Elaine's Literary Salon

Inkandescent Radio
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Bibliophiles will love this new show — live from the popular bistro Elaine's in Old Town, Alexandria VA. Our host is the restaurant's owner, Jeffrey James Higgins, a prolific author who is on a mission to help his fellow writers share their stories.

  1. 2d ago

    Ep70: If you and your team are struggling in the workplace, don’t miss this groundbreaking book by Dr. C. Victor Herbin III: “Organizational Arrogance: How Superiority Behaviors Become Cultural Arrogance – And What Every Leader Must Do to Stop It

    Meet the Author: Dr. C. Victor Herbin III (aka: Dr. Vic) is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, leadership advisor, and the founder of Organizational Arrogance — a leadership development brand built on more than two decades of service at the highest levels of government and the military. Through books, assessments, and keynote programs, Dr. Herbin helps leaders see how a sense of superiority within leadership shapes behavior, decision-making, and culture. His programs equip leaders to recognize, diagnose, and interrupt these patterns before they become systemic. Learn more: bookdrvic.com About Organizational Arrogance: The most dangerous threat to your organization isn’t external. It’s cultural—and it already has a seat at your table. A concern gets brushed aside. A dissenting view is labeled “resistance.” A mistake becomes a reason to discredit rather than develop. Over time, superiority quietly replaces curiosity, and the best ideas in the room never reach the table. That culture has a name. Dr. C. Victor Herbin III gave it one. Drawing on more than two decades of military leadership—including three combat deployments, Pentagon service, and battalion command—and years of rigorous doctoral research at Regent University, Dr. Herbin delivers the first empirically validated framework for identifying, measuring, and reversing the quiet cultural pattern dismantling promising organizations across government and industry: Organizational Arrogance. Inside this field manual for modern leaders, you will discover: The ODD Framework — the three behavioral dimensions that define arrogant cultures: Overconfidence, Dismissiveness, and Disparagement The OA Cultural Escalation Model — a five-stage diagnostic revealing exactly how individual superiority hardens into cultural entrenchment The Organizational Arrogance Scale — the first validated instrument (Cronbach’s alpha .922) designed to measure the presence, frequency, and intensity of arrogant behaviors within organizational culture Practical interventions rooted in emotional intelligence, organizational humility, and behavioral discipline to interrupt arrogant patterns before they become irreversible This book will not tell you what you want to hear. It will tell you what your team already knows—and has stopped saying out loud. For the senior executive wondering whether the metrics are masking something deeper. For the middle manager who can feel the energy in the room has changed. For the HR leader, executive coach, board member, or organizational development consultant who has watched arrogant cultures dismantle great organizations from the inside out—Organizational Arrogance is the diagnosis, the framework, and the roadmap home. The only question is whether the leader holding this book is ready to do the work. Click here to buy Organizational Arrogance. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

  2. Aug 25

    Ep69: Beka Wueste’s “Human of the Year,” is a gripping tale about a man released from a Maryland prison after nearly 20 years. Join us to learn more about this story of family dynamics, emotional survival, and second chances

    Meet the Author: Kirkus Star winner Beka Wueste is an author whose debut novel, “The Unsent Letters of Lucy Prior,” earned praise as a “deeply introspective and emotionally resonant novel” (Kirkus Reviews) and whose second novel, “Fireflies in a Jar,” was lauded as, “original, deftly crafted, emotionally engaging” (Midwest Book Review). Her short story collection, “My Side of the Word and Other Tales of Death,” was described as ” lyrical and thoughtful… a moving, imaginative, and unforgettable exploration” (Readers Favorite Book Reviews). The collection was named as a finalist for the 2025 Short Story Collections/Anthologies category of the Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards. Beka is also an award-winning visual artist who exhibits her work frequently in regional and national shows. Born in Texas and raised in Virginia, Beka earned a B.A. in art history from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA, and an M.A. in art history from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. An enthusiastic traveler, avid reader, nature lover, lifelong cinephile, and collector of music on vinyl, Beka lives with her husband and their rescue Shiba Inu in Northern Virginia. Learn more: www.bekawueste.com “Human of the Year,” by Beka Wueste About Beka’s newest book: Human of the Year Released from a Maryland prison after nearly twenty years served for a crime he committed during high school, Matt is reunited with his younger sister, Jenny. Matt has to prove to his parole officer, his family, and himself, that he can survive as a free man for the first time in his adult life, while facing the challenges of re-entry into a world that drastically changed during his incarceration. Knowing that reaching the first year without retuning to prison is critical to Matt’s long-term odds of staying out permanently, Jenny brings him to live with her husband Hector and young daughter Julia, neither of whom Matt has ever met. Despite Jenny’s best efforts, she struggles to integrate her brother into the life she’s built, and to protect him from people who think he belongs back in prison—including their parents. Realizing that they have grown up into strangers, the siblings seek support from their community of family, friends, and colleagues. Kirkus Reviews What reviewers are saying: “A gripping tale about family dynamics, emotional survival, and second chances. Wueste is an excellent writer, and her main characters feel very real. We care deeply about Matt. We care deeply about Jenny and her endearing little family. We hope against hope that cold hearts will melt. Readers will surely enjoy this emotional ride, with all its twists and turns, hanging on until the very end.” — Midwest Book Review “5 Stars | A highly affecting work of literary fiction… emotionally charged… the type of novel that will have a profound effect on its readership’s outlook… a transformative novel, teeming with flawed but root-worthy characters.” — Reader Views “Readers who like literary fiction with moral weight and emotional restraint will find much to admire here. Human of the Year is compassionate, clear-eyed, and unwilling to lie about how hard it is to come home.” — Leah Tran, Manhattan Book Review Click here to buy Human of the Year. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

