A radio show and podcast produced by Manawatū People's Radio, with the support of New Zealand On Air.

A radio show and podcast produced by Manawatū People's Radio, with the support of New Zealand On Air.

A radio show and podcast produced by Manawatū People's Radio, with the support of New Zealand On Air.

A radio show and podcast produced by Manawatū People's Radio, with the support of New Zealand On Air.

A radio show and podcast produced by Manawatū People's Radio, with the support of New Zealand On Air.

Country Connoisseur returns for the first episode of 2023, with some dedications for Mark's uncle's birthday and his mum and stepfather's wedding anniversary. He also gives a rundown on the country musicians celebrating their birthdays. Hot new releases from artists including Chapel Hart, Old Dominion, Shania Twain and Willie Nelson get a spin, as well as personal favourites from Aotearoa's Renée Therése and Cooper's Run. Plus, a mix of Aussie tunes to mark Australia Day on Thursday and more!

A radio show and podcast produced by Manawatū People's Radio, with the support of New Zealand On Air.

With 12 days until Christmas, it's time for the Christmas special of Country Connoisseur. Mark plays some creative originals and awesome covers from artists including Billy T. James, Old Crow Medicine Show, Runaway June, Kaylee Bell and Charly Reynolds, mixed with traditional classics by Elmo & Patsy, Kenny Rogers, Dennis Marsh. Plus, it wouldn't be a Christmas special without Aotearoa's favourite festive song, Snoopy's Christmas.

It's Mark's dad's birthday so he highlights some of the famous names also celebrating their special days this week and also touches on the anniversary of the 1963 assassination of US President John F. Kennedy. The latest and hottest country music tracks are mixed with some amazing covers by Lainey Wilson and Monarch's Emma Milani. Mark also talks about the recent success in women's sport, including the Black Ferns wins at the World Rugby Awards, and more!

Mark gives a rundown of the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards and the Aotearoa Music Awards, playing tracks from the winners and performances, talks about the new country music drama he's addicted to, Monarch, as well as giving the latest releases from Australia and the United States a spin.