BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Beating the Odds

BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Beating the Odds

Author: Jane & Laurie September 11, 2025 Duration: 17:34
Suleika Jaouad on surviving and thriving - Jane’s very special guest is author, advocate and motivational speaker, Suleika Jaouad. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia at age 22, Suleika was given a 35% chance of survival. Rather than simply giving up, she went on to chronicle her journey, writing the New York Times column, Life, Interrupted which was made into a video series that won an Emmy Award! And her memoir, Between Two Kingdoms, was also a New York Times best seller. Her fight against cancer is also featured in a 2023 Netflix documentary, American Symphony, about a year in her life with her husband, the Grammy, Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning musician, Jon Batiste. Now she is writing new chapters of her story through her latest work, The Book of Alchemy. Suleika is also partnering with Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, on their expanded mission to provide information and guidance for patients and caregivers for all 100+ blood cancers. On this segment, Jane and Suleika talk about what gets her through her good days, bad days, and very bad days. She also provides advice for building community and fostering connections, starting with how journaling gives her calm and purpose. Furthermore, she shares her tips, tools and favorite mantra that will motivate and encourage all of us to be just a little Better Than Before, no matter what obstacles we face in life.

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…