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: 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…