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 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…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: The Cutting Edge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:46
Talking with a top plastic surgeon – Jane’s guest today is Dr. David Shafer, a renowned plastic surgeon who is recognized both nationally and internationally as a leader and an innovator in his field. Indeed, he is the g…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Doctors' Orders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:09
Feeling Better Than Before – Today Jane speaks with two renowned doctors, highly respected in their fields of mental health and pulmonary disease. Her first guest is noted psychiatrist, Dr Ken Duckworth, Chief Medical Of…
Better than Before: Jane Wilkens Michael: Mourning Glory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:49
An NBA legend on being Better Than Before - Jane’s stellar guest today is basketball superstar Alonzo Mourning, a seven-time All-Star who was one of the greatest players in Miami Heat history and an Olympic gold medalist…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Heart and Soleil [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:09
Speaking with Soleil Moon Frye - Jane’s guest today is the iconic actress, director, producer, and screenwriter Soleil Moon Frye. While best known for her 80’s persona as Punky Brewster—and now from her current show, The…