Blind Magic in Alice Springs

Episode 1081 The Unique Edge: Coaching with Sensory Mastery

Hi everyone, away we go. This is episode 1081 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs. I am your presenter and host Murray Stewart. And you know, if you've seen my profile, that I am the world's only totally blind track running coach. I say that because I'm proud of it. I'm very, very proud of it.
So what do I think I can lend to athletes that other coaches find difficult? Well, what I lend is based on the fact that I have been totally blind all my life. Other qualities that I have are that I have studied applied science as a myotherapist. And I've also been an athlete. Yes, I have been out there running hard, trying to win running races. And with all of this, I have always had to use my other senses in order to be good at everything I do.
As an athlete, not only was I out there running my own race, I was listening to the footfall of the other athletes. I was. I was listening to them as they came closer and closer or as I was able to break away from them. And with their footfall, I was able then to establish establish what their gait was like. That's right. Were they running confidently or was their style falling away because they were getting tired? I was also able to establish that by listening to their breathing. Yes, the rhythm of their breathing. Were they panting or did they have control of their breathing. And once again, that gave me all of the information I needed to either continue putting the pressure on by upping the pace or to relax and enjoy what was happening.
Yeah, so being able to listen to someone's footfall and being able to listen to someone's breathing breathing is very important when it comes to coaching. And that is a quality that I absolutely bring to the table as a totally blind person because listening is what we do to survive. The other thing I bring to the table is my touch skills. That's right, not only as a myotherapist, but also as a blind person who needs to employ tactile skills every day of my life. And this being the case, I can employ those skills to ensure that an athlete's body is in very, very good shape, their muscles, their hard tissue.
And it's not just about their biomechanical integrity. It's also about their emotional integrity, because tension in the muscles tells me that they are getting, you know, stress episodes occurring, emotional stress episodes. Perhaps the nervous energy is building. So there's a lot you can gauge through having good sensory awareness, both of hearing and of touch.
Yeah, combine all of these things together, whether experience as an athlete, experience as a myotherapist, experience as someone who has lived with a vision impairment all my life, I think I'm in an excellent position to be a good coach. And belatedly, in the last couple of years since my strokes, I think I've added a new dimension to my coaching. Yes, the fact that my brain has had to utilize neuropathways, I've developed techniques to strengthen those neuropathways, to find brand new neuropathways in what I am calling my second life. Once again, I have developed brand new skills that I can now lend my athletes.
So yes, I may be blind and I may be brain injured, but wow, can I lend my athletes some unique skills that belong to me that now can belong to my athletes. I treasure that. I truly do.
All right, folks. I hope you've also treasured this episode. This has been episode 1,081, a Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 1080 Surviving Against All Odds: Embracing a Second Life

Good afternoon from Alice Springs, Central Australia! In this inspiring episode 1080 of "Blind Magic in Alice Springs," we delve into the extraordinary journey of survival and resilience. Our host reflects on the incredible challenges faced, from surviving a massive stroke during a quintuple bypass surgery to overcoming various life-threatening conditions. Drawing parallels to the remarkable swimmer Alexis Lira, the host explores the factors contributing to their second lease on life.Through a combination of past athletic fitness and the extraordinary adaptability of a brain developed through blindness, the host shares insights into how these elements have played a crucial role in their survival. Emphasizing the importance of maximizing one's potential, this episode encourages listeners to focus on their strengths and capabilities, despite any deficits they may face.Join us as we witness the host's journey in their second life, aiming to make it as fruitful and impactful as possible. The upcoming episodes promise to track their progress, with listeners serving as the ultimate judges of their success. Tune in for a powerful message of resilience, determination, and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Episode 1079 Back to Alice Springs: Triumphs and Trials

Back to Alice Springs: Triumphs and TrialsIn episode 1079, "Blind Magic in Alice Springs," we return from the vibrant city of Darwin to the serene landscapes of Alice Springs. The episode captures the dramatic shift from Darwin's humid heat to the unexpected rain and cool temperatures in Central Australia.Our host reflects on the recent journey, highlighting the athletes' remarkable achievements, including personal bests by Bula Akundu and Harry Mircec. The episode also delves into personal challenges faced due to spatial awareness issues stemming from an acquired brain injury.Despite the hurdles, the host embraces the neuroplasticity of the brain, aiming for stabilization and potential improvement. Now back in the comfort of a familiar environment, the focus shifts to living life fully and overcoming obstacles with determination and resilience.

Episode 1078 Rising Star: James Lloyd's Golden Triumph in Darwin

Welcome to episode 1078 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, hosted by Murray Stewart. This week, we're on tour in Darwin, wrapping up our journey at the Darwin Airport Resort. The spotlight is on an emerging talent, James Lloyd, a young athlete who's making waves in the Northern Territory Championships.Join us as we delve into James's remarkable achievements, including his impressive feat of clinching three gold medals and running under one minute for the 400 meters at just 12 years old. Hear from his proud father, Jim Lloyd, about James's journey, his dedication, and his aspirations for the future.Tune in to discover why James Lloyd is a name to watch in the world of athletics and how his recent victories mark just the beginning of an exciting career ahead. Don't miss this inspiring episode of Blind Magic Communications!

