Blind Magic in Alice Springs

Episode 994 Rising Star: Beulah Akandu's Journey to Athletic Glory

Welcome to episode 994 of "Blind Magic in Alice Springs" with your host, Murray Stewart. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Beulah Akandu, an 11-year-old athletic prodigy from Alice Springs. Originally from Nigeria, Beulah moved to Australia in 2018 and has since shown remarkable talent in both shot put and sprinting.

Join us as we discuss Beulah's training regime and her preparation for the upcoming Northern Territory Championships. From her impressive achievements in shot put to her natural flair for running, Beulah is a young athlete to watch. With a dedicated training program that includes velocity max elements and base work, she's gearing up to compete in the 100, 200, and 400 meters events.

Tune in to hear more about Beulah's background, her training progress, and the goals she aims to achieve. Remember the name Beulah Akandu—this rising star is set to make waves on the tracks across Australia.

Episode 993 Rising Star Beaulah Akandu and the Charm of Alice Springs

Hi everyone, welcome to episode 993 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs. This is your host and presenter, Murray Stewart.
Tonight, we bring you an exciting interview with Beaulah Akandu, an upcoming athletic star originally from Nigeria, now residing in Australia. Beaulah is working towards her dream of running for Australia and aims to become a 400-meter champion, following in the footsteps of James Swayo from the Alice Springs Athletics Club.
In addition to the interview, Murray shares his reflections on the beautiful weather in Alice Springs, contrasting it with the colder conditions down south. He also touches upon the local crime situation, emphasizing that while there are issues, they are not as severe as those in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
Join us as we celebrate the positive aspects of Alice Springs and look forward to our upcoming broadcast from tropical Queensland. This has been episode 993 of Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 992 Celebrating Unsung Heroes: Nurses, Hairdressers, and Beauticians

Hi everyone, good morning, good afternoon, or good evening. This is Murray Stewart, your presenter and host, and this is episode 992 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs. As you know, we are only six days away from Blind Magic in Alice Springs being on tour in tropical Queensland. I'm looking forward to it and I'm sure you're looking forward to it too. I'll be there soon with my wonderful support worker Heather, bringing you the sounds from the top end of Queensland.
Today, I wanted to talk to you in celebration and in gratitude. Let me take you back to last year, 2023, after I had my major incident in Brisbane. Yes, you remember when I had that seizure that arrested my heart and stopped my breathing, requiring the paramedics team to deliver me seven minutes of CPR and three shots of the defib. I celebrate them and am forever in their debt. Every day is a bonus day, a cause for celebration, a cause to smile, and a reason to be extremely positive for every day I have with you above ground.
But the people I want to thank today are very much unsung heroes. So if I go back to that time at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, one thing that stands out to me is how amazing the nursing team was. They were incredible. The Royal Brisbane Hospital shines like a beacon above all other hospitals. Their attention to detail was remarkable. They ensured I was always clean, shaved, and looking good, not just for me but also for my visitors. This attention to detail accelerated my recovery, ensuring I felt good and looked good, which significantly contributed to my overall well-being.
Today, I not only pay homage to nurses like those at the Royal Brisbane Hospital but also to the wonderful hairdressers and beauticians out there. You are not just ensuring that someone looks glamorous and beautiful; you are also contributing to their health and well-being. By making someone look good, you are giving them confidence, self-belief, and the power to conquer the world. Your work is extremely important, lending someone inner power, an inner glow, and amazing confidence, ensuring they are comfortable in their own skin.
Who knows, the person you are making look beautiful might achieve amazing things that will benefit all of us. You, hairdressers, beauticians, and nurses, are helping to make this world a better place. I just want to say thank you. I am a living, breathing example of the wonderful contribution you are making to our amazing world. When you head off to work each day, know that you are doing incredible things. All power to you.
This has been episode 992 of Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 991Alice Springs: A Tranquil Oasis Amidst Tribal Tensions

Good evening, everyone. I'm your host, Murray Stewart, and welcome to episode 991 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs. Today, I reflect on the unique and tranquil life in Alice Springs while addressing some of the underlying issues our town faces.
In this episode, I discuss my commitment to coaching young athletes aiming for high-level success. Despite the challenges, their dreams are becoming a reality, and I'm excited to be a part of their journey.
Alice Springs, with its rich Aboriginal culture and diverse community, is not without its problems. Youth crime, primarily family-based, has been a concern. However, compared to major cities like Melbourne and Sydney, our town remains relatively safe, free from drug syndicates and violent crime.
I share my personal experiences of feeling secure in Alice Springs, contrasting it with my past in Melbourne, where I faced genuine threats. Despite some minor intrusions, our town offers a sense of peace and safety that I cherish.
With beautiful weather and a serene environment, Alice Springs continues to be my paradise. Join me as I explore the complexities and the charm of living in this unique part of Central Australia.
This has been episode 991, a Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 990 Journey to the Tropics: Facing Fears and Embracing Neuroplasticity

