Elaine's Literary Salon

April 1 2025

Ep7: Imagine that in the cold heart of a secret military facility, a new form of intelligence awakens. Learn all about these “Unknowable Minds” when author Dr. Mark Bailey is featured today at Elaine’s Literary Salon

Elaine's Literary Salon
Elaine's Literary Salon
Ep7: Imagine that in the cold heart of a secret military facility, a new form of intelligence awakens. Learn all about these "Unknowable Minds" when author Dr. Mark Bailey is featured today at Elaine's Literary Salon
Loading
/

Today at Elaine’s Literary Salon, meet Dr. Mark Bailey, who writes about the intersection between artificial intelligence, complexity, and national security. He is an Associate Professor at the National Intelligence University, where he is the Department Chair for Cyber Intelligence and Data Science, as well as the Director of the Data Science Intelligence Center.

His new book is Unknowable Minds: Philosophical Insights on AI and Autonomous Weapons.

“Imagine that in the cold heart of a secret military facility, a new form of intelligence awakens,” shares Mark. “It is a synthetic mind born from intricate algorithms and complex computations, operating in ways unfathomable to its human creators. Charged with safeguarding national security, this intelligence orchestrates strategies that defy human ethics and laws of war, leaving its creators both awed and unnerved.”

Unknowable Minds delves into the unsettling reality of entrusting our safety to an intelligence that lacks human essence. “As we navigate the Age of Artificial Intelligence, these systems — powering everything from our smartphones to military defenses — remain inherently opaque and unpredictable,” says Mark, explaining that the book explores how AI differs from any technology we’ve ever developed, its inherent complexities, and the profound risks it poses to our future.

About the book: Mark draws on philosophy, AI theory, and national security insights. This book offers a thought-provoking examination of AI’s potential and peril. From the complexities of neural networks to the unpredictable nature of emergent behaviors, Unknowable Minds challenges us to rethink our relationship with AI and its role in the theater of global security.

Mark asks: “Can we control an unknowable intellect, or will it redefine human existence? As we stand on the precipice of unprecedented technological advancement, understanding and navigating the unknowable minds of artificial intelligence becomes a quest fraught with extraordinary challenges and existential questions.”

Don’t miss his podcast and video interview with bestselling author Jeffrey James Higgins, host of Elaine’s Literary Salon. 

Click here to learn more about Mark: drmmbailey.com

Click here to buy the book: unknowableminds.com

Be sure to watch today’s episode of Elaine’s Literary Salon, hosted by award-winning author and restauranteur Jeffery James Higgins. And have a meal, a martini, and an inspiring author-filled evening when you attend all of the Literary Salon events at Elaine’s in Old Town Alexandria, VA: elaines-restaurant.com.

Welcome to ElainesLitearySalon.com!

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. Check out the live Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and InkandescentRadio.com.

About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host Jeffrey James Higgins: By day, Jeff manages Elaine’s, the award-winning Alexandria, VA restaurant he opened with his wife Cynthia in 2022. 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.

He has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. He’s a #1 Amazon bestselling author with 21 literary awards, including the Claymore Award, PenCraft’s Best Fiction Book, and a Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal. He has been a panelist at ThrillerFest, Killer Nashville, Creatures, Crimes, and Creativity, and other conferences.

Black Rose Writing published his first three novels, FURIOUS, UNSEEN, and THE FOREVER GAME. Severn River Publishing has acquired Jeffrey’s forthcoming Nathan Burke espionage series. Jeffrey is an active member of the Authors Guild, the Virginia Writers Club, International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, and the Royal Writers Secret Society. He’s represented by Jackson Keeler at Inkworks. Learn more about Jeff’s books: JeffreyJamesHiggins.com.

Click here to check out Jeff’s affordable book writing services to help authors everywhere make their book publishing dreams come true. 

And meet the PR Director for Elaine’s Literary Salon, InkandescentPR.com’s founder, Hope Katz Gibbs. With her team of award-winning journalists, illustrators and video producers, they help writers up their PR and marketing game with professionally produced podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com, the video version on Inkandescent.tv, a strong social media push, and more! Learn more: InkandescentPR.com.

