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 Talking with the Legendary Lidia Bastianich [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:49
During these challenging months when we spend so much time sheltering in place, many of us are taking the time to learn new skills. And Lidia Bastianich, Jane’s very special guest today, is uniquely suited to share the s…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Staying Quit with Ross Mathews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:34
Don’t let your New Year’s resolutions go up in smoke - In this unprecedented pandemic, we are all tempted to increase–or at least stay with–comforting yet bad habits. For example, there's Beaujolais—or is it Rosé—all day…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Listen to Mama [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:51
Vicki Lawrence on Humor, Health and Happiness - No matter what we are going through at the moment, it is essential for our psyches to try to remain as positive as possible. And the best way to do that is through humor! A…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: You Glow Girl [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:23
LaVerne Cox on life and beauty - Jane’s guest today is the extraordinarily talented and glamorous—not to mention, gorgeous— LaVerne Cox. Indeed, LaVerne, an icon of icons, is a four- time Emmy-nominated actress, Emmy win…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Modern Health and Wellness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:42
Julie Bowen discusses her new docuseries - Jane’s guest, for an encore performance, is the fabulous Julie Bowen. After 11 years and two Emmy wins from her role as the hilarious Claire Dunphy in Modern Family, Julie is pu…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: The Return of the King [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:43
Cousin Brucie is back on 77WABC Radio - Jane’s guest today is the legendary radio personality Bruce Morrow, known by his legions of fans worldwide as Cousin Brucie. Inducted into both the National Radio Hall of Fame and…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Love is Grand(parents) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:35
Debbie Allen on celebrating the ones we love - Jane’s guest today is the multi-talented Debbie Allen, a Tony and Golden Globe award-winning director, producer, actress, dancer and choreographer. Debbie rose to fame in th…
BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Hale and Hearty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:11
Tony Hale on overcoming asthma - Jane’s guest today is the incredibly talented Tony Hale. We all know him from his roles in the groundbreaking Fox comedy series Arrested Development, in Walt Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 4, a…
Better Than Before: Remembering Regis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:40
Regis Philbin's list of accomplishments as infinite as his appeal was universal. And having known him over the years—for a while we even went to the same gym—I wanted to add my personal tribute to the avalanche of accola…
BTB: The Jane Wilkens Michael Show: Paradise Found [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:06
Insights from inside the Golden Door - In the history of beauty, health and wellness havens, none shine brighter than the legendary Golden Door in Escondido, California. Acquired and expanded by the noted philanthropist…