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

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, 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) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEHow to Enjoy a Substance-Free Bonnaroo Experience with Soberoo86 Days to Bonnaroo, Start Your Prep NowBonnaroo Changed My Life: The Yearbook Guy's StoryRick Beato: Please STOP Sending Me ThisAngine de Poitrine - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)How Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet Roo______ 🎧 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 [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

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) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEBonnaroo Changed My Life: The Yearbook Guy's StoryUltimate Bonnaroo Camp Prep: Packing, Planning, and Survival TipsBonnaroo 2026 Lineup Breakdown with Cory & Tuba: Early Release, Big Changes, and What to ExpectBonnaroo 2026: Brad & Cory from C3 Answer Your QuestionsWhen Bonnaroo Breaks Your Heart: Our Reaction to the 2025 CancellationHow The Caverns Became Tennessee's Premier Music Destination______ 🎧 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 [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Bonnaroo really does change lives, and today's talk with Caleb Arias, aka The Bonnaroo Yearbook Guy, proves it once again. From being too nervous to talk to strangers at his first festival to becoming one of the most recognized creators in the festival community, Caleb walks us through the moment everything shifted. He explains how a simple journal turned into the Bonnaroo Yearbook, how that idea exploded across Hulaween and Okeechobee, and how documenting festival culture helped him find confidence, connection, and purpose.We also dive into the massive growth of the Yearbook project, the behind‑the‑scenes work that goes into each book, the emotional fallout of Bonnaroo 2025, what we're looking forward to at Bonnaroo 2026, and Caleb's new collaboration with the festival itself. Finally, Caleb sticks around for a little bit of vinyl talk, where we show off some of our most valuable records from our collections.Get your very own copy of The Bonnaroo Yearbook at 50% using coupon code THEWHATPODCAST: bonnarooyearbook.comListen 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(00:01:17) Caleb the Bonnaroo Yearbook Guy joins(00:19:22) Origin story(00:32:54) Thoughts on this year's lineup(00:36:09) How to get a yearbook(00:47:30) Bonnaroo adds 2-day ticket options(01:06:25) Our most valuable vinyl records(01:21:31) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThe Bonnaroo Yearbook: Capturing Festival Memoriesbonnarooyearbook.comOkay...We Were Wrong About GeeseBonnaroo 2026: Brad & Cory from C3 Answer Your QuestionsCatching Up with I am Bonnaroo Creator David Bruce______ 🎧 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 [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Bonnaroo adds sunrise sets to the 2026 lineup, but first, Barry has to eat a little crow. We go down a rabbit hole of music history before shifting gears to talk Bonnaroo news, plus other festivals like Shaky Knees who just released their lineup. Finally we talk a little bit about this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees!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(02:16) Barry's Confession and Repentance(09:57) History of Grateful Dead and CBGB(15:00) Bonnaroo Update: Sunrise Sets and Festival 'Shrinkflation'(23:35) Shaky Knees: Worth the Slog?(30:41) Other festival news(42:34) Rock and Roll Hall of Fame(52:11) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEWhy Bourbon & Beyond Might Have the Best Lineup of 2026Danny Clinch: Still Moving on AmazonA History of the Grateful Dead in 10 SongsA History of CBGB in 10 SongsBonnaroo's 2024 Outeroo Lineup and Television's Richard Lloyd Reflects on Marquee MoonShaky Knees 2025 vs. IBMA Chattanooga: Live from the Red Carpet + Bilmuri InterviewBonnaroo 2026: Thursday Headliner Confirmed + Our Corona Capital 2025 BreakdownHow to Enjoy a Substance-Free Bonnaroo Experience with Soberoo______ 🎧 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 [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Bourbon & Beyond does it again, dropping a stacked lineup that makes us ask the question, "is this real"? With headliners like Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, Mumford, and Dave Matthews, we start wondering if it's time we finally made the trip to Louisville and the lineup keeps getting better the further down you read!Elsewhere in the episode, we catch up with Bryan after his trip to Las Vegas, review the Summerfest lineup that also came out this week, and briefly discuss Bonnaroo ticket sales and pricing.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(01:27) A Gift for Barry(05:12) Bryan's Trip to Las Vegas(15:46) Revisiting the Where Stage lineup(20:16) Bourbon and Beyond(30:35) Summerfest(35:25) Bonnaroo Tickets and Pricing(50:38) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEDanny Clinch on Photographing Bruce Springsteen and Getting Radiohead to Play BonnarooDanny Clinch: Still Moving on AmazonDead & Co. at the Sphere and Happy Landing at Bonnaroo 2024Record Store Day 2026, The Releases We're GrabbingBonnaroo 2026: Why the EDM Lineup Feels Different (Where Stage)Church Boners React to Bonnaroo Ticket Contest EntriesNoah Cyrus on Her Family, Her Songwriting, and MoreHow to Enjoy a Substance-Free Bonnaroo Experience with SoberooToasting the Bourbon & Beyond 2024 Lineup______ 🎧 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 [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Bonnaroo 2026's EDM lineup feels different, and the move to the new Where Stage is at the center of it. In this episode, Russ, Barry, and guest John break down why this year's late‑night energy has shifted, what the community is reacting to, and how the new location changes the vibe of sunrise sets, crowd flow, and the festival’s overall identity. From longtime Roo veterans feeling uncertain to the Saturday lineup pulling people "right back in," we dig into the reasons this year stands out.If you'd like to be a part of our Discord community like John, it's free to join! https://thewhat.co/discordListen 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(00:04:08) Lineup Discussion and Where Stage with John(00:39:25) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEChurch Boners React to Bonnaroo Ticket Contest Entries______ 🎧 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 [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Geese’s performance on SNL last week sparked such a huge debate that we decided to walk it back and revisit the whole thing. Find out how we feel now about the band, what changed after a deeper listen, and whether they've made our list of must‑see sets for Bonnaroo 2026. We also dig into the latest Bonnaroo news, including a tragic update on Lil Jon's missing son and a look at how many Bonnaroo artists showed up at this year's Grammy Awards.We also get into CaveFest now that the 2026 dates are official, plus some speculation about CaveJam's future and other performances we're excited about at The Caverns. And we wrap things up with a look at the Record Store Day 2026 releases we’re most excited about, from Tony Bennett's MTV Unplugged to Billy Strings' Tiny Desk to a mountain of Rolling Stones exclusives. All this week on The What Podcast!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(05:20) A special gift from Dale Green(08:48) Revisiting our Geese Take(17:33) Lil Jon's Son Found Dead(19:28) CaveFest 2026 Dates Announced(26:05) Record Store Day 2026 List Released(35:21) Bonnaroo Artists on the Grammys(36:58) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEMost People Aren't Physically Ready for Bonnaroo... Are You?Bonnaroo 2026 Lineup Breakdown with Cory & Tuba: Early Release, Big Changes, and What to ExpectGeese: Trinidad (Live) - SNLThe Les Claypool Interview: Primus, South Park, And The Art Of Weird BassRecord Store Day 2026Billy Strings: Tiny Desk Concert______ 🎧 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 [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Most people think they're physically ready for Bonnaroo…until they hit the farm and realize just how intense four days of heat, walking, dancing, and nonstop movement really are. That's why we're talking to Christin Craig of the Roo Fitness Challenge: a simple, realistic, community‑driven plan to help you show up stronger, safer, and more prepared than ever.In this episode, certified personal trainer Christin breaks down exactly what it takes to get Roo‑ready, why even small changes now can transform your festival experience, and how YOU can join the challenge starting today. Whether you’re a first‑timer or a seasoned veteran, this is your roadmap to surviving (and actually enjoying) the physical side of Bonnaroo. Sign up for the Roo Fitness Challenge here!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(00:05:48) Message from Brad Parker(00:07:35) Artists bailing on Kid Rock festival(00:09:15) 420 fest in Atlanta lineup and new location(00:13:16) New Noah Kahan music(00:14:08) Geese on SNL(00:17:26) Roo Fitness Challenge with Christin(01:07:17) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODENoah Kahan - The Great DivideGeese: Trinidad (Live) - SNLCamping at Bonnaroo: Must-Know Updates and New Amenities for 2025instagram.com/roofitnesschallengeRoo Fit 2026 Signup Form______ 🎧 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 [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

