BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Expect the Unexpected

BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Expect the Unexpected

Author: Jane & Laurie March 12, 2026 Duration: 39:58
Author Mary Lou Falcone on resilience and reinvention - Jane’s special guest is Mary Lou Falcone. Mary Lou is a renowned communications strategist, author, and founder of the Falcone Group, one of the nation’s leading public relations firms specializing in the arts, education, and nonprofit sectors. She has represented some of the most celebrated cultural institutions and artists around the world, such as Carnegie Hall, New York Philharmonic, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Her celebrity clients have included Renée Fleming, Van Cliburn, Sir George Solti and James Taylor, to name but a very few. Mary Lou recently turned her attention to writing a book, I Didn’t See It Coming. In it, she reflects on the unexpected moments that shape all of our lives – in her case, the tragic and untimely death of her beloved husband, innovative illustrator Nicky Zann from Lewy Body Dementia. Mary Lou explains how she came to realize he was succumbing to this disease, and the effort and resilience it took to overcome it. On this segment, Mary Lou shares with Jane the lessons she learned about reinvention, humility, and navigating unexpected hurdles. She teaches us how to manage and survive life’s most challenging and painful moments and work to become Better Than Before.




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: Hail Alex [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:56
Passing through adversity - Jane’s very special guest today is Alex Smith. And there is no better model for perseverance and success than this former star NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst. In 2018, during a Washi…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Beating the Odds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 o…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: The Glucose Gladiator [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:13
A talk with a celebrated blood sugar specialist - Jane’s special guest is Pamela Nisevich Bede, a world-renowned expert in sports dietetics. Pam’s mission is to translate the complex science of nutrition and metabolism i…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: How Sweet It Is [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:21
Chatting with the creator of Dylan’s Candy Bar - Jane very special guest is Dylan Lauren, founder and CEO of the world’s largest boutique candy store chain, Dylans’ Candy Bar. The daughter of iconic fashion designer Ralp…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Celebrate Every Day with Babs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:46
Talking to everyone’s favorite internet Grandma - Jane’s special guest is Barbara Costello, now known, like all superstars, by just one name: Babs! From her Facebook posts, and @BrunchwithBabs posts on Instagram and Tikt…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Game Changer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:10
Legendary sports agent on bettering brain health - Jane's special guest is Leigh Steinberg, the greatest and most successful sports agent of all time, representing star athletes and coaches in football, basketball, baseb…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Touchdown!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:53
An NFL Superstar on being Better Than Before - Jane’s special guest today is Brian Dawkins, a football legend as one of the greatest NFL Safeties of all time. Brian, viewed as the leader of the Philadelphia Eagles' defen…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Screen Test [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:00
Kate Walsh Finds the GRAIL - Jane’s special guest today is the renowned and multi-talented Kate Walsh, who we are delighted to have back for her third appearance on the show. Kate has starred in such blockbusters as Grey…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: A New You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:14
Simple steps for personal growth and renewal - Jane’s special guest today is Dr. John McGrail, clinical hypnotherapist, best-selling author, self-improvement expert and much sought-after spirituality teacher, regarded as…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: A League of his Own [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:59
Johnny Damon brings his A-Game - Jane’s special guest is Johnny Damon, a Major League star outfielder for an amazing 18 seasons, becoming one of the most outstanding, respected, and durable players in the league's histor…