BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael: Beating the Odds

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.