  3. Aug 18

    Ep68: Paula B. Mays takes us on an art trip around the world with “Murder in La Galeria D’Arte — A Marco in Spain Mystery”

    Meet the Author: I am an attorney with over thirty years of experience. My legal experience has varied from a start in criminal law to intellectual property, specifically trademarks, and now healthcare. I also pursued a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the George Washington University late in my career. It is an interesting field, and I have come to find that public health affects everyone. I am a native of Washington, D.C., raised by a single mother who was both brilliant and resourceful. I attended boarding school at St. Timothy’s in Stevenson, Maryland, a Baltimore suburb, as my mother was concerned that the black students were not being well-educated in schools facing conflict from the new policy of busing. I want my mystery novels to express the beauty in diversity. Learn more about Paula here. About the Book: Murder in La Galeria D’Arte — A Marco in Spain Mystery Addison Mason had no enemies. Everyone loved him, yet he’s been murdered. Marco is again teamed with Detective Alberto Flores of the Malaga police. They are tasked with investigating the death of Addison, the owner of a new cultural museum in the city. Addison is murdered on the museum’s opening night, when a famous painting from the fifteenth century was to be unveiled. Marco and Flores must determine whether there is a link between the murder of the curator and the valuable, famous painting, which had been lost since the Spanish Civil War. The search for answers takes them to Spain, the UK, and Morocco. The Chief of Police, the Mayor, and the town dignitaries of Vivirrambla are relying on the unlikely pair to solve the case, or both their careers could be on the line. Click here to buy the book. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

  4. Aug 4

    Ep67: Futurist Richard Smith brings us the new Clifi Technothriller, WhiteGrass: “We call it ‘Climate Change,’ because it’s not just the heat.”

    Meet the Author: Richard H. Smith, MSc., is a futurist, technologist, and science policy expert whose career spans more than 30 years at the forefront of emerging technology and strategic forecasting. He has worked alongside scientists, engineers, Fortune 50 companies, and U.S. and international governments on issues ranging from nanotechnology and artificial intelligence to healthcare innovation and climate change. Richard has served as a research director at a major university medical center, founded multiple technology companies, and advised organizations on how disruptive technologies reshape societies, markets, and governance. He was formally trained in climate change science by Al Gore and continues to teach courses on sea-level rise and climate futures. Raised in Virginia, he built his professional life while raising a family—an experience that deeply influences the emotional stakes of his fiction. He now resides in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, a coastal community already experiencing the effects of rising seas and intensifying storms. “WhiteGrass,” by Richard Smith WhiteGrass is his first full-length novel and represents the culmination of his professional and personal journey. It is paired with a prequel, The Iliad Virus, with a sequel, Icarus Rising, currently in development. He writes with a clear purpose: To explore the real consequences of climate change, the moral risks of advanced technology, and the uncomfortable truth that saving the world may require confronting who controls it. About the Book: 2048. The climate is collapsing. Power is consolidating. Humanity is running out of time. After a devastating superstorm nearly kills their family, teenagers Jimmy and Lizzie Marshall push their father, nanoscientist Greg Marshall, to release WhiteGrass—a revolutionary nanotechnology capable of removing carbon from the atmosphere at a planetary scale. WhiteGrass could reverse climate change. It could also grant absolute power to whoever controls it. With his wife Ginny, a leading AI expert, Greg reprograms the world’s most advanced humanoid android, Valada, to help safeguard the technology. Designed as property, Valada begins to evolve—developing emotional awareness, moral reasoning, and a conscience that challenges the very definition of humanity. As global systems fracture, a shadowy alliance of political leaders, corporations, and oligarchs moves to seize WhiteGrass by any means necessary. Surveillance closes in. Violence escalates. A rival android is deployed. Now the Marshalls must fight not only to protect the technology—but to save each other. “We call it ‘Climate Change,’ because it’s not just the heat.” Click here to buy WhiteGrass. Bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, host, Elaine’s Literary Salon About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

