Ep59: Elaine’s Literary Salon show — “I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! — Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom” shares author, mom of 3 and cancer survivor Elizabeth Hodges

International bestseller J.D. Barker is coming to Elaine’s Literary Salon with his new novel, “The Probability of Murder”

When: Saturday, August 15, 2026 from noon to 3pm Where: 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/] We welcome debut bestselling novelist J.D. Barker to Elaine’s Literary Salon, where he’ll be sharing his latest novel, “The Probability of Murder” Our agenda for the Aug. 15 event: * Noon: Meet, greet, and order food and drinks from Elaine’s award-winning menu [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/menus/] * 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 [http://www.elainesliterarysalon.tv/] * 2pm: Guests talk with the author, buy the book, and get it signed! Meet the Author: J.D. Barker (Jonathan Dylan Barker) is a New York Times and international bestselling American author whose work has been broadly described as suspense thrillers, often incorporating elements of horror, crime, mystery, science fiction, and the supernatural. Born January 7, 1971 in Lombard, Illinois, J.D. spent the first 14 years of his life in Crystal Lake, Illinois. A staunch introvert, he was rarely seen without a book in hand, devouring both the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew series by the age of six before moving on to classics such as the works of Dickens and Twain. The discovery of Shelley, Stoker, and Poe fueled a fire, and it wasn’t long before he was writing tales of his own, which he shared with friends and family. These early stories centered around witches and ghosts thought to inhabit the woods surrounding their home. “The Probability of Murder,” by J.D. Barker At fourteen, Barker’s family relocated to Englewood, Florida, a climate better suited to his father’s profession as a contractor. He attended Lemon Bay High School and graduated in 1989. Knowing he wanted to pursue a career in the arts but was unsure of a direction, he enrolled at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, where he later obtained a degree in business. While in college, one of his writing assignments found its way into the hands of Paul Gallotta of Circus Magazine. Gallotta reached out to Barker and asked him to join the staff of 25th Parallel Magazine, where he worked alongside the man who would later become Marilyn Manson. Assignments dropped him into the center of pop culture, and by 1991, Barker branched out, interviewing celebrities for the likes of Seventeen, TeenBeat, and other national and local publications. In 1992, Barker syndicated a small newspaper column called Revealed, which centered around the investigation of haunted places and supernatural occurrences. While he often cites these early endeavors as a crash course in tightening prose, his heart remained with fiction. He began work as a book doctor and ghostwriter shortly thereafter, helping others fine-tune their writing for publication. Barker has said this experience proved invaluable, teaching him what works and what doesn’t in today’s popular fiction. He would continue in this profession until 2012, when he wrote a novel of his own, titled Forsaken. Stephen King read portions of Forsaken prior to publication and granted Barker permission to utilize the character of Leland Gaunt of King’s Needful Things in the novel. Indie-published in late 2014, the book went on to hit several major milestones – #2 on Audible (Harper Lee with Go Set a Watchman held #1), #44 on Amazon U.S., #2 on Amazon Canada, and #22 on Amazon UK. Forsaken was also nominated for a Bram Stoker Award (Best Debut Novel) and won a handful of others, including a New Apple Medalist Award. After reading Forsaken, Bram Stoker’s family reached out to Barker and asked him to co-author a prequel to Dracula, utilizing Bram’s original notes and journals, much of which has never been made public. The novel, titled Dracul, sold at auction to G.P. Putnam & Sons, with film rights going to Paramount. Andy Muschietti (IT, Mama) is attached to direct. Barker’s initial indie success drew the attention of traditional agents and publishers and in early 2016 his debut thriller, The Fourth Monkey, sold in a series of pre-empts and auctions worldwide with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt set to publish in the U.S. and HarperCollins in the UK. The book has also sold for both film and television. He has since gone on to write numerous titles which have appeared on bestseller lists around the world. He is also a frequent collaborator with James Patterson. Barker splits his time between Englewood, FL, and New Castle, NH, with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember. About J.D.’s newest book: The Probability of Murder [https://jdbarker.com/books/the-probability-of-murder-jd-barker/] The wrong answer can cost everything. When brilliant math professor Ivy Reeves receives a cryptic note bearing her name at a crime scene, she’s drawn into a deadly game where probability becomes a matter of life and death. Thirteen victims. Complex mathematical puzzles. A killer who understands that some games are designed to be lost. As Detective Vaughn Ryan races against the clock, he needs Ivy’s genius to decode the twisted logic behind each murder. But the closer they get to the truth, the more personal the game becomes. The killer knows Ivy’s past—the fire that destroyed her family, the secrets she’s buried, the father she visits wearing a mask over his melted skin. Every number has meaning. Every equation points to the next victim. And time is running out. From New York Times bestselling author J.D. Barker and Patrick Logan comes a pulse-pounding thriller where mathematics meets murder, and one wrong answer means death. Click here to buy The Probability of Murder. [https://jdbarker.com/books/the-probability-of-murder-jd-barker/] About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] 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 [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  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:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]

