Blind Magic in Alice Springs

Episode 1455 When the Test Says Positive: Maurice’s Bowel Cancer Scare

Episode 1455 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs is presented by Maurice Stewart. In this emotionally candid episode Maurice shares that his national bowel cancer screening returned a positive result (blood detected), explains his strong family history of digestive cancers, and describes the immediate steps he’s taking to get answers.
Maurice recounts contacting Bowel Cancer Screening Australia, locating the report (the second sample tested positive), and heading to his doctor to demand a colonoscopy to determine the cause. He explains what a positive screening test means, notes there are other possible causes for blood in stool, and urges listeners who receive similar results to consult their health professional and arrange a colonoscopy.
The episode also covers Maurice’s emotional and spiritual response: his faith, a prayer session with a close friend, and the practical supports he’s using to manage anxiety and sleep loss (including medication supplied by his support worker, Hayley). He speaks candidly about the stress, sleep deprivation and seizure risk that drove him to seek medical help and to lean on his support network.
Beyond the health issue, Maurice shares lighter community-focused plans — including a public invitation he’s issued to President Trump to visit Alice Springs for his 80th birthday and reflections on Alice Springs’ long-standing ties with US personnel through the Joint Defence Facility. He explains how resolving his health concern is the first priority so he can continue organizing local events and projects for the town.
Key takeaways: a positive bowel screening means further investigation is needed (usually a colonoscopy), family history matters, reach out to health professionals promptly, and use community and faith supports to cope with anxiety. The episode is a mix of personal testimony, practical next steps, and community-minded optimism. This is Blind Magic Communications production, episode 1455.

Epsiode 1454 the genius of blind talent

Episode 1453 When Friends Become Problems: Boundaries, Money, and Tough Conversations

