Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

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.

Promoting Understanding: World Autism Awareness Week with Gerald Quigley

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ is joined by Community Pharmacist and Master Herbalist Gerald Quigley to mark World Autism Awareness Week — an annual event that aims to move beyond awareness and actively promote acceptance and inclusion of people with autism.
Gerald and MJ discuss how autism is not a disease, but a neurological and developmental condition that affects how people interact, communicate, learn, and behave. With 1 in 40 Australians currently living with autism, the need for deeper understanding and genuine support has never been more important.
They also highlight the work of Autism Awareness Australia, an organisation founded in 2007 with a clear mission: to improve the lives of all Australians on the autism spectrum and the families who love them.
Learn more at: https://www.autismawareness.com.au

Creating Belonging: The Message of Neighbour Day with Natalie Ahmat

In this episode of Stars and Stories, Mark Hogan speaks with journalist and Neighbour Day Ambassador Natalie Ahmat about the growing issue of loneliness in Australia — and how small acts of connection can help turn things around.
With nearly one in three Australians reporting loneliness, Natalie shares why the key to overcoming loneliness is taking the time to make that human connection.
Neighbour Day, happening this Sunday, March 30, is a national call to reach out, say hello, and build stronger, more connected communities. The 2025 theme, “Create Belonging, Share Belonging, Grow Belonging,” encourages us all to take simple steps toward fostering belonging and respect.

Concussion Awareness: A Conversation with Gerald Quigley

Concussion Awareness: A Conversation with Gerald Quigley
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, Community Pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about the serious issue of concussions.
This episode discusses brain awareness and concussions at all ages, highlighting the importance of understanding how a knock on the head can potentially become serious, sometimes hours or sometimes days after it happens.
Gerald shares essential advice on the critical steps to take for safety and well-being.