Author Justin Laborde brings us a story inspired by his grandfather, “Scattered Far and Wide: The Naval Academy Class of ’38 at War”

Meet the Author: Justin Laborde, PhD, is a strategic consultant and frequent speaker on consumer trends, marketplace insights, and business-growth strategies at Fortune 500 companies. Raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Justin now lives with his wife, Amanda, and their three children in Cary, North Carolina. About Scattered Far and Wide: [https://www.amazon.com/Scattered-Far-Wide-Naval-Academy-ebook/dp/B0F4NJ7JDZ?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fW3C7JI1YwEBBlOIpXmbLg.rHmyjVTM8sf8q7n0qP1WE3yrigUNHp3h5d24cyT0fh8&dib_tag=AUTHOR] This book follows the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1938 as they rise from junior officers to combat leaders in World War II’s most pivotal battles. Through firsthand accounts and deep research, Justin Laborde brings their stories of courage, sacrifice, and survival vividly to life. “Scattered Far and Wide,” by Justin Laboarde, PhD Scattered Far and Wide tells the war stories of U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen from the Class of 1938. Commissioned on the eve of World War II, they faced the trials of combat as new officers from the early days of American involvement and as ships captains, pilots in leadership positions, and submariners in charge by VJ Day. Tested as young leaders, they bore the new burden of command while at the fore of the Pacific War’s largest and most pivotal campaigns. They felt the wind and spray in their faces and the percussion of ships’ guns and depth charges at the pivotal moment in their lives and careers, making their experiences unusually compelling, heartbreaking, and—most assuredly—instructive. From Pearl Harbor through the end of the war, these men fought and struggled for survival as part of the U.S. Navy’s Asiatic Fleet. In the early months of the conflict, they tried to stem the onslaught of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Some were captured and sent to brutal prisoner-of-war camps. Others took to the air from aircraft carriers as members of torpedo, bomber, and fighter squadrons during the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway. Later in the war, a number served aboard submarines, experiencing some of the most legendary patrols in the history of the Silent Service. Justin’s grandfather, Alden Laborde, was a member of the Class of 1938. Upon his death, Justin obtained a 1938 edition of The Lucky Bag, the Naval Academy’s yearbook. Reading the memoirs of Alden’s classmates, Justin realized he was well-placed to tell the fascinating, untold story of this class’s experiences in World War II. He spent five years gathering primary materials and researching the histories and wartime tales. The young men who graduated from the Naval Academy in 1938 left Annapolis on the eve of war and faced its perils around the world. In the process, these junior officers earned medals and fame, left legacies of heroism and loss, and sparked tales of renown and bravery that reverberate today. Click here to buy Scattered Far and Wide [https://www.amazon.com/Scattered-Far-Wide-Naval-Academy-ebook/dp/B0F4NJ7JDZ?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fW3C7JI1YwEBBlOIpXmbLg.rHmyjVTM8sf8q7n0qP1WE3yrigUNHp3h5d24cyT0fh8&dib_tag=AUTHOR]. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] 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 [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  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:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]

Old Testament scholar and professor Dr. Stephen Cook brings us his newest book, “Daniel: An Exegetical & Theological Bible Commentary”

