Well, I guess I have a country music radio show now…

If you’d told me this time last year that I’d be hosting a radio show with banjos, cowboy hats, and plenty of twang, I’d have laughed. Yet here I am: my very first country music show with Blunt Radio has been broadcast into the world.

I’m still actively searching for a full-time job as a journalist, but while the unemployment diaries continue, I decided to fill my time with new experiences!

Most of my audio experience so far has been through podcasting, usually related to my studies or sports journalism. Podcasts gave me a lot of control: I had the time to edit, refine, and polish every detail until I was happy with the finished product. Radio, even though my show was pre-recorded, felt different. There’s something about knowing that once it’s scheduled to air, it’s out there, reaching an audience in real time. That shift brought a new energy and challenge that I really enjoyed.

Taking a break from my usual sports commentary to play three hours of country music was more refreshing than I anticipated. It allowed me to experiment with tone, pacing, and style in a completely different genre. I realised how much I value adaptability as a journalist: whether it’s calling a rugby match or introducing a classic Dolly Parton track, it’s all about connecting with people through sound.

Recording the show also prompted me to think about presenting in a different way. Podcasts are often focused on analysis, interviews, or storytelling. Radio is about atmosphere and flow. I needed to consider not just what I said, but how it connected between songs, how it kept the mood lively, and how it sounded to someone who might be tuning in halfway through. It’s a whole new skillset, and I’m eager to keep developing it.

So, yes, I suppose I’ve got a country music radio show now. And while it might not have been the route I initially envisioned when I started out in journalism, I can already tell it’s going to help me develop. Whether I stick to sports, delve further into radio, or keep juggling both, this feels like the beginning of something enjoyable and significant for me as a media professional.

You can join me every Wednesday from 9pm to midnight, spinning some country classics here!