Blind Magic in Alice Springs

Episode 971 The Resilient Bonds of Mandy: Lessons from the Past

Welcome to episode 971 of Blind Magic in Adler Springs with your host, Murray Stewart. In this episode, Murray reflects on a languid day filled with memories and lessons from the past.
He shares a touching story about his childhood days spent with his identical twin brother and a beloved Cocker Spaniel named Mandy. Their summer days were filled with joy, building a cubby house and forming an unbreakable bond with Mandy in the backyard of their family's furniture shop.
Through these cherished memories, Murray explores the profound impact pets can have on our emotions and the invaluable life lessons they teach us, such as resilience and coping with loss.
Living in Alice Springs has further strengthened Murray's resilience, as the transient population constantly brings new faces and farewells. He discusses how these experiences shape us into stronger, more adaptable individuals.
Join Murray in this heartfelt episode as he delves into the past and reflects on the qualities that make us better, stronger, and more resilient.

Episode 970 The Benefits of Dog Ownership: A Call for Change in Travel Regulations

Hi everyone, good afternoon from Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia. This is episode 970 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, and I am your host and presenter, Murray Stewart.In this episode, we delve into the numerous studies highlighting the significant benefits of dog ownership, especially for older Australians. Dog ownership has been proven to improve both physical and mental health, contributing to longer and healthier lives.However, I question why there are so many regulations at federally owned properties that prevent responsible dog owners from traveling with their pets. Given the issues with feral animals in national parks, it seems illogical to restrict well-behaved dogs and their owners from enjoying these areas.I share my personal experiences with my dog, Santa, who has greatly improved my mental and physical health. I advocate for more relaxed regulations that would allow responsible pet owners to take their dogs on travels, enhancing their quality of life and benefiting the broader community.We also discuss the positive changes in airline and caravan park policies regarding pets, and express hope that government-owned facilities will adopt a more pragmatic approach. Join me in this episode as we explore the potential for a better world where pets can accompany us on our adventures.This has been episode 970 of a Blind Magic Communications production. Thank you for listening.

Episode 969 A Heartwarming Visit to the St Kilda Football Club

Hello and welcome to episode 969 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs. This is Murray Stewart, your presenter and host, and I hope you're having a wonderful day wherever you are in the world.
Recently, I visited Melbourne and had the joy of taking my son and my beautiful daughter, Eden, who lives with Down syndrome, to the St Kilda Football Club. It was a day filled with pride and happiness as the players treated Eden with incredible kindness and respect.
Before the visit, I explained our circumstances to the club, and they ensured we had an audible and verbally descriptive tour that catered to both my blindness and Eden's needs. The players, especially Big Tom Campbell, showed immense tenderness and generosity, making the experience unforgettable.
Moreover, the episode highlights the broader contributions of the AFL community, such as the Danaher family's efforts to raise funds for motor neurone disease research through the Great Freeze Day, and other initiatives like Maddie's Match for cancer research and campaigns against domestic violence.
The AFL community also celebrates the talents of Indigenous athletes, contributing positively to society. Despite occasional negative perceptions, my experiences have always been of impeccable behavior and community spirit among AFL players.
Thank you for joining this heartwarming episode of Blind Magic Communications.

Episode 968 The Power of Hands: Pledging for a Positive Future

Welcome to episode 968 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, hosted by Murray Stewart. In this poignant episode, Murray shares his personal story of survival and resilience in the face of domestic violence. He emphasizes the importance of not acting as a victim but as a survivor, advocating for change against domestic violence.Murray introduces a special initiative aimed at teenage boys and young men, encouraging them to form a positive and respectful relationship with their hands. Through pledges and interactive exercises, Murray guides young listeners to commit to using their hands for love, nurturing, and healing rather than harm.Discover the Magnificent Hands Workshop, Healthy Hands Workshop, and Dry Massage Workshop, all designed to foster strong, capable, and loving hands. For more information or to book a workshop, contact Murray at bridgeovermurrayatbigpond.com or call 0407 256 428.Join Murray Stewart and Blind Magic Communications in their mission to change the world positively, one person at a time.

Episode 967 Exploring Iconic Australian Towns: Alice Springs & Cairns

Hi everyone, it's a very good morning from Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia. This is episode 967 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, and I am your host and presenter Murray Stewart.
From the 1st until the 11th of July, Blind Magic in Alice Springs will be on tour in Cairns, Queensland, and you will be coming with me. Yes, you, the listener, will be coming with me. Cairns and Alice Springs are two iconic towns.
Alice Springs drives the Northern Territories' tourism economy as people flock here to see the beautiful desert terrain, the East and West MacDonald Ranges, and the Larapinta Walking Trail. Cairns drives the Queensland tourism economy with its rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
Join me as I visit Cairns between the 1st and the 11th of July. This trip will present challenges, but I am excited to take you with me. You will hear different sounds and interviews from Cairns, including one with my daughter who is opening a Pilates studio there.
Thank you for tuning in to episode 967 of Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 966 A Heartfelt Tribute to the Royal Flying Doctor Service

