Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

Low Vitamin C: More Common Than You Think

This week on Stars and Stories, Gerald Quigley unpacks surprising findings from a large hospital study on vitamin C levels.
Out of 12,000 tests, around one-third of people had low levels, something many wouldn’t expect.
There aren’t always obvious symptoms, but signs can include:
• Fatigue
• Slow wound healing
The solution is often simple, fresh fruit, vegetables, and consistent intake.
Listen now where you get your podcasts or head to our website to learn more.

Scams Are Getting Smarter, Here’s What to Watch For

In this episode, Lauren Grace speaks with Alex Price-Busch, a First Nations financial counsellor from ICAN, about the scams currently affecting communities across Far North Queensland and the Cape.
Alex explains how scams are evolving and why they can be hard to spot,  especially when they come from people pretending to be someone you know, government agencies, or even online relationships.
He shares some of the common scams being seen right now, including:• Fake social media accounts • Romance scams• Online gambling-style scams• Calls pretending to be from Government agencies
Alex also offers practical advice on how to protect yourself, from checking who you’re speaking to, to avoiding links and payment requests that don’t feel right.
The key message? If something feels off, trust your gut.
Listen now to the full interview.

Old Faithful: Alive and Accounted For with David Kempton MP

Old Faithful: Alive and Accounted For
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ speaks with David Kempton MP, State Member for Cook to get an update on Old Faithful, the crocodile at the centre of recent discussion in Far North Queensland.
According to David, Old Faithful is alive, well, and currently being cared for at the Australia Zoo.
He shares that the crocodile was relocated due to safety concerns, following reports it had been fed by people and was becoming a risk in the area.
The conversation also touches on:• The decision to relocate rather than cull• The challenges of managing crocodiles where people and wildlife interact• The importance of education when it comes to living in croc country
Listen now to the full interview.
This interview is in response to a recent episode: What’s Happened to Old Faithful? Questions Without Answers where MJ spoke with Elder Alwyn Lyall about a situation unfolding in Lakefield National Park and concerns he has raised about the removal of crocodiles from the area.
To listen to that interview click here. 

What’s Happened to Old Faithful? Questions Without Answers

In this episode, MJ speaks with Elder Alwyn Lyall about a situation unfolding in Lakefield National Park and concerns he has raised about the removal of crocodiles from the area.
Alwyn describes two crocodiles being taken from the park. He says one appeared to be in poor condition and that he has been told it was euthanised. He says the status of the other, known locally as Old Faithful, remains unclear.
In this conversation, Alwyn also shares concerns including:• What he describes as a lack of consultation and communication with Traditional Owners• Uncertainty about where Old Faithful is now, or its condition
Alwyn also shares his perspective on how decisions are made on Country, and the role Traditional Owners play in those processes.
Listen now to the full interview now. 

Why Tea Before Bed Might Actually Help You Sleep

This week on Stars and Stories, Gerald Quigley explores something simple many of us grew up with, having a cup of tea to wind down.
But there’s more to it than just habit.
Tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which helps calm a busy mind. When combined with magnesium (known for supporting muscle relaxation), it may help improve sleep quality over time.
This combination can be useful for people who:
• Struggle to fall asleep
• Wake during the night and can’t switch off
• Feel like their mind is constantly racing
Gerald explains that it’s not an instant fix,  but with consistent use, many people notice better sleep within a few weeks.
Listen now where you get your podcasts or head to our website to learn more.

When Nothing Feels Wrong, But Something Is

This week on Stars and Stories, Gerald Quigley shares a powerful reminder about heart health , and why feeling “fine” doesn’t always mean you are.
He recounts stories of two men, both symptom-free, who went for routine checks:
• One needed a double bypass within days
• The other underwent a quadruple bypass shortly after testing
Neither expected it.
Both had family histories of heart disease but it was something they hadn’t acted on early enough.
The takeaway? A simple heart health check with your GP can give you a clearer picture of your risk and help prevent something more serious.
Sometimes it’s not about symptoms, it’s about what’s happening quietly in the background.
Listen now where you get your podcasts or head to our website to learn more.

How the Wet Weather Is Affecting the Tablelands

How the Wet Weather Is Affecting the Tablelands
This week on Stars and Stories, MJ speaks with Rod Marti, Mayor of the Tablelands Regional Council about the impact of ongoing wet weather across the region.
While the cyclone itself didn’t directly hit, current weather has left the ground saturated, dams overflowing, and paddocks waterlogged.
For farmers, it means delays — not being able to access land or manage crops at critical times.
For communities, it’s the flow-on effects:
• Rapid grass growth
• Limited ability to work outdoors during constant rain
The good news, with drier weather ahead, recovery is already beginning.
Listen now where you get your podcasts or head to our website to learn more.

After a Cyclone: Clean-Up Comes With Hidden Health Risks

After a Cyclone: Clean-Up Comes With Hidden Health Risks
This week on Stars and Stories, MJ speaks with Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Helen Pedgrift about what happens after a cyclone, and why the clean-up can carry serious health risks.
Floodwater isn’t just messy — it can carry bacteria that lead to skin infections and gastro. Even small cuts or scratches can become a problem if they’re not protected properly.
Dr Pedgrift shares simple but important advice:
Cover any wounds before cleaning
Wear gloves, boots, and protective gear
Wash hands thoroughly after contact with floodwater
If your fridge has been without power for more than four hours, it’s safest to throw food away.
It’s not about fear, this is about staying aware and protecting yourself and your family during recovery.
Listen now where you get your podcasts or head to our website to learn more.

Dementia Isn’t Just an Older Person’s Condition

This week on Stars and Stories, MJ is joined by Gerald Quigley to talk about something many people don’t realise is increasing — young onset dementia.
Around 29,000 Australians under 65 are currently living with it. It’s not a different type of dementia — it’s defined by the age at diagnosis. And while we often associate dementia with much older people, that assumption doesn’t always hold true.
Gerald explains some early warning signs to be aware of — ongoing memory lapses, changes in behaviour, losing interest in social connection, or family members noticing consistent forgetfulness.
Occasional forgetfulness is normal. But when it becomes constant, it’s time to have a conversation with your GP.
There’s no single blood test for dementia. Early recognition matters. And the encouraging part? Lifestyle choices — sleep, nutrition, alcohol, smoking habits — can all play a role in reducing risk and supporting brain health.
Listen now where you get your podcasts or head over to our website to learn more.

Art with Purpose: Stories Woven from the Sea with Jimmy J Thaiday

This week on Stars and Stories, MJ speaks with Jimmy J Thaiday — an artist turning ocean waste into powerful cultural storytelling.
 
Growing up on Yam Island and now based on Erub (Darnley Island), Jimmy uses discarded ghost nets to create striking three-dimensional artworks. What was once damaging marine life becomes something meaningful — art that protects culture, shares stories and invokes emotion.
 
Through worldwide works workshops, most recently at the NPA Art Centre in New Mapoon, Jimmy is sharing his knowledge with community, showing how old drift nets can be unravelled, reshaped, and transformed into something beautiful.
 
Jimmy says that when he sees people smile, he knows the message has landed, and that is the feeling he wants everyone to walk away with.
 
Listen now where you get your podcasts or head to our website!