Episode Summary: "All Washed Up At Bonnaroo" – The Commercial Break Podcast

Release Date: June 25, 2025

In the "All Washed Up At Bonnaroo" episode of The Commercial Break, hosts Bryan Green and Krissy Hoadley delve into the tumultuous events surrounding the Bonnaroo 2025 music festival. Combining their trademark blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and sharp commentary, the duo offers listeners an unfiltered look into the challenges faced by large-scale festivals in the wake of unforeseen natural disasters.

1. Bonnaroo 2025 Cancellation: A Historical First

[05:41 - 07:01]

Bryan opens the discussion by highlighting the unprecedented cancellation of Bonnaroo 2025 due to severe weather conditions. This marked the first time in the festival’s history that such an action was necessary, underscoring the growing unpredictability of weather patterns likely influenced by climate change.

Bryan Green [07:01]: "Bonnaroo 2025, which just happened this last weekend as we're recording this, was canceled for the first time in its history because it became unsafe to be out there."

2. The Legacy of Jonathan Myers

[07:01 - 09:36]

The conversation takes a somber turn as Bryan shares the news of Jonathan Myers, one of Bonnaroo’s co-creators, who tragically passed away just days before the festival. Myers' contributions to Bonnaroo’s success are acknowledged, and his passing adds a poignant layer to the festival's challenges.

Bryan Green [08:08]: "Jonathan Myers passed away, and he was one of the co-creators of the original Bonnaroo music festival."

3. Comparing Festivals: Lessons from TomorrowWorld and Aqua Blues Fest

[09:36 - 18:37]

Bryan and Krissy compare Bonnaroo's predicament with other festivals like TomorrowWorld, which also faced severe disruptions due to heavy rainfall. They share personal experiences from Bryan’s time with Aqua Blues Fest, detailing the complexities of event insurance and the harsh realities of weather-related cancellations.

Krissy Hoadley [11:14]: "People got naked and ran around in the mud and then they all tried to pull their big ass trucks out of the mud with little or no success. It really is reminiscent of Woodstock."

Bryan Green [16:05]: "Event insurance is the most expensive thing that a festival creator or producer will pay for because if you get washed out like that, you are out tens of millions."

4. Safety Concerns and Logistical Nightmares

[18:37 - 21:12]

The hosts emphasize the critical importance of safety in festival planning. They discuss the logistical nightmares that ensue when events like Bonnaroo succumb to extreme weather, referencing instances where attendees were stranded or faced hazardous conditions.

Bryan Green [20:47]: "This is why you will never find Brian's American Express paying for my kids' Bonnaroo tickets because this is how they start acting. That guy is one second away from paralyzation."

5. Personal Anecdotes: From Jam Land Productions to Festival Chaos

[21:33 - 34:32]

Bryan recounts his experiences with Jam Land Productions, detailing a failed attempt to host Aqua Blues Fest and the pitfalls of relying on event insurance. These stories serve as cautionary tales about the unpredictable nature of live events and the importance of meticulous planning.

Bryan Green [24:13]: "We put on the Aqua Blues Fest, convinced by rain insurance, but when it poured, the insurance didn't cover us because the nearest weather station recorded virtually no rain."

6. Spotlight on Celebrities: Bruce Willis and Bill Murray

[34:32 - 42:57]

Transitioning from festival woes, the hosts pivot to discussing Hollywood figures, focusing on Bruce Willis' battle with a rare form of dementia and his enduring legacy. They also delve into Bill Murray’s reputation, sharing anecdotes that illustrate his complex personality—both charming and notoriously difficult to work with.

Bryan Green [34:32]: "Bruce is just one of the greatest guys. You can be a superstar and still be nice."

Kristen Joy Hoadley [41:17]: "Bill Murray reminds me of Martifousia. He's my favorite."

7. The Dichotomy of Comedians: Humor as a Shield

[39:26 - 42:57]

The discussion deepens into the psychological aspects of comedy, where Bryan and Krissy explore how comedians often use humor to mask personal insecurities and struggles. They reflect on the challenges faced by well-known comics like Chevy Chase and the transformation seen in Bill Murray as he gains self-awareness.

Bryan Green [39:26]: "Comedians have the ability to point out insecurities and put a mirror to the world, but they fiercely protect or can't see those things in themselves."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Bryan Green [07:01]: "Bonnaroo 2025... was canceled for the first time in its history because it became unsafe to be out there."

• Krissy Hoadley [11:14]: "People got naked and ran around in the mud... reminiscent of Woodstock."

• Bryan Green [16:05]: "Event insurance is the most expensive thing... because if you get washed out like that, you are out tens of millions."

• Bryan Green [20:47]: "This is why you will never find Brian's American Express paying for my kids' Bonnaroo tickets..."

• Bryan Green [34:32]: "Bruce is just one of the greatest guys. You can be a superstar and still be nice."

• Bryan Green [39:26]: "Comedians have the ability to point out insecurities and put a mirror to the world..."

Conclusion

In "All Washed Up At Bonnaroo," The Commercial Break adeptly navigates through the chaos of festival cancellations, the personal loss of a key figure in Bonnaroo's history, and broader reflections on celebrity and comedy. Bryan and Krissy’s candid conversations provide listeners with insightful commentary on event management, the human side of fame, and the intricate balance between humor and personal struggles. This episode serves both as a commentary on the fragility of large events in the face of nature and a window into the personal lives of those who navigate the highs and lows of the entertainment industry.