Blind Magic in Alice Springs

Episode 1252 Journey of Resilience and Inspiration

In this riveting episode, host Murray Stewart takes us on an inspiring journey, sharing his anticipation for witnessing Andrea Bocelli perform live at the Sydney Cricket Ground on April 2nd. Known for keeping his personal life under wraps, Andrea Bocelli's story of overcoming challenges—born with glaucoma and losing his sight at 12 due to a football accident—serves as a backdrop of inspiration.Murray opens up about his own life's adversities and triumphs. Alongside his identical twin brother Martin, he recalls their challenging upbringing on a hobby farm in Australia and the valuable life lessons learned through those tough times. Both have faced life-threatening incidents, with Martin surviving a train accident and Murray overcoming severe health issues. Their stories of survival and resilience serve as testament to their strong will to thrive.Moreover, Murray delves into his and Martin's missions in life—Martin's work in improving rail safety and advocating for better facilities through NDIS, and Murray's upcoming workshops aimed at combatting domestic violence. This episode is not only a reflection on personal histories but also a tribute to the missions guided by a higher calling. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of courage, faith, and the drive to make a difference in the world.

Episode 1251 Unlocking Memories: A Nostalgic Journey with Murray Stewart

Welcome to episode 1,251 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, hosted by the charismatic Murray Stewart. In this heartfelt episode, Murray delves into the captivating and complex nature of human memory. He reflects on how our brains, much like a sophisticated computer, have the remarkable ability to preserve people and experiences in a timeless state, allowing us to revisit them whenever we desire.
Murray shares a personal story of reminiscing about his favorite pop stars from his youth, including the legendary Olivia Newton-John and the soulful Rita Coolidge. Through his reflections, he explores how memories hold an enchanting power, enabling us to experience past emotions as vividly as if they happened yesterday, despite the inevitability of aging.
The episode takes a poignant turn as Murray discusses the aging of his family dog, offering a touching reminder of how precious it is to create lasting memories with loved ones. Murray emphasizes the importance of "clocking up" these memories, ensuring that the essence of cherished individuals and pets remains alive in our minds even after they pass.
Join Murray Stewart on this introspective journey, celebrating the magic and authenticity of our past experiences. The episode leaves listeners with the essential takeaway: continue creating beautiful memories to carry forward in life, enriching our present and future with echoes of the love and joy from days gone by.

Episode 1250 Finding Love and Contentment in the Heart of Australia

Join Murray Stewart in this heartfelt episode as he hosts conversations from the heart of Central Australia, Alice Springs. Located equidistant from Australia's bustling capital cities, Murray shares intimate coffee chats with his interstate friends, exploring life, love, and the pursuit of contentment in this vibrant corner of the world.
In this episode, Murray delves into the story of a dear friend who, even in his 70s, has found a new romantic connection. They discuss the profound shift in priorities as we age, transitioning from seeking exhilaration to embracing comfort and companionship. This episode unravels the essence of finding 'the one' as being with someone who brings a sense of comfort and contentment into our lives.
Murray also offers a glimpse into his life and his pursuit of happiness in his serene home, supported by his beloved dog, Sator, and a network of wonderful friends. He shares his reflections on relationships, love, and what it means to find solace and joy in one's own company. This episode provides warmth and wisdom, especially for those who are navigating love in the later stages of life.
Whether you're in the search for 'the one' or have already found someone who makes you feel at ease, this episode celebrates good love and companionship at any age. Listen in as Murray provides encouragement and well-wishes for his friend—and for you—hoping that everyone finds their own 'cream on the cake.'

Episode 1249 Tragedy in Sydney Sparks Debate on Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this episode of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, host Murray Stewart delves into the tragic news of a house fire in Sydney, highlighting the growing concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries. As these batteries become ubiquitous in everyday devices like iPhones and iPads, the episode questions whether government regulations are necessary to manage their potential dangers, despite a general preference for self-regulation.Drawing from his experience as an athletics coach, Murray shifts the discussion to the realm of sports, sharing insights on the importance of preparedness and the problem of prioritizing notoriety over genuine achievement. He critiques the actions of Ray Gunn, a breakdancer whose ill-prepared performance on the world stage brought her fame but sent a questionable message to young athletes regarding success and recognition.Join Murray as he explores these pressing issues, advocating for true success achieved through diligence and skill, and reflecting on the societal impact of mixed messages in both safety regulation and athletic accomplishment. This episode promises to provide a thoughtful examination of how we define and pursue success in an increasingly complex world.

Episode 1248 The Cost of Housing: An Argument Against Deflation

In episode 1248, host Murray Stewart passionately delves into the contentious topic of housing market economics and the implications of policy decisions aimed at devaluing homes. Stewart draws on his personal experience of owning a home outright to critique the current Labor and opposition approaches to controlling house prices, particularly challenging the idea of implementing measures that could artificially suppress housing costs.
The episode explores the concept of 'delayed wealth,' where properties eventually benefit future generations, and questions the fairness of policies that might hinder property value appreciation. Stewart discusses the recent propositions of restricting new Australians from purchasing homes for two years and evaluates whether such steps truly serve the wider population's interests or undermine efforts of hard-working homeowners.
Additionally, the episode touches upon the broader economic implications of deflationary tactics in the housing market, reminiscing about past economic crises linked to housing price drops. With the Reserve Bank of Australia's meeting on interest rates looming, Murray shares his thoughts on how interest rate cuts could ease mortgage burdens amidst the prevailing economic climate.

