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 Eyes Have It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:54
A renowned optometrist on optimal eye care - Our eyes are not only the windows to our soul, but they also give us an insight into our overall health. So says Jane’s special guest today, the highly distinguished Dr. Barba…
BTB - Jane Wilkens Michael - Dr McGrail - Bye Anxiety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:07
Staying calm while carrying on - Jane’s guest today is Dr. John McGrail, a renowned self-improvement expert and much sought-after hypnotherapist and spiritual teacher on personal growth and successful life transformation…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael talks Making a Splash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:00
A talk with an Olympic swimming legend - Jane’s guest today is Rowdy Gaines, the renowned, three-time Olympic gold medalist and International Swimming Hall of Fame member, once known as the world’s fastest human being. T…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Meet the Press [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:02
Jane's guest today is the renowned journalist Alix Strauss, a four-time author, much sought-after social satirist, and a frequent contributor to the New York Times. Her articles have also been featured in Time Magazine,…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show talks with Kathy Ireland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:09
Super Model to Super Mogul - Jane’s guest today is the fashion and home industry icon Kathy Ireland. Kathy’s career as a supermodel turned super mogul is epitomized by the fact that she has appeared on the cover of count…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael talks to Lyndie Benson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:35
Fashion Forward - Bleusalt, a collection of exquisitely soft, made in America, luxury essentials are the compelling creations of the keen eye, fashion sense and ne plus ultra personal style of its dynamic founder, Lyndie…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael talks with Viola Davis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:57
A Touch of Sugar - Viola Davis is a true American treasure. As we all know, she currently stars in the ABC hit series, How to Get Away with Murder, for which she received the primetime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Lead Ac…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael talks Family Ties [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:41
What's in your genes? - There is an innate curiosity in all of us to learn more about who we are, where we’re from, and how we’re all connected. And as DNA science has continued to rapidly advance, we now have the abilit…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: The Flu Fighter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:10
Julie Bowen on Feeling Better Than Before - Jane's guest today is the extraordinary, Emmy-award winning actress Julie Bowen. Julie, the star of a multitude of blockbuster hits, is perhaps best known as the beloved and hi…