Changing the Narrative

Knowing Yourself: Changing the Narrative E:25

Murray Elbourn (Host) & Elizabeth Rouse (Co-Host) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 19:37:03 -0700

In Episode 25 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourn and Elizabeth Rouse wrap up season one with a finale that takes on two very different topics in one sitting. They start with dressing for success as a blind person, where Elizabeth talks through packing seven pairs of shoes for an upcoming convention and Murray owns up to a sizable shorts collection of his own. Along the way they get into the power suit and the mindset that comes with it, the case for and against mismatched socks, tactile ways to tell similar shoes apart, and a practical approach to decoding unfamiliar dress codes. It is an honest and useful look at what it takes to walk into a room feeling confident and put together.

From there, they turn to conflict and the different ways people approach it. Elizabeth shares a color-based framework she learned from a mentor, and together they explore why some people want to address a problem right away while others need time to step back and process first, and why knowing your own triggers matters so much. The conversation moves into personality tests, the value of asking people you trust for honest feedback, and using AI as a starting point for understanding yourself. They close out the season with thoughts on cane etiquette and respecting personal space, along with a warm invitation for listeners to come and say hello at convention.

You can also stream this podcast on other platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CxmNSmbAhR6QBGMJfEDZi?si=bfadbd9da64f4b9e
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changing-the-narrative/id1839554274
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9b232296-ba3b-4106-83ce-56271c74ba8c/changing-the-narrative

Other Resources
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murrayaelbourn/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@murrayamerability?_r=1&_t=ZP-97LlF79lgCN
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murray-elbourn-69576543?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Amerability Website: https: https://www.amerability.com/
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Amerability

About Amerability:
Amerability was born from a simple but powerful idea: that blind and low vision individuals deserve more than support — they deserve the tools, mentorship, and real-world experiences to build lives on their own terms. Founded by CEO Murray Elbourn, a legally blind leader with more than 25 years of executive experience in disability sports and workforce development across two continents, Amerability combines lived experience with professional expertise to create programs that don't just prepare participants for the world — they prove the world is already theirs to conquer. Murray's journey from captaining Australia's national goalball team and leading Disability Sports Australia as CEO to founding Amerability in the United States gave him a firsthand understanding of what blind and low vision individuals truly need to succeed: not sympathy, but strategy, structure, and someone who has walked the path before them. That philosophy is woven into everything Amerability does, from the way programs are designed to the mentors who deliver them, ensuring that every participant is met with high expectations, practical guidance, and the unwavering belief that their goals are within reach.

2026 NFB National Convention Agenda Highlights: Changing the Narrative E:24

Murray Elbourn (Host) & Elizabeth Rouse (Co-Host) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:39:52 -0700

In Episode 24 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourne and Elizabeth Rouse turn a packed convention agenda into a survival guide for anyone who has ever felt swallowed by a giant professional gathering. With the National Federation of the Blind's national convention in Austin on the horizon, they map six days of sessions, exhibit halls, and late-night networking, then hand you the strategy that actually matters: how to prep, prioritize, and walk into an enormous hotel like you own the place. It works for convention. It works for your next conference. It works for life.

Recorded on a rare burst of morning energy, this season finale crackles with friendly bickering, running jokes, and the occasional kazoo. Underneath the fun is something bigger: a community that shows up, in person or on Zoom, to prove what blind and low vision people can do when they refuse to shrink. There are tips, there are laughs, and there is a quiet reminder that exploring without fear is its own kind of power.

Lead Like You Mean It: Changing the Narrative E:23

Murray Elbourn (Host) & Elizabeth Rose (Co-Host) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:51:33 -0700

In Episode 23 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourne and Elizabeth Rouse are settling a score. There is a cross-continental sports rivalry to relitigate, a wrestler accused of cursing an entire NBA playoff run, and at least one fast food order so questionable it nearly derails the whole show. Then the gloves come off. What really separates a good leader from a great one? Murray and Elizabeth do not just talk about it, they compete over it, turning their answers into a head-to-head draft where every pick has to be defended and nobody backs down quietly. It is fast, it is funny, and it might just change how you think about the people you choose to follow.

But the real heart of this one sneaks up on you. Somewhere between stories of unlikely mentors and hard-won lessons about owning your mistakes, Elizabeth lays something raw on the table, a leadership opportunity staring her down right now, one she is not at all sure she is ready for. How she wrestles with that question is the kind of unguarded moment that makes you sit up. This is an episode about confidence and fear, about leading and following, and about the uncomfortable truth that the things we are most afraid of are often the ones worth chasing. Press play and ask yourself the question they cannot stop circling: what would you do if the scariest opportunity was the right one?

