All Episodes

Empowering Communities with Fred Pascoe from GREAT
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ speaks with Fred Pascoe from the Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust (GREAT), a major social enterprise dedicated to economic development and cultural sustainability in the Gulf region.
Beyond the business, Fred speaks candidly about what really needs to change to help communities thrive. He discusses the importance of taking ownership, facing challenges head-on, and creating the conditions for people to take control of their own destiny.
GREAT is committed to the development of self-sufficient and economically sustainable Gulf Communities that continue to value traditional cultures.
This is a conversation about leadership, resilience, and the power of community-driven change.

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ sits down with Community Pharmacist and Master Herbalist, Gerald Quigley, to unpack the latest research on red meat.
Gerald shares insights into the benefits of red meat, particularly its importance as a source of iron for women. He also discusses which types of red meat are good for your health and which ones should be considered an occasional treat.
Want to learn more? Listen to the full episode.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness: A Conversation with Gerald Quigley
This episode of Stars and Stories originally aired during February, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
MJ sits down with Community Pharmacist and Master Herbalist, Gerald Quigley, to talk about ovarian cancer—what to watch for and why listening to your body is so important.
Ovarian cancer symptoms can be subtle and easy to overlook, often affecting women between 55 and 64. Early detection can make all the difference.
Some of the common signs include:
Abdominal bloating
Lower tummy pain
Extreme fatigue
Changes in bowel habits
Changes in urinary habits
Gerald suggests that these symptoms are sometimes ignored, but if they persist, don’t dismiss them—book an appointment with your doctor.
He also shares why it’s crucial to trust your instincts, seek second (or even third) opinions, and take charge of your health.
Listen now.

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ chats with Gerald Quigley about the concept of biological age and how lifestyle and environmental factors play a significant role in maintaining a healthy body.
Gerald explains that although we all have a biological body, factors like diet, exercise, and stress management can help reduce the effects of aging. He suggests making simple adjustments to slow down the aging process and feel better every day.
Listen to the full episode now!

Setting Your Dog Up for Success with Tracey Motlop
In honour of Adopt a Pet Month, Lauren Grace chats with Tracey Motlop, founder of Trace’s Training, who brings over 30 years of experience in dog training.
Tracey shares expert advice on preparing for a successful pet adoption, setting boundaries, understanding dog communication, and fostering a strong, positive relationship with your new furry companion.
Whether you're adopting your first dog or looking to improve your bond with your pet, this episode is filled with valuable insights to help you and your dog thrive together.

This week on Stars and Stories, the Black Star Radio Podcast, Lauren Grace caught up with Carrie-Ann McLean, author of Budget Right: Eliminate Debt and Improve Your Financial and Mental Wellbeing.
In this episode, Carrie-Ann shares her powerful journey of overcoming debt, addiction, and homelessness and how she now helps others break free from their past financial mistakes. From practical budgeting tips to the importance of an emergency fund, Carrie-Ann offers valuable strategies to help you take control of your finances and improve your mental well-being.
Listen now to hear how you can shift your financial mindset and start building a healthier future.

Founded in 2016, the Remote OpShop Project now partners with over 30 remote First Nations communities, developing opshops that provide essential goods, create employment opportunities, and promote cultural preservation.
CEO and Founder Tanya Egerton has dedicated her career to empowering First Nations communities. Under her leadership, the Remote OpShop Project has positively impacted over 20,000 people in some of Australia’s most isolated regions.
Tanya caught up with Lauren Grace to share the inspiration behind the project and the power of courage, community, and public support.

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ and Molly catch up with two young legends and NRL Cowboys House students, Thelrina Akene and Mungu Toby, who’ve just been named among the top 25 applicants nationwide for the prestigious Indigenous Australian Engineering School (IAES) Aspiration Program at UNSW in Sydney.
They recently got hands-on engineering experience and even took on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb!
Tune in for an inspiring chat filled with big dreams, hard work, and a whole lot of North Queensland pride!
Find out more about NRL Cowboys House: Cowboys Community Foundation : NRL Cowboys House

NRLW star Tahlulah Tillett isn’t just making waves on the field—she’s inspiring the next generation in the classroom too! As a Try for 5! Program Lead with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, Tahlulah recently visited Normanton State School and Gulf Christian College to champion the importance of school attendance. She also took time to run a junior skills session with the Normanton Stingers and share morning tea with Elders at Gidgee Healing.
Join Molly as she chats with Tahlulah about her passion for rugby league, mentoring young students, and why showing up every day at school is just as important as showing up for your team. Don’t forget—Try for 5! 🏉📚✨
 
Photo: Cowboys Community Facebook Page

Experience the incredible bloom of Big Betty, the Titan Arum, at the Cooktown Botanic Gardens. This unique and rare flower, known for its remarkable size and the pungent aroma it emits, blooms only once every seven to ten years! 
 