Good afternoon from Alice Springs, Northern Territory! I'm your host, Murray Stewart, and welcome to episode 990 of Blind Magic. We're just 10 episodes away from our 1000th episode milestone, and what a journey it has been. This podcast has been my lifeline, and I hope it has been a source of inspiration and motivation for you as well.In this episode, I share my excitement about our upcoming tour to Cairns, Queensland, from July 1 to July 11. We'll be bringing you the vibrant sounds and stories from Tropical Queensland. Expect motivational tales, fascinating interviews, and the beautiful winter weather that both Cairns and Alice Springs share.This trip is not just an adventure; it's a walk toward my fears. Adapting to new environments post-stroke is challenging, but it's a necessary step for my brain's neuroplasticity. By facing these challenges head-on, I hope to navigate familiar surroundings even better upon my return.Join me as we explore this wonderful world, overcome challenges, and embrace the incredible adaptability of our brains. Let's embark on this journey together and become more exciting, creative, and adventurous!This has been episode 990, a Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 989 The Unsung Heroes: Keeping Us Warm and Powered

Good morning, everyone! Welcome to episode 989 of "Blind Magic in Alice Springs." I'm your host, Murray Stewart, and today we're diving into a topic that might surprise you: the hidden dangers of extreme cold and the unsung heroes who keep us warm and powered.Despite the global focus on warming, did you know more people die from extreme cold than heat? As the temperature plummets in Alice Springs, we take a moment to appreciate those who make our lives comfortable. From the miners extracting vital resources to the power station workers ensuring our homes stay warm, their efforts are invaluable.Join me in expressing gratitude to the investors and workers in the mining industry, whose hard work keeps us fed, clothed, and economically strong. Tune in and say thank you with me in this heartfelt episode of "Blind Magic in Alice Springs."

Episode 988 Creating Legacies: Coaching the Next Generation of Athletes

Welcome to episode 988 with your host, Murray Stewart. In this episode, Murray reflects on the enduring impact of legacies and how one's influence can live on through those they mentor and love. Building on the theme of legacies from the last episode, Murray shares his excitement about coaching two promising young athletes. Despite scaling back his activities due to a health crisis, he has identified these athletes as having remarkable potential and a strong desire to succeed.Murray emphasizes the importance of keeping the focus on the athletes, ensuring their dreams become a reality while maintaining a fun and supportive environment. He discusses how the influence of these athletes can extend beyond their personal achievements to positively impact their peers, families, and communities. With a focus on self-belief and self-love, Murray aims to guide these athletes to not only excel in their sports but also to become confident and inspiring individuals.Join Murray as he embarks on this exciting journey of helping these athletes create their own remarkable stories. Stay tuned for updates on their progress and the incredible journey ahead. This is an episode filled with inspiration, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.

Episode 987 Crafting Legacies: Wisdom That Lasts Beyond a Lifetime

Join host Murray Stewart in the beautiful and magical Alice Springs for episode 897 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs. In this thought-provoking episode, Murray dives deep into the concept of legacies and the various forms they can take, from the tangible creations of builders and artists to the intangible yet powerful legacy of wisdom and words.
Murray reflects on a meaningful conversation with a friend about the importance of leaving behind a legacy for our children and grandchildren. He emphasizes that the most profound gift we can offer is our wisdom and experience, shared through our voice and words. These cherished memories and lessons can guide future generations, creating a lasting impact that money cannot buy.
Tune in to explore how you can ensure your legacy lives on and continues to influence your loved ones in a positive and meaningful way. This episode reminds us all of the incredible value of sharing our principles, ethics, and experiences.

Episode 896 The Unsung Heroes of the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Good evening from Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia. I am your host and presenter, Murray Stewart, and this is episode 986 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs.
We've heard a lot over the past week about the rortas, the criminals, and the rip-off merchants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme. But where are the disability advocates? Where are they? I want to hear from them. I want to hear from them because some of the advocacy organizations can also be held to account for where things are currently at with the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Despite the challenges, the National Disability Insurance Scheme has achieved incredible milestones for its participants and for all Australians. We've seen an increase in employment and volunteer opportunities for people with disabilities, integration of children with disabilities into the education system, and a rise in workforce participation among women.
It's time for the advocates and those who have benefited from the scheme to speak up. If we don't hear more positives, the taxpayers of Australia might withdraw their support, jeopardizing the future of the scheme. This episode is a call to action to ensure the National Disability Insurance Scheme continues to thrive and flourish.
I, for one, am grateful for the scheme. Not only has it allowed me to remain a participant in the workforce, but it also supported me through my heart attack and strokes. The scheme's impact is profound, and we must ensure its continuation.
That has been episode 986 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs. Thank you for listening.

Episode 985 The Secrets to Successful Junior Athletics Coaching

Welcome to episode 985 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, hosted by Murray Stewart. In this episode, Murray shares valuable insights from his extensive experience as a junior athletics coach in Central Australia.Discover the essential elements of a user-friendly training program that not only engages young athletes but also involves their families in the journey. Learn why honesty and constructive feedback are crucial in coaching, and how even poor performances can be transformed into powerful learning opportunities.Finally, Murray highlights the importance of fun in training, introducing the concept of "power names" to motivate and inspire young athletes. Tune in for practical tips and heartfelt advice on building resilient, capable, and happy young athletes.Join us for this enlightening episode and embrace the joy of coaching as a way to give back to your community and shape the future of young athletes.