The Top 10 Accessible Apps: Changing the Narrative E:22

Murray Elbourn — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:14:13 -0700

In Episode 22 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourne and Elizabeth Rouse count down the top 10 accessible apps in the world, the tools that quietly run daily life for the blind and low vision community. It opens, naturally, with a cricket commentator, a number that refuses to leave Murray's head, and a Messi jersey that has no business being on a podcast about apps. From there the two work their way up a list that sparks strong opinions, a few friendly bets, and one stubborn argument about whether a screen reader even counts as an app in the first place.

Along the way they swap stories about reading marathons, narration requests that have gotten faintly out of hand, and the quiet confidence that comes from pulling out a phone and simply knowing. There's talk of airport navigation, grocery aisles, post office mysteries solved in seconds, and why the best of these tools are built with blind voices in the room instead of as an afterthought. Murray and Lizzie don't quite agree on which app deserves the crown, and they're not about to spoil where everything lands. Press play, place your bets, and find out which one comes out on top.

Aisle Be the Judge: Changing the Narrative E:21

Murray Elbourn — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:00:06 -0700

In Episode 21 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourne and Elizabeth Rouse celebrate the show's 21st birthday the only responsible way they can, with a total absence of actual drinks and a brand new countdown. Picking up where their accessible destinations list left off, the two rank the top ten most accessible retail stores in America, and Murray turns the whole thing into a slow-drip guessing game by refusing to confirm whether a certain beloved warehouse chain cracks the list at all. Elizabeth, who would very much like to know if Costco makes the cut, spends the episode somewhere between delighted and ready to file a formal complaint. Along the way you will learn exactly which store inspired her to quietly weaponize VoiceOver on a row of unsuspecting Apple displays, and why she may or may not still be welcome there.

Underneath the fun is a genuinely useful tour of how everyday stores are showing up for blind and low vision shoppers, from visual interpreting services waiting just inside the door to spoken prescription tools, braille labels, and built-in screen readers that turn a phone into an independence machine. They mark an accessibility milestone that happened to land on the very day they recorded, get into the surprisingly spicy distinction between access technology and assistive technology, and make the case that good intentions still need better staff training to truly stick. Expect Australian coffee patriotism, a family Christmas wrapping ritual, and a stuffed mascot named after a state capital, all before the number one spot is revealed. You will have to listen to find out whether Costco earns its crown.

Around the World With a Cane: Changing the Narrative E:20

Murray Elbourn — Sun, 10 May 2026 16:19:22 -0700

In Episode 20 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourne and Elizabeth Rouse take their unfiltered rapport on the road, swapping G'day jokes and Hunger Games hot takes before launching into a globe trotting countdown built for blind and low vision travellers. Expect cultural detours, opinions delivered with zero restraint, and a healthy disagreement about what accessibility actually looks like once you are standing in a foreign city with a cane in hand.

The countdown anchors the episode, but the conversation refuses to stay neatly in its lane. Murray shares lessons earned the hard way on streets that did not exactly roll out the welcome mat, while Elizabeth pushes back on the idea that more design intervention always equals more independence. There is also the small matter of gelato etiquette, a public transit system that nearly defeated one host, and an ongoing dispute about pizza geography that may never be settled. Episode 20 is part travel guide, part friendly chaos, and entirely worth the airfare.

The Information You Don't Owe Anyone: Changing the Narrative E:18

Murray Elbourn — Thu, 07 May 2026 19:03:42 -0700

In Episode 18 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourne and Elizabeth Rouse dig into the slippery world of personal information and how easily it slips out in places it absolutely should not. The conversation kicks off with a flashback that should make anyone who has ever taken a phone call in public wince a little, then opens up into the deeper territory of medical privacy, healthcare advocacy, and the strange new wrinkle of AI tools quietly recording your appointments. Throw in some honest comparisons between Australian breeziness and American suspicion, plus a lively detour involving a band that may or may not actually be Three Doors Down, and you have a chat that pinballs between practical and ridiculous in the best way.

