Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

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

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Stars and Stories 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.

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

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Stars and Stories 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.

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?

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

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Stars and Stories 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.

Meet Gerald

Gerald Quigley is a practising Community Pharmacist, as well as an Accredited Herbalist.

Gerald is a Pharmacist and Master Herbalist based in Melbourne. He is a media health commentator heard each week on many radio stations.   

He is co-hosts the House of Wellness radio program heard each Sunday on the Nine Radio Network live across Australia. 

Gerald is a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia and Fellow of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. 

Gerald’s passion is to empower each person to make sensible health decisions, and to continually maintain and improve their quality of life, especially as they age. 

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

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Stars and Stories 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.

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ speaks with Stephen Wilson from Tolga, who shares a deeply personal and alarming story — the suspected baiting of his beloved dog.

After finding signs of poisoning near Graham Road, Stephen rushed his dog to the vet. Thanks to urgent treatment, she pulled through — but the outcome could have been very different.

Stephen's message to others is clear: Be alert. Watch your pets closely.

Listen to the full episode now on Stars and Stories

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Stars and Stories 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.

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ is joined by Gerald Quigley, Community Pharmacist and Accredited Herbalist, to talk about a vital yet often overlooked organ — the liver.

This time, the focus is on fatty liver — a condition that affects many Australians and can often be improved with small, consistent changes.

Gerald explains how the liver filters litres of blood every minute, and how the right foods can support its function. Some of the most effective options include lemon, garlic, turkey, and onion.

And ere's something remarkable: if part of your liver is damaged, it can actually regrow — but only if it's given the support it needs.

🎧 Listen now to learn how to care for your liver naturally on Stars and Stories

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Stars and Stories 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.

Meet Gerald

Gerald Quigley is a practising Community Pharmacist, as well as an Accredited Herbalist.

Gerald is a Pharmacist and Master Herbalist based in Melbourne. He is a media health commentator heard each week on many radio stations.   

He is co-hosts the House of Wellness radio program heard each Sunday on the Nine Radio Network live across Australia. 

Gerald is a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia and Fellow of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. 

Gerald’s passion is to empower each person to make sensible health decisions, and to continually maintain and improve their quality of life, especially as they age. 

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ is joined by Gerald Quigley, practising Community Pharmacist and Accredited Herbalist, to discuss a health issue that’s more common than most people realise — incontinence.

Around 1 in 4 Australians experience some level of incontinence, which involves the involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control. 

Gerald shares advice on:

With the right information and support, there are simple steps to help manage and improve bladder and bowel control.

Listen to the full episode on Stars and Stories now. 

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Stars and Stories 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.

Meet Gerald

Gerald Quigley is a practising Community Pharmacist, as well as an Accredited Herbalist.

Gerald is a Pharmacist and Master Herbalist based in Melbourne. He is a media health commentator heard each week on many radio stations.   

He is co-hosts the House of Wellness radio program heard each Sunday on the Nine Radio Network live across Australia. 

Gerald is a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia and Fellow of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. 

Gerald’s passion is to empower each person to make sensible health decisions, and to continually maintain and improve their quality of life, especially as they age. 

Saying Goodbye to Greg Reid — A Life of Impact on Air and Off with Gerry Pyne and Neville Reys

In this emotional episode of Stars and Stories, MJ pays tribute to Greg Reid, former Black Star announcer and the beloved host of Talk Black, who has sadly passed away.

MJ is joined by Gerry Pyne, Former General Manager of Black Star Radio, and Neville Reys, to reflect on Greg’s role in the early days of Black Star and the lasting impact he had on the station and the people around him.

Greg was part of the original team that helped launch Black Star Radio. Known for his years on the breakfast show, and for his talk show,Talk Black, Greg was respected not just for his voice—but for his compassion, humour, and deep care for community.

“He was a true gentleman.”

Listen to this special tribute and remember a man who gave so much to others—on air and off.

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Stars and Stories 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.

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ chats with Milton Mossman about a fantastic community initiative happening in Yarrabah — a Fun Run and a Free Health Check campaign for young people aged 15 to 30.

For the next few weeks, all young people in Yarrabah are encouraged to:

✅ Get a free health check

✅ Come back for their results

✅ Stay strong, stay informed, and stay connected

Listen now on Stars and Stories to Yarrabah Fun Run & Health Check — with Milton Mossman

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Stars and Stories 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.

Bowel Cancer Screening Could Save Your Life — with Che Cockatoo-Collins

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ is joined by AFL legend Che Cockatoo-Collins to discuss the importance of bowel cancer screening.

Che shares a powerful message: "Encourage your loved ones, friends, and family aged 45 – 74 to stay healthy and strong by screening for Bowel Cancer every two years."

If you're over 45, free testing kits are available. It's quick, it's easy, and 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated if found early.

This is about being here for your mob, your kids, your community—and giving yourself the best chance to live a long, strong life.

Listen to the episode now on Stars and Stories.

Learn more: indigenousbowelscreen.com.au or call 1800 627 701

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Stars and Stories 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.