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 Talking with the Legendary Lidia Bastianich [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:49
During these challenging months when we spend so much time sheltering in place, many of us are taking the time to learn new skills. And Lidia Bastianich, Jane’s very special guest today, is uniquely suited to share the s…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Staying Quit with Ross Mathews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:34
Don’t let your New Year’s resolutions go up in smoke - In this unprecedented pandemic, we are all tempted to increase–or at least stay with–comforting yet bad habits. For example, there's Beaujolais—or is it Rosé—all day…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Listen to Mama [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:51
Vicki Lawrence on Humor, Health and Happiness - No matter what we are going through at the moment, it is essential for our psyches to try to remain as positive as possible. And the best way to do that is through humor! A…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: You Glow Girl [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:23
LaVerne Cox on life and beauty - Jane’s guest today is the extraordinarily talented and glamorous—not to mention, gorgeous— LaVerne Cox. Indeed, LaVerne, an icon of icons, is a four- time Emmy-nominated actress, Emmy win…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Modern Health and Wellness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:42
Julie Bowen discusses her new docuseries - Jane’s guest, for an encore performance, is the fabulous Julie Bowen. After 11 years and two Emmy wins from her role as the hilarious Claire Dunphy in Modern Family, Julie is pu…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: The Return of the King [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:43
Cousin Brucie is back on 77WABC Radio - Jane’s guest today is the legendary radio personality Bruce Morrow, known by his legions of fans worldwide as Cousin Brucie. Inducted into both the National Radio Hall of Fame and…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Love is Grand(parents) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:35
Debbie Allen on celebrating the ones we love - Jane’s guest today is the multi-talented Debbie Allen, a Tony and Golden Globe award-winning director, producer, actress, dancer and choreographer. Debbie rose to fame in th…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Hale and Hearty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:11
Tony Hale on overcoming asthma - Jane’s guest today is the incredibly talented Tony Hale. We all know him from his roles in the groundbreaking Fox comedy series Arrested Development, in Walt Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 4, a…
Better Than Before: Remembering Regis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:40
Regis Philbin's list of accomplishments as infinite as his appeal was universal. And having known him over the years—for a while we even went to the same gym—I wanted to add my personal tribute to the avalanche of accola…
BTB: The Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Paradise Found [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:06
Insights from inside the Golden Door - In the history of beauty, health and wellness havens, none shine brighter than the legendary Golden Door in Escondido, California. Acquired and expanded by the noted philanthropist…