Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

Mareeba Lions Family Fun Metrogaine 2025 — with Tom Braes

Walk. Ride. Run. Solve clues. Raise funds.

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ chats with Tom Braes from the Lions Club of Mareeba about the upcoming Family Fun Metrogaine!

What to expect:

All funds raised support the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation and the Lions Medical Research Foundation.

It’s fun, it’s active, and it’s for a great cause.

Listen to the 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 why smoking and vaping are both health and wealth hazards—and what support is out there to help people quit.

Gerald shares insights on Quit’s Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) program, which works to:

Whether you're ready to quit or want to support someone who is—there’s help available, and change is possible.

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.

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, MJ speaks with Gerald Quigley, practising Community Pharmacist and Accredited Herbalist, about dementia — a growing concern for many Australians and their families.

While there’s currently no effective cure for dementia, research shows that certain lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk of it developing.

So, what’s Gerald’s latest trick?

Tune in to hear one simple, research-backed habit that could make a difference — plus some encouraging news for technology users.

As always, be sure to speak with your GP for advice that’s right for you.

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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. 

From Discomfort to Control: Living Better with Crohn’s disease — with Gerald Quigley

In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ is joined by Gerald Quigley, practising Community Pharmacist and Accredited Herbalist, to explore the often misunderstood topic of gut health—with a special focus on Crohn’s disease.

Gerald shares key insights on:

Whether you're living with Crohn’s or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that you are not without options—and help is out there.

Learn more at crohnscolitisfoundation.org

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.

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, MJ is joined by Gerald Quigley, a practising Community Pharmacist and Accredited Herbalist, to discuss asthma—a condition affecting approximately 2.7 million Australians.

In 2023, there were 474 asthma-related deaths in Australia, highlighting the importance of effective asthma management.

Is asthma preventable? Tune in to learn more.

And remember—always consult your GP for personalised medical advice.

----more----

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, MJ is joined by Gerald Quigley, a practising Community Pharmacist and Accredited Herbalist, to talk about irregular heart rhythms — and how to lower your risk if this is something that affects you.

While the symptoms can be unsettling, there are simple lifestyle changes that may help.

Gerald explains how regular brisk walking —  can support heart rhythm health and potentially reduce your risk over time.

Tune in for practical, natural ways to care for your heart and improve your overall wellbeing.

And remember — always speak to your GP for personalised medical advice.

----more----

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. 

Boodie Bloore: Running with Purpose

In this feel-good episode, MJ chats with Boodie Bloore, who was diagnosed with epilepsy — but hasn’t let that stop him from chasing his goals.

Boodie shares his inspiring journey, including how he recently completed the 2025 Great Wheelbarrow Race. It’s a story of resilience, determination, and the power of support from family, friends, and community.

Can we expect to see Boodie back for the 2026 race?

Tune in to find out.

----more----

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.

Get caught up in this jam-packed episode as MJ speaks with Deputy Mayor Lenore Wyatt about the excitement of this year’s Great Wheelbarrow Race.

Held each May, this iconic event sees teams push empty wheelbarrows along the Wheelbarrow Way from Mareeba to Chillagoe over three gruelling stages — all while raising money for charities and community groups.

Lenore shares highlights from the race, including a new social team

record set by a group of men from Vanuatu, who completed the course in 7 hours, 15 minutes, and 29 seconds.

Plus — big news for Chillagoe! The town has officially been named

as a finalists in the Top Tiny Tourism Town category (for populations under 1,500).

Listen now to hear how it all unfolded.

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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, practising Community Pharmacist and Accredited Herbalist, to talk about the importance of heart health—and the small, sustainable steps we can all take to live longer and live better.

Gerald reminds us that while many Australians are living longer, the goal should be to enjoy those extra years in good health and with quality of life. A great place to start? Book a heart health check with your doctor.

He discusses common risk factors such as overindulging in sugar, saturated fats (like those found in processed meats, fried takeaway foods, and store-bought pastries), and high-sugar/high-fat combinations that can place unnecessary stress on the heart—the engine room of your body.

Instead, Gerald encourages a return to balanced meals using fresh, in-season ingredients. Think a lean piece of steak or chicken with seasonal vegetables, cooked however you like. Watch your portion sizes, and aim for a healthy balance between the energy you take in and the energy you burn.

Daily movement matters, too. Whether it’s parking a little further from the shops, gardening, or vacuuming—all physical activity adds up over the day and contributes to better heart health.

Gerald also talks about angina—a warning sign of heart trouble—and what symptoms to look out for. His message is clear: small lifestyle changes now can make a big difference later.

----more----

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. 

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.