Advertise on podcast: Jane Wilkens Michael Better Than Before

Overcoming Chronic Skin Challenges - On today’s show, Jane welcomes Dr. Saakshi Khattri, a triple board-certified dermatologist, rheumatologist and internist, as well as the Director of the Center for Connective Tissue Diseases at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Her expertise includes autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including psoriatic disease, where dermatology and rheumatology often intersect. Joining the conversation is Michelle Rayburn, whose psoriasis rapidly progressed to psoriatic arthritis. Sudden exhaustion and joint pain reshaped Michelle's daily life, yet her experience became one of resilience, self-advocacy, and reclaiming what matters most. Michelle reflects on her personal treatment journey with BIMZELX, an FDA-approved biologic injectable medicine, and the meaningful impact it has had. Together, they explore navigating a chronic diagnosis, asking informed questions, and finding hope beyond the hardest days. Dr. Khattri also offers practical guidance for maintaining healthy, comfortable skin at every age, including three simple habits. It’s an inspiring conversation about learning from those who have found a path forward—and discovering how to build a life that is Better Than Before, one day at a time.

A talk with trailblazing author Michael Gross - Jane's very special guest today is Michael Gross, the New York Times best-selling author of acclaimed books that explore the hidden worlds of wealth, power, privilege, and the people who shape them. With a career spanning decades in investigative journalism and social history, his celebrated works—including 740 Park, House of Outrageous Fortune, Rogues' Gallery, Focus, and Flight of the WASP—have earned him a reputation for uncovering the untold stories behind America's most influential families, institutions, and cultural icons. His newest book, Treasured Island: The Story of St. Barth... and Its Barbarians, Billionaires, and Beauties, traces the remarkable transformation of the once-sleepy Caribbean island of St. Barth into an international playground for billionaires, celebrities, and royalty. Filled with unforgettable characters, hidden history, and surprising revelations, Michael's latest masterpiece is a fascinating exploration of the intersection of wealth, fame, ambition, and paradise. Among the many topics discussed, Michael also reflects on who first inspired him to become a journalist and author, the advice he offers aspiring writers, what drew him from reporting on fashion and real estate to chronicling old-money families, and now the allure of St. Barts. He also shares what continues to fascinate and motivate him after an extraordinary career. All in all, it's a captivating conversation with one of the world's most prolific and respected authors.

Carrie Ann Inaba on living with Sjögren's - Jane’s special guest, making her second appearance on the show, is the incomparable Carrie Ann Inaba -- a renowned dancer, choreographer, television personality, actress and singer. Millions around the world recognize her as the former co-host of CBS’s Emmy Award-winning daytime show, The Talk, and as a beloved judge on Dancing with the Stars since the show premiered in 2005. Her legions of fans admire her artistry, beauty and extraordinary talent, but they also appreciate her authenticity, dedication and the genuine passion she brings to every issue close to her heart. One cause she cares deeply about is raising awareness of Sjögren’s -- the second most common rheumatic autoimmune disease. Often misunderstood, it is a chronic condition that Carrie Ann herself has faced with honesty, resilience and grace. That is why she has teamed up with Novartis, the major global pharmaceutic company,  on their Shout for Sjögren's campaign, an initiative designed to help people living with Sjögren’s feel heard, understood, and empowered. On this segment, Jane and Carrie Ann talk about her personal beauty, fitness and anti-stress tips, tools and mantras for looking and feeling Better Than Before. She also shares the lessons she has learned throughout her health journey, and how, as part of her new campaign, she is helping others find hope, understanding and strength in every step.

Natalie Morales on Alzheimer's, brain health and hope - Jane’s very special guest, Natalie Morales, is an award-winning journalist and television personality whose warmth, authenticity and compassion have made her a trusted and beloved presence in millions of homes across America.  After more than two decades with NBC News, Natalie's reporting has appeared throughout CBS News platforms, including CBS Mornings, CBS Sunday Morning and 48 Hours. She was also a host of the Daytime Emmy-winning panel show, The Talk.  Today she joins Jane to shine a light on a disease that impacts millions of Americans and changes their---and their loved one's---lives in profound ways. Her discussion with Jane is a part of her mission to share her role as caregiver to her beloved mother-in-law, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in her mid-50s. Drawing from both professional insight and personal experience, she has now partnered with Eli Lilly and Company to help raise awareness, foster understanding and encourage important conversations with your healthcare professional about brain health and the evolving landscape of Alzheimer’s care. Natalie's greatest focus is on encouraging those with concerns about memory loss to reach out to medical specialists to explore the advisability of such early intervention options as Kisunla, a revolutionary Lilly treatment, that can significantly reduce amyloid plaques in the brain that are associated with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. On this segment, Natalie not only highlights her caregiving journey and her partnership with Lilly, but also offers her own lifestyle tips and tools that keep her and family in optimal health and living Better Than Before.

