Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

Heart Health Tip: Sleep Well, Love Your Heart

 
In this mini-episode of Stars and Stories, MJ and Gerald Quigley discuss why sleep matters for your heart health.
 
Good sleep supports your heart and brain.
There’s no magic number—just find your rhythm and stick to it:
 
* Sleep at the same time each night
* Build a restful routine
* Honour your body’s natural cycle
 
Better sleep. Better heart.

Rethinking Generosity, Justice, and Safety in Australia — with Nicola Stokes

Rethinking Generosity, Justice, and Safety in Australia — with Nicola Stokes
In this thought-provoking episode of Stars and Stories, MJ is joined by Nicola Stokes, CCA Board Member, General Manager AMP Foundation, to talk about the challenges facing Australia’s charity and community sectors.
With the rising cost of living, Australians are giving less, volunteering less, and increasingly feeling like they don’t have the time or resources to help. Nicola highlights that charities—once the backbone of our communities—are now being stretched thin by funding gaps, government red tape, and public disengagement.
But this episode goes even deeper, exploring systemic issues that affect community wellbeing.
“Australia now has 18,000 un-sentenced prisoners waiting to be sentenced.  A third of our prisoners have disabilities and chronic health conditions.  Over a third are Indigenous.  80% of prisoners have not completed secondary schooling.” https://communitycouncil.com.au
This episode asks a simple but urgent question:
What kind of country do we want to be—and what will it take to get there?
Listen now on Stars and Stories

Honouring History — Frontier Wars Commemoration with Neville Reys

Honouring History — Frontier Wars Commemoration with Neville Reys
In this powerful episode of Stars and Stories, Mark Hogan is joined by Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Elder Neville Reys to share the story behind this year’s Frontier Wars Commemoration—taking place on ANZAC Day eve, Thursday 24 April 2025, from 5pm–6.30pm at the corner of Abbott & Shield Streets, near the shields.
Frontier Wars impacted all Australia’s Tribal Nations who suffered enormous losses – Elders, parents, children and babies – were murdered and lost to us forever. Neville shares why remembering this history matters, not only for recognition but for healing.
"The importance of presenting the Frontier Wars in a public space to educate the public about this history is not only beneficial for any person who sees or hears it, it also allows for healing."
This is an opportunity for our local community to truly appreciate the resilience of the Gimuy Walabara Yidinji bama and every other tribe across Australia who survived the Frontier Wars with their identity and knowledge of their ancestral connection and responsibility to land and sea Countries intact.
Listen to the full conversation on Stars and Stories and learn more about the upcoming commemoration.
Everyone is welcome.

Normanton Barra Classic Wrap-Up with Greg Cameron

Normanton Barra Classic Wrap-Up with Greg Cameron
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ is joined by Greg Cameron for the full wrap-up on this year’s Normanton Barra Classic, held over the Easter weekend.
It was a huge few days packed with live music, great vibes, and record fish catches—and a big win for community spirit. This year’s event raised over $40,000 to give back to local initiatives.
And in true Barra Classic style, the $10,000 winning ticket was one of the last sold—claimed by Gus from Chinchilla!
Catch all the highlights, hear about the action on the water, and find out why the Normanton Barra Classic continues to be such a standout event.
Listen to the full episode now on Stars and Stories.

Bright Colours, Big Benefits: Why Eating In-Season Matters

In this episode of Stars and Stories, Gerald Quigley, practising Community Pharmacist and Accredited Herbalist, joins MJ to talk about one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support your health—eating in-season, brightly coloured fruits and vegetables.
 
Gerald explains how foods like plums, apricots, tomatoes, and beetroot are packed with natural compounds that benefit your heart, eyes, and brain. When produce is in season, it's not only fresher and more flavourful, it's also nutritionally richer—giving your body exactly what it needs, naturally.
 
Gerald highlights that real, whole food is still one of our best tools for feeling well and staying well.
 
Tune in to learn how choosing colourful, seasonal produce could be the simplest step toward better health.

Feeling Off? Magnesium Could Be the Missing Piece

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ is joined by Gerald Quigley, practising Community Pharmacist and Accredited Herbalist, to talk about the essential role magnesium plays in our health.
Magnesium is involved in over 300 vital reactions in the body, but as Gerald explains, many people assume they're getting enough from foods like green leafy vegetables or fruit. In reality, low levels are more common than we think. When this happens, the body may try to maintain balance by drawing magnesium from your bones.
The 300+ vital reactions in the body include:
Muscle and nerve function
Blood glucose control
Blood pressure regulation
Energy production
Bone health
Protein synthesis
DNA and RNA synthesis
Heart rhythm regulation
Common signs of low magnesium include night-time leg cramps, eyelid twitches, fatigue or low energy, and even poor quality sleep. Gerald shares how safe and effective magnesium supplements can restore your levels—often within just a day or two—so you can feel better, sleep better, and get back to enjoying life.
He also encourages listeners to seek professional advice to ensure they’re choosing the best option for their individual needs.

Keeping Pests Away: Tips for Dealing with White-Tail Rats and Moths

In this practical episode of Stars and Stories, MJ and Mark are joined by Eddie from Absolute Aussie Pest Management to talk about how to manage common household pests—specifically white-tail rats and moths—in and around your home and vehicles.
 
Eddie shares everyday tips to keep these pests at bay, including one simple and tried-and-true trick that still works today!
This episode is packed with straightforward, no-fuss advice to help keep your space pest-free.

Learn Globally, Inspire Locally: A Conversation with Maura Solley on the Churchill Fellowship

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ catches up with Maura Solley CF to talk about the Churchill Fellowship—an opportunity that allows everyday Australians to explore their passion, gain global insights, and bring that knowledge back to benefit their communities.
A Churchill Fellowship offers Australian citizens and permanent residents the chance to travel overseas for four to eight weeks to investigate a topic they care deeply about. There’s no need for academic qualifications—in fact, you don’t even need to have completed school. The only requirement is a desire to make a difference.
Applications are now open and close 1 May 2025 at 5pm AEST.
Listen now to find out how you can turn your passion into a project that inspires local change.
Learn more and apply at: churchilltrust.com.au/become-a-fellow

Seeing Clearly: Understanding Glaucoma and the Importance of Eye Health

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ and Community Pharmacist and Master Herbalist Gerald Quigley explore a topic that often gets overlooked—our eyes.
As we age, changes in our vision are common, but some issues can be much more serious than needing reading glasses. One of the leading causes of blindness in people over 60 is glaucoma—a condition that often develops without early symptoms.
Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up in the eye, increasing pressure and damaging the optic nerve. While there is no cure, early detection is key to managing the condition and slowing its progression.
Gerald stresses the importance of regular eye checks, especially as we get older. Because if you're not seeing clearly, you're in the dark—and when it comes to your eyesight, knowledge and prevention truly matter.

Big Names, Big Vibes: James Dein Talks Savannah in the Round 2025

Big Names, Big Vibes: James Dein Talks Savannah in the Round 2025
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ catches up with James Dein to talk all things Savannah in the Round 2025—the much-loved music festival returning to Mareeba this October.
James reveals the exciting news that Zac Brown Band and Jackson Dean are joining the lineup as U.S. headliners, adding even more star power to an already stacked roster. With Aussie legends like James Reyne, Kasey Chambers, Daryl Braithwaite, and James Johnston also on the bill, this year’s festival is set to be one of the biggest yet.
Zac Brown Band, a multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning Southern rock group, will bring their powerhouse sound to the heart of Queensland’s Tropical North—making Savannah in the Round a must-see event in 2025.
Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights and why this year’s festival is one not to miss.