Changing the Narrative

Murray Elbourn
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION

Changing the Narrative is a weekly podcast that pulls back the curtain on life with blindness and low vision—hosted by Murray Elbourn and Elizabeth Rouse. With humor, honesty, and lived experience, they ditch the clichés and get real about what actually works in everyday life. From navigating holiday shopping and independence to education, careers, sports, technology, and culture, no topic is off limits. Expect candid conversations, practical takeaways, sharp opinions, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else—plus spotlights on organizations and innovations truly moving the needle. Watch on YouTube through Amerability, or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episodes

  1. FEB 9

    Where Opportunity Meets Independence: Changing the Narrative E:12

    In Episode 12 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourn and Elizabeth Rouse continue an honest, wide-ranging conversation about how growth happens when systems, expectations, and opportunities align. Drawing from lived experience and real-world observation, they explore how the structures surrounding blindness and low vision shape independence, confidence, and access to work, transportation, and financial stability. The discussion highlights how different approaches can either open doors or quietly place limits on what people are encouraged to pursue. Throughout the episode, Murray and Elizabeth challenge assumptions about support and success, emphasizing the importance of environments that promote autonomy rather than restriction. Their conversation invites listeners to think differently about what meaningful inclusion looks like and how thoughtful design—both in policy and in everyday life—can create pathways toward economic mobility, contribution, and self-determination. The episode leaves listeners with a clearer sense of why changing the narrative requires more than awareness—it requires systems that truly work.   That perspective naturally connects to organizations like the  National Federation of the Blind, whose work reflects many of the ideas explored in this episode. Listeners who are curious about advocacy, community leadership, and how collective action can influence opportunity will find this conversation especially relevant, offering context and insight that encourages deeper engagement beyond the episode itself.

    51 min

  2. FEB 4

    Retinitis Pigmentosa Awareness - Tammy's Journey: Changing the Narrative E:11

    In this episode of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourn sits down with Tammy Jackson in recognition of Retinitis Pigmentosa Awareness Month to explore the realities of living with a progressive vision condition. Tammy shares her personal journey from subtle, lifelong night-vision challenges to a life-altering diagnosis in adulthood, reflecting on the emotional shock, identity shifts, and uncertainty that followed. Through her story, listeners gain insight into how RP can progress differently for each individual and how vision loss often goes unnoticed as the brain adapts over time. The conversation also highlights the importance of self-advocacy, education, and informed decision-making. Tammy discusses genetic testing, navigating low-vision supports, and her decision to participate in a gene-therapy clinical trial focused on preserving remaining vision rather than restoring what has been lost. Together, Murray and Tammy emphasize that while there are no miracle cures, understanding available options, preparing for change, and staying engaged in one’s own care can be powerful tools in shaping a confident and purposeful life with vision loss.

    51 min

  3. JAN 11

    EQ Records Interview: Change the Narrative E:10

    In Episode 10 of *Changing the Narrative*, Murray Elbourn and Elizabeth Rouse celebrate a milestone by welcoming their first guests, Jeremy and Jada from the EQ Records Collective, for a professional and engaging conversation about the arts, music, and what creativity can unlock for blind or low-vision students. They share how EQ was built around collaboration and community, then take listeners behind the scenes of an early Amerability camp in Spokane using the Youth for Christ studio. What followed was a focused creative sprint: songwriting, recording, drama activities like the alphabet improv game, and a group performance that still leaves a lasting impact. The group reflects on the breakout song “This Is Who We Are,” why it resonates without being “about blindness,” and the unforgettable moment when a student walked into a workshop for the first time and immediately stepped into their confidence, later growing into someone who regularly records, strengthens their craft, and continues to develop as an artist. Jeremy also shares EQ’s vision for the future, including consistent after-school studio opportunities for blind or low-vision and low-resource students, seasonal 10-week rotations that end with a showcase, and building a stage for an all-ages concert space where students can perform regularly. They also explain how to get involved through eqrecords.org or by emailing Jada at eqrecords.org. After the guests, the episode keeps the signature Murray and Lizzie energy with a hilarious “what students said this week” segment, a debate over what counts as a win or a loss, and a fun detour into Lizzie’s performing arts world, including NFB involvement, Murray’s Australian accent chaos, and theater throwbacks that keep the episode heartfelt, funny, and motivating from start to finish.   Podcast Resources Website: EQ Records (Click Here) Email Jaeda: Click Here

