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: 100

Jane Wilkens Michael Better Than Before
Podcast Episodes
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…
BTB: Jane Wilken Michael: Being Henry Winkler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:09
Jane’s guest today is the Emmy-Award-winning acting icon Henry Winkler, The Fonz himself! Henry, among his many accolades and accomplishments, is currently starring in the hit show Barry, and has produced and directed mu…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Dancing with Derek [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:42
An encore appearance - Jane's guest today is three-time Emmy Award winner, and thirteen-time nominee, Derek Hough. Derek, the most nominated male choreographer in Television Academy history, is also a New York Times best…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: In the Swim [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:15
Chatting with an Olympic champion - Jane’s guest today is Dara Torres, a twelve-time Olympic medalist swimmer and a former world record-holder. Renowned as one of the greatest female swimmers of all time, Dara was the fi…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: The Heart of the Matter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:48
Renowned Coach & Cardiologist talk Cholesterol - On today’s show, Jane speaks with two world-class guests about the shape of our hearts. First up is two-time NFL Coach of the Year and Super Bowl LV winner, Bruce Arians.…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Heart to Heart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:46
Bob Harper talks coronary health - Jane’s guest today is Bob Harper, one of the most successful lifestyle experts in the world, with numerous New York Times best sellers on health and fitness to his credit. But even give…