Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

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
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.

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.

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!

On Stars and Stories, MJ sits down with Gerald Quigley to unpack migraines — and why they’re very different from a standard headache.
Gerald explains that migraines can involve intense one-sided pain, nausea, vomiting, digestive upset, visual disturbances — and sometimes even no headache at all. (Yes, “silent migraines” are real.)
Triggers vary from person to person. Stress is common, but hormones, certain foods, wine varieties, puberty, or even old head injuries can play a role. Identifying your personal trigger is often the biggest challenge.
Gerald also shares information about the Migraine World Summit — a free online event bringing together global experts to explore causes, treatments, and different migraine types.
If you or someone you know struggles with migraines, this episode offers clarity, context and practical direction.
Listen now where you get your podcasts or head over to our website to learn more.

On Stars and Stories, MJ is joined by Gerald Quigley for a timely conversation about heart health — and the very real impact stress is having on Australians.
With cost-of-living pressures weighing heavily on so many people, Gerald explains how ongoing stress can quietly increase the risk of heart disease. Financial stress, work pressure, relationship changes, even retirement — it all adds up, and for some people the effects can be serious.
Gerald breaks it down in practical terms: why stress shouldn’t be ignored, why heart disease doesn’t discriminate by age, and why checking in with your GP matters. Things like blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep, diet, and stress levels all play a role — and getting a clear picture can help draw a line in the sand before problems escalate.
Listen now on Stars & Stories.

On Stars & Stories, MJ is joined by Gerald Quigley for an important conversation about sleep — and why poor sleep can be more dangerous than many people realise.
Gerald explains how conditions like sleep apnoea can cause the body to stop breathing during the night, often without the person even knowing it’s happening. Warning signs can include loud snoring followed by long pauses, waking with a dry mouth, headaches, and feeling exhausted despite a full night in bed.
The message is simple but serious: interrupted sleep isn’t something to ignore. Gerald talks through when it’s time to have a conversation with your GP, how sleep tests work, and why getting answers early can make a real difference to your health and quality of life.
Listen now on Stars and Stories.

MJ and Gerald Quigley dive into an important and often overlooked topic — social frailty — and what it means for health, wellbeing, and long-term cognitive health.
Gerald explains social frailty as a lack of meaningful social connection, limited support networks, and reduced access to resources — something recent Australian research has linked to a higher risk of dementia. While many assume this isn’t a widespread issue, new findings suggest it’s growing, not shrinking.
With Christmas as a backdrop, the conversation encourages listeners to check in on older family members and friends who may be more isolated than they once were. Gerald also explores the idea of pharmacists playing a role in promoting social connection — from walking groups to community activities — as part of preventative healthcare.
A thoughtful discussion that highlights how connection, conversation, and community can be just as protective as medicine.
Listen to learn more.

In a lighter and more playful episode, MJ and Gerald Quigley chat about food preferences, comfort meals, and what our go-to foods might say about us — without judgement.
From chicken wings and fish and chips to lamb cutlets with mash, peas, thick gravy and mint jelly, the conversation moves beyond rules and restrictions and back to enjoyment. Gerald reminds listeners that food isn’t just fuel — it’s information, comfort, and a chance to slow down and enjoy life.
As the festive season approaches, the message is simple: ignore the naysayers, eat sensibly, enjoy what you love, and don’t let food become another source of stress.
Enjoy.

In this episode, MJ is joined by Gerald Quigley — practising Community Pharmacist and Accredited Master Herbalist — for a practical chat about travelling with medications, especially during the holiday season.
Gerald shares simple but important planning tips for anyone travelling interstate or overseas, including how to store medications in hot climates, why it’s smart to split essential medicines between checked luggage and carry-on, and what to consider when travelling to places where certain medications may be hard to access.
The conversation also covers gut health while travelling, with Gerald recommending specific probiotics to help reduce the risk of traveller’s diarrhea, along with simple preventative measures like saline sprays to support immunity on planes and in crowded spaces.
It’s a reminder that a little preparation can make the difference between enjoying your break — or spending the first few days unwell. A timely, practical episode focused on staying well while on the move.
Listen to learn more.