Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

Why Teenagers Are Drowning — And What We Can Do

Why Teenagers Are Drowning — And What We Can Do
It’s a shocking trend many parents aren’t aware of: drowning rates among teenagers in Australia are on the rise. In this episode, MJ speaks with Beverly Hunter from Royal Life Saving to uncover the alarming stats — and what families and communities can do to turn the tide.
Beverly explains that teens aged 10–20 are now 13 times more likely to drown than in the past. Why? A big factor is the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused more than 10 million swimming lessons to be missed, leaving a whole generation without basic survival skills in the water.
Listen now on Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast to learn more.

Getting Stung by the Facts, the Weird and Wonderful World of Jellyfish with Dr Jaz Lawes

Getting Stung by the Facts with Dr Jaz Lawes, the Weird and Wonderful World of Jellyfish
On this special World Jellyfish Day episode, Lauren is joined by Dr Jaz Lawes, a PhD in Biology/Biological Sciences and the National Research Manager at Surf Life Saving Australia.
Together, they dive deep into the weird and wonderful world of jellyfish — creatures that have roamed the oceans since before the time of the dinosaurs.
Dr Jaz shares what makes jellyfish so fascinating, from their bizarre, gravity-defying body shapes to their surprising role in marine ecosystems — including feeding endangered turtles.
They also unpack the dangers of stinger season in in the tropics and the correct first aid steps to follow if you or someone you know has been stung.
Whether you’re a beachgoer, marine enthusiast, or just love fun science facts, this episode has everything you need to know about jellyfish and how they help keep our oceans — and our lives — in balance.

Fighting for Fair Freight: Cape York Weekly’s Award-Winning Story

Fighting for Fair Freight: Cape York Weekly’s Award-Winning Story
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ catches up with former Cape York Weekly editor Lyndon Keane to celebrate the paper’s recent success at the 2025 LGAQ Journalism Awards.
The team took home Silver for their powerful coverage on the Cape’s Fight for Fair Freight — a campaign shining a light on sea freight monopolies and the rising cost of living faced by communities across the Cape.
Lyndon shares what it means to be recognised on a state stage, the importance of regional journalism, and gives us a glimpse of life in Aurukun, where mangoes are ripening, the heat is rising, and locals are keeping an eye on signs of the wet season.
Listen now on Stars and Stories.

Getting Help Sooner: A New Era in Healthcare with Gerald Quigley

In this episode of Let’s Talk Health, pharmacist and Master Herbalist Gerald Quigley joins MJB to explore a new initiative making waves in Queensland — the Community Pharmacist Program.
Traditionally, certain health concerns required a doctor’s visit and a prescription. But under this new program, specially trained pharmacists can now assess and treat a growing list of common conditions — including uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), shingles, psoriasis, and more.
This new initiative offers a practical stopgap, allowing trained pharmacists to provide short-term treatment options — including antibiotics — when getting in to see a GP isn’t immediate.
Listen now on Stars and Stories, only on Black Star Radio.

Get Ready Queensland with Johnathan Thurston

Get Ready Queensland with Johnathan Thurston
In this episode, of Stars and Stories MJ is joined by rugby league legend and Get Ready Queensland
Ambassador Johnathan Thurston to talk about disaster preparedness across Far North Queensland.
Queensland is Australia’s most disaster-prone state in the country— from cyclones and floods to bushfires — and JT’s on a mission to make sure every household is ready when/if disaster strikes.
What you’ll learn:
Knowing your risk and making a plan
How to involve your kids in planning
Why preparation makes all the difference when it comes to recovery
Visit getready.qld.gov.au for checklists, guides, and local advice.
Listen to the full episode now on Stars and Stories.

Let’s Talk Health: Why Your Kidneys Matter with Gerald Quigley

Did you know you can lose up to 90% of your kidney function before you feel unwell?
 
In this Stars and Stories episode, MJ is joined by pharmacist and master herbalist Gerald Quigley for a serious (and seriously important) chat about kidney health — and why now is the time to get yours checked.
 
With kidney disease now a full-blown health crisis in Australia, this episode explores:
✔️ Why your kidneys matter (and what they actually do)✔️ How kidney disease can go undetected for years✔️ Why early detection is critical — and what the test involves✔️ The realities of dialysis and transplant waitlists✔️ The life-saving importance of becoming an organ donor
 
Learn more on Stars and Stories.

Let’s Talk Health: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In this episode, MJ is joined by pharmacist and master herbalist Gerald Quigley to discuss breast cancer—the most common cancer affecting Australian women today.
 
In the next 12 months, around 21,000 women in Australia are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer. While mammograms are available to women aged 50 to 74, screening for younger women has often been less effective — until now.
 
Introducing iPrevent: Developed by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, this new online tool helps assess your lifetime risk of breast cancer based on your personal and family history. It only takes about 10 minutes and offers recommendations tailored to your risk level.
 
Check out the tool here.https://www.petermac.org/patients-and-carers/health-services-for-cancer-patients/cancer-prevention/iprevent
 
Listen now to the full episode now on Stars and Stories.

Dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australians with Gerald Quigley

In this episode, MJ is joined by pharmacist and master herbalist Gerald Quigley for an eye-opening conversation about dementia—now the leading cause of death in Australia.
With nearly half a million Australians currently living with the condition (and that number expected to rise), Gerald highlights the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and early detection. While there’s currently no cure, Gerald shares the steps we can all take to reduce our risk and protect our brain health over time.
Key takeaways:
Dementia has no quick fix—but there are ways to support your brain.
The basics matter: good sleep, healthy food, stress management, daily exercise, and gut health all play a role.
Don’t ignore memory changes in loved ones—early detection and support can make a difference.
Listen now to learn more.
https://blackstarradio.com.au/stars-and-stories/

Behind the Music with Budjerah: Songwriting, Success, and Sharing His Voice

In anticipation of his upcoming performance at the Dream Aloud Festival in Cairns (18 October, 2025), Jayden Marott caught up with ARIA award-winning artist Budjerah. 
 
Together they explore what inspires his songwriting, how success brings both opportunity and pressure, and the surprising stories behind his collaborations with artists like Ed Sheeran, Matt Corby, and Pnau. Budjerah also shares how family support shaped his journey, the importance of believing in yourself, and even gives a glimpse into his vocal warm-ups.
 
Listen to the full interview on Stars and Stories, the Black Star Radio podcast. 

Do It for the Mob: Aunty Jill Gallagher on Bowel Cancer Screening

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Aunty Jill Gallagher joins MJ for a heartfelt conversation about bowel cancer—and why screening matters.
 
A proud survivor of bowel cancer herself, Aunty Jill opens up about her journey, the importance of early detection, and why we need to break the shame and stigma that still surrounds testing.
She reminds us:
The test is simple, free, and can be done at home
Early detection saves lives
You’re not just doing it for yourself—you’re doing it for your family, your mob, and to keep our culture strong
Despite its simplicity, only 1 in 3 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are completing the test. Aunty Jill urges everyone to change that.
 
“Don't hesitate. Get it done. We need we need you to continue helping your family, helping your community, but also keeping our culture alive and strong.” Aunty Jill Gallagher
 
Testing is simple, private and free. If you’re between 45 and 49, you can order your free kit. All it takes is to fill out a form via indigenousbowelscreen.com.au, call 1800 627 701, or ask your health worker. If you are between 50 - 74, a kit is mailed directly to you every two years. 
 
Learn more here:
https://www.cancer.org.au/bowelscreening/first-nations-communities