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: Joint Effort [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:52
Jennie Garth on overcoming osteoarthritis - Jane’s guest today is the multi-talented Jennie Garth, an iconic actress, bestselling author, film director and mother of three beautiful young daughters. Jennie is perhaps mos…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Nothing but the Truth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:03
Anthony Anderson on health and well-being - Jane’s guest today is Anthony Anderson, the Emmy-nominated actor whose significant success is only exceeded by his outstanding talent. Indeed, Anthony has appeared in countless…
Better than Before: Jane Wilkens Michael: An Eye for Design [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:00
Speaking with Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk - Jane’s guest today is Bobby Berk, the popular design pro on Netflix’s Queer Eye. But starring on a hugely successful TV show, in which he transforms people's lives, is not all this…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: A Heart-to-Heart with Susan Lucci [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:25
Jane’s guest today, in celebration of American Heart Month, is the Emmy Award- winning actress, television host, New York Times bestselling author, and beauty, health and fitness legend, Susan Lucci. An industry icon and…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Cuisine and Quitting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:11
Dishing with Chef Kish - Jane’s guest today is the renowned cookbook author and celebrity chef, Kristen Kish. The winner of season 10 of Bravo TV’s Top Chef, she is currently the co-host of TruTV’s Fast Foodies, and draw…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Looking Well [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:42
Expert advice for optimal eye care - Jane’s guest today is Dr. Selina McGee, a renowned Doctor of Optometry, who is passionate about improving the vision of the multitude of patients she treats. To that end, Dr. McGee is…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Meet the Peetes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:30
Holly and Ryan on overcoming ADHD - Jane’s special guests today are Holly Robinson Peete and her 24-year old daughter, Ryan. Holly, a mother of four, is an amazingly accomplished actress, singer, author, talk show host,…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: The Flu Fighter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:57
Jennifer Grey on family, films and feeling great - Jane’s guest today is Jennifer Grey, the iconic actress whose career has spanned more than three decades. Her portrayal of Baby in the beloved classic Dirty Dancing earn…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Top Gunnar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:39
All-star fitness advice - Jane’s special guest today is celebrated Beverly Hills-based exercise guru, Gunnar Peterson, one of the most in-demand trainers in Hollywood. Gunnar's client list reads like a Who’s Who of the f…