    50 min

  4. 12/20/2025

    Accessible Entertainment: Changing the Narrative E:9

    In Episode 9 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourn and Elizabeth Rouse keep things engaging and conversational as they share current favorites in books, music, television, and movies while grounding the discussion in real accessibility experiences. Elizabeth reflects on her ambitious reading goal, how she balances audiobooks with binge watching shows and puzzles, and why comfort reads and familiar storylines can be a meaningful way to manage stress. She also highlights Goodreads year end lists, including the audiobook category, as a helpful resource for discovering new titles. Murray discusses what he is watching and looking forward to, explains how podcasts can help fill in details that may be missed without audio description, and shares how fantasy football became a way for him to connect with the sport. The episode wraps with a practical technology segment where Murray recommends Microsoft Word’s Read Aloud feature and new Copilot tools that can support writing and editing with low vision, followed by holiday wishes and a teaser that Episode 10 will feature the podcast’s first guest.

    46 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    Shopping Through the Holidays: Changing the Narrative E:8

    In this episode 8 of Changing the Narrative, Murray and Elizabeth dive into the realities of shopping as a blind or low-vision person—just in time for the holiday season. From online shopping wins and Amazon rabbit holes to navigating big stores like Costco, asking for shopping assistance, and deciding when tactile buttons really matter, they share practical tips, honest frustrations, and lots of laughs. Along the way, the conversation takes festive detours into inflatable snowmen disasters, Grinch décor, puzzles, air fryers, bump dots, grocery store helpers, and the joy of finding familiar comfort foods. The episode wraps with thoughtful reflections on reducing holiday stress, spending within your means, prioritizing self-care, and remembering that the season is about connection, not consumerism. Equal parts helpful, relatable, and hilarious, this episode offers real-world strategies—and plenty of humor—for navigating shopping and the holidays with confidence.

    40 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Navigating the Holidays: Change the Narrative E:7

    In Episode 7 of Changing the Narrative, Murray and Elizabeth unwrap the chaos, charm, and sometimes comical challenges of navigating the holidays with blindness or low vision. From mastering food lines at family feasts to arguing over who has true decorating dominance, they share hilarious mishaps—like Murray eating a decorative flower at a gala and Elizabeth slicing her hand on a Ninja blender—alongside practical conversations about advocacy, independence, and communicating needs before tensions rise. They dive into accessible holiday games, gift-wrapping hacks, the emotional load of gatherings, how different families adapt traditions, and why Christmas shopping is a battlefield best fought online. With detours into puzzles, Black Friday traps, Aussie “Boxing Day,” ugly sweaters, and the ongoing saga of Murray’s 14-foot Frosty the Snowman, this episode is equal parts festive, relatable, and laugh-out-loud funny. And trust us—you’ll never look at holiday ornaments, gift bags, or ping-pong balls the same way again.

    46 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    Self-awareness and Body Language: Changing the Narrative E:6

    In Episode 6 of Changing the Narrative, Murray and Elizabeth dive into the surprisingly tricky world of self-awareness and body language for people with blindness and low vision—complete with hilarious mishaps, honest confessions, and practical insights. From Zoom-camera disasters and the infamous “high-partial hunch” to slouching, resting blank face, and even one unforgettable accidental leg-pat in a college green room, they unpack how the way we sit, speak, move, and present ourselves shapes how others see us. They explore why first impressions matter even more when you walk in with a cane or guide dog, how to manage blindisms, how to accept feedback without spiraling, and simple tricks like “aim for the forehead” when you can’t make eye contact. With real stories, playful teasing, and resources like accessible medication tools and classic body-language guides, this episode is equal parts entertaining and empowering—and one embarrassing story in particular is worth the listen alone.

    46 min

  8. 11/25/2025

    Advocacy and Self-confident: Changing the Narrative E:5

    In Episode 5 of Changing the Narrative, Murray and Elizabeth break open one of the most powerful topics yet: self-advocacy and self-confidence. From strangers grabbing your arm in New York City to being told you “look like you can see,” they share raw, funny, and eye-opening stories about what it really takes to stand up for yourself as a blind or low-vision person. Murray dives into redefining who you are beyond your vision, while Elizabeth reveals the turning points that pushed her from frustration to fierce self-advocate, as they explore the spectrum of blindness, the burden of always educating others, and the moments when saying “no” becomes your strongest tool. If you’ve ever struggled to speak up, felt underestimated, or wondered how to build real confidence, this episode has something for you.

