Often, it’s not what we know, but what we don’t know that makes it intriguing. Join writer Alia Parker as she explores the power of absence, it's relationship with presence, and why the yellow shadows of the internet's Backrooms became a communal creative sensation.

This is the final episode of Mind Flexing for Season 2026. Thank you for being here. Alia will be back with more to think about in February 2026.

The bodies that represent Australia's creative industries have converged in Canberra over a very concerning issue. Join writer Alia Parker to learn why they are asking you to put your name to an open letter to the government and why Big Tech's lobbying for 'text and data mining' exemptions to Australian copyright law sets a risky precedent.

Humans are struggling to prove their authenticity in the age of artificial intelligence. Join writer Alia Parker as she explores the failings of AI detectors and the steps writers of any creed can take to prove their human authorship and regain control of their own credibility.

Are we really that different to a power outlet? Join writer Alia Parker in this short thought expedition as she follows electricity into places you may never expect to find it, and discover the common ground we all share. (7 minutes)

What is it that haunts us in the aftermath of loss? Join writer Alia Parker on this short thought expedition as she attempts to explain strange coincidences at odd moments. (10 minutes)

How unusual is it for a river to run in reverse? Not as strange as you may think. Join writer Alia Parker in this short thought expedition as she explores two very different rivers in Victoria's High Country.

Why are we forever wanting? Join writer Alia Parker in this short thought expedition as she looks for contentment in a world of wants. Turns out, wanting is not the problem.

Writer Alia Parker takes us on a flight into the philosophy of hermeneutics while learning to trust the wind. What is it that we find in the spaces between? Enjoy this short literary thought expedition as part of a monthly series on mindflexing.com.au.