Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

When to Seek Fertility Help: A Conversation with Gerald Quigley
1 in 6 couples in Australia experience fertility challenges — and it’s a topic that needs more open discussion. In this segment, Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and master herbalist, breaks down what to know and when to take action:
If you’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months — it’s time to see your GP.
If you’re over 35 — make that appointment after 6 months.
Male fertility matters too — good health is vital before becoming a parent.
Egg freezing realities — not as straightforward as it’s often portrayed.
The message? Don’t wait. If things aren’t happening, get support early. Because the sooner you start the conversation, the more options you have.
Listen to hear more.

A Common-Sense Guide to Healthy Eating
Forget the trends — true healthy eating is simpler than you think. In this episode, Gerald Quigley breaks down the basics:
Carbs, Protein & Fats
The Truth around Fat
Protein with Purpose 
Rethink “Clean Eating” 
Gerald also highlights the value of enjoying food again — like your morning coffee — without guilt or confusion. Because when it comes to long-term health, common sense always wins.

In this episode, MJV speaks with Penny Larsen, National Manager of Education at Royal Life Saving Australia, about the heartbreaking reality of child drownings in Australia.
Over the past 10 years, 183 children aged 0–4 have lost their lives to drowning — the majority in backyard swimming pools.
With summer approaching fast (and already here in Far North Queensland), Penny shares four essential steps for keeping our kids safe around water:
Supervision – Always keep children within arm’s reach.
Pool Fencing – Ensure gates are never propped open and are always secure.
Water Familiarity – Teach water safety skills early through swimming and play.
Learn CPR – Be prepared to respond in an emergency.
Penny also reminds us that every child lost is a family shattered — and one drowning is one too many.
Listen to learn more.

This week, MJ sat down with Pharmacist and Master Herbalist Gerald Quigley for an honest chat about International Men’s Day — and the power of simply opening up.Gerald dove into why International Men’s Day is the perfect reminder that we don’t have to carry everything on our own. He talks about the shift away from “bottling things up,” the power of sharing what’s going on, and why opening up isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s often the first step in getting back on track.He also highlighted how important it is to be the person someone feels safe talking to — to listen, to sit with them, to offer support, and to help lighten the load.

In this episode, MJ is joined in the studio by Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic for a powerful conversation about the rising challenges of mental health, alcohol, and drug use across Far North Queensland — and what real solutions look like on the ground.
 
Commissioner Frkovic has been travelling across the state, speaking directly with community members, Elders, and local organisations to understand what’s working, what’s not, and what support First Nations communities need most. While every community has its own story, he explains that common pressures — financial stress, relationships, alcohol and drug use, and limited access to early support — are affecting people everywhere.
 
Listen to the full conversation now on Stars and Stories.
If you or someone you know needs help, reach out.
Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) is a confidential mental health telephone triage service that provides the first point of contact to public mental health services to Queenslanders.
Emergency: If you are in immediate danger, call 000 (Triple Zero).

In this important episode, MJ sits down with Gerald Quigley to uncover surprising — and potentially life-saving — truths about heart health in women.
Gerald shares sobering statistics: heart disease kills more than twice as many Australian women as breast cancer, and 40% of heart attacks in women are fatal. Even more concerning? Many of these attacks occur without the classic warning signs we’ve been taught to expect.
Gerald urges women over 45 — especially those who have had children — to prioritise a heart health check,including blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart history. Because women often care for everyone else first, they may forget to look after themselves… but their lives may depend on it.
Listen now on Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast.

In this heartfelt episode, MJ chats with Jennifer from the Mareeba Animal Refuge to shine a light on the many fur babies in need of forever homes.
With over 30 animals currently in care — including puppies, adult dogs, cats, and a growing number of kittens — the refuge is feeling the pressure of kitten season and increasing demand.
Jennifer reminds us that adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment and a decision that should involve the whole family. From playful puppies to mellow adult pets, there’s someone for everyone — and the team is there to help you find the perfect fit.
The episode also explores the costs of running a refuge, which relies 100% on community donations to cover its $250,000 annual expenses. Whether it’s money, food, or supplies, every little bit helps.
Thinking of adopting or donating? Drop into the Mareeba Animal Refuge.

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 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
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.