Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

With summer just around the corner, drowning stats are rising — and Dr Jaz Lawes joins MJ to break it all down.
There’s good news for toddlers: thanks to better fencing, education, and community action, drowning deaths in under-fives have dropped. But the bigger picture is confronting — especially for older adults, who now account for 33% of drowning deaths. With health conditions and slower reflexes at play, it’s a sobering reminder that water safety isn’t just for kids.
Key figures discussed:
Rates are nearly three times higher in regional and remote areas compared to cities
The Torres and Cape and North West QLD regions reported the highest rates
Dr Jaz also talks about:
Why swimming lessons for all ages still matter
How localised, culturally relevant education can make a real difference
The right way to treat box jellyfish stings (spoiler: it’s not urine!)
Read The National Drowning Report 2025, published by Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf
Life Saving Australia here:
https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/news-and-updates/news/2025/aug/tragic-surge-in-drowning-deaths-prompts-urgent-call-for-action-ahead-of-summer

Sleep isn’t just downtime — it’s actually one of the most powerful things you can do for your health.
In this chat, pharmacist and Master Herbalist Gerald Quigley shares why sleep is a true superpower, especially when life gets busy or stressful. He explains how sleep gives our body and mind a chance to rest, repair, and rejuvenate — the three R’s — and why that matters at every age.
You’ll learn:
Why 90-minute sleep cycles might be the key to waking up refreshed
How sleep supports your mood, memory, hormones, and overall wellbeing
What changes as we age — and how to adjust your sleep expectations
If you’ve ever felt like 8 hours isn’t doing the trick, this episode gives you real insights (without the fluff).

In this episode of Stars and Stories, pharmacist and master herbalist Gerald Quigley joins Michael to talk all things shingles — a condition that’s more common than you might think.
 
They cover:• How shingles is connected to chicken pox• What the nerve pain feels like (and how long it can last)• Who’s eligible for the free shingles vaccine in Australia• Why the new vaccine is a game-changer (offering protection for up to 11 years!)
 
Whether you’ve had shingles or want to avoid it, this chat is packed with practical advice and no-nonsense health info.
 
If you or someone you love is over 50, this is one you don’t want to miss.
 
Listen now.

Savannah in the Round: Why Everyone's Talking About It
 
Camping under the stars, dancing to the Zac Brown Band, and soaking up three days of country, rock, and everything in between — Savannah in the Round is more than a festival. 
 
MJ chats with James Dein about what makes this event bucket-list worthy:
✅ A stacked lineup including Casey Chambers, Chocolate Starfish, Black Sorrows & more✅ Camping, glamping & good vibes✅ A celebration of music, country spirit, and Far North Queensland and so much more!
 
From Thursday night bull rides to a hometown talent who made it big in Nashville, Savannah brings together legends and rising stars — all in the heart of the Tablelands.
 
Listen now to learn more. Tickets won’t last long.

Unlocking the Past, Embracing the Future: Inside Kowanyama’s Digital Knowledge Centre
 
In this special encore episode of Stars and Stories, MJ chats with Mark Hogan fresh from his visit to Kowanyama for the historic launch of Australia’s first fully digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre.
 
Hear how this game-changing space is opening new doors for the community — preserving culture, language, and history through digital storytelling and hands-on training in podcasting, drone photography, coding, and more.
 
✅ Access to ancestral records✅ Podcast and media production✅ Drone training and digital gaming✅ 5G connectivity across town
 
Kowanyama is just the beginning. With centres planned for Doomadgee and Mornington Island, this is the start of something powerful.
 
Listen to the episode and check out the launch tour at the link below.
https://blackstarradio.com.au/stars-and-stories/
Watch Mark live on location:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CtwZMA62J/
 

How Healthy Are Your Kidneys? Gerald Quigley Breaks It Down
 
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ chats with pharmacist and master herbalist Gerald Quigley during Kidney Action Week to spotlight one of the body’s most vital — and often overlooked — organs.
 
Gerald reveals that you can lose up to 90% of your kidney function without any symptoms, which is why regular checks are so important. He also walks us through simple, everyday ways to support your kidney health — from drinking water to understanding the impact of over-the-counter medications.
 
Learn more here: https://kidney.org.au/kidneyrisktest

Gardens, Galas, and Giving Back with Norma Maloney
 
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ catches up with Norma Maloney to chat about two big community events happening across the Mareeba Shire.
 
First up — the Black Cockatoo Foundation Gala is nearly sold out! Norma shares why this night of purpose and passion is worth locking in, with all funds raised going to mental health and wellbeing programs right here in our backyard.
 
Then we dig into dirt (sort of!) with the Mareeba District Lions Garden Awards, a beloved local tradition brought back to life by the Lions Club. Entries are open to everyone in the Mareeba Shire, from edible gardens to patios and rural properties. Whether you're a seasoned grower or more of a brown thumb (like MJ!), it’s a celebration of what makes our region bloom.
 
Learn more here: https://lionsclubmareeba.org/mareeba-district-lions-garden-awards/
 

What do 35,000 military personnel from 19 countries have to do with Far North Queensland?
A lot, actually.
In this encore episode, MJ chats with Group Captain Stuart Dower about Talisman Sabre — a massive joint defence exercise spanning the NT, WA, Queensland, and even Papua New Guinea. It was a boost for tourism, a win for local towns like Cloncurry, and a rare look at global cooperation in action.
From airfield takeovers and Osprey refuelling to behind-the-scenes logistics and First Nations inclusion, this episode covers it all.
Hear how it works, why it matters, and what it means for regional careers in the Defence Force.
Listen now on Stars and Stories.
Featured image thanks to: https://www.defence.gov.au/defence-activities/exercises/talisman-sabre

Know the Signs. Save a Life.
 
Stroke can happen at any age — and when it strikes, every second counts.
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ chats with pharmacist and Master Herbalist Gerald Quigley about the FAST signs to watch for:
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call triple zero
With 45,000 Australians experiencing a stroke each year — and that number expected to rise — this is something we all need to know. Gerald also shares simple prevention tips and where to find trusted resources.
Listen now: https://blackstarradio.com.au/stars-and-stories/

Keep Moving, Keep Smiling — Dance with Ibina
 
At 78 years young, Ibina Cundell is proving that age is no barrier to movement, joy, and connection. In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ catches up with the Tablelands-based dancer who’s bringing African-inspired dance classes to people all over the world — from her living room to yours.
 
Ibina shares her dream of reaching remote communities (including Cape York) with gentle, natural movements rooted in African dance traditions. Her weekly classes are designed for older people, beginners, or anyone who just wants to move their body and feel good.
 
Classes are live-streamed every Wednesday at 10am via Facebook, and available to rewatch.