Blind Magic in Alice Springs

Episode 951 Embracing Bravery: Conquering Fears and Leaving a Legacy

Good morning, everyone, from Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia. This is Murray Stewart, your presenter and host, welcoming you to episode 951 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs.
In today's episode, I reflect on an unexpected compliment from my first aid course instructor, who called me determined and brave. This sparked a discussion on the essence of bravery and the importance of confronting our fears. I share a personal story involving a friend's fear of a mouse and how we can overcome irrational fears by changing our perspective.
As someone born totally blind, I've always strived to achieve and contribute to society. My primary fear has never been failure but not being successful. I discuss my journey of facing fears head-on, whether in business, coaching athletics, or launching Blind Magic Communications.
Despite challenges like a brain injury, I continue to pursue my passions and aim to leave a lasting legacy. I encourage you to confront your fears, find joy in your pursuits, and leave your mark on the world.
Join me in this inspiring episode as we explore the power of bravery and the impact of living life with determination and courage.

The Gift of Life: A Survivor's Journey

Welcome to Episode 950 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, hosted by Murray Stewart. In this heartfelt episode, Murray shares his personal journey of survival and his renewed dedication to first aid training. After surviving a seizure last year, Murray was saved by the prompt and skilled actions of first responders who administered CPR and used defibrillation equipment.
Today, Murray completed his first aid training with extra motivation, inspired by the life-saving efforts that brought him back. He emphasizes the importance of CPR and first aid training, not just for professional development but as a vital skill that can offer the priceless gift of life. Join Murray as he reflects on his experience and the profound sense of responsibility he feels to be prepared to help others in need.
Listen in to understand why first aid training is so crucial and how it can empower you to make a life-saving difference when it matters most.

The Fink Desert Race Extravaganza: Alice Springs Adventure Awaits

Welcome to episode 949 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs with your host Murray Stewart. Broadcasting live from a rainy evening in Alice Springs, we dive into the excitement of the upcoming Fink Desert Race.
Join Murray and his guest, Tammy, a passionate supporter of the race, as they discuss the unique charm and thrill of this iconic event. Discover the fierce competition between buggies and motorbikes, and learn about the different types of camping experiences participants and spectators enjoy.
From the camaraderie at campsites to the technical expertise required for the race, this episode captures the essence of the Fink Desert Race and the vibrant community spirit it fosters in Alice Springs.
Tune in to hear about the preparations, the challenges of wet weather, and the sheer excitement that fills the air as racers gear up for this unforgettable adventure across the Central Australian desert.

Episode 948 Overcoming Adversity: A Journey of Self-Improvement and Empathy

Good morning from Alice Springs, Central Australia! In episode 948, Murray Stewart, your presenter and host, delves into how personal adversities have shaped his journey towards becoming a better therapist, father, and overall person.Having faced significant medical challenges such as a heart attack, surgery, and strokes, Murray shares how these experiences have enhanced his empathy, sympathy, and awareness. These qualities have not only improved his professional life as a myotherapist but also his personal life, helping him to guide and mentor his children more effectively.Murray candidly discusses the emotional battles he has faced, including the impact of frontal lobe damage on his temperament, and his ongoing efforts to stabilize and improve his emotional status. He emphasizes the importance of vigilance and continuous self-improvement in his journey.Join Murray as he reflects on the profound changes adversity has brought into his life and how it has led him to become more compassionate and aware, both in his professional and personal roles.This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, growth, and the unyielding human spirit.

Episode 947: Back Pain Prevention Tips from a Myotherapy Expert

Welcome to episode 947 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs with your excited host, Murray Stewart. Today, Murray's elation stems from the recent victory of his beloved St Kilda Football Club over the West Coast Eagles in Perth. However, there's a current issue at Perth airport causing flight delays across Australia, potentially affecting the team's return.
In this episode, Murray, a seasoned myotherapist with over 35 years of experience, shares valuable tips on preventing back pain and avoiding medical interventions. He provides practical advice for maintaining good posture while standing, sitting, and lying down. Learn how to keep your spine healthy, avoid the surgeon's knife, and stay pain-free and independent for as long as possible.
Join Murray as he delves into his hands-on therapeutic approach and offers insights to help you maintain vertebral integrity and overall well-being.