Meet the Author: Dr. Stephen L. Cook serves as the Catherine N. McBurney Professor of Old Testament Language and Literature at Virginia Theological Seminary, the largest of the accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church (founded in 1823). He and his wife, Catherine, a psychotherapist, live on the seminary campus in Alexandria, Virginia, with their daughter from China, Rebecca. Prior to joining the VTS faculty in 1996, Stephen served on the faculty of Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University in New York City for four years. He did his doctoral training in Old Testament at Yale University after having completed the M.Div. degree at Yale’s Divinity School, where he also served as an instructor and fellow. His undergraduate work was at Trinity College, Connecticut, where he graduated with honors as a religion major in 1984. Stephen is the author of several books, including an Anchor Yale Bible on Ezekiel; Reading Deuteronomy: A Literary and Theological Commentary (Smyth & Helwys, 2015); The Apocalyptic Literature (Abingdon, 2003); The Social Roots of Biblical Yahwism (Society of Biblical Literature, 2004); and Prophecy and Apocalypticism (Fortress, 1995); Conversations with Scripture: 2 Isaiah (Morehouse, 2008), and “The Season of Epiphany” in New Proclamation Year B, 2008-2009, Advent through Holy Week (Fortress, 2008). Most recently, he has written a Anchor Yale Bible Commentary on the final visions of the prophet Ezekiel. His other publications include journal articles, introductions and annotations to biblical books for both the New Oxford Annotated Bible and the Harper Collins Study Bible, and several entries for The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible. The New Interpreter’s One Volume Bible Commentary contains his commentaries on three biblical books. He maintains a fascinating Bible Blog on the web. Stephen has served in several capacities as an officer of the Society of Biblical Literature, including as a Regional Coordinator and Regional President for the guild. He is also the Corporation Representative for Virginia Seminary to the American Schools of Oriental Research and a member of such other professional societies as the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars and the Catholic Biblical Association. He is in high demand around the country as a lecturer, seminar speaker, and workshop leader. Learn more here: drstephenlcook.com [https://drstephenlcook.com/] “Daniel,” by Dr. Stephen Cook About the Book: Highly regarded Old Testament scholar Stephen Cook offers a substantive and useful commentary on the book of Daniel and explores the contemporary significance of this prophetic book. This groundbreaking commentary departs from common rationalist approaches in order to engage Daniel’s visionary content on its own terms, introducing innovative interpretive frameworks that emphasize the cosmic scope of this biblical book and its revelations of heavenly reality. Integrating insights from fields such as analytical psychology, comparative literature, and cosmology, Cook’s approach allows the disorienting imagery of Daniel to resonate fully, offering readers fresh insights into its apocalyptic dreams and transcendent symbolism. Cook also addresses the political and theological implications of apocalyptic literature in modern spiritual and geopolitical contexts. In addition to paragraph-level commentary, all volumes of the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament series feature: * A fresh translation of the Hebrew text * Incisive comments based on the author’s translation * Linguistic, historical, and canonical insights * Concluding reflections * Footnotes addressing technical matters Pastors, teachers, and all serious students of the Bible will find here an accessible commentary that will serve as an excellent resource for their study. This volume, like each in the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament series, is grounded in rigorous scholarship but is useful for those who preach and teach. Daniel is the third volume on the prophetic books, following Hosea-Micah by John Goldingay and Isaiah by J. Gordon McConville. Series editors are Mark J. Boda, McMaster Divinity College, and J. Gordon McConville, University of Gloucestershire. Click here to buy Daniel [https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Baker-Commentary-Old-Testament/dp/080103079X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=312EEUTZ0TJOM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JoTBDj_6r3EXJ9CdmcrkdrvHqAlDPluk8n3jxM18WJo372Sdp9ev5MsGGP3UFWVlYzxkeyJmwpOIEGDb7oxtAnCedL6jaFMnQV9De4_CZkgNGX0wVMFDnVnbmakQtrzWGoM3MzWO99IWxQENBZMeARhbcNPr9kfqjDl9rkr-wQvDx5c33nZLRrb29HA_FLy5GGWaq1vXf6B5P5YjjZjxwGHcN9L9g5fdvjUE2DuhSJU.HkMJYHQA5HOYiH9_O3w3xZr7lNc6KdHxe9Y3fPW4Vtc&dib_tag=se&keywords=stephen+cook+daniel&qid=1778873818&sprefix=stephen+cook+daniel%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-1]. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] 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 [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  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:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]

“The Democracy We Must Keep: Seven founders, nine documents, and the ideas that shaped America,” is the theme of the powerful new book by historian David O. Stewart

