Interview: MK
Photography: Erin McKinney
Every Saturday we’re spotlighting remarkable local females who could change the way we look at the world. This Saturday is Maria Musil’s turn, at the helm of Radio Punto Zero together with her family, at 25 years old she’s already making a difference in the city of Trieste and the rest of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Are you originally from Trieste?
Yes and no. As most people here, I am mixed. I‘m half Austrian and half Italian. My grandparents were originally from Villach.
What’s your Trieste neighborhood and what do you love about it?
I love Trieste, I live near the Castle of San Giusto, and the best thing about it is opening the window every morning and looking at the sea.
Have you always wanted to work in radio? What’s the story?
It’s a family affair. I recorded my first spot when I was 2 or 3. I hosted a children’s program called “sdentegati” with my sister and cousins, which means toothless, untill I turned 12.
A few years later, while I was studying communication at the university, I started doing some small work in the editorial team and at the age of 17 I started doing my first interviews. I hated my voice, I believe it’s the first thing every person thinks when listening to their own recording. Perhaps you never get used to hearing your own voice but listening to yourself again and again you learn a lot. Then you have to start studying the rhythms, the intonation, the accents, the words to say and those to avoid. I have the gift of the gab.
Who’s your biggest inspiration?
It’s hard to choose just one person. Every day I learn something new from the people around me. If you want to grow, those around you always have something to teach you, from my colleagues who have been working in the field longer than myself, to my parents and from the many people I interview. I often record ways of doing that I like about some people and things or mistakes that I have to try to avoid instead.
What are you currently listening to, either music or podcast?
I hate silence, even when I always have some music on. I listen to many podcasts, I have to say I love listening to true crime but also current affairs.
Who’s your favorite singer?
I love all kinds of music. I have played the guitar since I was 7, I graduated from Conservatorio two years ago. Music is my everyday life. Putting my headphones on, listening to a song on the playlist and doing a “silent karaoke” before going live on the radio always make me smile.
Do you have a favorite local restaurant you return to time and time again?
Where would you book for a cozy date-night in Trieste?
Food is an experience. I love going out for dinner, trying new restaurants and browsing the menu even when I go back to the same place over and over again. I love raw fish appetizers but also vegetarian dishes with lots of spices, especially spicy. We are lucky as in Friuli Venezia Giulia there are many fresh fish restaurants and I find fish menus excellent for a date-night, better if accompanied by a good glass of wine.
Your favorite place in Trieste or Friuli Venezia-Giulia? Why?
I’m a passionate walker. In Trieste I like walking along the Barcola seafront up to Miramare and back, or on the Napoleonica or in Carso. I’ve never seen more spectacular sunsets than those of my city, they truly take your breath away. I love the sea and when I was a child I used to spend at least a week with my grandparents in Grado which remains a place full of good memories for me. With my work, I travel a lot around Friuli Venezia Giulia and from the sea to the mountains, here there’s something for everyone.
Let’s talk travel… where’s on your list for 2023?
That’s a good question. In the past years I have traveled around Italy a lot and loved it. This year my summer wish includes Spain or Greece. For every new adventure I like to study the route and choose the most beautiful places to visit along the way.
