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 Show: Mom’s the Word [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:23
Molly Ringwald on parenting and prevention - Jane’s guest today is the uber-accomplished Molly Ringwald, a gifted actress, singer, and dancer. Whether starring in such iconic films as Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club S…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Surfin' USA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:35
Making waves with an Olympian surfing star - Jane’s guest today is the amazing Caroline Marks who, at 19, is the youngest surfer to ever qualify for the women’s championship tour. She also made her Olympic debut in Tokyo…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Courage to Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:46
Elizabeth Vargas on achieving lasting sobriety - Jane’s guest today is broadcasting icon Elizabeth Vargas, the embodiment of all the qualities one would expect from an Emmy-award winning television journalist, anchor, re…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Ciara Cerving Confidence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:35
Jane’s guest today is the multi-talented Ciara, a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who has sold over 45-million records here and worldwide and whose videos have been viewed over t…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Sharing Is Caring [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:23
Jordana Brewster on the importance of giving back - Jane’s guest today is the beautiful and highly accomplished Jordana Brewster, whose enormous talent, intelligence—she’s a Yale graduate after all—and natural screen pre…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Jane Hearts Billy Gardell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:53
Speaking health with the star of Bob Hearts Abishola - Jane’s special guest today is the multi-talented television, movie and stand-up comedy star Billy Gardell. Aside from movies such as Avenging Angelo, Bad Santa, You,…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: JUST BE YOU [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:11
An inspirational talk with Mallika Chopra - Jane’s very special guest today is media entrepreneur, best-selling author and world-renowned public speaker Mallika Chopra. In addition to all of her own remarkable and extens…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Doctor on Call [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:16
Dr. Drew on feeling Better Than Before after COVID - Jane’s guest today is the world-renowned internist and addiction specialist, best-selling author, and prolific television, radio and podcasting host, Dr. Drew Pinsky.…