Blind Magic in Alice Springs

Episode 1020 Overcoming Stroke: A Journey to Rediscover Independence

Hi everyone, good afternoon from Alice Springs and good morning, good evening wherever you are in the world. This is Murray Stewart, your presenter and host, and this is episode 1020 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs.
In this episode, Murray shares his ongoing battle with the aftermath of multiple strokes, focusing on the challenges of diminished spatial awareness—a crucial sense for those who are totally blind. He consults with Dr. Angela, a visiting neurologist from Sydney, about his condition and the potential for stabilizing his sensory deficits through neuroplasticity.
Murray also reflects on his past struggles, including the emotional toll of his third divorce and how simple, independent activities like cooking aided his recovery. Inspired by these memories, he takes a significant step forward in his post-stroke recovery by purchasing a practical air fryer to regain a sense of normalcy and independence.
With heartfelt determination, Murray aims to maintain his current state and continue his journey towards semi-independence. He encourages others facing similar challenges to find small, meaningful ways to reclaim their lives piece by piece.
Thank you for listening. This has been episode 1020 of Blind Magic Communications Production.

Episode 1019 Life-Changing Events: From Personal Struggles to Global Impact

Hi everyone, welcome, welcome, wherever you are. I'm Murray Stewart, your presenter and host, and this is Blind Magic in Alice Springs, episode 1019. Massive indeed. Isn't the world an exciting and interesting place? Oh yes it is. Every morning I wake, there's something different to discuss. World events are moving very, very fast these days.
This morning, there are strong rumours, though unconfirmed, that President Xi of China may have suffered a stroke. This news prompted me to reflect on life-changing events that have occurred in my life, such as the birth of my children, my divorces, and my own health issues, including a heart attack and strokes.
Life-changing events can transform us, for better or worse, depending on how we approach them. These experiences add to our wisdom and character. I also discuss how such events can change leaders and celebrities, potentially altering the course of world events. For instance, President Trump recently survived an attempted assassination, which might transform him into a more unifying figure.
We wait for confirmation on President Xi's health and hope for the best. Meanwhile, I encourage you to find the silver lining in your own life-changing events, gaining strength and wisdom from these experiences. This has been episode 1019 of Blind Magic Communications Production. Stay strong and keep flying.

episode 1018 New Look, New Confidence: Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges

In this inspiring episode, host Murray Stewart celebrates a significant milestone with the 1018th installment of the podcast. Joined by the wonderful Tammy, Murray shares his recent journey towards boosting his confidence through a simple yet impactful change—getting a new pair of spectacles.
Murray reflects on the importance of confidence and how it can be influenced by our appearance and the support of those around us. He recounts his visit to the optometrist and the positive reactions to his new look, which helped uplift his spirits and reignite his determination to tackle new challenges.
With newfound confidence, Murray sets his sights on regaining independence, particularly in the kitchen. He discusses his plans to find the right cookware that will enable him to cook meals for his friends, a goal that has become more achievable thanks to his recent boost in self-belief.
This episode is a heartfelt reminder that small changes can make a world of difference. Whether it's a new hairstyle or a simple achievement, Murray encourages listeners to take steps towards building their confidence and overcoming personal hurdles.

Episode 1017 Building a Brand New Alice: Hope and Leadership in Alice Springs

Join host Murray Stewart in episode 1017 of Blind Magic as he discusses the current state of Alice Springs following his return from Cairns. Despite recent challenges, Murray finds that the town's spirit remains hopeful. He speaks with local business owners and highlights ongoing projects, including the Noland Basin rare earth mine. Murray also shares his vision for new leadership to revitalize Alice Springs and announces his involvement in forming a plan to guide the town towards a brighter future. Tune in for an inspiring look at community resilience and the path forward.

