BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: And The Oscar Goes To…

BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: And The Oscar Goes To…

Author: Jane & Laurie February 12, 2026 Duration: 13:44
Talking to the spectacular Octavia Spencer - Jane’s very special guest is Octavia Spencer, the Academy Award and Golden Globe- winning actor, and iconic star of stage and screen. You all know her from her powerful, trailblazing roles in The Help, Hidden Figures and The Shape of Water, to name but three of her unforgettable films. Among her other accolades and accomplishments, she has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is also a prolific producer with many projects in the works, as well as a best-selling author of children’s books. On this segment, Octavia talks about what it felt like when she won her Oscar and was honored with a star on the Walk of Fame, her upbringing as one of seven children, her family values, and how she was able to overcome any negativity on the road to her stunning success. Octavia and Jane then discuss the public health campaign, Detect the SOS, that she is embarking on along with Sofia Vergara, Boehringer Ingelheim, the American Diabetes Association, the National Kidney Foundation, WomenHeart, and The Mended Hearts, Inc.  As part of this mission, she and Sofia want to elevate awareness to uncover hidden risks for chronic kidney disease and related cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke with the help of a simple, non-invasive screening test. The campaign, in fact, with both stars, was featured on a spot during this year's Super Bowl.

For anyone who's ever faced a turning point-a health diagnosis, a personal loss, or simply the feeling that something needs to change-Jane Wilkens Michael Better Than Before offers a grounded and compassionate voice. Drawing from her long career writing nationally syndicated columns on beauty, health, and fitness, Jane translates her wisdom into conversation, moving from the page to the airwaves. This isn't about drastic overhauls or unattainable ideals. Instead, each episode feels like a thoughtful discussion focused on practical, manageable steps. You'll hear Jane guide her audience through concepts of self-care that are both gentle and effective, focusing on how to truly relax a busy mind, replenish depleted energy, and rejuvenate a weary spirit. The core philosophy, building a life that is Better Than Before, is woven into every topic, whether it's navigating fitness after an injury, finding quiet moments in a noisy world, or redefining personal wellness on your own terms. The podcast serves as an audio companion for that very personal journey, emphasizing that progress is built from simple, consistent actions. Tune in for a blend of personal insight, actionable advice, and the steady encouragement that has already resonated with millions of readers, now offered in a more intimate, spoken format.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Jane Wilkens Michael Better Than Before
Podcast Episodes
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Your Heart Will Go On [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:40
Achieving optimal cardiac health - Jane’s guest today is renowned LA-based cardiologist, Dr. Norman E. Lepor, Founder and Director of the National Heart Institute in Beverly Hills and affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Voice of a Soprano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:11
Jamie-Lynn Sigler talks health and wellness - Jane’s guest today is Jamie-Lynn Sigler, one of our youngest acting icons. Twenty-five years ago, she came into our living rooms as rebellious teenage Mafia daughter, Meadow,…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Many Happy Returns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:28
Giuliana Rancic on giving back - Jane’s guest today is the always amazing Giuliana Rancic, the entertainment journalist, author, fashion and beauty expert, and television superstar personality. Giuliana is best known as…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Interior Motives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:41
Celebrated design expert on giving back - Jane's guest today is world famous interior designer, Thom Filicia. The founder and chief creative officer of the world-renowned New York City-based design firm Thom Filicia, Inc…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Here's Looking at You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:03
Insightful advice from a famed photographer - Jane’s special guest today is Kate T. Parker, a multifaceted powerhouse—mother, Ironman triathlete, award-winning photographer, and NY Times bestselling author. Renowned for…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Howie Mandel on OCD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:16
Order in the Cortex - Jane’s guest today is the legendary comedian, TV star, screenwriter, actor, producer, director, entrepreneur, game show host and best-selling author, Howie Mandel. While Howie, who is best known now…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Wendy Sterling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:30
The Gold Standard in Lifestyle Advance - Jane's guest today is Wendy Sterling, one the country's foremost lifestyle coaches and emotional well-being experts. Aside from being a sought-after motivational speaker, best-sel…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Jason Alexander [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:22
Jason Alexander, of course best known for his iconic, award-winning role as George Costanza of television’s Seinfeld, has achieved even more international recognition as a writer, composer, director, producer, and teache…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Dishing with Top Chef Kristen Kish [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:11
Jane’s special guest today is the renowned cookbook author and celebrity chef, Kristen Kish. The winner of season 10 Bravo TV's Top Chef, and only the second female winner in the history of the Top Chef franchise, and th…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Joy to the World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:39
Speaking to a star nutritionist - Jane’s very special guest is the always amazing Joy Bauer, one of the nation's most popular health and wellness authorities. Joy is best known as the nutrition and healthy lifestyle expe…