Bonnaroo 2026 ticket deals are dropping earlier than expected. In this episode of The What Podcast, we break down the latest pricing shifts including referral codes, the introduction of 4‑ and 6‑pack bundles, and one-day passes. Is this a sign of lower demand, strategic marketing, or something deeper? Also, we explore the newly announced late-night sets and who we are looking forward to staying up late for.And finally, let us introduce Keera and Tyler, the winners of Bonnaroo 2026 ticket giveaway! Hear their reaction to the news, their story, and their wedding plans! Thank you to everyone who participated in our contest, and stay subscribed to The What Podcast as we bring you the latest festival news and insights over the coming months.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(00:03:06) Bryan's Ear Infection(00:07:24) Bonnaroo After Hours Lineup(00:14:13) New Ticket Options(00:29:15) Our Contest winners(00:59:10) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEtotemfnd.orgChurch Boners React to Bonnaroo Ticket Contest EntriesRooHamm: Fantasy Superjam DraftSean Stewart: Exploring Bonnaroo 2022We Play Your Bonnaroo Contest Entries...They Hit HardKeera's Entry for Bonnaroo 2026 TicketsHow Bonnaroo Changed Manchester Forever: Live from Planet Roo______ 🎧 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 [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.

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) OutroLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEBonnaroo Community Spotlight: How Church Boners Became a Festival FamilyWin Tickets to Bonnaroo 2026!CaveFest 2025: Exploring the Underground Magic of The CavernsWe Play Your Bonnaroo Contest Entries...They Hit Hard______ 🎧 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 [email protected] or call (423) 667-7877 and leave us a voicemail. We might just feature it on the show.