Meet the Author: A trial and appellate lawyer for many years, David writes history and historical novels. He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington Independent Review of Books, was a reporter for the Staten Island Advance, and for 10 years wrote the monthly Supreme Court column for the American Bar Association Journal. He has also done on-air commentary for CNN, C-SPAN, Bloomberg News, and MSNBC. About his newest book, The Democracy We Must Keep: [https://www.amazon.com/Democracy-Must-Keep-Documents-conceived-ebook/dp/B0FLKHMJ9R]Seven Founders, Nine Documents, and the Ideas That Shaped America What did America’s founders say about democracy—and can we remain true to their vision for America? Two hundred fifty years ago, passionate men attempted to create something the world had never seen before: a nation built not on kings or armies, but on ideas where the people ruled. “The Democracy We Must Keep,” by David O. Stewart In The Democracy We Must Keep, historian David O. Stewart takes readers inside the nine key documents that shaped the formation of the United States—from Patrick Henry’s thunderous cry for liberty to the carefully crafted design of a government chosen by the people, with limits on all officials holding power under the Constitution. Through the words of seven visionary founders—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris, and others—Stewart shows how a fragile experiment in self-government took shape. These men were not saints. They argued passionately. They worried that the new nation might fall apart. Yet together, they forged the principles that must still define American democracy: That power must be limited. That leaders must answer to the people. That individual rights must be protected by law. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, The Democracy We Must Keep urges readers to rediscover core ideas that built the nation—and to consider what it will take to protect them. Accessible, engaging, and timely, this book is for anyone who wants to understand how American democracy started, and why it still matters. “George Washington,” by David O. Stewart More about David’s books: His narrative histories have won seven awards from historical and literary organizations, and include: * George Washington: The Political Rise of America’s Founding Father [https://davidostewart.com/books/george-washington-the-political-rise-of-americas-founding-father/], which the Wall Street Journal, called “an outstanding biography” with “clear, often superlative” writing. * The Summer of 1787:  The Men Who Invented the Constitution [https://smile.amazon.com/Summer-1787-Invented-Constitution-Collection/dp/0743286936/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470399833&sr=8-1&keywords=Summer+of+1787], focuses on the compromises that produced the U.S. Constitution, and the men who hammered them out. * Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln’s Legacy [https://smile.amazon.com/Impeached-President-Andrew-Johnson-Lincolns/dp/1416547509/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470400506&sr=1-1&keywords=Impeached]grows from my defense of a Senate impeachment trial. * American Emperor: Aaron Burr’s Challenge to Jefferson’s America, [https://smile.amazon.com/American-Emperor-Challenge-Jeffersons-America/dp/1439157200/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470399996&sr=1-1&keywords=american+emperor]explores Aaron Burr’s Western expedition of 1806-07, which landed Burr on trial for treason. * Madison’s Gift:  Five Partnerships That Built America [https://smile.amazon.com/Madisons-Gift-Partnerships-Built-America/dp/1451688598/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470399959&sr=8-1&keywords=Madison%27s+Gift]– examines James Madison’s talent for working with leaders of the Founding Era. My historical fiction includes two series: The Deception trilogy features the unlikely partnership of Dr. Jamie Fraser and ex-ballplayer Speed Cook. In The Lincoln Deception,  [http://www.amazon.com/The-Lincoln-Deception-David-Stewart/dp/0758290675] they explore the secrets behind the Lincoln assassination. The Paris Deception  [https://bookshop.org/books/the-paris-deception-a-fraser-and-cook-historical-mystery-book-2/9781644571699?aid=1839]places them at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, and in The Babe Ruth Deception [https://smile.amazon.com/Babe-Ruth-Deception-Fraser-Mystery/dp/149670200X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470400044&sr=1-1&keywords=Babe+Ruth+Deception], they struggle to protect the slugger from gangland violence and the Black Sox scandal. The Overstreet saga begins with The New Land [https://davidostewart.com/books/the-new-land/], which follows a German family to the Maine coast in 1753, where they face hardship and war.  Book Two (The Burning Land [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Burning-Land/David-O-Stewart/The-Overstreet-Saga/9781637580820]) traces descendants through the Civil War era. Click here to buy David’s books. [https://www.amazon.com/George-Washington-Political-Americas-Founding/dp/B08B484H1N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FE2XY7T8OQT3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NAKDq_d5uPs8ua_YUwchf9ckdWphpC1xMiDLOcX8NFDPUmhPzSDAoP8zGCRoxDDCEyNndx4bePlsb5o616oHqr2p8Lpl1W9plNnWJFbcHvHgQoOnWNB_-v0_AtvP1_Jv0UsmCW_RjJCL0fdGfb-3kVcz38p5xWNJMxzDocADROYuw9_50X9jlkmAwuFdHer-IQqfobKXTkbstfp3fe6EB7JtZSsqbM2Pab-OjBs0Wcc.NSaVk8KDGuxwMMHfHELOSh3xmXCblRs1YSMacm8aPAs&dib_tag=se&keywords=david+o+stewart+george+washington&qid=1774887689&sprefix=david+o+stewart+george+washington%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1] (more…) [https://inkandescentradio.com/podcast/david-o-stewart-elainesliterarysalon/#more-5262]