Hi everyone, it's a very good late morning from Northern Territory, Central Australia, Alice Springs. This is episode 966 and it is Blind Magic in Alice Springs and I am your host and presenter Murray Stewart.
Congratulations to the 77 recipients of the Royal King or Queen's Holiday Weekend Honours. Special commendation goes to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. I will never forget that evening and early morning flight back on October 1st of 2022, when the staff were magnificent and saved my life following a massive heart attack.
Within hours, I was on my way to Adelaide for a quintuple bypass, thanks to the quick actions and professionalism of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Their care extended beyond the flight, with follow-up support during my recovery. This iconic service is indispensable to the people of Outback Australia.
During the recent Fink Desert Race, the Royal Flying Doctor Service once again proved their worth by transporting patients following a serious incident. Their planes are well-equipped, and their staff highly trained and compassionate.
On this Royal Recognition Weekend, let's all give thanks to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Their dedication and expertise are a lifeline for those in remote areas. This has been episode 966, a Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 965 Honoring Queen Elizabeth II: A Weekend of Remembrance

Hi everyone, good evening from Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia. This is episode 965 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs and I am your host and presenter Murray Stewart.
May we never forget Queen Elizabeth II, in my view the greatest monarch of all time. I notice that some are calling this weekend in Australia the King's Birthday weekend. Not me. No, not me. As far as I'm concerned, this weekend will always be known as the Queen's Birthday weekend.
In fact, most importantly, in my mind, is the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, which, as I said, was on the 8th of September 2022. She was great for many, many reasons. She was an intellect. She was a great orator, and she served the Commonwealth with incredible dignity, with incredible energy. Her work ethic was beyond belief, performing her duties as Queen Elizabeth II almost up until her last breath. In fact, I think it was only the day before her death that she was seen performing her royal duties. What an amazing woman. What an incredible role model for all women and all girls of our modern times.
Yes, I have to say, this weekend for me should be known as the Queen Elizabeth II weekend. It should always be known as that. Because if it is known as that, we can hold her up for now and forever as being that wonderful role model for our women, for our girls, for the Commonwealth, for everybody. Because her dignity, her energy, her work ethic, her professionalism was beyond compare. Absolutely beyond compare. And we only have to look at what has begun to happen since her passing with some of the fracturing within the royal family. She held that family together. With sternness, but love and compassion for all of those in the royal family. I've got no doubt had she been alive today, the Harry and Megan situation would have been handled very, very differently. And wow, did she speak beautifully. As you know, I love the spoken word. And if you listen to her speeches, she had tremendous diction and a beautiful voice. Joyce, yes, she is one of the greatest women and one of the greatest people of our time, of my time. And she should always be remembered on this weekend in Australia.
No, I won't be calling it the King's Weekend anytime soon. No, it won't happen, not in my family and not for me. And I hope someone in government here in Australia is brave enough to ensure that that is enshrined in our calendar, that it is always known as the Queen's birthday weekend in recognition of Queen Elizabeth II, the greatest monarch of all time.
Okay, everyone, this has been episode 965, a Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 964 Alice Springs: A Mystical Ghost Town During the Fink Desert Race

Welcome to episode 964 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, hosted by Murray Stewart. Today, we explore the mystical nature of Alice Springs, particularly during the renowned Fink Desert Race weekend.
Experience the surreal beauty of a deserted Alice Springs, as its residents flock to witness the grueling 470-kilometer off-road race. From empty streets to tranquil parks, Murray paints a vivid picture of a town transformed by this annual event.
Join us as we delve into the unique charm of Alice Springs, a town that becomes a ghost town each June, only to return to its vibrant self by Monday evening. Discover why there's no place quite like Alice Springs!

Episode 963 Embracing the Era: Finding Contentment in Growing Older

Hi, everyone. It's a very, very good afternoon from Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Central Australia. This is episode 963. It's Blind Magic in Alice Springs, and I am your host and presenter Murray Stewart.
Accepting who and what we are, in my view, is the key to happiness, which means it's the key to contentment, which is the greatest state of all. Because being content means that we are so happy to wake up each and every morning and confront the day.
I am learning to just accept the era of my life that I am in. That's right, accept. I'm 61 years of age and I am now in a process of accepting that I am growing older. The good news about age is that you do have qualities, new qualities, that you otherwise would not have had if you were granted a wish to be younger. Because with age, we do have additional wisdom and we can call on our experiences to not only pass on to others, but to enshrine within our own life.
Recently, I made a decision that I would never again climb up ladders because of the risks involved. I also made a decision that on a holiday coming up, I would not partake in bungee jumping that otherwise would have been on offer. It's very, very cold at night and in the morning in Central Australia, and I don't think it would be a wise decision for me, considering my health challenges, to do such a thing. It keeps me safe here at home not to challenge that as not climbing ladders keeps me safe, as not doing the bungee jumping keeps me safe. Am I forlorn about that? No, because I am accepting the era of my life.
Growing older is an inevitability for all of us. None of us are escaping the ageing process. So enjoy it. Accept it. Love it. And know that you are amazing because of your age. The things that you can do now because of your wisdom and your built-up experience, you could not have done when you were younger. So yes enjoy the brand new you the older person that is amazing who can do wonderful things albeit different things that's okay and it also allows you to have wonderful relationships with the younger folk in your life and you can be around for longer so they can enjoy the older person you are.
If you are content, if you are happy and you are amazing, then you are going to be around a lot longer. How beautiful is that? That is absolutely amazing, is it not? There is that song by Willie Nelson called Don't Let the Old Man In. Well, I'm afraid to say none of us, as I said, can prevent the aging process, but we can stand strong alongside wisdom. And in doing so, in becoming selective about the things that we can or perhaps cannot do, then we are going to live an amazing rest of our wonderful life. In fact, this is a new life within itself. Don't fight it. Enjoy it. Don't fight it. Enjoy it love it be amazing be incredible rejoice in your new found life.
That's exactly what I intend to do. Let go any angst, let go any reservations, let go any sadness. And in doing so, and in accepting the era of the life that I am in, I am determined to be amazing. I am determined to be incredible. And more importantly, I am determined to love this era of my life. And if I'm doing that, then I will be a better person for all of those around me. Everyone, my friends, my children, the community at large. I've got a lot more to contribute, folks. and I intend doing it. So if you're out there and you're trying to fight the inevitability of age, don't do that. Let it go. Accept, understand, and love the era of the life that you are now in. It actually is a brand new beginning. It's a different life, but it's a beautiful life. It's a wonderful life. Go forth and be amazing.
This has been episode 963, a Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 962 Embracing the AI Revolution: Solving Global Challenges

