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: 100

Jane Wilkens Michael Better Than Before
Podcast Episodes
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: The Cutting Edge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:46
Talking with a top plastic surgeon – Jane’s guest today is Dr. David Shafer, a renowned plastic surgeon who is recognized both nationally and internationally as a leader and an innovator in his field. Indeed, he is the g…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Doctors' Orders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:09
Feeling Better Than Before – Today Jane speaks with two renowned doctors, highly respected in their fields of mental health and pulmonary disease. Her first guest is noted psychiatrist, Dr Ken Duckworth, Chief Medical Of…
Better than Before: Jane Wilkens Michael: Mourning Glory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:49
An NBA legend on being Better Than Before - Jane’s stellar guest today is basketball superstar Alonzo Mourning, a seven-time All-Star who was one of the greatest players in Miami Heat history and an Olympic gold medalist…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Heart and Soleil [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:09
Speaking with Soleil Moon Frye - Jane’s guest today is the iconic actress, director, producer, and screenwriter Soleil Moon Frye. While best known for her 80’s persona as Punky Brewster—and now from her current show, The…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: The Flu Fighter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:22
Jason Alexander on influencing influenza - 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 write…
BTB: Jane Wikens Michael: This is Her [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:34
Speaking to This is Us star Chrissy Metz - Jane’s guest today is the phenomenally multi-talented Chrissy Metz, the actress, author and singer who played Kate Pearson in the ultra-popular NBC drama series, This Is Us, for…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: The Great Escape(s) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:45
Cynthia Bailey on Well-being and Bellinis - Jane's very special guest today is the magnificent Cynthia Bailey, actress, author and influencer, and former member of Bravo TV’s Real Housewives of Atlanta. A top fashion mod…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Looking Swell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:02
A surfing star talks seawater and skin - Jane’s special guests today are surfing sensation Coco Ho and renowned dermatologist Dr. Annabelle Garcia. Coco is the scion of legendary surfing royalty. Indeed, her father, pro…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Game On! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:28
All eyes on Jordan Fisher - Jane’s guest today is the multi-talented Jordan Fisher, an actor, singer, songwriter, and producer, whose work has spanned everything from TV to music, to Broadway, and film. He even won seaso…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Eye Catching [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:37
An insightful interview with Kate Walsh - Jane’s guest today, for an encore appearance on the show, is the exquisite and multi-talented Kate Walsh, renowned actress and businesswoman. Kate is a Screen Actors Guild award-…