ShakeDown Radio Podcast

ShakeDown Radio with Chris Caggs — A 30‑Year Legacy in Australian Dance, Hip Hop & RnB Broadcasting

Chris Carragher — known to audiences nationwide as Chris Caggs — is a veteran Australian Radio DJ, Podcaster, and Music Programmer whose 30‑year career has helped define the sound of dance, hip hop, RnB, and electronic radio culture across the country. His broadcasting journey is rooted in a family legacy of discipline and excellence. As the son of Gavin Carragher, an Australian Olympian who competed in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games and later represented Scotland at the 1958 Cardiff Commonwealth Games, Chris grew up with a deep understanding of resilience, performance, and commitment. These values have shaped his approach to radio, music, and storytelling for more than three decades.

Chris began his radio career in July 1998 on Pump FM 99.3FM Sydney, Australia’s first Hip Hop & RnB community station. Co‑hosting with Mista‑C, he introduced late‑night audiences to slow jams, RnB classics, and the emerging urban sounds that would soon dominate the airwaves. Pump FM later relaunched under new branding, becoming a foundational part of Sydney’s underground dance and urban movement.

In late 1998, Chris joined DJ‑FM 87.6FM, a 24/7 dance station broadcasting across the Sydney CBD and inner suburbs. Operated by Roberts Media Group, DJ‑FM featured a powerhouse roster including Frank Chiment, Antonio Avati, Joe Avati, Susie Stapleton, Dave Einfield, Andre Waitsman, Joe Corte, and Rob Brizzi. Supported by major sponsors such as Telstra, Central Station Records, SBA Music, Pulse Music, Carlton & United Breweries, and Noizenet, DJ‑FM became a defining force in Sydney’s dance‑radio culture.

From 1999 to 2001, Chris became a key voice on Groove FM 96.9FM Sydney, Groove FM 94.5FM Sydney, and Groove FM 97.3FM Brisbane, broadcasting from the iconic Wild FM studios at Railway Square and later from Pulse FM’s Coorparoo studios. He hosted breakfast shows, weekend mornings, and contributed to music programming during what many consider the golden era of Australian dance radio.

Chris continued to expand his influence on 2RDJ‑FM 88.1, hosting Saturday Shakedown, Tuesday Shakedown, and Tuesday Overdrive, syndicated nationally through the Community Radio Network (CBAA/ComRad Satellite). He also brought Hip Hop & RnB to Sydney’s North Shore through Thursday Flavours on 2NSB FM 99.3.

Across 30 years, Chris has appeared on 18 radio stations and more than 200 community stations, building a reputation as one of Australia’s most enduring and recognisable voices in contemporary music broadcasting. His work has been featured in major industry publications, street press, and mainstream media, cementing his legacy as a champion of dance, hip hop, RnB, and electronic culture.

Today, Chris continues his mission through ShakeDown Radio, a globally syndicated mixshow blending EDM, Dance, House, Hip Hop, and RnB. With listeners across Australia and around the world, ShakeDown Radio represents the culmination of a lifelong dedication to music, culture, and broadcasting — a legacy built on authenticity, passion, and a deep love for the sounds that move people.

Radio Stations (Complete List)

Permanent & Guest Appearances (18 Total):

• Pump FM 99.3FM
• DJ‑FM 87.6FM
• Groove FM 96.9FM Sydney
• Groove FM 94.5FM Sydney
• Groove FM 97.3FM Brisbane
• 2RDJ‑FM 88.1
• 2NSB FM 99.3 (Northside Radio)
• Kool FM 98.3FM Innisfail
• Ozz Mixx Radio
• 4PLAY.fm
• Urban Movement Radio
• Mixxbosses Radio
• Tune 1 Radio
• Starter FM
• Liquid Radio
• V1 Radio
• STR8OUT Radio
• ICR Radio
• Plus 200+ community stations via CBAA/ComRad Satellite

Press, Newspapers & Magazines

• Request Magazine
• Radio Info
• The Music Network
• Three D World
• Revolver Magazine
• Scene Magazine
• The Queensland Independent
• The North Shore Times
• The Place Magazine
• Various Australian street‑press publications