Safety threads through the back half of the conversation, especially the everyday calculations people in the community make when a cane or guide dog can mark them out in a crowd. Murray and Elizabeth swap strategies for handing out phone numbers without handing out your life, explain why your hotel room number is nobody's business, and trade tips on the gentle art of the wing woman extraction. The episode also wades into bigger questions about disability rights and the responsibility of knowing what protections you actually have. Whether you are heading to a convention, a doctor's office, or just trying to get through a Starbucks line in peace, this one gives you plenty to think about and a few good lines to steal.

Nothing About Us Without Us, Advocacy in an Age of Ignorance: Changing narrative E:19

Murray Elbourn — Thu, 07 May 2026 15:45:37 -0700

n Episode 19 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourne and Elizabeth Rouse dig into the messy, urgent terrain of disability advocacy and discrimination, where the gap between what the law promises and what daily life actually delivers keeps getting harder to ignore. Murray comes in fired up after a documentary about disability rights, and Lizzie brings the policy chops, the National Federation of the Blind training, and a willingness to correct a preposition inside the first three minutes. The dynamic ricochets between heartfelt frustration and the kind of friendly bickering you can only have with someone who has watched you fumble a famous advocacy slogan on tape.

his one gets honest about the things that keep getting kicked down the road, like website accessibility timelines, sub-minimum wages, and the curious American math where landmark legislation is somehow still considered too new to fully enforce. The hosts wrestle with whether language actually shifts minds or whether it just hands critics an easy target, and they land on opposite sides of the person-first debate without anyone storming out of the room. Expect a Maya Angelou quote that nobody promises to nail perfectly, a gentle takedown of the inspiration-porn industrial complex, and a candid look at what advocacy can really sound like when it stops apologizing for taking up space. If you've been waiting for a conversation that names the stakes without losing the humor, this one delivers.

Socialization & Train or Ignore Your Vision: Changing the Narrative E:17

Murray Elbourn & Elizabeth Rouse — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:56:56 -0700

In Episode 17 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourne and Elizabeth Rouse tackle one of the most layered and personal topics in the blind and low vision community: how you actually move through the world, and how you connect with the people in it. From orientation and mobility training to the social skills that don't come with a manual, this episode pulls apart the difference between simply learning to use a cane and truly understanding your environment through every sense you've got. Murray brings his years on the goalball court and coaching sideline into the mix, while Elizabeth draws on her experience at the NFB training center, and the two quickly discover just how differently they were taught to navigate the same world.

But this isn't just about crossing streets and counting curbs. Murray and Elizabeth dig into what happens when the art of conversation starts to disappear in a screen-obsessed world, and why that loss hits the blind and low-vision community especially hard. They challenge listeners to think about how they want to be seen, heard, and remembered, all while swapping stories about shoulder injections gone sideways, life bingo cards nobody asked for, and why being 5'8" in the eighth grade apparently makes you goalball royalty. Whether you're rethinking your own mobility approach or just curious about what real independence looks like when no two journeys are the same, this one will have you nodding, laughing, and maybe reconsidering your elevator speech.

NFB - National Convention 2026: Changing the Narrative E:16

Murray Elbourn & Elizabeth Rouse — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:40:16 -0700

What do you get when 4,000 blind and low-vision people descend on Austin, Texas in the middle of summer? In Episode 16 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourne and Elizabeth Rouse dive headfirst into everything you need to know about the National Federation of the Blind's 2026 National Convention. From the Rookie Roundup to the exhibit hall, division meetings to general sessions, they walk through all six days of the action-packed schedule and break down why this gathering is so much more than a conference. Along the way, they make a passionate case for getting involved in NABS, swap stories about chaotic street crossings in New Orleans, tease a mysterious mock trial, and somehow end up planning a Dancing with the Stars: Blind Edition debut. There's also a dramatic tale of tie recovery from a Coyote Ugly bar, a firm refusal to join a fantasy baseball league, and a 28% spike in listenership to celebrate. Whether you're a convention veteran or a curious first-timer, this episode is your insider's guide to the biggest week in the blindness community.

Love, Dating & Relationship on the Blind Spectrum: Change the Narrative E:15

Murray Elbourn & Elizabeth Rouse — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:48:46 -0700

What happens when a friend texts you out of nowhere and says, "I need to see your Tinder profile," and you realize you haven't had one in half a decade because all you do is work, go to grad school, and grocery shop with your mom? In Episode 15 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourne and Elizabeth Rouse rip open the messy, hilarious, sometimes brutal world of online dating, and what it really looks like when you're swiping through profiles with low vision or blindness in 2026. Elizabeth walks through why she got back on the apps after a years-long hiatus, the dating app landscape from Tinder to Bumble to Hinge, and some date stories so painfully awkward you'll feel them in your bones.

