Blind Magic in Alice Springs

Episode 1650 features host Murray Stewart reflecting on leadership, community responsibility, and personal growth. Speaking solo, Murray explores why more people follow than lead, whether leadership can be taught, and how genetic temperament and on-the-job learning shape leaders over time.The episode traces Murray's own leadership journey — from teenage roles in cricket clubs and associations to positions in local government and community organizations such as the Alice Springs Ratepayers Association, the Desert Sports Foundation, and the Aphrodite Club. He describes the constant work of leadership, the sacrifices it demands, and the ongoing process of maturing into a better leader.A central topic is a current local controversy in Alice Springs: Murray raises concerns about the town's mayor and what he characterizes as an extremist, green ideology that he believes threatens the town's economic future and social cohesion. He discusses low voter turnout in the recent local election, the challenges of mobilizing citizens beyond online criticism, and the Ratepayers Association’s petition and no-confidence effort.Throughout the episode Murray shares candid reflections on staying calm and steady in difficult times, learning from forks in the road, and finding emotional and intellectual growth later in life. Listeners will hear a mix of practical community activism, personal anecdote, and philosophical thought about leadership, civic duty, and the rewards — and burdens — that come with stepping forward.

In episode 1,649 of Blind Magic Communications Production, host Murray Stewart broadcasts from Alice Springs with producer Heather on the line to report on darkening skies and the chance of rain. The episode opens with live weather observations — white and grey clouds rolling in — and sets the scene for a possible afternoon of thunderstorms.Murray and Heather discuss the seasonal shift toward summertime in Central Australia: warming daytime temperatures into the low 30s meeting cooler air moving up from the south. They explain how that clash can create strong convection currents and fuel storms, and outline the possible hazards listeners should watch for, including strong winds, heavy rain and even hail.The conversation includes practical safety reminders for people who may be outdoors or camping, urging them to find shelter if storms intensify. Murray shares his personal fondness for storms and the tropics, noting he feels secure at home while hoping fellow Central Australians stay safe.Listeners can expect an informal, informative weather-focused episode combining local observations, a plain-English explanation of storm mechanics, and clear safety advice — all presented by Murray Stewart with contributions from producer Heather. Blind Magic Communications signs off the episode with the usual warm send-off.

Join host Murray Stewart in Episode 1,648 as he takes listeners to the heart of Central Australia — Alice Springs — and explores the unique dangers and striking beauty of the Outback. Murray explains why this region experiences both extreme heat and bitter cold: the lack of moisture in the driest continent on Earth makes temperature swings unusually severe.The episode covers practical advice for trekkers and visitors to places like the MacDonnell Ranges: bring warm clothing and sleeping gear for winter, a sturdy sleeping bag and the ability to make a fire; and in summer, take plenty of water, canned food, and a satellite phone in case you become lost. Murray emphasizes how quickly exposure can become life-threatening in both seasons and why careful preparation is essential.Murray shares a personal hypothermia experience to underline the real danger cold can pose even at home in Alice Springs. He also highlights September and springtime as the most worrying period because snakes are emerging from hibernation — hungry, fast, and among the world’s most venomous. The episode warns about common snake habitats (long grass, leaf piles, roadside vegetation), the particular risk to pets, and how a heavy tread can sometimes scare snakes away.Key takeaways include planning for extreme temperatures, carrying emergency supplies (water, food, sat phone), wearing appropriate gear, watching where you step, supervising pets, and listening to local advice. Despite the risks, Murray invites visitors to experience the magic of Alice Springs — just do so with respect for the land and preparation for its hazards.

Host Murray Stewart presents episode 1647 of Blind Magic from Alice Springs, opening with a light apology for background noise from a running robot vacuum and setting the tone for a candid, no-holds-barred solo monologue.The principal focus is recent accusations that Stewart supports Pauline Hanson. He firmly rejects being a backer, explaining he is taking a watching brief on Hanson and One Nation. Stewart outlines his doubts about the longevity and composition of her support base and warns that fringe or unsuitable followers can quickly hitch onto a rising political wave.Stewart also questions whether Hanson has the stamina and tested temperament required for the intense pressures of prime ministership — a concern framed as practical and experience-based rather than sexist. He notes how quickly political fortunes can unravel with a single major misstep and imagines a return to private life should things go wrong.The episode broadens to criticize what Stewart calls the left's hypocrisy, specifically calling out the ABC's treatment of Gina Rinehart and contrasting that treatment with the left’s stated support for successful women. He frames this as evidence of double standards in contemporary media and political culture.Listeners can also expect brief local context — a battle between the Ratepayers Association and Mayor Aster Hill is referenced — and an overall promise of frank, observational commentary. This is a solo episode with no external guests, offering Stewart's personal take on national figures, local disputes, media conduct, and the shifting dynamics of political support.

Host Murray Stewart presents Blind Magic in Alice Springs — Episode 1,646 — a passionate, timely reflection on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the vital role it plays in enabling Australians with disabilities to contribute to the nation. Recorded in Alice Springs, the episode highlights the strengths and abilities of people with disabilities and celebrates their growing visibility and impact across public life.The episode examines how the NDIS has helped people with disabilities access opportunity and independence — from ordinary citizens achieving remarkable things to having representatives elected to Parliament. Murray outlines how supports provided through the scheme contribute not only to individual well-being but also to the broader economy: building roads, hospitals, and the infrastructure that benefits all Australians.At the same time, Murray raises urgent concerns about current government plans that risk cutting funding and support. He acknowledges the need for a sustainable system but warns against blunt, naive, or poorly managed cuts that could endanger lives and strip away people’s ability to participate. He calls for professional, targeted measures that remove criminals and system abusers while protecting those who genuinely depend on the NDIS.The episode brings into sharp focus the human consequences of policy decisions — including life-threatening situations for people reliant on medical technology — and critiques decision-makers who may lack direct experience with disability. Murray urges a humane, informed approach that preserves life and harnesses the extraordinary abilities of people with disabilities to help lift the nation higher.There are no external guests on this episode; the program is a solo presentation by Murray Stewart and is produced by Blind Magic Communications.

