Mind Flexing Sound Bites

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.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindflexing.com.au

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.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindflexing.com.au

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.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindflexing.com.au

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)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindflexing.com.au

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)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindflexing.com.au

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.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindflexing.com.au

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.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindflexing.com.au

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.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindflexing.com.au

S1 Episode 66 — Are cinemas a thing of the past? Writer Alia Parker takes a short trip down memory lane with an entertaining look at cultural relics from the not-too-distant past.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindflexing.com.au

It is noon on the grey coast of New Zealand’s Northland, a high tide of grey water under a grey sky and golden grey sand. Join writer Alia Parker as she reads a beautiful autofiction about how easy it is to not truly see the things right in front of you.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindflexing.com.au