Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast
Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.
Episodes
In this episode, MJ chats with American/Australian baritone Don Windsor, who has gone from growing up on a farm in Kansas to performing in musical theatre productions around the world before eventually calling the Atherton Tablelands home.
Don talks about his career, performing in shows including Les Misérables, Beauty and the Beast and Mamma Mia, meeting some big names along the way, and why he decided ...
In this episode, MJ speaks with Ian Maclean from Night Sky Secrets about the upcoming full moon and the fascinating stories connected to it.
Ian shares the traditional Yolngu story of Ngalindi, the Moon Man, a fisherman who appears as the Hungry Crescent Moon. As Ngalindi catches more and more fish, he grows bigger and fatter in the night sky, but there's one problem: he's not sharing the tucker with his...
Shingles Isn't Just an Older Person's Problem
In this episode, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about the rise in shingles cases among younger adults.
Gerald explains why people who have previously had chickenpox can develop shingles later in life, what symptoms to look out for, and why getting symptoms checked early can make a difference.
He als...
Could Vitamin B3 Help Manage Glaucoma?
In this episode, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about new research into glaucoma and the potential role of vitamin B3.
Gerald explains what glaucoma is, why managing eye pressure is so important, and discusses research suggesting vitamin B3 may help reduce eye pressure in people living with glaucoma.
He al...
Building Resilience Through Rugby League and Connection
In this episode, MJ speaks with Tamika Upton about her involvement in a partnership between the School for Living, Youth Justice and Queensland Rugby League, supporting young people on Mornington Island.
Tamika shares how she's using video messages and her own experiences in rugby league to connect with students, encourage goal setting...
In this episode, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about recognising the warning signs of a stroke and why acting quickly matters.
Recorded during National Stroke Week, held from 3 to 9 August 2026, Gerald breaks down the FAST acronym, explaining what to look for when it comes to Face, Arms and Speech, and why Time is the most important part of the message.
Eve...
Celebrating 50 Years Deadly in Wujal Wujal
Black Star Radio's Mark Hogan takes you to Wujal Wujal for the community's 2026 NAIDOC Week celebration, marking 50 Years Deadly.
Hear from Mayor Alister Gibson, Community Services Manager Kesa Strieby and local community members as they reflect on the importance of NAIDOC Week, honouring Elders, celebrating culture and passing stories, language an...
In this episode, MJ speaks with Chad King, CEO of the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council, about the unveiling of a new statue that honours an important chapter in the community's history.
The statue depicts an unnamed woman holding a baby as she watches a ship carrying her family away from Mapoon to New Mapoon.
Chad explains why the memorial is so significant, not only as a tribute to those wh...
In this episode, MJ speaks with Trent Jackson, Executive Manager of the Queensland Ambulance Service Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety Unit, about the pathways helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people build a career in paramedicine.
Trent shares his own journey into the Queensland Ambulance Service, explains how the Indigenous Paramedic Program works, and highlights the sc...
In this episode, MJ speaks with Natalie Gardner, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia, about the vital support the organisation provides to families when a child needs specialist medical care.
Natalie explains how the Townsville House gives families from Far North Queensland a place to stay close to the hospital, easing some of the pressure during what is often one of the most difficult...
In this episode, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about the difference between everyday fears and genuine phobias.
From snakes and spiders to elevators and MRI machines, Gerald explains how phobias can trigger intense anxiety and physical reactions that go far beyond normal caution or concern.
The conversation explores how phob...
Getting a health check could save your life.
In this conversation with Black Star Radio's MJ, Trish from Gidgee Healing talks about the Be Crocwise, Be Cancer Aware campaign and why knowing your history, understanding your risks, and acting early are so important.
Supported by rugby league legend Matt Bowen, the campaign encourages people to visit their loca...
The Return of Diphtheria in Australia
In this episode, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about the return of diphtheria in Australia.
Once considered largely eradicated, diphtheria is again making headlines, with cases on the rise and health authorities urging people to stay informed and ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
Gerald explains wh...
Why Luke Carroll Is Heading to Yarrabah
Luke Carroll is heading to Yarrabah as part of the six-week Youth Health Festival.
In this conversation with Black Star Radio's MJ, Luke talks about the importance of making health services feel welcoming, accessible, and culturally safe for young people.
He also shares why he's passionate abou...
In this episode, MJ speaks with Vicki Baylis from the Atherton Tablelands Agricultural Society about what's shaping up to be another exciting Atherton Show.
This year’s event will celebrate the United Nations International Year of the Woman Farmer.
From women who worked the land during the war years to today’s farmers, producers, and industry leaders, the show is shining a spotl...
In this episode, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about Men's Mental Health Month and the importance of looking beyond physical health.
Gerald explores the idea of mental fitness, the ability to navigate life’s challenges, maintain confidence, and stay connected through difficult times. He reflects on why many men find it hard to talk about what they're going through ...
In this episode, MJ chats with Bradley from Tasmania, a long-time Black Star listener tuning in from one of the most remote parts of the country.
Living on Tasmania’s rugged west coast, Bradley shares what life is like in a region known for its dairy industry, commercial fishing, and dramatic landscapes.
The conversation touches on everything from calamari fishing and the disappearanc...
In this episode, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and Master Herbalist, about why fibre may be one of the most important, and most overlooked, parts of our diet.
Gerald explains how modern eating habits have shifted us away from many of the fibre-rich foods our grandparents ate, and why that change may be contributing to digestive health issues.
The conversation explores how fibre ...
In this episode, MJ speaks with Dr Helen Pedgrift about the re-emergence of diphtheria in parts of Australia and why health experts are paying close attention.
Dr Helen explains what diphtheria is, how it spreads, and the symptoms people should be aware of, from severe throat infections to skin sores and ulcers. While the disease can be treated with antibiotics, she stresses that vaccination remains the ...
In this episode, MJ speaks with bush poet Bob Pacey about Queensland Day and what makes the Sunshine State so special to those who call it home.
Drawing on more than 70 years of life in Queensland, Bob shares an original poem celebrating the people, places, resilience, and community spirit that have shaped the state across generations.
From the beaches and outback to the friendships forged ...
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