  5. Jul 28

    Ep66: Meet Don Mann: Popular motivational speaker, New York Times bestselling author and host of the TV series “Surviving Mann”

    This week on Elaine’s Literary Salon: Meet popular motivational speaker and New York Times Bestselling author Don Mann. A retired Navy SEAL Team SIX who, for the last two decades, has delivered compelling presentations that have inspired business leaders, military and government personnel, and professional athletes. The lessons he shares during his presentations are born from his colorful and action-packed life as a SEAL, his experiences competing in some of the world’s most grueling competitions, and his experience in the business world: usfrogmann.com. Our host, Jeffrey James Higgins, interviews Don about his career, journey to being a bestselling author, and his newest book — The Navy SEAL Playbook: Master the Mindset of Elite Warriors with Don Mann, USN SEAL (Ret.). In this tome, readers will discover how the world’s toughest warriors train their minds and bodies to overcome any challenge. Navy SEALs represent the pinnacle of military excellence, combining extraordinary physical conditioning with unbreakable mental fortitude. This playbook reveals the systematic approach these elite operators use to perform at the highest level when everything is on the line. Learn battle-tested strategies for leadership, teamwork, and mental toughness from Don Mann, a decorated Navy SEAL veteran with decades of experience in the most demanding special operations environments. These aren’t theoretical concepts—they’re proven methods refined through real combat missions and high-stakes scenarios. Transform your approach to pressure, adversity, and success with practical lessons rooted in real SEAL missions. Whether you’re leading a business team, competing in athletics, or pursuing personal excellence, the SEAL mindset provides a framework for achieving extraordinary results under any conditions. The principles inside this playbook have been pressure-tested in the world’s most challenging environments. Now, they’re available to help you develop the same resilience, focus, and leadership capabilities that define America’s most elite warriors. Don’s military biography includes: Being a decorated combat veteran; Corpsman; SEAL Special Operations Technician; jungle survival, desert survival, and arctic survival instructor; small arms weapons instructor, foreign weapons instructor, armed and unarmed defense tactics, advanced hand-to-hand combat instructor; and Survival, Evade, Resistance and Escape Instructor; in addition to other credentials. “When Osama bin Laden was assassinated, the entire world became fascinated by the men who had completed the seemingly impossible mission that had dogged the U.S. government for over a decade,” shares Don, noting that SEAL Team SIX became synonymous with heroism, duty, and justice. “Only a handful of the elite men who make up the SEALs, the U.S. Navy’s best and bravest, survive the legendary and grueling selection process that leads to SEAL Team SIX, a group so classified it technically does not even exist. There are no better warriors on earth.” Don knows what it takes to be a brother of these ultra-selective fraternities. As a member of SEAL Team SIX he worked in countless covert operations, operating from land, sea, and air, and facing shootings, decapitations, and stabbings. He was captured by the enemy and lived to tell the tale, and he participated in highly classified missions all over the globe, including Somalia, Panama, El Salvador, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Since retiring, Don has written dozens of books, including the New York Times bestselling autobiography, Inside SEAL Team SIX: My Life and Missions with America’s Elite Warriors. Don is also the host of the TV series Surviving Mann, the ultimate test of strength and survival. He takes contestants to remote special ops training locations where they must battle it out to challenge Don in the ultimate survival showdown: survivingmann.com. Education: Don received a Master’s in Management from Troy State University, in Troy, AL, a B.S. in International Relations and Criminal Justice from Florida State University, in Tallahassee, FL, and a B.S. in Liberal Science, from State University of New York. He lives in Cape Charles, VA.

  6. Jul 18

    Ep65: Lynda Allen gives us the Liv Wilde Mysteries newest title “Flashes of Fire and Fury.” She insists, “Menopause is a superpower!”

