Cass Philippou
Presents Radio Marinara
How did you first connect with Triple R?
I was what you might call an ‘irregular listener' when I first moved to Melbourne almost 7 years ago. I am a fickle radio listener at the best of times - swapping around until I hear something I like. Then in late 2002 (I think), I was invited to be the ‘Marine Heritage' guest on Radio Marinara with Anth & Bron. Continuing my ‘irregular' theme I would pop into the studio every few months for an update on maritime heritage issues around Victoria and Australia.
What/when was your first show?
I commenced as a regular co-host on Radio Marinara in February 2008, after Anth decided he needed to spend more time being a family guy J.
What's your favourite Triple R story?
Ah,well, contrary to my irregularities, as RM is at the delightful timeslot of 9am on Sunday mornings, listeners are consistently treated to a somewhat ‘under the weather' version of my special self. Saturday nights have a habit of being full of mischief and frivolity. So sometimes the neurons misfire a little the following morn, and words tumble out of my mouth and find themselves in a literary salad-bowl of sorts. One such morning, I was discussing the very famous Victorian shipwreck Cerberus with the RM team, providing an update on its preservation status. Anth asked me to describe the remains, and I was explaining the deteriorated buoyant hull, the collapse of the weather deck, and, most importantly, how the weight of the armor belt, turrets and four guns had caused the deck supports to be crushed - the term I used? ‘Crumpled stanchions'. I found out sometime later that the RM team were using my little descriptor in promo carts for the show; now it has become the name of the regular ‘maritime heritage' segment. High-five for the Sunday morning hangover!
Your favourite other Triple R program and why?
Got to say I have a have a soft spot for the Breakfasters as it's a good reason to move slowly in the morning.
What does Triple R mean to you?
Community radio with a great mix of local, lesser-known and up-and coming bands. And of course, RRR are enthusiastic supporters of some of Victoria's most fabulous music festivals, especially my most favourite, the camping spectacular that is Meredith Music Festival.
The studio door has accidentally jammed shut with you stuck inside. If there was only one CD in there with you what would you want it to be and why?
The Beatles ‘Love' from the awesome Cirque de Soleil show in Las Vegas. It's a long CD, with 26 tracks. It contains pop-rock from the creators of the genre. I can sing along. I can pretend I'm still on holiday in Vegas. I can imagine giant white fabric octopi floating from the ceiling to the tune of ‘Octopus's Garden', muscled dancers bods weaving round, and crazy roller-blading and trampolining antics. To top it off, the album has a fantasticselection of the Beatles best tracks, sweet, modern experimental remixes by Sir George Martin & his son Giles. It makes me happy everytime I listen to it. Ultimately, that's why.
Question: Have you found the Mahogany Ship?
The fabled Mahogany Ship is not a Portuguese Caravel, it's not a Spanish Galleon, and it's not a Chinese Junk. It did not carry Sir Francis Drake to Australia, nor does it contain Benito Benito's treasure. It almost certainly will not alter Australian history, and, further, it also did not carry extra terrestrials (just in case that's where you were headed). What I do know is that it is a real shipwreck. It's made of wood. Back in the 1830s, that wood looked like it was kind of reddish in colour. It is lying in wait somewhere near Warrnambool, probably under some sand dunes, or just out to sea, and one day a lucky explorer who has done the right research will find it. They are most unlikely to find it by divining with sticks on maps, or searching the stars and planetary alignment for the elusive location. All I can guarantee is that the discoverer of the Mahogany Ship will not be me; I'm too busy filing papers and responding to emails in my office. But thanks for asking.