MEET THE INKANDESCENT® RADIO TEAM

Hope Katz Gibbs, Founder & Executive Producer, InkandescentRadio.com

Brandi Wilsker-Merritt, Director of Podcasting

Nelson Benavides, Director of Videography

Max KukoyInkandescent Website Developer

Michael GibbsInkandescent Art Director

 

Previous Episodes
Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

Jennifer van der Kleut brings us “The Better Mother,” a plot-driven suspense debut about a woman who ends up pregnant after a casual fling — but the father’s girlfriend has sinister intentions

Meet the Author: Jennifer began her writing journey at the age of 10 when she started her own neighborhood newspaper, “The Santa Clara Times,” printed it herself, and walked up and down her street, passing it out to all the neighbors. She graduated from the School of Journalism, Mass Communications, and Public Relations at San Jose State University in Northern California, and went on to have a ten-year career as a journalist. Her works have appeared in countless print andClick here to listen to the podcast!

Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

In “Practical Productivity,” operations exec Monisha Longacre helps us get organized

Meet Monisha Longacre: A seasoned operations executive, entrepreneur, in  author of “Practical Productivity: A Guide to Surviving Life’s Juggling Act.” With over three decades of experience scaling and optimizing technology businesses, she brings a uniquely practical approach to both organizational and personal effectiveness. As COO of multiple technology companies, she has consistently driven innovation and growth while maintaining operational excellence. Throughout her career, Monisha has bridged the worlds of technology and consumer experience at industry leaders, including The Weather Channel,Click here to listen to the podcast!

Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

Tennessee native Thomas Dann brings us “Midnight in Memphis,” a Southern noir where two detectives forge an unlikely alliance as they strive to bridge the racial divide and catch a killer hell bent on revenge

Meet the Author: Thomas Dann was born and bred in Memphis, Tennessee, five generations deep in a family fighting the entrenched political machine there. He has spent time variously on the East and Left Coasts, studying creative writing at Stanford, working for years as a felony defense investigator for the Washington, D.C. Public Defender, then lawyer, company builder, and writer, all the while wondering what he wants to do when he grows up.  He now lives in Maryland with hisClick here to listen to the podcast!

Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

Learn about Brian Thiem’s journey from police officer to author of “The Mudflats Murder Club” series — second career oficionados will be inspired!

Meet the Author: Brian Thiem is the author of “The Mudflats Murder Club,” the first book in the Mudflats Murder Club series, as well as “Red Line,” “Thrill Kill,” and “Shallow Grave.” In his previous life, he spent 25 years with the Oakland Police Department, much of it working Homicide, and retired as a lieutenant. He’s also an Iraq War veteran, retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years of active and reserve service. He holds anClick here to listen to the podcast!

Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

Meet Carter Wilson: From the USA Today bestselling author of “The Dead Girl in 2A” and “The New Neighbor,” comes a chilling new thriller that forces the question — Are murderers always the bad guys?

Meet the Author: Carter Wilson is the USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of ten psychological thrillers, known for their emotional intensity, tight pacing, and sinister twists. His work has received starred reviews from every major trade publication, has won multiple awards, and has been optioned for television and film. His 2025 release, Tell Me What You Did, was selected by Barnes & Noble as a national monthly pick. Carter is also the creator and host of Making ItClick here to listen to the podcast!

Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

Prolific author Austin Camacho gives us insight into his Hannibal Jones Mystery Series

Meet the Author: Austin S. Camacho is the author of seven novels in the Hannibal Jones Mystery Series (including The Troubleshooter, Blood and Bone, Collateral Damage, Damaged Goods, Russian Roulette, Pyramid Deception and The Wrong Kind) five in the Stark and O’Brien adventure series (The Payback Assignment, The Orion Assignment, The Piranha Assignment, The Ice Woman Assignment and The Lost Art Assignment) and the detective novel Beyond Blue. His short stories have been featured in four anthologies from Wolfmont Press,Click here to listen to the podcast!

Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

Coming to Elaine’s Literary Salon, Nov. 22: “Not every fishmonger can be a double agent,” insists author Jonathan Payne in his newest book, ‘Hotel Melikov’

Check out our commercial (above) with author Jonathan Payne: A British-American writer based in New York City, Jonathan’s first novel, CITIZEN ORLOV, was named a Book of the Month by Apple Books. It won the 2024 IBPA Silver Medal for Mystery/Thriller and the 2024 IPPY Bronze Medal for Suspense/Thriller. Payne previously worked in national security for the British government. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Novel Writing from Middlesex University, London. His short fiction has been featured atClick here to listen to the podcast!

Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

Check out this special event at Elaine’s as Alexandria’s Friends to Lovers Bookstore presents, “Between Two Kings” Release Party with Lindsay Straube

Don’t miss it: Join Friends to Lovers Bookstore and author, Lindsay Straube, in celebrating the release of the titillating Kiss of the Basilisk sequel, Between Two Kings. This biting dark romance series continues with dangerous (re: sexy) basilisks and a love triangle hot enough to bring a kingdom to its knees. The event will include a Q&A as well as a signing + cocktail hour. Tickets: $5-$18, available on Eventbrite. About the Author: Lindsay Straube is a writer living inClick here to listen to the podcast!

Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

Karen Marginot is bringing “The Bad Girls Club” to Elaine’s Literary Salon: Thursday, Nov. 6, 6-9pm

Hello friends! We are so excited to invite you to the Upcoming Author Event at Elaine’s Literary Salon at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street in Alexandria, VA. I’m Hope Katz Gibbs, PR director for the Salon, and producer of all of our Author podcasts and videos on Inkandescent Radio and Inkandescent TV. In the spotlight on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 6-9pm is Karen Marginot, who will bring us hope and healing in her new book, “The Bad Girls Club: PromisesClick here to listen to the podcast!

Monday, November 3rd, 2025

Explore award-winning author Marta Sanz’s new memoire — “My Clavicle: And Other Massive Misalignments” — and meet her translation team, Katie King and Magdalena Navarro

About My Clavicle: And Other Massive Misalignments — On an international flight to a conference, the author Marta Sanz notices a tiny bump beneath her skin, just below her clavicle, near her breastbone. So begins an inquiry that is at turns a satirical detective story, a philosophical inquiry, a memoir, and pure poetry. In Spanish, the title is Clavícula, which refers to the collarbone, but also makes a direct pun on the word clavé or key. In the aftermath ofClick here to listen to the podcast!

Saturday, October 11th, 2025

Ep23: “From GED to MBA” author Andrea Walton shares her journey to success as we aim to raise $500 for her Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation

Meet our guest: Be the change you wish to see is the mantra for author and HR exec Andrea Walton, MBA, Founder & CEO, The Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation, Alexandria, VA & Cape Town, South Africa Who she is: Andrea Walton is a seasoned HR executive, published author, and purpose-driven philanthropist committed to building pathways to education for Black and Brown girls around the world. As Founder and CEO of The Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation, Andrea leads with a deeplyClick here to listen to the podcast!

Saturday, October 11th, 2025

Ep22: Open the door to the thrilling world of our favorite Realtor novelist, Judy L. Murray

Meet the Author: Judy Murray is a real estate broker with a not-so-secret passion for deals, divas, and danger. Her passion for mysteries began with smart girls like Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden, grew deeper with not-to-be-ignored women like Miss Marple and Nora Charles, and finally evolved into her own gutsy heroine – Helen Morrisey. Judy incorporates her extensive knowledge of all things real estate with a passion for the Chesapeake Bay where she now lives at Buoy Two withClick here to listen to the podcast!

Saturday, October 11th, 2025

Ep21: Bestselling author Reed Farrel Coleman — who has penned 31 novels including the new Nick Ryan series and six in Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone series — is featured at Elaine’s!

Meet the Author: Called a hard-boiled poet by NPR’s Maureen Corrigan and the noir poet laureate in the Huffington Post, Reed Farrel Coleman is the New York Times-bestselling author of thirty-one novels—including the Nick Ryan seriesand six in Robert B. Parker’s Jesse Stone series—short stories, poetry, and essays. In addition to his acclaimed series characters, Moe Prager and Gus Murphy, he has written the stand-alone novel Gun Church and collaborated with decorated Irish crime writer Ken Bruen on the novel Tower. Reed is a four time Edgar Award nomineeClick here to listen to the podcast!

