ShakeDown Radio Podcast

Chris Carragher, professionally known as Chris Caggs, is a veteran Australian Radio DJ, Music Programmer, and Podcaster with nearly 30 years shaping the sound of dance, hip hop, R&B, and electronic music across Australia and beyond. Now 48, Chris has built a legacy that spans 16 permanent on‑air radio residencies and syndication across more than 200 community radio stations nationwide through the Community Radio Network (ComRad Satellite). His voice, programming style, and passion for music discovery have made him a trusted figure in Australian broadcasting. Chris’s radio journey began in July 1998, when his dream became reality on Pump FM 99.3FM Sydney, Australia’s first Hip Hop & RnB community radio station. Co‑hosting with Mista‑C, he helped pioneer a new era of urban music broadcasting. Pump FM later relaunched as Dance Radio 99.3FM, and eventually Dance FM 94.5FM in August 2000, marking a defining chapter in Sydney’s underground dance culture. Later in 1998, Chris joined DJ‑FM 87.6FM, a 24/7 dance station serving the Sydney CBD and inner suburbs under the Roberts Media Group. Surrounded by respected DJs including Frank Chiment, Antonio Avati, Joe Avati, Susie Stapleton, Dave Einfield, Andre Waitsman, Joe Corte, and Rob Brizzi, Chris contributed to a station supported by major brands such as Central Station Records, Telstra, Carlton & United Breweries, Noizenet, Pulse Music, SBA Music, and Free FM 96.9. DJ‑FM closed in 1999, paving the way for Rhythm FM 87.6, created by Timmy Byrne and the late Phil K—icons behind Melbourne’s legendary Kiss 90FM, now known as Kiss FM Dance Music Australia. From October 1999 to January 2001, Chris became a key voice on Groove FM 94.5FM & 96.9FM Sydney, broadcasting from the iconic Wild FM studios at Railway Square. He hosted the weekday breakfast show and weekend programs while contributing to music programming. During this period, he worked alongside notable Australian media personalities including Andrew G (Channel [V], The Bachelor, The Masked Singer), Bessie Bardot, Rene Rivkin, DJ Nino Brown, Georgina Reed, Sam Boutros, Natasha Zuvela (MTV), Yvette Duncan (MTV), Zoe Naylor (MTV/Channel 9), and many more. Groove FM’s influence extended into retail with the release of A Selection of Groove Vol. 1, compiled by Darren Leigh and distributed by Universal Music Group. The compilation became a top seller at HMV Australia’s Queen Street Mall store. In 2000, Chris expanded his reach to Queensland, joining Groove FM 97.3 Brisbane. Broadcasting from the Pulse FM studios in Coorparoo, he hosted the breakfast show and contributed to music programming alongside Fez Lateef (Added Flava), Adrian Day, Dustin & Anna, Patrick Donohue, Scott Ferris, DJ Kina, Kristian Hernandez, and others. Beyond radio, Chris has travelled extensively, touring all Australian capital cities, major New Zealand centres, and 26 countries worldwide. His global journey includes London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Bali, Rome, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Cardiff, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Dunedin, Mallorca, Gibraltar, Manchester, Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo, Copenhagen, Brussels, St Petersburg, and countless destinations across Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Snowy Mountains, Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart. Today, Chris continues to build on his legacy through ShakeDown Radio, his globally syndicated podcast and mix show, bringing dance, EDM, and club culture to listeners around the world. His career stands as a testament to passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the music that moves people.