But this episode goes way deeper than bad dates and red flags. Murray asks the question a lot of people in the blind and low vision community are thinking but rarely say out loud: would you date someone who's also blind? What follows is one of the most honest conversations they've had on this show, unpacking the real tradeoffs nobody talks about when it comes to dating sighted versus blind partners, from who has to explain ableism at dinner to why being comfortable with someone can sometimes mean you stop showing up as your best self. They get into the pressure to be perfect in a world where people will hit the reject button in under three minutes, why good people get torpedoed by their own insecurities in the dating phase, and what it actually means to find someone who shows up for every version of you. If you've ever wondered what dating really looks like when blindness is part of the equation, or you just need to feel seen in the chaos of modern romance, this episode is for you.

Inclusive Communities: Changing the Narrative E:14

Murray Elbourn & Elizabeth Rouse — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:59:20 -0700

What happens when you grow up as the only blind person in your entire community and then one day walk into a room full of people just like you and hear "welcome home"? In Episode 14 of Changing the Narrative, Murray Elbourne and Elizabeth Rouse crack open the real story behind inclusive communities, why you need both the blind world and the mainstream world to truly thrive, and what happens when well-meaning people accidentally kill your independence by being too helpful. From Elizabeth's eighth-grade trip to the National Federation of the Blind's headquarters where she was told "explore, but if you get lost, we're not coming to find you" (spoiler: three teenagers got locked in a parking garage), to Murray's journey bouncing between low vision classrooms and mainstream schools across Australia, they lay bare the messy, beautiful, sometimes hilarious reality of finding where you belong.

But belonging isn't always straightforward, and they tackle the paradox that rarely gets talked about. What it's like living with low vision, where you're "the sighted person" in a room of blind people and "the blind person" everywhere else, and how that in-between space shapes everything from friendships to self-advocacy. They get disarmingly honest about what happens when people lose vision later in life, walking through the nonlinear chaos of grief with both empathy and a refusal to sugarcoat it. Murray shares his experience of losing significant vision twice, including once after a stroke while running Disability Sports Australia, and Elizabeth drops a story about her best friend since age five completely unraveling in airports while Elizabeth calmly handles everything. If you've ever wondered what real community looks like beyond the buzzword, how to support someone navigating vision loss, or why the person pushing you to do things yourself is actually the one who loves you most, this episode will grab you and not let go.

Inside Blind Cricket: Changing the Narrative E:13

Elizabeth Rouse & Meghan Whalen — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:22:10 -0800

In Episode 13 of Changing the Narrative, Elizabeth Rouse and her guest Megan dive into the world of blind cricket, breaking down what the sport is, how it works, and why it’s starting to catch on in the United States. If you’ve ever heard the word “cricket” and had no idea what was happening, this conversation makes it approachable by walking through the basics, then layering in how the game is adapted for blind and low vision players so it stays fast, strategic, and competitive.

As the episode unfolds, they explore what makes blind cricket exciting beyond the rules, including teamwork, communication, and the role classification plays in creating a fair playing field. With real perspective from within the blind community, this episode invites listeners into a sport that deserves more attention and leaves you with a clear picture of why blind cricket isn’t just an adaptation, it’s a full-throttle game with its own culture, talent, and momentum.

Where Opportunity Meets Independence: Changing the Narrative E:12

Murray Elbourn — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 21:09:50 -0800

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.

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

Murray Elbourn — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:42:56 -0800

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.

EQ Records Interview: Change the Narrative E:10

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 14:42:33 -0800

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

Accessible Entertainment: Changing the Narrative E:9

Murray Elbourn — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 14:30:34 -0800

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.

Shopping Through the Holidays: Changing the Narrative E:8

Murray Elbourn — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:41:51 -0800

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.

Navigating the Holidays: Change the Narrative E:7

Murray Elbourn — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:22:01 -0800

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.

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

Murray Elbourn — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:17:45 -0800

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.

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

Murray Elbourn — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:43:56 -0800

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.

Blind Dating: Changing the Narrative E:4

Murray Elbourn — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:20:40 -0800

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.

Blind Travel: Changing the Narrative E:3

Murray Elbourn — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 19:18:53 -0700

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.

Navigating Through the Sighted World: Changing the Narrative E:2

Murray Elbourn — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:58:54 -0700

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.

The Birth of Changing the Narrative E:1

Murray Elbourn — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:22:09 -0700

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