Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

Friday, August 01, 2025 Spot the Signs: Are You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

Missed National Diabetes Week? Let’s catch up. Michael chats with Gerald Quigley — pharmacist, Master Herbalist, and Black Star regular — about the rising challenge of type 2 diabetes and the signs we shouldn’t ignore.
From constant thirst to stubborn skin issues, elevated blood sugar often creeps up without warning.
Gerald reminds us that prevention starts with awareness — and a free 5-minute online risk tool can help you check your chances of developing type 2 diabetes in the next five years.
He even tried it himself. It’s never too late to take your health seriously.
Listen now to Stars and Stories.
Learn more about the The Australian type 2 diabetes risk assessment tool (AUSDRISK):
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/the-australian-type-2-diabetes-risk-assessment-tool-ausdrisk

Rethinking Home — Christine Doan on People Purpose Place

Rethinking Home — Christine Doan on People Purpose Place
What if housing wasn’t just about shelter, but about creating shared community?
In this episode, MJ speaks with Christine Doan of People Purpose Place — a new way of living that brings five unrelated people together under one roof, featuring private en-suite rooms and shared spaces.
It’s not about owning or renting in the traditional sense. It’s about sharing well — and that takes more than just moving in. Christine explains the vision behind this project, how they're working with participants to collaborate, resolve conflict, and create a true home together.
Listen now and learn why Christine believes this model could be part of the solution to Australia’s housing crisis.
Explore more at: https://peoplepurposeplace.com.au

75 Years Strong — Living and Breathing the Rodeo with President Peter Brown

75 Years Strong — Living and Breathing the Rodeo with President Peter Brown
 
The 2025 Mareeba Rodeo was a huge success and President Peter Brown caught up with Black Star to reflect on the milestone event — from the incredible turnout to the growing list of highlights, like the debut of the Women’s Ranch Bronc Ride, sold-out camping, the free-style motocross, duck races and so much more!
 
With more than 500 volunteers and a small but mighty committee working behind the scenes, this year’s rodeo was a true team effort — and it showed.
 
Local organisations, community groups, and sporting clubs across Mareeba benefit every year, with over $10,000 in donations flowing back into the community.
 
If you’re thinking of getting involved for 2026 — on the committee, as a volunteer, or even just with an idea — now’s the time, the countdown to next year’s rodeo has already begun.

Still a Queen — Rodeo Stories with Deputy Mayor of Mareeba, Lenore Wyatt

Still a Queen — Rodeo Stories with Deputy Mayor of Mareeba, Lenore Wyatt
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ catches up with Lenore Wyatt — former Rodeo Queen and now Deputy Mayor of Mareeba — for a chat about Rodeo royalty, growing confidence, and the joy of looking back.
Lenore takes us back to 1991 — the year she unexpectedly wore the crown at the Mareeba Rodeo — and reflects on the pride of the moment and how much confidence the Mareeba Rodeo Festival Queen Competition brings to young women today.
The 2025 Mareeba Rodeo was held on 11–12 July, and the town once again came alive with parades, duck races, bagpipes, and a celebration of community spirit — 75 years strong and still going.
Catch the full conversation on Stars and Stories

Caring for Sea Country — with Brooke Owens from the TUMRA Program

Caring for Sea Country — with Brooke Owens from the TUMRA Program
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ speaks with Brooke Owens, TUMRA Program Manager at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, about the important work happening across Queensland to protect Sea Country.
The Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements (TUMRA) Program supports community-led partnerships that honour cultural knowledge, build local leadership, and help manage threats to the Reef — including illegal fishing, poor water quality, and coastal development.
Over the past 20 years, the TUMRA Program continues to evolve, providing training, jobs, and capacity-building for Traditional Owners to care for the Reef on their terms.
Listen now on Stars and Stories

Don’t Ignore the Signs — Bowel Cancer Awareness with Gerald Quigley

New Episode: Don’t Ignore the Signs — Bowel Cancer Awareness with Gerald Quigley
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about the importance of taking bowel cancer seriously—especially during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
If you're aged 45 to 74, the Australian Government sends you a free test every two years. It's easy to use, quick to return—and could save your life.
Gerald shares a personal story about a friend who nearly missed the signs of bowel cancer but survived thanks to a timely check. It’s a powerful reminder that early detection really does matter.
✔️ Don’t put it off.
✔️ Do the test for your peace of mind, and for your family.
🎧 Listen now on Stars and Stories
Learn more: https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org

Passing the Brush: Walls That Speak – Art, Stories, and Message with Garth Jankovic

Passing the Brush: Walls That Speak – Art, Stories, and Message with Garth Jankovic
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ is joined by Garth Jankovic, a Townsville-based artist who’s travelling through remote communities to teach mural-making from the ground up — and right now, he’s in Doomadgee, working alongside artists to pass on the skills, stories, and process of painting big.
From designing and scaling up the artwork, to prepping, painting, and finishing the wall — Garth is teaching artists how to master the full process themselves, building real skills that can lead to creative work and income.
“The more I journey the more I realise the power of Art and how it can transform energy, spaces and tell stories. One Love. In a world gone mad, we paint more, dance more, and make more music. Peace.”
Listen now on Stars and Stories
Learn more: garthjankovic.com @smizdog @Garth.Jankovic.Artist

Step Into the Spotlight — Empowering First Nations Women in Music with Vicki Gordon, Program Director, Australian Women in Music Awards

Step Into the Spotlight — Empowering First Nations Women in Music with Vicki Gordon, Program Director, Australian Women in Music Awards
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ is joined by Vicki Gordon to talk about the Queensland Regional and Remote Women’s Music Program, part of the Australian Women in Music Awards and Conference.
This initiative is designed to uplift, support, and connect First Nations women across Queensland who are working in music—or even just thinking about it. No matter where you are based in Queensland, now is the time to step out from the shadows and share your voice.
Apply now: womeninmusicawards.com.au
🎧 Listen to the episode on Stars and Stories

Men's Health Starts Here — with Gerald Quigley

Men's Health Starts Here — with Gerald Quigley
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ sits down with Gerald Quigley, Community Pharmacist and Accredited Herbalist, for an honest chat about men’s health—and why the hardest part is often taking that first step.
Gerald reminds us that while many men put off going to the doctor, it's usually not until something serious forces us to act. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Where do you start?
Book a check-up
Be honest about your sleep, diet, stress, and habits
Write down a few things you’ve noticed
Get some basic blood tests
Your health isn’t just about you—it’s about your future, your family, and your quality of life.
As Gerald says, “We all want to be around for our partners, our children. We want to grow old gracefully and be as fit as we can for as long as we can.”
Taking care of yourself starts with one decision. Make it today.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now on Stars and Stories

Delivering for the North — Budget Wins with David Kempton

Delivering for the North — Budget Wins with David Kempton Member for Cook on funding, follow-through, and the future
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ catches up with David Kempton, Member for Cook, fresh from delivering on every one of his election promises—and he's got the budget outcomes to prove it.
In this inspiring conversation, David outlines how this year’s state budget brings real, balanced investment across the region.
“I'm just pleased that the South East hasn't forgotten the North, but more importantly, haven't just thrown amounts of money at things that don't produce anything for the community in the future. It's a really balanced budget, but it's creating a great foundation for the future of my region in particular.”
🎧 Listen now on Stars and Stories