Saturday, October 11th, 2025

Ep20: Don’t miss Mark Thielman’s debut novel, “The Devil’s Kitchen” and his upcoming release, “The Hidden River”

Meet the Author: Mark Thielman writes primarily crime fiction and serves as a magistrate judge in Ft Worth, Texas. His debut novel, The Devil’s Kitchen, was released in April 2025. His second novel, The Hidden River, is scheduled for October 2025. Both books are part of the Johnson and Nance series, published by Severn River Publishing. Mark’s short fiction pieces have been named to the honor roll of America’s best mysteries on multiple occasions. The Wolfe Pack, the Nero WolfeClick here to listen to the podcast!

Monday, October 6th, 2025

E19: Oil and gas entrepreneur and nonfiction award-winner Michael Slavin talks about his new fiction series, “Kill Crime”

Meet the Author: Mike Slavin loves to write exciting and fast stories. It’s a new passion since he sold his oil and gas exploration company in 2024. A West Pointer and self-made millionaire, Mike has written seven award-winning business books, including One Million in the Bank: How To Make $1,000,000 With Your Own Business, Even If You Have No Money Or Experience. His fiction titles include Life Changing Money, Spike, Wrong Kill, and Kill Crime. He lives in Houston, Texas,Click here to listen to the podcast!

Monday, September 1st, 2025

Ep18: Explore the mind of a spy in James Stejskal’s new book, “Berlin: A Spy’s Guide to its Cold War History in Story and Image”

Meet the Author: James Stejskal is an author, military historian, and conflict archaeologist. To gain inspiration and research his writings, he spent 35 years serving with the US Army Special Forces and the Central Intelligence Agency in interesting places like Africa, Europe, the Balkans, the Near and Far East. He is the author of the “Snake Eater Chronicles,” a Cold War military & espionage thriller series as well as the non-fiction books “Special Forces Berlin: Clandestine Cold War Operations ofClick here to listen to the podcast!

Monday, August 25th, 2025

Ep17: Entering dystopia — Slip inside the mind of author Joe Relk and discover his apocalyptic tale, “Sins of the Saviors”

About the Book: Sins of the Saviors Book 1: Escape from the Culling Box No one escaped from hell. Until David, who returns to a twisted shadow of the country and family he left decades ago. The 2028 election was our last – democracy traded for an AI-directed utopia. The network saved humanity from existential threats and curbed our violent tendencies, but it came with a heavy price. As a vestige soldier fleeing a forever war, David must rediscover who heClick here to listen to the podcast!

Friday, August 15th, 2025

Join us today at Elaine’s Literary Salon for a fundraiser and book talk: Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 6-9pm — Meet author Andrea Walton and learn about the power of her Concreate Rose Scholarship Foundation

When: Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 6-9pm At Elaine’s: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Meet our guest: Be the change you wish to see: Meet Andrea Walton, MBA, Founder & CEO, The Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation, Alexandria, VA & Cape Town, South Africa Who she is: Andrea Walton is a seasoned HR executive, published author, and purpose-driven philanthropist committed to building pathways to education for Black and Brown girls around the world. As Founder and CEO of The ConcreteClick here to listen to the podcast!

Friday, August 8th, 2025

Ep16: Today at Elaine’s Literary Salon take flight with “The Mapmaker” by author Thomas Young

About The Mapmaker: Resistance operative Charlotte Denneau has critical targeting information for the Allies, and the Gestapo knows it. On the run across occupied France, she must prioritize her mission over the lives of the agents and civilians she needs to help her escape. Germans are taking down Resistance networks with disastrous results. Agents are being arrested, tortured, questioned, and turned. Charlotte never knows whom to trust. She communicates in coded radio calls to London, with the enemy always listening.Click here to listen to the podcast!

Sunday, July 20th, 2025

Join us tonight for Noir at the Bar — Halloween Short Story Readings, at Elaine’s Literary Salon: Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 6-9pm

When: Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 6-9pm At Elaine’s: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 About Noir at the Bar: Elaine’s fills with writers and readers who love a great noir story. Reading from their books on All Hallows’ Eve, also known as Halloween, there’s not better way to prepare for All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’ Day). Join in as the authors share tales from their books that are sure to make you fear things that go bump on theClick here to listen to the podcast!