Episode 946 Happy Birthday, Sainter!

Hi everyone. Well, well, it's a big day, so I've got something to sing to you all. Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Santa, happy birthday to you. Hey, Santa. Oh, yeah. My beautiful boy turns one today. My beautiful puppy dog. And he means the world to me. He truly does.
So what does Santa do for my life? Well, in my recovery, he has given me great comfort. He has given me someone to return home to when I go to work or indeed if ever I go out. In the night time, I just reach out for him and there he is, right alongside my bed, on his bed. And he has the most beautiful, beautiful fur. He truly does.
Ah, yes, he's extremely loyal. We haven't had one argument, have we, mate, hey? Not one argument. Oh, wow. Lick, lick, lick. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, mate. Yeah. Not one argument have we had and we never will. Will we, mate?
He loves my new lounge. I tell you what, he loves my beautiful new lounge. Anyone would think that he went into Harvey Norman with a credit card in hand and brought it for himself, but wow. He sits there right alongside me on the sofa and yeah, we have little chats, don't we, mate? We have little chats. Yes.
He's a bit of an animal liberationist though. He won't kill any mice. He won't. I think he's chasing them out of the house though. So still got a bit of a problem here in that area, but it's okay. They're under control for now.
Anyway, he's such a wonderful, wonderful puppy dog. I did say in a previous podcast that I so recommend his breed. He is a Maltese Shih Tzu, and wow, they have, as I said, the most amazing temperament, the most amazing fur, and they're just the most amazing indoor dog, which is exactly what I needed, exactly what I wanted, and here he is.
He has an incredible temperament. He's smart, he's independent, so he takes himself outside, brings himself back in. Oh yes, he's amazing. He's the most beautiful. As I said, the fur is so beautiful because it's winter here in Alice Springs now, but when he sits on your feet, it's like you're wearing a pair of boots. Absolutely beautiful.
And he shares his birthday with none other than Clint Eastwood. Oh, yes, Clint Eastwood is 94 today and Santa is one. I think very soon we'll be cutting a cake for him, blowing out a candle, and you'll get it again, mate. Happy birthday again. How about that? You've got to put up with your dad's singing once more.
Anyway, folks, I thought I'd share his birthday with you because you've heard so many great stories about him during these episodes. Oh, well, he wants to get down. I think he's heard Rachel come and he knows that she's got the cake. So I'm going to leave it at that, folks. Happy birthday, dear Santa. S-A-I-N-T-E-R. That has been episode 946 of, and it's been a Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 945 Overcoming the Unimaginable: A Journey of Resilience

Good morning from Alice Springs, Central Australia, Northern Territory. In this episode of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, Murray Stewart shares his profound journey of overcoming immense challenges. Born totally blind, Murray faced numerous battles, including a violent family environment and the trials of multiple marriages.However, his most significant struggle began in October 2022 when he suffered two strokes, leading to permanent brain damage and a drastic change in his spatial awareness. Despite these setbacks, Murray's story is one of resilience and determination. He speaks candidly about his rehabilitation journey, offering wisdom and encouragement to others facing similar struggles.Murray discusses his approach to recovery, emphasizing the importance of challenging oneself to stimulate brain function and create new neuropathways. He shares his plans for an upcoming trip to Tropical Queensland, designed to push his limits and further his progress.Join Murray in this inspiring episode as he reflects on his battles, his hopes, and his unwavering determination to regain independence and live a fulfilling life despite the odds.

