Blind Magic in Alice Springs

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.

The pitfalls in taking on issues

The advantages or disadvantages in taking on a community issue.

Hosted by Murray Stewart on episode 1,637 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, this episode centers on a passionate local dispute and the formation of a new Ratepayers Association. Murray explains why he’s committed to making Alice Springs his permanent home, why he helped create the Ratepayers Association, and what the group intends to protect — the towns history, its future, and the contributions of long-time volunteers.
The conversation covers the current conflict with the mayor and supporters of the Astor Hill proposal, concerns about divisive tactics being used by opponents, and the emotional debate around proposals such as renaming the town to "Mubuntawa." Murray defends local volunteers and community organizations, highlights the importance of sporting facilities that benefit groups like Running Academy Central Australia, the Desert Sports Foundation, and local athletics clubs, and expresses gratitude for contributions from people associated with the Australian-American defence facility.
Key points include Murrays call for respectful, democratic discourse rather than verbal aggression, his refusal to accept attacks on other community volunteers, and his determination to protect the town9s identity and the people who have built and supported it. Heather is briefly consulted on the episode number, and Murray reiterates his commitment to lead the Ratepayers Association in a positive, community-focused way moving forward.

murray talks about keeping ourself fit as we grow older

Episode 1634 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs features host Murray Stewart sharing a warm, playful take on connecting with young children as a vision-impaired grandparent. Murray opens with a chat about how he and a close friend from his support team sometimes struggle to relate to kids aged roughly 1–10, while feeling much more at home with teenagers from his athletics coaching background.
To bridge that gap, Murray describes a creative sound-based alternative to "I Spy": a game he calls "I Hear With My Little Ear." He recounts bringing the idea to life with his grandson (Hendrix) while visiting Cairns, and how the youngster loved the game. The episode includes lighthearted demonstrations of animal impersonations — Murray tries a rooster and the iconic Australian kookaburra — and teases a friendly challenge when he calls to play again.
Along the way Murray speaks with a member of his support team (a good friend) and touches base with Jin, offering listeners both company and encouragement. The conversation highlights practical tips for caregivers and grandparents: adapt activities to your abilities, lean into sound and imagination, and don’t be afraid to be silly — children respond to playfulness and shared laughter.
This episode blends gentle humour, real-life examples, and simple, actionable ideas for anyone wanting to deepen bonds with young children — especially when sight-based games aren’t an option. Produced by Blind Magic Communications, the show celebrates creative connection, family storytelling, and the value of playful experimentation.

Host Murray Stewart presents episode 1633 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, opening with a clear message of gratitude to the United States for its historical and ongoing partnership with Australia. Murray discusses AUKUS and the local Australian–American Defence Facility, explaining its surveillance role and significance for security across the South Pacific.The episode highlights the economic and social benefits the base has brought to Alice Springs over decades: jobs, construction projects like medical and sporting facilities, and personal contributions from US personnel and their families. Murray shares personal anecdotes about volunteers and community support—such as assistance with council work, fundraising for youth sports through the Desert Sports Foundation, and everyday courtesy from American residents—painting a picture of strong local ties.Murray explains why he and fellow Rate Payers Association members support keeping the base in town, arguing the facility is vital to both local prosperity and national defence. He criticises what he calls “extreme left anti‑American” sentiment and says he and others will make their views known to local leadership, urging respect and gratitude for the alliance and its history.The conversation turns to recent public debates in Australia, including the Sydney Swans saga and claims that political rhetoric is being used to demonise men. Murray cautions against sweeping generalisations, highlights examples of male heroism (police rescuing a woman and her dog, lifesavers and bystanders saving shark-attack victim Leah Stewart), and stresses that domestic violence is a community issue requiring mutual respect and collective action rather than blanket condemnation.Throughout the episode Murray balances local anecdotes, national security concerns, and social commentary—encouraging listeners to recognise the positive contributions of many, defend important alliances, and work together to address violence and uphold respectful behaviour. This episode is a mix of gratitude, civic advocacy, and a call for nuance in public debates.