Good morning, good afternoon, or even good evening, wherever you are in the world. I am your presenter and host. I am Murray Stewart, and this is episode 1453 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs. Well, well, the issue of problem friends. Yeah, the issue of problem. Friends can be Exactly that, problematical. I have a friend, a good friend, who has a multitude of issues leading to me not trusting him when it comes to money. So what do I do? Well, I guess the first thing to tell you is I don't have all of the answers. I seriously do not have all of the answers because I do want to be a good friend to him but I most definitely don't want bad energy in my home and I don't want to be ripped off financially, so I'm going to have to think very carefully about a plan of. How I can Be a good friend and also safeguard myself So I guess the first thing that I've decided is to be assertive. Yeah, be very assertive. If there is something that's bothering me, speak up. Tell him straight. What is bothering me? Let me give you an example. If I go to one of the licensed venues here in Alice Springs and he leaves me sitting there while he goes and plays the poker machines, I think when he comes back, tell him about your displeasure. I think it would go like something like this. I thought we came to this club together, and I would be greeted with a, well, we did, we did. Well, yes, we did, but you have spent the last hour playing the poker machines, and I know that's exactly what you have done, because you have an issue, and you have got to get on top of this, because the only reason why this club exists is because you're going to lose. Yeah, that's how it works. You're going to lose money, not win. That's the reason why the machines are in this club at all, is to support the club, to continue building the club. And the only way for that to happen is for you to continue losing. So yes, being assertive. And when he comes to my house, make sure that I have all of my needs for the day. Invite him to bring all of his needs for the day. You know, it might be that we're going to have a drink while we're watching the footy, for example. And that way I don't have to ask him at all to go to the, you know, the bottle shop to buy me some wine, which would mean that I would need to hand him my credit card. Yeah, just keep him away full stop from my finances and also be very assertive with him about the things that are bothering you. I'm saying you because I'm giving you out there some advice as I work through my own problem on how to deal with this, and that's a few suggestions for you. I'll tell you what, I also have many, many good friends. I have many good friends, of which one of them I'm about to introduce to you. Elizabeth, how are you? I'm good, thank you, Murray. What a beautiful accent you have, a lovely accent. Thank you. Get in nice and close there to the microphone and let people hear that beautiful, beautiful voice of yours. Now, Elizabeth, I alluded to in the last podcast when I spoke about two ladies that were staying with me here at Blind Magic Headquarters. Thank you. And I spoke to you about the fact that they have come from a war-torn country and now they're here in Australia. Elizabeth, you must be loving Australia. I am, definitely. And yesterday it was interesting because you paused as you were about to go out for your morning walk to give thanks to John Howard, our previous Prime Minister, who during his time as Prime Minister was responsible for bringing people just like you to Australia. You're right, Mari. It was a great pleasure to see his photo on your wall. I never noticed until yesterday. Yeah, and really profound, Really profound. It really... Affected me in a positive way yesterday, the fact that you did that, because it's only people like you that could make a comment such as you did yesterday. Many people have seen Mr. Howard's photograph on the wall and never commented. But because of your experience, you gave thanks to him yesterday directly to me yeah now I'll tell you what we're going to do Elizabeth we are going to do a podcast together very soon to tell the world about your experience in South Sudan and now of course here in Alice Springs I just love hearing about stories like yours I absolutely do because I'm just so, so pleased to have you here and so excited that you have been able to get out of the environment you're in where your life was in danger to, in relative terms, safety of Australia. And I want to hear about your story. I want to hear about back in South Sudan and I want to hear about now here in Alice Springs. And I'm certain the listeners want to hear about that as well, Elizabeth. I'm certain they do, because these stories are magnificent. They are, and they should make all of my Australian listeners feel so lucky. So, so lucky. So would you do that with me, Elizabeth? I will be Glad to share my story. being here in Australia as my second home and living in my own country. And people are dying even now. They are. They are. They absolutely are. My pleasure and honor. And I want to know all about that. And I want to know about... And not only your journey in coming here and what it was like in South Sudan, but what it must be still like for you, knowing that there are people that you love that are still back in your homeland that are in danger. And I think it would actually benefit me to know more about how you're feeling, because I said to you yesterday, I said to you yesterday that I like you very much, and I do. But what I must also do is understand you, understand you. And I can only, in fact, we can only understand someone truly if we know about their backstory. And that's what I want to learn about. And we'll learn together right here on Blind Magic in Alice Springs. And we'll share that story with the rest of the world. Yeah? That would be fantastic, Maury. Beautiful. Okay, so this has been and always will be episode 1453, a Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 1452 From South Sudan to Alice Springs: A Refugee's Gratitude and New Beginning

Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening wherever you are in the world. This is Murray Stewart. I'm your presenter and host. And this is Blind Magic in Alice Springs. And as I said, this is episode 1452.
In this episode Murray reflects on a powerful morning moment with two housemates from South Sudan. After noticing a photograph of former Prime Minister John Howard, one guest explained how government policy enabled her family to come to Australia and find safety and opportunity. Murray uses that conversation to explore gratitude, the refugee experience, and the contrast between life in a peaceful country and the daily terror faced by people living in war zones.
Topics covered include the civil war in South Sudan, the role of Australian immigration in offering refuge, the contributions refugees make to Australian society, and the ongoing national conversation about immigration. Murray shares his personal reflections on learning from others, the everyday benefits of living in a stable democracy, and the importance of welcoming newcomers who enrich the nation.
The episode features personal stories from Murray’s housemates (names withheld for privacy) and promises a future podcast interview with one of them to share more of her experiences. Key points include gratitude to those who made resettlement possible, empathy for people fleeing conflict, and a hopeful call to continue learning from one another as Australia grows and develops.
Episode 1452 is a thoughtful, reflective conversation about safety, opportunity, and the little moments that reveal big truths about migration, belonging, and human kindness.