Episode 944 Reflecting on Achievements and New Beginnings

Hi everyone, away we go. This is Murray Stewart, your host and presenter, and this is episode 944 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs. A good friend of mine had a birthday the other day, and she told me that as a part of her celebrations. She wanted to go up in a helicopter. So one of her friend's husband is a helicopter pilot, so she was granted that wish. And as she said, that's one more off the bucket list.
And I thought about this notion of a bucket list. I've never really wanted to go down that road because I wonder what happens once you have reached the end of your bucket list. Does that mean game over and then you curl up waiting in God's waiting room? I'm not sure. I haven't really had a bucket list as such, but I certainly have had things that I have wanted to achieve, and fortunately in my life, I have achieved those things.
When I was a teenager, I wanted to be a remedial masseur. Done. Yes, I have been a remedial masseur myotherapist for many years. When I was younger than that, as a nine, ten-year-old, I wanted to play cricket for Australia. That dream was realised. In 1984 at the Brisbane Australian Blind Cricket Carnival when I was selected as 12th man for Australia. I also wanted to run for Australia in track and field. And I did in 2011 in Darwin. I ran for Australia, achieving a silver medal in both the 800 metres and the 1500 metres.
So what else did I want to achieve? Well, I wanted to run a business and I did. In Melbourne, before coming to Alice Springs, I owned the MultiCare Tactile Therapy Centre, employing over 20 myotherapists. And then I also owned a gymnasium called the Rebound Fitness center. I wanted to have a family. Yes, I did. Well, as I have previously said, my marriages have not lasted the distance, but I have no regrets that I have four beautiful children as a result of those three marriages. So I have absolutely no regrets at all.
So what else do I want to achieve well from now it's about having wonderful relationships with my four children passing on my experience and wisdom to make sure that when I leave this mortal coil that they will be okay yeah that's what I want to do I want to shore up their life and their future by giving them everything I have in terms of wisdom and experience so they can have a wonderful fulfilling life as I have had. I've got plenty more to give, though, folks. I do. I have got plenty more to give.
My new business, Blind Magic Communications, is the vehicle from which I intend passing on the wisdom that all blind people have, that for us is a matter of survival. But that wisdom that knowledge those tools those skills those survival skills can be very very useful for everyone across the world so I certainly intend ensuring that blind magic communications becomes an icon in that space so look out there's more to come from me 100% there's more to come from me I almost feel that a brand new chapter of my life has just begun so yes for me it's not about a bucket list it's more about giving to the world as the world has given to me and in doing so contributing to making this a better place and keeping myself as youthful as I possibly can. Until the man upstairs says, you know what, mate? You've done your bit. Now it's time to come to heaven. Yeah, that's where I'm at. And I'm feeling good about that.
Okay, everyone, this has been episode 944 of Blind Magic Communications production.

Episode 943 Rediscovering Balance: A Heartfelt Journey from Melbourne to Alice Springs

Hello and welcome to everyone. This is Murray Stewart, your host and presenter, and this is episode 943 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs.
In this episode, Murray takes us back in time to the year 2000 when he was 37 years old, living in Melbourne, and had a major heart attack. He shares how his workaholic lifestyle led to a critical health scare and the life-changing decision to move to Alice Springs with his wife, a place they had fallen in love with during their honeymoon.
Murray reflects on the importance of slowing down and reassessing one's priorities, highlighting the recent decision of a friend to make lifestyle changes for better health and happiness. He emphasizes the value of family, friends, and taking time to enjoy life, cautioning against the dangers of overworking.
Despite his initial efforts to maintain a balanced life in Alice Springs, Murray admits to falling back into old habits, leading to another severe health crisis in 2022. He underwent a quintuple bypass and suffered strokes, underscoring the unsustainability of his previous pace.
Through his personal story, Murray urges listeners to reconsider their work-life balance, prioritize their well-being, and cherish their time with loved ones. He shares his ongoing journey of recovery and commitment to working smarter, not harder.
As the episode concludes, Murray marvels at the beautiful rain in Alice Springs, celebrating the miracles of nature and life. Join him in reflecting on the lessons learned and the importance of making mindful choices for a healthier, happier future.

Episode 942 The Wisdom of Honesty: Life Lessons from an Unexpected Mentor

Good afternoon from Alice Springs, Northern Territory! Welcome to episode 942 of "Blind Magic in Alice Springs" with your host, Murray Stewart. In today's episode, we dive into a heartfelt lesson about life and marriage, inspired by a chance encounter with an older gentleman.Murray shares a reflective story about meeting a man 15 years his senior, who has been married for 54 years. The conversation turns to the secret of a lasting marriage, and the elder's answer is simple yet profound: honesty. This revelation leads Murray to rethink his own views on honesty, especially when it comes to sharing personal and medical matters with a partner.Through this candid discussion, Murray explores the importance of transparency in relationships, the value of mentorship from older generations, and how being open can lead to deeper connections and mutual support. Tune in to discover why honesty truly is the cornerstone of a loving, respectful relationship.