This week on The What Podcast, we take a field trip to The Caverns in Pelham, TN — a music venue like no other. Located just 20 minutes from Bonnaroo's Farm, The Caverns offers an extraordinary experience, hosting shows underground in a breathtaking cave and on a sprawling outdoor amphitheater.

We sit down with Todd Mayo, the visionary behind The Caverns, to uncover its remarkable story. From serendipitous beginnings to becoming one of Tennessee’s most captivating entertainment landmarks, Todd shares insights from his journey, including highlights from his new book, Caveman Chronicles. Whether you're a music enthusiast or someone interested in the behind-the-scenes challenges of running an independent venue, don't miss this deep dive episode!

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CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:09:51) Interview with Todd Mayo
(01:33:18) Outro

Are you Ready to ROO? The What Podcast wants to send you to the Farm to experience a magical weekend of music, fun, and friendship at Bonnaroo! You'll witness round-the-clock entertainment from over 100 artists! We've got 4-day tickets and a camping pass for you and a guest. Visit thewhat.co/win for details.

We are still unpacking last week's conversation with Brad and Cory from C3 about what to expect for Bonnaroo 2025. Lots of new information on changes and improvements for next year, and of course we've got to take a guess at who they are hinting at for headliners.

In addition to all the Bonnaroo info, we take a look at some of the recent news about When We Were Young Festival, and Chappell Roan's SNL performance. What's got you most excited for Bonnaroo 2025? Leave us a comment below and subscribe to The What Podcast for the latest festival news and info!

Join the Discord for early access to episodes!

Photo By: Evan Brown

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CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:05:59) Chappell Roan on SNL
(00:14:36) When We Were Young
(00:19:01) Unpacking last week's episode
(00:27:06) Thursday/Sunday headliners
(00:32:40) Where in the Woods and EDM
(00:35:35) Transition from AC/Superfly to C3
(00:49:00) Final thoughts on changes
(00:51:06) Our guesses for headliners
(00:57:00) Outro

Are you Ready to ROO? The What Podcast wants to send you to the Farm to experience a magical weekend of music, fun, and friendship at Bonnaroo! You'll witness round-the-clock entertainment from over 100 artists! We've got 4-day tickets and a camping pass for you and a guest. Visit thewhat.co/win for details.

Could comedy make a comeback at Bonnaroo in 2025? Expanded camping options, or even a two-weekend event? This week on The What Podcast, we dive deep with Bonnaroo insiders Festival Director Brad Parker and Marketing Manager Cory Smith from C3 Presents. They share exclusive insights into what worked in 2024, what fans loved, and the exciting changes planned for 2025. If you're a Bonnaroovian, you won’t want to miss this one!

And, of course, it wouldn't be Bonnaroo without a diverse lineup. Brad and Cory hint at what fans can expect — from EDM headliners to legacy acts — and talk about the balancing act of booking artists that honor Bonnaroo's roots while offering the "best in the streets" to appeal to any fan, regardless of genre.

Join the Discord for early access to episodes!

Photo By: Evan Brown

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CHAPTERS
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:29) Beat in Nashville
(00:07:08) This week's guests
(00:15:19) Russ in a music video
(00:16:37) Interview with Brad and Cory
(00:18:14) Bonnaroo 2024 feedback
(00:31:15) Grading last year's festival
(00:35:12) Focusing on community
(00:37:42) C3 revolutionized the industry
(00:42:45) Lessons learned
(00:25:53) Tuesday entry
(00:53:09) Lineup talk
(01:08:58) Bonnaroo census
(01:14:47) Teasing things for Bonnaroo 2025
(01:18:39) Chappell Roan
(01:25:51) GWAR
(01:28:14) Brad's tweet
(01:29:35) Changes for Bonnaroo 2025
(01:37:20) Who stage
(01:38:02) Final thoughts
(01:39:37) Outro

Are you Ready to ROO? The What Podcast wants to send you to the Farm to experience a magical weekend of music, fun, and friendship at Bonnaroo! You'll witness round-the-clock entertainment from over 100 artists! We've got 4-day tickets and a camping pass for you and a guest. Visit thewhat.co/win for details.