Episode 1451 You Can't Buy It: Murray Stewart on Experience, Resilience & a Life‑Saving Invention

Host and presenter Murray Stewart shares hard-earned experience and wisdom in this candid episode. Murray reflects on mentorship and the importance of passing knowledge to younger generations as he says goodbye to a talented team member heading to Sydney. He encourages anyone facing long periods of study to embrace daily learning and the excitement of gradual progress.Murray opens up about staying mentally active — from his morning streaming routine to lively conversations with colleagues — and explains how lifelong learning keeps his mind sharp. He also discusses his recovery from a quintuple bypass, how improved resilience changes his outlook on future health events, and how that renewed optimism fuels his ambitions for community work.The episode covers Murray’s community leadership with the Alice Springs Ratepayers Association and plans to expand his broadcasting with another podcast. Central to the conversation is his invention aimed at reducing suicide and domestic violence: a device designed to instantly connect people in crisis with trusted loved ones whose words could prevent harm. Murray explains the concept, the real-life story that inspired it, the practical challenges of bringing it to market (including an estimated $500,000 cost), and his strategy to partner with designers and established companies to make it available.Listeners can expect personal anecdotes, practical advice for students and young professionals, updates on Murray’s projects, and a clear call-to-action to watch this space as he works to turn a life-saving idea into reality. This is episode 1451, a Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 1450 Blind Magic & Hearing Aids: Murray’s Episode 1450 — Getting Older, Getting On With It

Morning, good afternoon, or good evening, wherever you are in the world. This is episode 1450 of Blind Magic, hosted by Murray Stewart from Alice Springs. In this personal check-in, Murray apologizes for his recent absence, shares updates about his health and everyday life, and reflects candidly on aging and adapting to change.
The episode covers Murray’s recent decision to get hearing aids from Hearing Australia after experiencing hearing difficulties linked to past strokes and sensory damage to the brain. He describes the initial challenges — learning to wear them, charging them nightly, and the current hurdles integrating them with his phone — and emphasizes that practice will be essential to make them work reliably.
Murray also touches on the practical impact of improved hearing for his roles in the community, especially chairing and running meetings, and why getting this right matters to his productivity and independence. He shares a personal moment of panic at being without his phone, underscoring the importance of accessible communication for safety and confidence.
Along the way Murray finds inspiration in the example of public figures who remain active later in life, mentioning President Trump’s recent medical report as a motivational reminder that age need not preclude energy, purpose, or contribution. He encourages fellow seniors to stay motivated, exercise, and keep contributing to family and community life.
Episode 1450 closes with Murray’s upbeat resolve to keep practicing with his hearing aids, maintain daily exercise, and return to full-strength podcasting and community work. This episode is a short, honest, and encouraging life update from Murray Stewart and Blind Magic Communications.

:Episode 1449 Hostages, Hamas and a High-Stakes Peace Deal

Wherever you are in the world. This is episode 1,449. It's Blind Magic in Alice Springs, and I am your presenter and host, Murray Stewart.In this solo episode Murray reflects on the recently struck Middle East peace deal, unpacking what’s at stake and what still needs to play out. He explores the central condition that keeps surfacing in negotiations — the complete disarmament of Hamas — and voices deep skepticism about how, and by whom, an armed militia with a history of violence could be reliably disarmed.Murray discusses the political dynamics behind the deal, focusing on the unconventional role played by Donald Trump and contrasting it with how Vice President Kamala Harris might have been received. He argues that Trump’s forceful, direct negotiating style — backed by U.S. military strength and relationships with wealthy regional players — proved decisive in bringing parties to the table.The episode builds toward an emotional moment: the anticipated release and return of hostages. Murray describes the personal significance of this step, his intention to stay up through the night, and why even a partial success (hostages returned) would be a huge human victory, even if broader elements of the deal remain fragile.He also considers the follow-up challenges: delivering aid to Gaza, rebuilding the territory, and the role that wealthy Arab states could play in reconstruction and political change, while reiterating the shared international desire to see Hamas rendered militarily ineffective.Throughout, Murray balances realism and hope — acknowledging the enormous difficulties ahead while emphasizing the emotional and humanitarian importance of any progress. This is a reflective, candid episode from Alice Springs about power, negotiation, and the fragile path toward peace.