Episode 1247 Unlocking Hidden Genius: The Power of Blindness

In this episode of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, your host and presenter, Murray Stewart, takes you on a unique journey exploring the often overlooked power and brilliance unlocked by visual impairment. Murray draws from personal experiences and the wider world to challenge common perceptions, suggesting that blindness can be an advantage rather than a disadvantage.Throughout the episode, Murray delves into the fascinating realm of blind artistry, highlighting iconic figures such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Andrea Bocelli, whose extraordinary musical talents are arguably amplified by their lack of sight. These examples underscore Murray's belief in the untapped potential and creative genius found within those who are vision impaired.Not only does Murray share his personal battle with acquired brain injury alongside his visual impairment, but he also encourages listeners to embrace their unique perspectives, emphasizing that visual impairment is not a disability but a different way of experiencing the world. He passionately advocates for the recognition of the strengths and gifts that come with blindness, urging others to celebrate and cherish this unique gift.Join Murray as he unlocks the power of what cannot be seen, offering insights and inspiration to those impacted by visual impairment and beyond. This episode promises a stimulating and thought-provoking exploration of how blindness can lead to brilliance.

Episode 1246 Dog Lovers Unite: A Heartfelt Ode to Our Furry Friends

In this heartfelt episode, join presenter Murray Stewart as he shares a delightful update about his cherished puppy, Sainter. Discover why Murray, an unabashed dog lover, decided to personally surprise Sainter at the groomers, showcasing his deep affection and commitment to his canine companion. Murray emphasizes the joy and companionship dogs bring into our lives and offers advice on ensuring a safe and happy home for a new furry friend.
While dogs hold a special place in Murray's heart, cats evoke a completely different reaction. In a candid sharing, he delves into his phobia of cats, expressing discomfort and an aversion to these often misunderstood creatures. Through humorous and revealing anecdotes, Murray highlights his personal biases towards cats, which are echoed by his hairdresser. Despite acknowledging cats' admirable abilities, he remains staunchly averse to their company and describes his rationale behind this viewpoint.
Listeners will enjoy this episode's blend of humor, personal revelations, and the host's unique perspective on pets. Whether you're a dog lover, a cat enthusiast, or simply someone fascinated by human-animal connections, this episode offers a charming and entertaining exploration of the bonds we form with our animal companions. Tune in to find out more about the unbreakable bond Murray shares with his beloved Sainter and how this relationship shapes his view of the animal world.

Episode 1245 Dare to Frolic: Embracing Spontaneity with Murray Stewart

Join Murray Stewart in Animal Springs for an engaging episode as he delves into the power and beauty of words. With a touch of nostalgia and humor, Murray reflects on his favorite words such as "frolic" and "rollick," reminiscing about carefree days of his youth. He contrasts the joy of spontaneity with the challenges of procrastination, offering personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of embracing life with a sense of fun and adventure.The episode takes a reflective turn as Murray shares his struggle with procrastination and his resolve to break free from it. He candidly discusses his plans to get more involved in impactful causes, like addressing domestic violence, and shares his excitement about attending an Andrea Bocelli concert—a symbolic step towards living with more spontaneity and less caution.Bursting with enthusiasm, Murray encourages listeners to balance caution with daring actions, urging them to check off those long-standing to-do list items. He invites everyone to join him in frolicking through life, being a bit more spontaneous, and relishing in joyful experiences. Tune in for a heartfelt and inspiring episode that reminds us all to embrace the joy in words and in life.

Episode 1244 Golden Hands: A Path to Positive Change

In this powerful episode hosted by Murray Stewart, listeners are introduced to a groundbreaking initiative aimed at combating domestic violence in Central Australia. Murray shares his personal journey of surviving violence in his youth and how this fueled his drive to make a real difference. The highlight of the episode is the introduction of the Golden Hands workshop, a program designed to help individuals in the community become better partners, better parents, and better people by understanding the impact of their actions.
Listeners will hear about Murray's collaboration with Lucinda Moody, the Territory Manager for RecLink Australia, who has become a pivotal champion of this project. Together, they aim to spread a message of hope and change, using practical workshops to teach the basic principle that the decisions made with our hands shape our lives and those around us. The episode delves into the significance of guiding individuals toward positive behaviours, emphasizing the power of commitment through the symbolic hands pledge.
Murray expresses his excitement and optimism about the potential impact of the workshop, highlighting the anticipated transformation in participants' lives. This episode is a beacon of hope, aiming to alter life trajectories and stop the cycle of violence at its roots, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in community empowerment and personal growth.

Episode 1243 A Sincere Apology and a Call for Unity in NSW Healthcare

In this episode, host Murray Stewart revisits a previous discussion about the unfortunate incident involving New South Wales government health employees and their racist and anti-Semitic remarks. He extends a heartfelt apology to doctors in New South Wales, clarifying that the involved individuals were nurses, not doctors, and commends the vast majority of the nursing community for their professionalism and dedication.Stewart emphasizes the importance of supporting the 99.9% of nurses who uphold high standards of care and respect across Australia. He advocates for an independent inquiry into the practices at Bankstown Hospital, specifically concerning the treatment of Jewish patients, to ensure transparency and restore public trust.The episode delves into the possible consequences for the nurses involved, highlighting potential legal actions under hate speech legislation and broader implications for citizenship and professional credibility within Australia. Stewart calls for a reaffirmation of respect and professionalism in healthcare, underscoring that personal beliefs should never interfere with patient care.Listeners are encouraged to stand in solidarity with healthcare professionals who consistently demonstrate commitment and compassion, and to foster an environment free from discrimination. Stewart’s message is one of healing and unity, aiming to restore faith in both the medical community and the broader Australian society.