Guerdy Abraira's journey of strength, hope and healing - Jane’s guest today is the amazing Guerdy Abraira, a television personality, best known for her role on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Miami. She is the author of GUERDYFY: From Trauma to Trophies, as well, which brilliantly and poignantly chronicles how her career became intertwined with a challenging  cancer journey. Furthermore, she is the founder and creative force behind Guerdy Design, a Miami‑based event planning firm. Guerdy is the embodiment of what resilience looks like in real life. Indeed, she is a breast cancer survivor whose openness and courage have inspired so many people navigating difficult moments of their own. Through it all, she has shared not only vulnerability and fear, but also humor, grace, determination, and an incredible sense of self introspection. On this segment, Jane and Guerdy talk about healing, strength and moving forward even when circumstances change without warning. They also discuss her partnership with Abbott, the global health care company, to raise awareness about their Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score® test that helps patients and survivors to understand recurrence risk, empowering them to find a treatment plan that works specifically for their type of cancer. All in all, the show is a celebration of what it truly means to be Better Than Before.

Kym Whitley’s life-changing weight loss journey - Jane’s guest today is the fabulous Kym Whitley. Kym is an Emmy-nominated actress, comedian, producer and podcast host with an outstanding career that spans television, film and stand-up. She is known for her roles in Beauty Shop, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Young & Hungry, The Parkers and Happy Gilmore 2, to name but a few. Her film credits include Next Friday and Deliver Us from Eva. This past year, Kym has renewed her partnership with the multinational pharmaceutical giant, Lilly, to share the long and successful story of her weight loss journey with the help of an obesity management medication. In her case, it is using Lilly’s Zepbound, along with adhering to a healthy diet and exercise program. On this segment, Jane and Kym talk about how she started in her inspiring career, how she dealt with the naysayers (hint: Make your haters your congratulators!), the life lessons she learned along the way, and why Zepbound has made all the difference in her physical and mental well-being. She also shares what the important goals for any weight loss regimen should be, and how she balances motherhood, comedy and her new role in the upcoming series The Varnell Hill Show. Best of all, our listeners will learn of Kym’s personal tips and tools for becoming Better Than Before, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Allyson Felix teams up with Ensure - Top athletes are aware that a healthy lifestyle program fuels their physical and mental stamina, speed, coordination, consistency, resilience and power. And no one exemplifies this more than Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete in Olympic and world history!  Allyson has now become a powerful advocate for women’s health and longevity.  And her current partnership with global healthcare company Abbott’s Ensure Max Protein 42g is a key part of that effort. Allyson knows that providing the proper nutrients and energy-rich food and supplements for her body isn’t just about winning races. It’s about supporting long-term wellness, especially for women who must balance performance, motherhood and everyday life. Indeed, Allyson herself is 40 and working to reshape her approach to overall fitness and well-being. For this, she found the perfect partner in Abbott, which has spent decades studying muscle health. To that end, their Ensure Max Protein 42g contains 42 grams of complete protein plus, separately, all 9 amino acids, to healthfully and naturally build muscle tissue. Both Allyson and Abbott know that muscles are worth building every single day. It’s about nourishing your body not just to compete, but to thrive at every stage of your life to become Better Than Before. After all, a real win can also happen after you cross the finish line!

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.

Talking to the spectacular Octavia Spencer - Jane’s very special guest is Octavia Spencer, the Academy Award and Golden Globe- winning actor, and iconic star of stage and screen. You all know her from her powerful, trailblazing roles in The Help, Hidden Figures and The Shape of Water, to name but three of her unforgettable films. Among her other accolades and accomplishments, she has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is also a prolific producer with many projects in the works, as well as a best-selling author of children’s books. On this segment, Octavia talks about what it felt like when she won her Oscar and was honored with a star on the Walk of Fame, her upbringing as one of seven children, her family values, and how she was able to overcome any negativity on the road to her stunning success. Octavia and Jane then discuss the public health campaign, Detect the SOS, that she is embarking on along with Sofia Vergara, Boehringer Ingelheim, the American Diabetes Association, the National Kidney Foundation, WomenHeart, and The Mended Hearts, Inc.  As part of this mission, she and Sofia want to elevate awareness to uncover hidden risks for chronic kidney disease and related cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke with the help of a simple, non-invasive screening test. The campaign, in fact, with both stars, was featured on a spot during this year's Super Bowl.

Jane’s guest today is Wendy Paige Sterling, one of the country’s foremost intuitive coaches and well-being experts. A sought-after motivational speaker, bestselling author, and podcast host, Wendy helps high-achieving women deepen their self-trust and lead their lives from truth, not survival. She blends emotional intelligence, energetic awareness, and intuitive insight to support women through major life and identity shifts. In this segment, Jane and Wendy explore how to move through the emotions that come with life transitions without bypassing or numbing them and how to shift into a mindset that supports clearer decisions, stronger boundaries, and inner steadiness. They discuss what real happiness looks like when you stop chasing it externally, and how small, intentional choices can change how you experience your life day by day. Wendy also shares grounded, practical tools to reconnect with the body, calm the nervous system, and honor the spiritual side of healing. Listeners will walk away feeling truly Better Than Before.