Episode 1077 Exploring Culinary Delights in Darwin: A Journey from Alice Springs

Join host Murray Stewart in episode 1077 of "Blind Magic in Alice Springs" as he takes you on a captivating journey from Alice Springs to the bustling city of Darwin. Discover the transformation of the Darwin Airport Resort and the unique experiences it offers, from luxurious amenities to diverse dining options.
Murray, along with Heather, young Harry Mieczek, and his mum, explore the culinary delights at the Lazy Susan Chinese Restaurant. They savor dishes they can't find in Alice Springs, with a special focus on the mouth-watering sweet and sour barramundi.
The episode also highlights the athletic achievements of Harry Meechek and Bula Akundu, aka Black Lightning, who have smashed their personal bests in various events. Murray shares the challenges he faced due to his vision impairment and spatial awareness deficit, providing a heartfelt glimpse into his personal journey.
As the trip concludes, Murray looks forward to returning to Alice Springs and reuniting with his beloved dog, Santa. Stay tuned for more adventures in the next episode, back in Alice Springs.

Episode 1076 Blind Magic in Alice Springs: Harry's 800-Meter Triumph

Welcome to episode 1076 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs. Join host Murray Stewart live from the Marara Athletic Stadium in Darwin as he coaches athlete Harry Meechek through an exhilarating 800-meter race.
With Heather, the dedicated producer, and Helen, the timing assistant and Harry's mother, this episode captures the intense moments of the race. Experience the strategy, the surges, and the final push as Harry aims to beat his personal best time of 2.52 minutes.
Will Harry's endurance and tactical running secure him a new record? Tune in to find out!

Episode 1075 Black Lightning's Race and the Rivalry Between Alice Springs and Darwin

Welcome to episode 1075 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, hosted by Murray Stewart. In this episode, Murray recaps the recent race involving Black Lightning, Bula Akundu, and the challenges faced during the event. Despite a few hiccups, Black Lightning secured a silver medal with an impressive time, marking a successful mission.Murray also shares his candid thoughts on Darwin, contrasting it with Alice Springs and other regions like Cairns. He discusses the ongoing rivalry and political tensions between Alice Springs and Darwin, highlighting the lack of development and attention Alice Springs receives compared to Darwin. Tune in for an honest and engaging discussion on athletics and regional dynamics in the Northern Territory.

Episode 1074 Big Trees, Big Dreams: Northern Territory Athletics Championship

Welcome to episode 1074 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, hosted by Murray Stewart. Join us as we explore the vibrant and scorching city of Darwin, where towering trees and tropical heat set the stage for an exciting athletics championship.Broadcasting from the Marara Sporting Complex, we delve into the diverse sports facilities available and the thrilling events of the Northern Territory Athletics Championships. Get ready to witness the extraordinary talent of athletes like Black Lightning, who is on the brink of achieving the prestigious triple crown in sprinting events.Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll bring you the exhilarating 100-meter race featuring Black Lightning. Don't miss the journey of incredible athletes striving for excellence on the synthetic tracks of Darwin.

Episode 1073 Black Lightning Shines at Northern Territory Athletics Championships

Welcome to episode 1073 of Blind Magic Communications Production, hosted by Murray Stewart. In this exciting episode, we take you to the Northern Territory Athletics Championships in Darwin, where we celebrate the outstanding achievements of young athlete Beulah Akundu, affectionately known as "Black Lightning."Join us as we discuss Beulah's thrilling victory in the 400 meters for 11-year-old girls, following her incredible performance in the 200 meters with a time of 29.13. Listen in as Beulah shares her race strategy and emotions, and hear the pride and admiration from Murray as he interviews this emerging star.Tune in to hear about Beulah's upcoming race in the 100 meters and her plans to celebrate a long campaign of training. This episode is a testament to hard work, talent, and the joy of athletic achievement. Don't miss out on this inspiring story!

Episode 1072 Saying Goodbye to our Furry Friend

Hi everyone, this is episode 1072, it's Blind Magic in Alice Springs, and I am your host and presenter Murray Stewart. Today, I have a special guest, my beautiful puppy dog. He's been extra affectionate this morning because he knows I'm leaving for Darwin. Blind Magic in Alice Springs will be on tour, and I'll miss my little buddy dearly.
Our pets give us so much, especially when we're alone. They become our family, offering us unconditional love and companionship. My dog, Santa, has been that for me, and I'll miss him while I'm away. He'll be staying with friends and their dogs, Shadow and Valley, and I'll be back on Sunday.
If you have a special bond with a pet, you'll understand how I feel. Leaving them behind is tough, but they know we'll be back. The bond remains unbroken, just interrupted for a short while. I look forward to speaking to you from Darwin in the next episode.