Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

In this episode, MJ speaks with Dr Sarah Pye, the author of Curious Kai Asks Why, a children's book that follows Kai and her mum as they travel around Queensland, meeting scientists and learning about the natural world.
Sarah shares the story behind the book and how her interest in endangered wildlife began with
a trip to Borneo, where she met a conservationist working to save a species from extinction.
That experience eventually led Sarah to write about endangered wildlife and connect children with the scientists and people working to understand and protect it.
Sarah also talks about the real scientists featured in Curious Kai Asks Why, including experts from Far North Queensland, and her upcoming Tablelands workshops, where children and adults can explore wildlife, science, writing and even build a rainforest in a jar.
Listen to the full conversation.

In this episode, MJ speaks with Dr Graham Lauriston from Tropical Vets Atherton about cassowaries and a very unusual member of his team, a cassowary skeleton named Victor.
Graham explains how Victor came to be, why cassowary skeletons are so interesting, and what makes their anatomy unique, including the many vertebrae that connect the head to the rest of the body.
Victor will also be making an appearance at workshops at Atherton Library and Malanda Library, alongside Dr Sarah Pye and Curious Kai.
Graham talks about what cassowaries eat, where they live, the threats they face around roads and rainforest edges, and why protecting their habitat is so important.
He also shares what to do if you come across a cassowary in the wild, including why you shouldn't turn and run and how to give the bird plenty of space.
Listen to the full conversation.

In this episode, Mark speaks with actor and filmmaker Steve Bastoni at the Outback by the Sea Short Film Festival in Normanton.
Steve talks about his career, including roles in Police Rescue, Underbelly, Wentworth, Neighbours and The Matrix Reloaded, and why he loves bringing film festivals to regional communities.
Now in its third year, the festival gives local young filmmakers the chance to see their work on the big screen, with Normanton State School students producing around six films for this year's event.
Steve also talks about the incredible short films being screened, including films that have received international recognition, and why giving young filmmakers a supportive place to have a go is so important.
Listen to the full conversation now.

The Barra Bash may be over, but Doug Austin has plenty to report after a huge weekend at Lake Tinaroo.
A total of 101 fish were caught, including 49 barramundi, with 30 of those measuring more than a metre. There were also 52 sooty grunter caught, including one measuring an impressive 50 centimetres. That means more sooty grunter were caught than barramundi this year.
Then there were the catfish. 384 were caught, weighing a combined 270 kilos, with one competitor catching 205 catfish and earning the title of Catfish King.
Doug also reveals who took home the $10,000 lucky draw, talks about the family activities that made the event such a success, and looks ahead to the planned release of more than 20,000 barramundi fingerlings in February.
He also explains what's next for the Barra Bash, with the event moving to a biannual format.
Listen to the full conversation.

Can Melatonin Help Beat Jet Lag?
In this episode, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about jet lag and what happens to your body when you travel across multiple time zones.
Gerald explains the role of circadian rhythms and melatonin, and shares his approach to using melatonin around long-haul travel to help reduce the effects of jet lag.
He also discusses why melatonin may be more useful for disrupted body clocks than for general sleep problems, and why it can also be relevant for shift workers.
Listen to the full conversation.

The Barra Bash Is Back at Lake Tinaroo
In this episode, MJ speaks with Doug Austin about the return of the Barra Bash at Lake Tinaroo and everything happening across the big fishing weekend.
Doug talks about chasing barramundi by boat, canoe or from the shore, as well as the different ways to fish for barra, sooty grunter and even catfish.
The weekend also has plenty happening off the water, with food trucks, market stalls, kids' activities, casting competitions, line dancing and a $10,000 lucky entry draw.
Doug also runs through the fishing times and what's planned for the big family day on Sunday.
Listen to the full conversation.