Episode 1016 A Plea for Peace: Addressing Global Tensions

Hi everyone. It's a good morning where I am in Central Australia, Alice Springs, and I'm Murray Stewart. I'm your host and your presenter. This is episode 1016 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs. I'm worried. Yes, I am. I am worried by the state of affairs across the world. I am. I don't think we've been in more dangerous times since the Second World War. And I so wish we could diffuse some of the world's leaders' egos and get them to retreat from their current trajectory.
Yeah, their current position, which appears to be that Putin wants Ukrainians to be Russian again, and Xi Jinping wants the Taiwanese to be Chinese again. But I ask the question, why? I do ask that question because, you know, when you divorce and separate as people do, then surely the other party goes on to create a new life and to be independent and they should be allowed to do so. And providing it doesn't affect your life, what's the big deal? And that is exactly what's happened in the case of the Taiwanese and also in the case of the Ukrainians. They have developed a new life and they are essentially now independent. Taiwan from China and Ukraine from Russia. So let them be. Let them be.
You just do what you do well. And wouldn't and has not made any difference to the Chinese people in China or the Russian people in Russia. You can still be a great nation and be independent from those emerging countries like Taiwan, like the Ukraine. I have no understanding as to why the egos of the leaders of both China and also Russia want them back, and they're prepared to kill people to do it. Of course, this is a foolhardy mission, an extremely foolhardy mission, particularly in the case of Taiwan. Because it is a known fact and has been known for a long time that if China moves on Taiwan, then NATO will swing into action. It will. And it pains me to think that Australia, that is a part of NATO, would then be at war with the Chinese. It pains me.
It really does pain me because I love the Chinese people. I've never met a bad Chinese person, never, not once. They're wonderful people. So the last thing I want for our nation's young people and for all of us is to be at war just because of the mission, the frolic and the ego of a leader who is determined to drag, in this case, Taiwan back into the Chinese. is full. Why? Why is it that important that you're prepared to plunge your own nation and the world into war? And of course, we know the consequences of that with countries that have extensive nuclear weapons. We know the consequences of that. They talk about the Third World War. Well, because there is sufficient nuclear arseholes now that would effectively end life as we know it in the world. I don't want that. I'm sure you don't want that. I cherish our young people and I want a future for them without war.
Someone needs to pull Xi Jinping back from this absurd approach that he currently appears to be taking. And when I say that, he has not come out and said that he's actually going to go in anytime soon. Why would he? That would be a tactical blunder. but he has made it clear that he does consider Taiwan as being Chinese territory. Well, Xi, it's not. It's not. That was settled many years ago. Taiwan is now an independent state and should be left alone to be so, to make their own way. And what's it to you? China's doing fine. thank you very much. Why don't you ensure that your people can live in peace and harmony for the rest of their life, and so do the Taiwanese people?
And so that's my appeal today, for what it's worth, to leaders like Xi Jinping, and even to President Putin from Russia. I mean, that horse has well and truly bolted. He has gone into Ukraine and it appears that he's not for turning. But I have no understanding as to why this is so important to him that he wants to drag Ukrainians back into being Russian. So I would ask President Putin to take a different course of action, to bring his troops home and to just continue being a strong Russia and allow Ukrainians to be what they want their country to be. Yeah, allow them to be independent, allow them to be free, and allow them and, of course, your country and your country's people to live in peace and harmony.
I think the Middle East conflict is the least of our concerns. But in respect to that conflict, it's all up to Hamas. Hamas started this back in October last year. We know that. And so therefore, they should also surrender. They should surrender and they should return all of the remaining hostages and then it would be all over. So yeah, look, from my position sitting here on my chair here in beautiful, peaceful Australia, of course, I can make these pleas and make these pronouncements and it probably will carry absolutely no influence whatsoever, but that is my plea today. It is my plea to all of those leaders.
The leaders of Hamas surrender and give back all of the hostages. Xi Jinping, pull back. Pull back from this idea that Taiwan should be a part of the Chinese nation once again. Pull back from that. Let them be free. Let them be independent whilst you remain free and independent as well. And the same goes for Russia and President Putin, as I said. Look, it's troublesome times. It's unsettling times. And you know, I do care about our young people. I do. I care about their future very, very much. I want us all to live in peace and harmony. But these are unsettling times, there's no doubt about it. Reflect on that, reflect on that and don't be afraid to express your own views around your kitchen table and to the leaders beyond your kitchen table.
This has been episode 1016, a Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 1015 Coaching Insights: Building Trust and Honesty in Junior Athletics