The journey of cultivating this magnificent plant began in 2019, and the dedication of the gardens' staff has finally paid off. Big Betty stands tall, featuring vibrant colors that attract a variety of insects for pollination. The flower's impressive size and captivating hues make it a must-see event. 
Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Big Betty in all her glory before she retracts for another long cycle. The Cooktown Botanic Gardens welcomes everyone to explore and marvel at this botanical wonder. 
 
MJ caught up with Cooktown Botanic Gardens Curator Nikko Menzel and the incredible crew—Mark Mitchell, Angus Snell, and Dayhahnera Hutchinson (pictured)—to chat about their role in bringing Big Betty to this historic moment.

In this episode of Stars and Stories, The Black Star Podcast, MJ sits down with Jack Wipa to discuss The Yarning Shed—a transformative initiative in Napranum. Discover how this vibrant space reconnects elders and youth, fosters meaningful conversations, and addresses community challenges.
From mentoring young people to helping with resumes and IDs, the Yarning Shed provides a safe, inclusive environment where people can seek support, explore cultural traditions, and build brighter futures.
Want to learn more? Join Walk the Talk NA'MUK'RUN'MOBS on Facebook for updates and ways to get involved.
Black Star Radio: Connecting to the heart of Far North Queensland & Gulf Regions,remote and rural communities.
Learn more here:
https://www.blackstarradio.com.au
 

The latest episode of "Reef on Radio" takes you beneath the waves to explore the mesmerising phenomenon of coral spawning. Join host MJ as he talks to Dr. Jessica Stella about the synchronised spawning events linked to the November and December full moons.
Discover the fascinating details of coral spawning and its implications for the reef's regeneration. From starfish to sponges, giant clams, and sea cucumbers, the bustling underwater activity is crucial for the Great Barrier Reef's survival.
Assisted by expert guides. learn how you can experience this natural wonder yourself.
Black Star Radio: Connecting to the heart of Far North Queensland & Gulf Regions,remote and rural communities. 
Learn more here: https://www.blackstarradio.com.au/

In this episode, we delve into the topic of Mpox with Dr. Allison Hempenstall from the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.
Mpox, a virus similar to smallpox, has been circulating in Far North Queensland. It primarily spreads through close contact, especially sexual contact, and is currently on the rise in the area. 
Dr. Hempenstall discusses the symptoms of Mpox, which can include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a distinctive rash resembling pimples or blisters.
Free vaccinations are available, and those interested should contact local health services.
For anyone experiencing symptoms or concerned about Mpox, Dr. Hempenstall advises seeking medical attention at local healthcare facilities.
Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and the community from the spread of Mpox.

In this episode of Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast, Molly chats with Nooky, the Nowra-born rapper celebrating two ARIA wins. Whether shining solo or as part of the hip-hop group 3%, Nooky uses his music as a force for cultural change.
As the founder of Indigenous social enterprise We Are Warriors and an advocate for Turn Up the Respect, part of the Australian Government’s Stop it at the Start campaign, Nooky is sparking important conversations about respect to help prevent gender-based violence.
Join us for an inspiring yarn about music, culture, and driving change.Turn Up Respect Hero Video | Respect.gov.au - Violence against women. Let's stop it at the start

We’re talking online safety with Shelley Ware, who shares her journey of activism and a campaign advocating for stronger digital rights. From writing to the Attorney General with Dr. Kate Sear to tackling issues like extreme bullying, racism, and predatory behavior, Shelley breaks down how we can hold offenders accountable and protect vulnerable communities.
Discover practical tips, resources from the eSafety Commissioner, and how to start meaningful conversations about staying safe online.
Visit eSafety.com.au for more info, and tune in to learn how you can help create a safer digital world!