Ep59: Elaine’s Literary Salon show — “I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! — Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom” shares author, mom of 3 and cancer survivor Elizabeth Hodges

Meet the Author: Elizabeth Hodges was 38 when she got the news, “You have leukemia.” Six weeks later, she was told she also had adult cystic fibrosis. With three young children, intense fear set in that she might not live to see them grow up. Instead of giving in, she became determined to prioritize her role as a mother and lead a life driven by purpose and clarity, even with cancer. Over her eighteen-year journey, she discovered that motherhood can be the strongest motivation to survive and thrive. Before cancer, Elizabeth was an accomplished global advertising and marketing executive who worked with Fortune 500 companies like Ogilvy & Mather and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). After her experience with these life-changing diseases, she shifted her focus to nonprofit work in the arts, global public health, and education. Now, she’s an advocate, writer, and storyteller, using her experiences to inspire other mothers navigating cancer’s tough road. Her debut book, “I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom”, is an honest and heartfelt account of using motherhood as a source of strength, courage, and finding clarity in the face of adversity. Elizabeth is the proud mother of three adult daughters, each in their 20s. She and her husband split their time between England and Florida, where she continues to write and share her story. About the Book, Elizabeth explains: [https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Have-Cancer-Carpool-Lessons/dp/1665309075/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RYVNGQ9Y8E2G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.N1QGOdoOPwtfrLSWEdF0p8fVxvL8xO4g1osFDFI5hj3vYRR9au0f1GkeRMsPQgJu6vyT5g2KAWXfYmT4xeO4xJlevAtYpf7JCzvKI9XYAI-lGVp8cYIouht-Niad4GRj77qn8BQJsauSJhN27lPLZtiO2FAND85DSO7nC3sIsGnG7TeeNe_256Zw2hs5Hm-3f_xD-HmVooDdd3zSqlIgP9ktuuPKI1utH4C-Q9rGA3o.VUpK6oNHcFpJ3xd_-7S1xBo3k-t8I1wWewEFyMbTtLA&dib_tag=se&keywords=elizabeth+hodges&qid=1738968098&sprefix=elizabeth+hodges%2Caps%2C563&sr=8-1]Being a mother is challenging enough—facing cancer at the same time can feel impossible. But as Elizabeth Hodges learned, survival isn’t just about beating the disease; it’s about showing up every day for the ones who need you most, including yourself. Diagnosed with leukemia at 38—and adult cystic fibrosis just weeks later—Elizabeth was determined to fight for her life while still being the mother her three young daughters deserved. Over 18 years, she discovered that motherhood isn’t just a challenge during cancer; it’s one of the strongest motivations to survive. “I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! — Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom [https://www.elizabethhodges.com/my-book] is an educational memoir in which Elizabeth shares hard-earned insights and practical advice for navigating a diagnosis, managing treatment, and reclaiming control of your life while being present for your family. This book is a lifeline for any mother facing cancer, offering fresh hope, guidance, and the reminder that even on the hardest days, just making it to the carpool lane is a victory. Click here to buy the book! [https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Have-Cancer-Carpool-Lessons/dp/1665309075/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RYVNGQ9Y8E2G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.N1QGOdoOPwtfrLSWEdF0p8fVxvL8xO4g1osFDFI5hj3vYRR9au0f1GkeRMsPQgJu6vyT5g2KAWXfYmT4xeO4xJlevAtYpf7JCzvKI9XYAI-lGVp8cYIouht-Niad4GRj77qn8BQJsauSJhN27lPLZtiO2FAND85DSO7nC3sIsGnG7TeeNe_256Zw2hs5Hm-3f_xD-HmVooDdd3zSqlIgP9ktuuPKI1utH4C-Q9rGA3o.VUpK6oNHcFpJ3xd_-7S1xBo3k-t8I1wWewEFyMbTtLA&dib_tag=se&keywords=elizabeth+hodges&qid=1738968098&sprefix=elizabeth+hodges%2Caps%2C563&sr=8-1] About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] 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 [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  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:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]