Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

Why Staying Connected Matters as We Age

MJ and Gerald Quigley dive into an important and often overlooked topic — social frailty — and what it means for health, wellbeing, and long-term cognitive health.
Gerald explains social frailty as a lack of meaningful social connection, limited support networks, and reduced access to resources — something recent Australian research has linked to a higher risk of dementia. While many assume this isn’t a widespread issue, new findings suggest it’s growing, not shrinking.
With Christmas as a backdrop, the conversation encourages listeners to check in on older family members and friends who may be more isolated than they once were. Gerald also explores the idea of pharmacists playing a role in promoting social connection — from walking groups to community activities — as part of preventative healthcare.
A thoughtful discussion that highlights how connection, conversation, and community can be just as protective as medicine.
Listen to learn more.

Comfort Food, Balance and Enjoying What You Eat

In a lighter and more playful episode, MJ and Gerald Quigley chat about food preferences, comfort meals, and what our go-to foods might say about us — without judgement.
From chicken wings and fish and chips to lamb cutlets with mash, peas, thick gravy and mint jelly, the conversation moves beyond rules and restrictions and back to enjoyment. Gerald reminds listeners that food isn’t just fuel — it’s information, comfort, and a chance to slow down and enjoy life.
As the festive season approaches, the message is simple: ignore the naysayers, eat sensibly, enjoy what you love, and don’t let food become another source of stress.
Enjoy.

Holiday Travel Health: Medications, Gut Health and Preparation

In this episode, MJ is joined by Gerald Quigley — practising Community Pharmacist and Accredited Master Herbalist — for a practical chat about travelling with medications, especially during the holiday season.
Gerald shares simple but important planning tips for anyone travelling interstate or overseas, including how to store medications in hot climates, why it’s smart to split essential medicines between checked luggage and carry-on, and what to consider when travelling to places where certain medications may be hard to access.
The conversation also covers gut health while travelling, with Gerald recommending specific probiotics to help reduce the risk of traveller’s diarrhea, along with simple preventative measures like saline sprays to support immunity on planes and in crowded spaces.
It’s a reminder that a little preparation can make the difference between enjoying your break — or spending the first few days unwell. A timely, practical episode focused on staying well while on the move.
Listen to learn more.

When to Seek Fertility Help: A Conversation with Gerald Quigley

When to Seek Fertility Help: A Conversation with Gerald Quigley
1 in 6 couples in Australia experience fertility challenges — and it’s a topic that needs more open discussion. In this segment, Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and master herbalist, breaks down what to know and when to take action:
If you’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months — it’s time to see your GP.
If you’re over 35 — make that appointment after 6 months.
Male fertility matters too — good health is vital before becoming a parent.
Egg freezing realities — not as straightforward as it’s often portrayed.
The message? Don’t wait. If things aren’t happening, get support early. Because the sooner you start the conversation, the more options you have.
Listen to hear more.

A Common-Sense Guide to Healthy Eating with Gerald Quigley

A Common-Sense Guide to Healthy Eating
Forget the trends — true healthy eating is simpler than you think. In this episode, Gerald Quigley breaks down the basics:
Carbs, Protein & Fats
The Truth around Fat
Protein with Purpose 
Rethink “Clean Eating” 
Gerald also highlights the value of enjoying food again — like your morning coffee — without guilt or confusion. Because when it comes to long-term health, common sense always wins.

Drowning Prevention with Penny Larsen

In this episode, MJV speaks with Penny Larsen, National Manager of Education at Royal Life Saving Australia, about the heartbreaking reality of child drownings in Australia.
Over the past 10 years, 183 children aged 0–4 have lost their lives to drowning — the majority in backyard swimming pools.
With summer approaching fast (and already here in Far North Queensland), Penny shares four essential steps for keeping our kids safe around water:
Supervision – Always keep children within arm’s reach.
Pool Fencing – Ensure gates are never propped open and are always secure.
Water Familiarity – Teach water safety skills early through swimming and play.
Learn CPR – Be prepared to respond in an emergency.
Penny also reminds us that every child lost is a family shattered — and one drowning is one too many.
Listen to learn more.

International Men's Day with Gerald Quigley

This week, MJ sat down with Pharmacist and Master Herbalist Gerald Quigley for an honest chat about International Men’s Day — and the power of simply opening up.Gerald dove into why International Men’s Day is the perfect reminder that we don’t have to carry everything on our own. He talks about the shift away from “bottling things up,” the power of sharing what’s going on, and why opening up isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s often the first step in getting back on track.He also highlighted how important it is to be the person someone feels safe talking to — to listen, to sit with them, to offer support, and to help lighten the load.

Navigating Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug Challenges with Commissioner Ivan Frkovic

In this episode, MJ is joined in the studio by Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic for a powerful conversation about the rising challenges of mental health, alcohol, and drug use across Far North Queensland — and what real solutions look like on the ground.
 
Commissioner Frkovic has been travelling across the state, speaking directly with community members, Elders, and local organisations to understand what’s working, what’s not, and what support First Nations communities need most. While every community has its own story, he explains that common pressures — financial stress, relationships, alcohol and drug use, and limited access to early support — are affecting people everywhere.
 
Listen to the full conversation now on Stars and Stories.
If you or someone you know needs help, reach out.
Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) is a confidential mental health telephone triage service that provides the first point of contact to public mental health services to Queenslanders.
Emergency: If you are in immediate danger, call 000 (Triple Zero).

Heart Health and Hidden Warning Signs in Women with Gerald Quigley

In this important episode, MJ sits down with Gerald Quigley to uncover surprising — and potentially life-saving — truths about heart health in women.
Gerald shares sobering statistics: heart disease kills more than twice as many Australian women as breast cancer, and 40% of heart attacks in women are fatal. Even more concerning? Many of these attacks occur without the classic warning signs we’ve been taught to expect.
Gerald urges women over 45 — especially those who have had children — to prioritise a heart health check,including blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart history. Because women often care for everyone else first, they may forget to look after themselves… but their lives may depend on it.
Listen now on Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast.

Shining a Light on the Many Fur Babies in Need of Forever Homes

In this heartfelt episode, MJ chats with Jennifer from the Mareeba Animal Refuge to shine a light on the many fur babies in need of forever homes.
With over 30 animals currently in care — including puppies, adult dogs, cats, and a growing number of kittens — the refuge is feeling the pressure of kitten season and increasing demand.
Jennifer reminds us that adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment and a decision that should involve the whole family. From playful puppies to mellow adult pets, there’s someone for everyone — and the team is there to help you find the perfect fit.
The episode also explores the costs of running a refuge, which relies 100% on community donations to cover its $250,000 annual expenses. Whether it’s money, food, or supplies, every little bit helps.
Thinking of adopting or donating? Drop into the Mareeba Animal Refuge.