Good afternoon from Central Australia! In episode 1015 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, host Murray Stewart discusses the beautiful weather and delves into the significant role of coaching junior athletes. Murray emphasizes the importance of a stable home life and supportive parents in an athlete's success.
He shares personal experiences and challenges as an athletics coach, particularly focusing on handling issues like binge eating before training sessions. Murray highlights the necessity of honesty and trust between the coach and the athlete, providing insightful strategies to foster a positive and productive coaching environment.
Tune in for valuable coaching tips and a heartwarming approach to guiding young athletes towards self-development and excellence.

Episode 1014 Navigating the NDIS: Seizures, Challenges, and Resilience in Alice Springs

Welcome to episode 1014 of Blind Magic Communications, hosted by Murray Stewart. In this episode, Murray shares his personal experiences and challenges amidst the recent cutbacks to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia.
Murray discusses the impact of these changes on his life, particularly highlighting a recent life-threatening seizure that left him unconscious and injured. He recounts the difficulties of managing his condition without 24-hour care and the risks involved.
Despite the challenges, Murray expresses gratitude for the support he has received through the NDIS and emphasizes the importance of the scheme for individuals with disabilities. He also shares his plans to consult with his neurologist to better understand his condition and prepare for future occurrences.
Join Murray as he navigates the complexities of living with a disability in Alice Springs, shedding light on the crucial role of the NDIS and the resilience required to adapt to its evolving landscape.

Episode 1013 Finding Strength Through Song: Murray's Musical Journey

Welcome to episode 1013 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, hosted by Murray Stewart. In this heartfelt episode, Murray shares his aspiration to become an education minister and his passion for singing as a source of upliftment. Inspired by the resilience of artists like Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, Murray reveals his plan to create a song that encapsulates his personal battles and triumphs over adversity.Having survived a major heart attack, strokes, and seizures, Murray's story is one of perseverance and hope. He discusses his journey through these challenges and his unwavering commitment to spreading positive messages. Now, he aims to channel his experiences into a song titled "I'm Here," dedicated to those silently fighting their own battles.Join Murray as he embarks on this musical endeavor, seeking a collaborator to bring his words to life and inspire others facing difficulties. Stay tuned for updates on this inspiring project that promises to resonate with anyone who has ever struggled and risen again.Thank you for listening to episode 1013 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, a Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 1012 The Great Shower Debate: Morning vs. Evening Rituals

Hi everyone, it's a cool afternoon in Alice Springs, but I'm ready to go. I am your presenter and host Murray Stewart, and this is episode 1012 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs.
In this episode, we delve into the merits of heat lamps in bathrooms and discuss the cultural differences in shower routines. Join me and my wonderful support worker, Hayley, as we explore the Aussie habit of morning showers versus the Asian preference for evening showers.
We also share tips on how to invigorate your shower experience, from the benefits of heat lamps to the bracing effects of alternating hot and cold water. Whether you're looking to start your day off right or unwind before bed, this episode has something for everyone.
So, how do you take your showers? Tune in to Blind Magic in Alice Springs and join the conversation!

Episode 1011 Revolutionizing Education: A New Vision for Australia's Schools

Hi everyone, it's a very good afternoon from Alice Springs. I'm Murray Stewart, your host for Blind Magic in Alice Springs, episode 1011.
In this episode, we dive into the pressing issues plaguing Australia's education system. I share my thoughts on why the current focus on academia is failing our children, teachers, and communities, and how it's contributing to a youth crisis.
Imagine a classroom without walls, where children can learn through hands-on activities, creativity, and nature. I discuss my dream of transforming the educational landscape by making it engaging, practical, and aligned with the real world.
Join me as I explore innovative ideas for curriculum reform, teacher training, and creating a vibrant learning environment that prepares our youth to be the leaders of tomorrow. Let's make our schools rocking good places where kids truly want to learn!
This has been Episode 1011 of Blind Magic Communications Production.