In episode 1,644 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, host Murray Stewart delivers a heartfelt Father's Day message and a personal reflection on the long, rewarding, and challenging craft of fatherhood.This solo episode covers parenting adult children, the evolving responsibilities and joys of being a dad, and practical guidance on how to support grown children: give them room to make mistakes, listen attentively, and offer advice with empathy and good timing.Murray shares personal reflections about his own family (two sons and two daughters) and explains why allowing mistakes is vital to learning and development. He encourages fathers to perform a candid self-assessment—identify strengths, acknowledge weaknesses, and set goals for growth.Key takeaways include celebrating the role of fatherhood, practicing empathic listening, passing on experience without smothering, and continually learning and growing as a parent. Murray closes with congratulations to all fathers and warm wishes for a happy Father’s Day.A Blind Magic Communications production.

Good afternoon from Alice Springs in Central Australia, and good morning or good evening wherever you are in the world. This is Murray Stewart. I'm your presenter and host, and it's episode 1643 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs.In this episode Murray Stewart speaks directly to listeners who have recently been diagnosed with a disability, offering reassurance, encouragement and personal perspective. Drawing on his own experience with brain injury and total blindness, Murray emphasizes that a diagnosis is not the end of life but the start of a new chapter. He discusses the emotional adjustment, the development of new strengths, and the importance of focusing on achievable goals.Murray shares a personal update about parting with his cherished Yamaha piano — an instrument he had hoped would aid his neurological rehabilitation through music and re-learning skills. He explains why, given his current deficits, he has decided to shelve that project for now and instead concentrate on endeavors that are realistic and deeply meaningful to him.Topics covered include neuroplasticity and rehabilitation strategies (learning languages and music), coping with loss and changing plans, prioritizing passions, and the satisfaction of doing fewer things very well rather than many things poorly. Murray also mentions his commitments to the new Running Academy Central Australia and the local Ratepayers Association as examples of where he is directing his energy.There are no external guests on this episode — it is a personal, reflective solo episode featuring Murray Stewart as host. Key takeaways: be gentle with yourself after a diagnosis, accept that some dreams may be postponed, zero in on attainable and meaningful goals, and commit to excellence in the things you choose to pursue.This episode is production number 1643 from Blind Magic Communications.

Episode 1,642 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs features presenter and host Murray Stewart sharing a deeply personal and motivational monologue about how his life experiences have shaped his coaching philosophy. Speaking candidly from Alice Springs, Murray reflects on living with total blindness and an acquired brain injury, and how surviving a quintuple bypass heart operation in 2022 gave him a profound sense of liberation and a ‘second life.’
Murray explains how these combined experiences have made him a more adventurous and effective track running coach. He describes founding the Ratepayers Association and Running Academy Central Australia, and how he’s unafraid to try new, bold training methods with young athletes. Murray emphasizes his commitment to helping athletes exceed his own achievements by building an ‘athletics machine’—a strong, efficient, and resilient competitor.
The episode covers Murray’s core coaching principles: belief, resilience, and a strong foundation of base fitness. He uses the metaphor of building a tower to illustrate why a solid foundation is essential for long-term success, and stresses that resilience helps athletes and people navigate setbacks—whether they’re disabilities, relationship breakups, or other life challenges.
Listeners can expect a mix of personal storytelling and practical coaching insight—lessons on taking chances, maintaining belief in yourself, and constructing the physical and mental building blocks for athletic success. There are no outside guests; this is an intimate, first-person message from Murray aimed at inspiring athletes and anyone facing adversity.
The episode closes with a direct call to action: start by believing in yourself, build the blocks that make you capable, and cultivate resilience. Murray’s final message is simple and empowering—he believes in you, and now it’s time for you to believe in yourself.

Join host Murray Stewart on Blind Magic in Alice Springs for episode 1641, a personal and inspiring look at how his dual disabilities — total blindness and a brain injury — have shaped him into a uniquely effective athletics coach. Murray opens with heartfelt thanks to listeners and shares milestone download stats, then moves into a candid personal story about his coaching philosophy and methods.Listeners will learn how Murray’s acute tactile skills, developed through years as a myotherapist, allow him to diagnose and manage sports injuries by touch, keeping athletes from progressing to chronic problems. He explains how enhanced verbal communication and motivation are key coaching strengths that arise from his vision impairment.Murray describes his signature advice to athletes — to “run like a blind man” — and explains the importance of listening to breathing, footsteps, and the subtle rhythms of the body to optimize performance and sense competitors’ states. He also discusses environmental awareness, such as using wind at your back to lengthen strides, and how sensing atmosphere and rhythm can give athletes an edge.After surviving strokes, Murray shares how rebuilding his brain has influenced his coaching: using podcasting, learning new skills (including some Italian), and deliberately creating new neural pathways. He outlines how these brain-rebuilding techniques and a deep understanding of how the brain works have led him to introduce innovative coaching approaches and even “secret” cues for athletes.The episode concludes with an introduction to the Running Academy Central Australia, newly formed by Murray, and his confident assertion that athletes under his care will gain advantages from his lived experience. Expect practical coaching insights, a thoughtful exploration of disability as strength, and an inspiring message about resilience and brain plasticity.

Great people, important causes.