Iconic sportscaster on curing AFib - Jane’s very special guest is renowned television anchor and radio show host Michael (Greeny) Greenberg. Indeed, in addition to a multitude of his other accolades and accomplishments, including writing best-selling novels, he is a longtime ESPN sports broadcaster who co-hosted the super popular radio show, Mike & Mike, for nearly two decades. He currently hosts Get Up, a morning sports program, and also serves as an analyst on NFL Countdown. But along with the natural heart-pounding action that he covers, in his case some of those high-speed beats were due to Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In fact, he is one of the estimated twelve-million Americans with this debilitating coronary malfunction. On this segment, Mike and Jane talk all about how his life changed when he discovered, through his own research, cardiac catheterization ablation. To that end, he has partnered with J&J MedTech, a manufacturer of the innovative device that  cured him, on their Get Smart About AFib campaign. He also shares the lifestyle tips and tools which work best for him and, in turn, will help all of our listeners feel Better Than Before.

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 Washington Commanders' (then Redskins) game, he suffered a life-threatening injury to his right leg. His triumphant return to the field less than two years later is regarded as one of the most historic moments in pro football history.  Indeed, he helped lead his team to an NFC East title while he himself earned the title of NFL Comeback Player of the Year. His story about the injury was documented in a special edition of ESPN’s E60, Project 11. Alex's arduous path to recovery set the stage for his new endeavor, speaking about the realities of pain and encouraging people to have a game plan. To that end, he is partnering with Vertex Pharmaceuticals on their Pain Game Plan campaign to empower people to develop a personalized pain management strategy to be ready for the expected, like a planned surgery, or unexpected, like an injury. On this segment, Alex and Jane talk about how he, his doctors and his family had to make life-changing decisions, his intense rehabilitation, and his new campaign. Furthermore, he shares the positive mantras that gave him the mental fortitude to keep going and can help all listeners become Better Than Before despite whatever setbacks they face.

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 of survival. Rather than simply giving up, she went on to chronicle her journey, writing the New York Times column, Life, Interrupted which was made into a video series that won an Emmy Award! And her memoir, Between Two Kingdoms, was also a New York Times best seller. Her fight against cancer is also featured in a 2023 Netflix documentary, American Symphony, about a year in her life with her husband, the Grammy, Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning musician, Jon Batiste. Now she is writing new chapters of her story through her latest work, The Book of Alchemy. Suleika is also partnering with Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, on their expanded mission to provide information and guidance for patients and caregivers for all 100+ blood cancers. On this segment, Jane and Suleika talk about what gets her through her good days, bad days, and very bad days. She also provides advice for building community and fostering connections, starting with how journaling gives her calm and purpose. Furthermore, she shares her tips, tools and favorite mantra that will motivate and encourage all of us to be just a little Better Than Before, no matter what obstacles we face in life.

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 into tangible and practical advice to inspire others to change their habits and improve their health. That's why she partnered with Abbott Labs on Lingo, a state-of-the-art, wearable device that measures how blood glucose levels respond to food, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. Important for all of us to know since glucose fuels our bodies, from our brain to our muscles. For her part, when not busy encouraging others to reach for better health and performance via better nutrition, Pam, a mother of three, writes best-selling books and has competed in twenty-nine (yes!) marathons. On this segment, Pam and Jane talk about the impact of glucose on energy, mood, and chronic disease prevention and what we should strive for to avoid “spikes and crashes.” She also imparts practical advice for eating balanced meals, anti-stress tips and tools, and the latest health and wellness research that will keep listeners looking and feeling Better Than Before.

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 Ralph Lauren, Dylan is a creative and innovative genius in her own right. She took the idea to open an enchanted emporium after watching the movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory when she was just 6- years-old, staying true to her dream until eventually turning it into a real life, state-of-the-art, sweetness sanctuary. Merging all the inspirations in her life, Dylan designed her stores with a goal to combine fashion, art and pop candy culture with candy-themed lifestyle products. On this segment, Dylan and Jane discuss the highlights of her journey to becoming a super successful entrepreneur, and how naysayers along the way gave her the determination to never take No! for an answer. In addition, she shares the secrets to balancing her career without sacrificing her role as a wife and mother of young twins.  Dylan also reveals her beauty, health and fitness tips and insights and talks about her foundation, Dylan’s Candy BarN, that partners with different animal right’s organizations. All and all listeners will come away feeling Better Than Before, one divine Dylan’s candy bar at a time.