    35 min

  9. 11/12/2025

    Blind Dating: Changing the Narrative E:4

    In Episode 4 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourn and Elizabeth Rouse dive into the theme of dating with blindness and low vision. Murray opens by sharing how he met his wife online through ICQ, reflecting on challenges like disclosing his vision loss and his wife’s insecurities about how he might perceive her after cataract surgery. Elizabeth follows with her own story of growing confidence, from early insecurities in high school to ending a college relationship that limited her independence. Together, they emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and being honest about one’s blindness when dating. The hosts discuss whether dating someone who is blind versus sighted makes a difference, concluding that authentic connection matters more than vision status. They also highlight the role of confidence, self-care, and independence in building healthy relationships. Elizabeth offers practical advice on using dating apps, social opportunities, and being proud of one’s identity. The episode closes with encouragement for listeners to start conversations, embrace social experiences, and define themselves beyond blindness.

    41 min

  10. 10/12/2025

    Blind Travel: Changing the Narrative E:3

    In Episode 3 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourn and Elizabeth Rouse dive into the realities of travel with blindness and low vision, swapping stories from Elizabeth’s Alaskan cruise and Murray’s Sydney Harbour Bridge climb to expose what travel accessibility really looks like. They unpack the debates around pre-boarding, air-travel etiquette, and the cane-as-carry-on issue, and discuss why many blind travelers reject being forced into wheelchairs just to get airport assistance. Elizabeth recalls learning to assert boundaries when strangers offer “healing” prayers, and the pair reflect on faith, acceptance, and turning blindness into purpose. Their chat moves through humor and honesty—from sensory-rich adventures in Victoria and Glacier Bay to awkward social moments and unforgettable guides who described the world through sound and smell. They celebrate technology tools like Be My AI, Aira, and Canva for alt-text, while staying candid about current tech limits such as Meta glasses. The episode closes with a look at adaptive recreation—from blind tennis partnerships to a University of Washington project developing haptic flag football—and a shared reminder that travel, like blindness itself, is best experienced through curiosity, conversation, and using every sense available.

    55 min

  11. 09/18/2025

    Changing the Narrative E:2

    Episode 2 of Changing the Narrative takes a deeper look at the pathways to navigating blindness and low vision. Murray and Elizabeth start with independence, unpacking what it means beyond stereotypes and showing how choice, control, and confidence shape daily life. They move into self-advocacy, explaining how speaking up in schools, workplaces, and the community shifts attitudes and opens opportunities. Technology is explored as both a lifeline and a tool for equality, from screen readers to apps that enhance mobility and communication. The hosts also confront ongoing barriers in education, employment, and culture, highlighting how persistence and resources help dismantle outdated perceptions and create more inclusive systems.

    36 min
  12. Changing the Narrative E:1

    09/16/2025

    Changing the Narrative E:1

    Murray and Elizabeth introduce themselves and set the mission: enable people and build community. Elizabeth traces her path from mainstream K–12 with an IEP to theater, NFB leadership, and an MFA program, stressing that blindness is a spectrum and one story is not every story. Murray covers growing up legally blind in Australia, a corporate and sports-inclusion career, and launching Amerability in the U.S. They compare generational shifts in blindness, tools and training that build real independence, and why language and expectations matter. Spotlights include the Blind Center of Las Vegas and U.S. blind tennis, with an invite to take one concrete action and report back. Weekly episodes

    43 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Changing the Narrative is a weekly podcast that pulls back the curtain on life with blindness and low vision—hosted by Murray Elbourn and Elizabeth Rouse. With humor, honesty, and lived experience, they ditch the clichés and get real about what actually works in everyday life. From navigating holiday shopping and independence to education, careers, sports, technology, and culture, no topic is off limits. Expect candid conversations, practical takeaways, sharp opinions, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else—plus spotlights on organizations and innovations truly moving the needle. Watch on YouTube through Amerability, or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Information

  • Creator
    Murray Elbourn
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Murray Elbourn
  • Show Website
    Changing the Narrative