Episode 1448 Murray Stewart on Taylor Swift, Trump & a Fragile Peace

Episode 1,448 — Blind Magic in Alice Springs, hosted by Murray Stewart. In this solo episode Murray reflects on recent headlines and cultural touchstones, offering candid personal takes and a call for measured thinking.Murray opens by revisiting his comments about Taylor Swift from the previous episode, admitting he finds her persona and music unexciting and explaining his plain, unvarnished reaction.The bulk of the show focuses on Donald Trump: Murray urges critics to give the 79-year-old leader some credit for his resilience and recent diplomatic activity. He discusses Trump’s apparent role in reducing tensions in the Middle East and easing a skirmish between India and Pakistan, calling these developments remarkable given the backdrop of the devastating 2023 conflict that cost many lives.At the same time Murray voices concern about the physical and mental toll of such intense activity at an advanced age, hoping for wise counsel and good health for anyone in that position. He asks listeners to temper partisan hatred and to acknowledge achievements even when they come from unexpected places.Listeners can expect forthright opinion, retrospective commentary on recent global events, and a thoughtful plea for balance and empathy in public discourse.

Episode 1447 — Why Taylor Swift Just Doesn’t Register

Join host Murray Stewart in episode 1,447 of Blind Magic from Alice Springs as he reflects on the global hullabaloo around Taylor Swift’s new album and the record-breaking 24-hour download surge — and explains why, personally, Swift simply doesn’t register for him. He shares candid thoughts on celebrity moments, including an awkward award encounter involving Celine Dion, and what he looks for in musical brilliance.Throughout the episode Murray celebrates artists who have shaped his musical tastes — praising AC/DC (and Angus Young’s guitar), the Brothers Gibb, Andrea Bocelli, and even the singular talent of Michael Jackson — contrasting their edge and influence with more contemporary pop phenomena.Murray also gives listeners a personal update: he’ll be heading to the MCG in November with his support worker to experience what may be AC/DC’s last Australian concert, and he talks about his excitement for that night.This is a solo episode with no guests, offering a jumbled, wide-ranging, and personal tour of musical opinions, anecdotes, and anticipation. Expect candid commentary, a variety of musical references, and Murray’s distinctive, conversational style.Blind Magic Communications — episode 1,447, hosted by Murray Stewart.

Episode 1446 We're Not Powerless: Alice Springs Demands Tree Safety Ahead of Storm Season

Don't ever think you're powerless. Don't ever. Because you are not.In this episode the founder and President of the Alice Springs Ratepayers Association outlines a new motion calling on the Alice Springs Town Council to conduct a full safety audit of street and public trees ahead of the upcoming storm season. The speaker recounts a recent September 8 storm that brought down two trees in the CBD and stresses that while no lives were lost, proactive measures are needed to prevent future tragedies.The conversation covers concrete safety steps — securing or removing trees deemed unsafe, exploring alternative securing methods, and conducting timely maintenance — as well as a public call for the dredging of the Todd River as part of flood mitigation planning. The river is described as looking “more like a bowl than a river,” highlighting the urgency of preparing for potential heavy summer rains.Listeners hear about civic empowerment: how residents can form organisations like the Ratepayers Association to influence local government, the role of community reporting, and the value of being proactive rather than reactive. The episode also references an interview on ABC Radio and emphasizes that saving even one life validates the effort.Throughout, the host stresses the balance between protecting urban trees and protecting people: "I love trees... but I love people even more." The episode urges practical preparedness (flood, storm, fire and snake readiness), community engagement, and simple, tangible actions citizens can take to help make Alice Springs safer.This is episode 1,446 of Blind Magic Communications Production.