Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

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
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.

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.

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.

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/

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. 

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

In this episode of Stars and Stories on Black Star Radio, MJ is joined by pharmacist and Master Herbalist Gerald Quigley to talk about something millions of Australians deal with — headaches and migraines.
Gerald shares important insights for Migraine and Headache Awareness Week, (which took place 22-26 September 2025), including:
Why headaches aren’t normal and should never be ignored
How dehydration is a common but often overlooked cause of headaches
What migraine aura means what it can signal
The importance of quick access to treatment – and how pharmacists can now help
Whether you’re a regular sufferer or you care for someone who is, this conversation shines a light on how we can better manage pain, look out for warning signs, and seek the right support.
Learn more at: headacheaustralia.org.au

In this episode of Stars and Stories on Black Star Radio, MJ is joined by Gerald Quigley — a practising Community Pharmacist and Accredited Herbalist — to discuss the real meaning behind R U OK? Day.
 
Together they explore the power of checking in, the science-backed benefits of being asked how you’re really doing, and how small moments of connection can lead to lasting change.
 
It’s not about waiting for the one day a year — it’s about making conversations around mental health part of our everyday lives.
 
Whether you’re reaching out to someone, or need support yourself, this episode is a powerful reminder: you don’t have to fix it — just start the conversation.
 
Learn more here: ruok.org.au/findhelp

In this episode, Gerald Quigley joins Michael to talk about a topic many of us avoid — organ and tissue donation. But the reality is, 80 out of 100 Australians say they support donation… yet only 30 out of 100 are actually registered.
So what’s stopping us?
Gerald walks us through:
Why registering your decision isn't enough — your family must know your wishes, or they can override them
The current need — including over 14,000 Australians on dialysis who could benefit from a kidney
How to have the conversation early, clearly, and with care
The simple steps to register at donatelife.gov.au
It’s not morbid — it’s about leaving a legacy and giving life when yours ends.
Hear more here: https://blackstarradio.com.au/donatelife/
Visit donatelife.gov.au to learn more.