    Meet the Author: Lynda Allen is a storyteller, author, poet, artist, and listener. She began her career in video post-production and documentary filmmaking before focusing her knack for storytelling on writing. She has written four poetry collections and the Liv Wilde Mysteries, featuring Flashes of Insight (book 1) and Flashes of a Dying Hour (book 2). Flashes of Fire and Fury (book 3) is now available. Lynda is also the author of the Liv Wilde Mysteries, in which menopause is a superpower. “I had to put up with hot flashes every day, I figured I might as well make them useful!” Lynda shares: “I proudly infuse my writing with my Jersey Girl sensibilities and aim to create stories imbued with heart and humor. I live in Fredericksburg, VA, where the Liv Wilde mysteries are set, with my husband, our cat, and the many incredible eagle friends who pay us frequent visits. When I’m not writing about hot flash-induced psychic visions, I also write poetry and create art.” Learn more: lyndaallenwrites.com Author Lynda Allen brings us “Flashes of Fire and Fury About Lynda’s books Flashes of Fire and Fury (Liv Wilde Mysteries Book 3) There’s a witch hunt underway, and Liv Wilde is one of its targets. Liv knew it would be impossible to hide her menopausal superpower in a small town, but she never imagined the unwanted attention it would attract. Now, her hot flash-induced psychic visions have put her in the sights of a religious fanatic, who sends Liv a series of letters quoting increasingly disturbing biblical punishments for witches. More unwanted attention arrives in the form of Mando Jimenez, a superstitious local baseball player who’s convinced he’s being cursed and that only Liv can help him break it. Amid the threats and curses, Liv is haunted by visions of a woman being attacked in the woods and left to die in a fire. When her visions become reality and the threats hit closer to home, Liv and her friends race to discover if the letter writer and the attacker are the same person, before other women with supernatural abilities are targeted. With all the chaos in Liv’s life, the appearance of some welcome attention from a handsome man, only complicates matters. To protect herself and her daughters, bring the witch hunt to an end, and break Mando’s curse, Liv must put faith in her visions and learn a new way to access her insights. “Flashes of a Dying Hour,” by Lynda Allen Flashes of a Dying Hour (Liv Wilde Mysteries Book 2) What if menopause gave you a superpower? Menopause unlocked a previously unknown superpower for Liv Wilde – psychic visions during hot flashes. While her visions rarely have life and death consequences, for the first time, Liv sees a dead body in a premonition. When she comes face-to-face with the man while he’s still very much alive, Liv grapples with whether or not to warn him about his possible future. The mysterious stranger turns out to be one of the many treasure hunters who have descended upon her once quiet town of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in search of a rare and coveted copy of Edgar Allan Poe’s first poetry collection, Tamerlane. With help from her girlfriends, Liv joins the hunt, trying to tap into her insights to stay one step ahead of a dangerous treasure hunter known as The Falcon. Things become personal when a friend of Liv’s daughter is kidnapped by The Falcon. Amid visions of kidnapping and murder, Liv learns a hard lesson: not everyone wants to be saved from their fate. “Flashes of Insight,” by Lynda Allen Flashes of Insight (Liv Wilde Mysteries Book 1) Mood swings and insomnia are one thing, hot flash-induced psychic visions are quite another. When Olivia Wilde realizes the visions she’s been experiencing in the midst of hot flashes are actually premonitions, she has to learn to understand and trust what she sees in order to help a friend, preserve a piece of history, and save a life. When Liv’s friend Jane’s antique store in Fredericksburg, Virginia is robbed, Liv finds herself in the midst of a quest to find a secret cache of letters written by President James Monroe and his wife Elizabeth, which historians thought Monroe destroyed long ago. With the encouragement of her “Monthly” dinner party girlfriends, Liv begins to learn how to harness her newfound abilities, along with her smarts, to help uncover who is behind the break-in. It’s a quest that nearly costs two lives, including Liv’s, and teaches her the often-hidden price of small-town life and generational family secrets. Deftly weaving together elements of history, mystery, menopause, humor, some Jersey girl attitude, a bit of salty language, and a healthy dose of female friendship, Flashes of Insight marks the start of a new “Jersey Cozy”* series sure to deliver laughter, intelligence, and lots of heart. *Cozy Mystery reader beware! The author and protagonist both hail from New Jersey, so there is some profanity not usually found in traditional cozy mysteries. You have been forewarned! Click here to buy Lynda’s books. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

  7. Jul 14

    Ep64: Humans may “Hang 10” when they surf, but surf dogs always “Hang 20,” insists law enforcement officer turned children’s book author Kerri Hagerty. Check out her bestselling books!