Hi everyone, away we go. This is episode 962 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs and I am your host and presenter Murray Stewart.Artificial intelligence. Yes, it's on everyone's lips at the moment. I have been discussing artificial intelligence with many of my friends. I truly believe that the era of artificial intelligence, the revolution that is, has the capacity to rid the world of many of our challenges, particularly when it comes to people with disabilities. And also in overcoming disease, perhaps ridding the world of disease, assisting in slowing down the aging process, resolving issues of loneliness.Yes, I think artificial intelligence will absolutely be the vehicle from which we can solve many of the world's challenges and problems. I already have seen the benefits of artificial intelligence. Even with this broadcast, I am using an artificial intelligence program and I trust and I hope that you believe that this has been very much to the broadcast's advantage. You are the judge of that. You absolutely are.But I do note that there is a lot of concern about the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. And I get that. I totally get that, particularly when technological advantages of any type are put in the hands of large corporates, then yeah, sure, greed might get in the way of the benefits that I've just outlined. But, you know, I have seen in my lifetime huge technological advancements going from black and white to colour television. Who could forget those days?Then there was the era of the computers. Yeah, the first computers. Wow. Compared to today's computers, they were enormous. They were huge. I remember at RMIT, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, the first computers were the size of a room. And now look what we have. We have incredible computers that you now can carry around with you and you can support on your lap. It's amazing what advancements there has been in that area. And of course, we have seen the advent of the internet. Which, despite some of the challenges, most definitely has brought us closer together. 100% it has. You can connect with people now all over the world just simply by opening up your computer and getting on the World Wide Web.Look what's happened with the telephones. oh yes who can remember the days of the uh you know the times when we had to dial a telephone and then of course there was the first mobile phones which were the size of a house brick and now they are as they are today beautiful sleek designs that can fit in your pocket and can connect you with the world. And of course, this has meant the launch of Siri technology, which means that people like me can use our voice to make phone calls, to send emails or text messages. It's incredible. It's amazing.So yes, all of these advancements have happened. and whilst it has presented us with challenges in the main it's certainly done me no harm in fact quite the reverse so my attitude is question everything but fear nothing question everything but fear nothing i have at my home a brand new vacuum cleaner mop which is driven by ai AI. Yes, it's a robot. It's amazing. And as I said, I'm using AI for these broadcasts, and it also has been amazing. It's writing descriptions and titles to perfection, reflecting perfectly the aims and objectives within these episodes. Absolutely brilliantly. couldn't write them better myself.Yes, there may have to be laws put into place to ensure our safety and to ensure that greed does not get in the way of these incredible possible advancements. But in general, I'm excited by the future. I am. The revelation or the revolution is on, oh yes, the revolution is on, so we might as well get on board. And maybe, just maybe, the problems and challenges in your world are about to be solved. Absolutely, maybe you're lonely. Maybe very soon there'll be the possibility of AI pets or AI partners. In fact, I do know that AI pets are already happening in places like Japan. Is this good? Well, I'll let you be the judge of that. But sure as hell, the problems that will emerge will not surely be greater than the problems of loneliness or of disability and disease, of incredible health challenges.So yes, look, let's, as I said, let's question everything but fear nothing. And indeed, there's a real prospect and possibility that we actually should not only embrace AI, but maybe if you're a young person, you can get involved, get involved in the AI industry and therefore assist in ensuring that AI does do what it's touted to do, and that is to meet and to fix and to resolve our many problems and challenges. It's boundless and endless and almost incredible as to what AI could do. The one thing I am certain of is over the next 20 years, the world is about to change in many very interesting and possibly amazing ways.So I repeat again, fear nothing, but question everything. That's it folks. This has been episode 962 of Blind Magic Communications production. Music.