inside Planet Roo for a special live episode of The What Podcast, meetup, and musical performance!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:10:30) Abbey and Beth join

(01:35:07) Outro

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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
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast
Email: comments@thewhatpodcast.com

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The Bonnaroo 2025 schedule is finally here! Barry, Bryan, and Taco break it down day-by-day and explore the surprises, conflicts, and can’t-miss sets on this year's lineup. From the historic addition of three What Stage acts on Thursday—Luke Combs, Marcus King, and Wilderado—to Friday's major scheduling conflicts like Goose and Rainbow Kitten Surprise, the crew delivers their initial thoughts and reactions. It's not just all on the main stages though, the Outeroo schedule is packed with events and performances that are guaranteed not-to-miss.

But that's not all: we've got some details to share on our first-ever live podcast and meetup on Thursday in Planet Roo, and we want you to join! Plus, we dive into Bryan's SweetWater 420 Fest experience, the Dogs in a Pile show last week, and we look ahead to CaveJam weekend next month. Get your own printable copy of the schedule here: https://thewhat.co/2025schedule (thanks Lindsey!)

Listen to the breakdown of the Bonnaroo 2025 schedule here, or watch it on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:33) Correction

(00:04:24) Schedule is out

(00:07:10) Wednesday

(00:10:57) Tuesday

(00:12:12) Thursday

(00:16:30) Dogs in a Pile in Chattanooga

(00:22:35) The What Podcast Live on Thursday

(00:27:27) Thursday (Outeroo)

(00:32:45) Friday

(00:40:38) Saturday

(00:48:39) Sunday

(00:58:02) Bryan at SweetWater 420 Fest

(01:07:52) Outro

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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
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast
Email: comments@thewhatpodcast.com

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

In this episode of The What Podcast, Barry and Bryan sit down with Brian Murray and Jeremy Kaplan from Dogs in a Pile, the fast-rising jam band making their Bonnaroo debut in 2025. From their early days playing Grateful Dead covers on the Jersey Shore to developing a genre-bending sound influenced by Zappa, Coltrane, and Miles Davis, the band shares their journey and what fans can expect when they hit the stage in Manchester this June.

The guys talk about their expansive approach to setlists, how covers like “Linus and Lucy” and “Mr. Banker” find their way into their shows, and the collaborative spirit that drives their creativity. Plus, they reveal a behind-the-scenes story of writing a song with Phish lyricist Tom Marshall and tease some ideas for their Bonnaroo 2025 performance. It’s a deep dive into one of the most exciting acts on the jam scene — and one that’s tailor-made for the Roo crowd.

Listen to the full episode with Dogs in a Pile here, or watch it on YouTube. And don't forget to rate and review The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:07) Russ at Bug-a-Paluza

(00:03:47) The What Podcast live at Bonnaroo announcement

(00:06:32) Coachella news

(00:09:20) Bryan at Sweetwater 420 Fest

(00:11:56) Roo Run 5K announced

(00:14:20) Interview with Jeremy and Brian from Dogs in a Pile

(01:06:19) Outro

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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
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast
Email: comments@thewhatpodcast.com

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

This week on The What Podcast, we're diving into Bonnaroo and the World of Bluegrass! In an exclusive interview, we chat with Ken White, Executive Director of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), and Randy Steele, a local bluegrass musician, about moving the World of Bluegrass event from Raleigh to Chattanooga in 2025. They share insights into what this means for Chattanooga's growing music scene and how the event will blend a business conference, live showcases, and a vibrant downtown festival experience.

Meanwhile, Bonnaroo fans have plenty to celebrate with the return of Snake and Jake's Barn to Centeroo, replacing the House of Matroomony. We also talk about the Who Stage lineup and its new location at Plaza 7, and whether this is a good move or not.

Listen to the full episode about the World of Bluegrass coming to Chattanooga here, or watch it on YouTube. And don't forget to rate and review The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:03:34) Corrections

(00:07:40) Bonnaroo updates

(00:16:49) Interview with Randy Steele and Ken White

(01:06:24) Bus problems

(01:09:28) Upcoming shows

(01:14:10) Outro

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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
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast
Email: comments@thewhatpodcast.com

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

The countdown to Bonnaroo 2025 is officially on! In this episode, we dive into the buzz surrounding ticket sales—could this be a rare sellout year? We also explore the lineup with fan-suggested artists you won't want to miss and build the ultimate festival playlist. Plus, we discuss exciting updates like Bonnaroo's new disc golf announcement, the World of Bluegrass coming to Chattanooga, and shakeups in Goose that could impact their set. Whether you're a Bonnaroovian veteran or a first-timer, this episode has everything you need to get hyped for The Farm!

Listen to the whole episode right here, or watch the video on YouTube. And don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:08:43) Bonnaroo tickets are selling fast

(00:25:05) Disc golf coming to Bonnaroo

(00:26:30) World of Bluegrass coming to Chattanooga

(00:29:10) Goose member fired

(00:39:45) Our Bonnaroo picks

(01:10:57) Outro

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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
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewhat.co
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thewhatpodcast
Email: comments@thewhatpodcast.com

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

Spring has finally sprung, and that means two things: less than 80 days to Bonnaroo 2025, and it's time to reveal our contest winners! After twelve weeks and countless entries, The What Podcast crew selects the winner of two GA wristbands plus a camping pass, a print from I Am Bonnaroo photographer David Bruce, and a Bonnaroo Yearbook! We also start our deep dive into the Bonnaroo 2025 lineup, starting with your suggestions and Bryan shares his Bonnaroo playlist to kick things off. Join our discord for more listener suggestions that we couldn't get to on the show.

Elsewhere in the episode, the crew discuss CaveJam coming up and Lollapalooza's quick sell-out, plus the release of the Where in the Woods lineup for Bonnaroo. Oh, and one more thing—why Kitchen Dwellers might not be Bryan’s cup of tea...

Listen to the whole episode right here, or watch the video on YouTube. And don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:06:00) CaveJam

(00:08:12) Contest submissions

(00:37:23) Bryan on other podcasts

(00:39:02) More winners

(00:45:08) Bonnaroo artist suggestions

(00:50:37) Lollapalooza

(00:53:19) Where in the Woods

(00:58:17) Outro

______
🎧 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
Email: comments@thewhatpodcast.com

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat

It’s been five years since COVID-19 shut down the world, bringing live music and festivals like Bonnaroo to a halt. In this episode of The What Podcast, we reflect on how the pandemic impacted the festival industry, from the mass cancellations of 2020 to Bonnaroo’s remarkable post-COVID comeback. Barry even records while battling COVID for the first time, making this anniversary discussion all the more surreal. We revisit key moments—like when SXSW was the first major event to cancel, the uncertainty surrounding live events, and how the music industry adapted with virtual performances.

Beyond the five-year COVID milestone, we also go over the latest updates for Bonnaroo 2025 including the possible replacement of the House of Matroomony and events at the House of Yes. Plus, it's our final week of the contest! Listen for our last question, and find out how to enter at https://thewhat.co/win for a chance to win two Bonnaroo tickets or other great prizes!

Listen to the full episode right here, or watch the video on YouTube. And don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe to The What Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00) Intro

(02:26) Last week's episode with Tuba

(15:30) Bonnaroo news

(27:00) Contest update

(31:27) 5 years after the COVID shutdown

(49:36) Outro

______
🎧 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
Email: comments@thewhatpodcast.com

The What Podcast theme: "Aquarius" by *repeat repeat