    Meet the Author: Kerri Hagerty is a dedicated law enforcement officer who has proudly served her community for over 20 years. Through roles ranging from patrol officer to detective, she has received several awards, including Officer of the Year, Officer of the Month, two Life Saving Awards, and numerous public commendations. Beyond the badge, Kerri is also an accomplished children’s book author. Inspired by her real-life adventure dog, Olive, her stories chronicle their surfing and camping escapades. Through Olive’s journeys, Kerri teaches young readers valuable lessons about overcoming their fears and the power of friendship. “The Adventures of Olive,” by Kerri Hagerty When she isn’t in uniform or writing, Kerri is a true outdoor enthusiast. Whether she is catching waves, solo backpacking through remote wilderness, or exploring new corners of the globe, she finds her greatest inspiration in nature. Kerri lives the very lessons she writes about-continually seeking adventure, overcoming fear, and embracing the beauty of this world. “Olive Goes Camping,” by Kerri Hagerty About the Books: The author and the real-life Olive live in their very own version of Sandy Cove. They actually surf, hike, camp and go on an assortment of adventures together. The Adventures of Olive and the Very Best Day Ever series was inspired by the timid little puppy who grew up to become the ultimate adventure dog and woman’s very best friend. Olive’s joy and zest for life touches everyone she meets; we hope she inspires you and brings joy to your day! Click here to buy the books: hang20books.com About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

  8. Jul 7

    Meet Wolf Bahren (aka Kristi Bahrenburg Janzen) for brunch on Sept. 6 when she brings her new book to Elaine’s Literary Salon: “The Secessionist’s Wife”

    When: Sunday, September 06, 2026 from 12-3pm Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Get your free ticket: KristiJanzen.eventbrite.com Agenda for our Sunday Brunch event: Noon: Meet, greet, and order food and drinks from Elaine’s award-winning menu 1pm: Our 45-minute interview begins, followed by a 15-minute Q&A with the audience to be produced on our popular podcast and video series 2pm: Guests talk with the author, buy her books, and get them signed! Meet the Author: Wolf Bahren is the pen name used by the writer Kristi Bahrenburg Janzen for her fiction. The Secessionist’s Wife is her third thriller. A lover of spy stories since childhood, she published her first novel, Agents of Suzharia, in 2016, and then Source of Deceit in 2020. Her fiction is a blend of espionage, political, international, and journalism thriller genres. She has been a writer and editor for more than 30 years. Currently, she teaches in the University Writing Program at George Washington University in Washington, DC. She began her writing career as a financial news journalist, including for AP-Dow Jones in New York, Germany, and Washington, DC, and then transitioned to freelance writing and editing while her children were growing up. She has a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Cornell and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia. Closely tied to family in Kansas and New York State, she lives in Maryland with her husband and dogs. Learn more: wolfbahren.com “The Secessionist’s Wife,” by Wolf Bahren About The Secessionist’s Wife: For journalist Anna Jones of the New York Daily Journal, nothing is more important than finding the truth. So when Fort Riley, Kansas, suffers a terrorist attack, Anna jumps at the chance to see what’s happening at the base. She and her partner Viktor Simonson rush to the heartland to cover the events as they unfold. Once on the ground, they agree to divide and conquer—one will check out the damage at the military installation, the other will attend a press conference with Kansas Governor Marie Danielle Schreiber in the nearby college town of Manhattan. In no time, Anna realizes the attack may not be as cut-and-dried as it appears. She also loses track of Viktor. Meanwhile, on a farm outside Junction City, housewife Theresa Walkermore is grappling with mysteries of her own. Between her husband Noah’s unexplained absences and middle-of-the-night activities, she’s sure he’s being unfaithful to her again. But as she’s drawn into his world, she fears he’s embroiled in something far worse than adultery.  Sharing the same values and moral strength, Anna and Theresa realize that, together, they may be the only ones capable of stopping a plot that threatens not just Kansas, but the United States itself. Click here to buy The Secessionist’s Wife. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

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5
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About

Bibliophiles will love this new show — live from the popular bistro Elaine's in Old Town, Alexandria VA. Our host is the restaurant's owner, Jeffrey James Higgins, a prolific author who is on a mission to help his fellow writers share their stories.

Information

  • Creator
    Inkandescent Radio
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Inkandescent Radio
  • Show Website
    Elaine's Literary Salon