Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

Big Dreams, Big Bridges: Thelrina & Mungu’s Engineering Adventure.

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ and Molly catch up with two young legends and NRL Cowboys House students, Thelrina Akene and Mungu Toby, who’ve just been named among the top 25 applicants nationwide for the prestigious Indigenous Australian Engineering School (IAES) Aspiration Program at UNSW in Sydney.
They recently got hands-on engineering experience and even took on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb!
Tune in for an inspiring chat filled with big dreams, hard work, and a whole lot of North Queensland pride!
Find out more about NRL Cowboys House: Cowboys Community Foundation : NRL Cowboys House

Kicking Goals with Tahlulah Tillet of the NRLW Cowboys and Try for Five!

NRLW star Tahlulah Tillett isn’t just making waves on the field—she’s inspiring the next generation in the classroom too! As a Try for 5! Program Lead with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, Tahlulah recently visited Normanton State School and Gulf Christian College to champion the importance of school attendance. She also took time to run a junior skills session with the Normanton Stingers and share morning tea with Elders at Gidgee Healing.
Join Molly as she chats with Tahlulah about her passion for rugby league, mentoring young students, and why showing up every day at school is just as important as showing up for your team. Don’t forget—Try for 5! 🏉📚✨
 
Photo: Cowboys Community Facebook Page

"Big Betty" Blooms in Cooktown

Experience the incredible bloom of Big Betty, the Titan Arum, at the Cooktown Botanic Gardens. This unique and rare flower, known for its remarkable size and the pungent aroma it emits, blooms only once every seven to ten years! 
 
The journey of cultivating this magnificent plant began in 2019, and the dedication of the gardens' staff has finally paid off. Big Betty stands tall, featuring vibrant colors that attract a variety of insects for pollination. The flower's impressive size and captivating hues make it a must-see event. 
Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Big Betty in all her glory before she retracts for another long cycle. The Cooktown Botanic Gardens welcomes everyone to explore and marvel at this botanical wonder. 
 
MJ caught up with Cooktown Botanic Gardens Curator Nikko Menzel and the incredible crew—Mark Mitchell, Angus Snell, and Dayhahnera Hutchinson (pictured)—to chat about their role in bringing Big Betty to this historic moment.

Jack Wipa The Yarning Shed initiative in Napranum

In this episode of Stars and Stories, The Black Star Podcast, MJ sits down with Jack Wipa to discuss The Yarning Shed—a transformative initiative in Napranum. Discover how this vibrant space reconnects elders and youth, fosters meaningful conversations, and addresses community challenges.
From mentoring young people to helping with resumes and IDs, the Yarning Shed provides a safe, inclusive environment where people can seek support, explore cultural traditions, and build brighter futures.
Want to learn more? Join Walk the Talk NA'MUK'RUN'MOBS on Facebook for updates and ways to get involved.
Black Star Radio: Connecting to the heart of Far North Queensland & Gulf Regions,remote and rural communities.
Learn more here:
https://www.blackstarradio.com.au
 

Reef on Radio, exploring the phenomenon of coral spawning with Dr. Jessica Stella

The latest episode of "Reef on Radio" takes you beneath the waves to explore the mesmerising phenomenon of coral spawning. Join host MJ as he talks to Dr. Jessica Stella about the synchronised spawning events linked to the November and December full moons.
Discover the fascinating details of coral spawning and its implications for the reef's regeneration. From starfish to sponges, giant clams, and sea cucumbers, the bustling underwater activity is crucial for the Great Barrier Reef's survival.
Assisted by expert guides. learn how you can experience this natural wonder yourself.
Black Star Radio: Connecting to the heart of Far North Queensland & Gulf Regions,remote and rural communities. 
Learn more here: https://www.blackstarradio.com.au/

Understanding Mpox with Dr Allison Hempenstall

In this episode, we delve into the topic of Mpox with Dr. Allison Hempenstall from the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.
Mpox, a virus similar to smallpox, has been circulating in Far North Queensland. It primarily spreads through close contact, especially sexual contact, and is currently on the rise in the area. 
Dr. Hempenstall discusses the symptoms of Mpox, which can include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a distinctive rash resembling pimples or blisters.
Free vaccinations are available, and those interested should contact local health services.
For anyone experiencing symptoms or concerned about Mpox, Dr. Hempenstall advises seeking medical attention at local healthcare facilities.
Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and the community from the spread of Mpox.

Rising with Respect: Nooky’s Impact Through Music

In this episode of Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast, Molly chats with Nooky, the Nowra-born rapper celebrating two ARIA wins. Whether shining solo or as part of the hip-hop group 3%, Nooky uses his music as a force for cultural change.
As the founder of Indigenous social enterprise We Are Warriors and an advocate for Turn Up the Respect, part of the Australian Government’s Stop it at the Start campaign, Nooky is sparking important conversations about respect to help prevent gender-based violence.
Join us for an inspiring yarn about music, culture, and driving change.Turn Up Respect Hero Video | Respect.gov.au - Violence against women. Let's stop it at the start

Online Safety: Understanding Your Rights in the Digital Age

We’re talking online safety with Shelley Ware, who shares her journey of activism and a campaign advocating for stronger digital rights. From writing to the Attorney General with Dr. Kate Sear to tackling issues like extreme bullying, racism, and predatory behavior, Shelley breaks down how we can hold offenders accountable and protect vulnerable communities.
Discover practical tips, resources from the eSafety Commissioner, and how to start meaningful conversations about staying safe online.
Visit eSafety.com.au for more info, and tune in to learn how you can help create a safer digital world!

Market Magic: Talicia from Mob Markets at Dream Aloud

In this episode, Molly catches up with the vibrant Talicia from Mob Markets at the Dream Aloud Festival in Cairns. Talicia's passion for supporting local businesses and curating the best market stalls at events across Cairns shines through in this inspiring chat. Tune in to hear how her energy and vision are elevating the local market scene, making each event a must-visit!
Find out more:
MOBMARKETS (@mob.markets) • Instagram photos and videos

Miseron Stumps Kip Moore: Exclusive Interview at Savannah in the Round 2024

In this special episode, Year 11 student Miseron from Peace Lutheran College takes the mic for an unforgettable interview with Kip Moore, the U.S. headline act at Savannah in the Round!
Miseron's empathy and thoughtful questions shine through, and he even manages to stump Kip with one question that left the country star speechless! Tune in to hear the interview that had everyone talking and get a glimpse of the next generation of media talent.