Oh wow! More golden nuggets of conversation that were just too tasty to include in our main series 5 episodes. Or which didn’t fit our self-imposed time constraints but are still well worth welcoming into your ears. Or both those things. You decide, as you enjoy extra insights from the marvellous Matthew Highton, Alasdair Beckett-King and Alexis Dubus.&nbsp; SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for a first watch or a rewatch. Be warned: spoilers!&nbsp; Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan).&nbsp;Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson.&nbsp; WHAT DO YOU THINK? Have a word on our socials:&nbsp;X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpod EMAIL US We’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com&nbsp; ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE? There’s more where that came from:<a href="https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://holygoats.bandcamp.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://holygoats.bandcamp.com</a>

Series 5 - Bonus Episode 2

Happy New Year! Why not treat yourself to some deleted scenes: Bits of interviews with our brilliant guests which couldn't quite fit in their episode - but which are a smashing good time anyway. Featuring snippets from the awesome Cariad Lloyd, Tom Salinsky and Travis McElroy! SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for a first watch or a rewatch. Be warned: spoilers!&nbsp; Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan).&nbsp;Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson.&nbsp; WHAT DO YOU THINK? Have a word on our socials:&nbsp;X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpod EMAIL US We’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com&nbsp; ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE? There’s more where that came from:<a href="https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://holygoats.bandcamp.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://holygoats.bandcamp.com</a>

Series 5 - Bonus Episode 1

Festive Chat, Listener Emails, Weird Stuff

Merry Christmas! For our festive special, we unwrap some great listener emails and attempt some seasonal chat… but somehow it keeps going a bit weird&nbsp; SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for a first watch or a rewatch. Be warned: spoilers!&nbsp; Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan).&nbsp;Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson.&nbsp; WHAT DO YOU THINK? Have a word on our socials:&nbsp;X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpod EMAIL US We’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com&nbsp; ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE? There’s more where that came from:<a href="https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://holygoats.bandcamp.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://holygoats.bandcamp.com</a>

Christmas "Special" 2024

Alexis Dubus tells us what it’s like to be in Red Dwarf! He’s an award winning stand-up and character comic (you may know his alter ego, Marcel Lucont) and his childhood fandom of Red Dwarf was a formative influence on his comedy. So imagine his delight when he was asked to guest star in series 11! It’s very cool to hear his behind-the-scenes stories. What’s more, having performed his own standup show, A R*ddy Brief History Of Swearing, all around the world, Alexis has an expert insight into just why “smeg” is such a smegging good made-up cuss word.&nbsp;The lucky devil also gets to unpick a true classic with us: series 5 episode 6, Back To Reality. In a quest to discover why it’s such a blatantly good bit of telly, we cover: Timothy Spall’s perfect performance. The cruelty of the Despair Squid. Audacious plotting. Extraordinary world-building. Rule-breaking editing. Living in a simulation. And… Duane Dibbley?! SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for a first watch or a rewatch. Be warned: spoilers!&nbsp; Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan).&nbsp;Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson.&nbsp; FANCY SOME LINKS? Enjoy all things Alexis Dubus at <a href="http://alexisdubus.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">alexisdubus.com&nbsp;</a> Follow Alexis on Instagram @alexisdubuscomedy Get tweeted at (if that’s still a thing) by Alexis on X (a thing) @AlexisDubus WHAT DO YOU THINK? Have a word on our socials:&nbsp;X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpod EMAIL US We’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: <a href="mailto:betterthanlifepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">betterthanlifepod@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE? There’s more where that came from:<a href="https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://holygoats.bandcamp.com</a>

30 - "Back To Reality" with Alexis Dubus

Acclaimed standup, animator, filmmaker and children’s author Alasdair Beckett-King cannot overstate how much of a Red Dwarf fan he was back in the day. Case in point: he was angered by CGI Starbug in the way only a true fan can be. The show even influenced his taste in food… and his accent! He loved rekindling his youthful obsession for the podcast.&nbsp; Turning our focus to series 5 episode 5, Demons and Angels, we cover all the ‘highs’ and ‘lows’, including: hilarious high Kryten, evil horny Rimmer, grotesque comic violence, fantastic miniatures, absent audiences, action hero Lister, that laugh, those fangs, and the rock n roll comedy swagger of Grant and Naylor.&nbsp; SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for a first watch or a rewatch. Be warned: spoilers!&nbsp; Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan).&nbsp;Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson.&nbsp; FANCY SOME LINKS? To out what Alasdair Beckett-King has done and will be doing, visit <a href="https://www.abeckettking.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.abeckettking.com/</a>. Laugh yourself silly at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/abeckettking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alasdair’s YouTube channe</a>l.&nbsp; WHAT DO YOU THINK? Have a word on our socials:&nbsp;X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpod EMAIL US We’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com&nbsp; ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE? There’s more where that came from:<a href="https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://holygoats.bandcamp.com</a>

29 - "Demons and Angels" with Alasdair Beckett-King

Filmmaker and comedian Matthew Highton remembers when Red Dwarf set the agenda for all playground conversations. And he certainly brings his A game to this chat, sharing so much of what he loves about the show - from the fantastic model work, to the endlessly entertaining relationship between Lister and Rimmer. What’s more, he gives us not one but three approaches to a fantasy re-cast. His insight into the links between comedy and horror is also on point… which leads us neatly to… Our discussion of series 5 episode 4 - which happens to be Matt’s favourite episode! It is, as he says, a densely packed, incredible piece of work. We shine our hex vision onto so much great stuff - from very special effects, to the iconic Mr Flibble, and from amazing sci-fi ideas to beautifully crafted punchlines. Is it peak Dwarf? It may well be. We’re certainly quite, quite madly in love with Quarantine.&nbsp; SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for a first watch or a rewatch. Be warned: spoilers!&nbsp; Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan).&nbsp;Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson.&nbsp; FANCY SOME LINKS? Check out Matt’s films on YouTube, starting with <a href="https://youtu.be/Z2CeaFOXqVY?si=Pnll2u2wMhUd_E2r" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Norman Lovett’s Holly starring in Moon with Sam Rockwell</a>! Follow <a href="https://x.com/MattHighton" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@MattHighton</a> on X. Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsmatthighton/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@itsmatthighton</a> on Instagram.&nbsp; WHAT DO YOU THINK? Have a word on our socials:&nbsp;X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpod EMAIL US We’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com&nbsp; ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE? There’s more where that came from:<a href="https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://holygoats.bandcamp.com</a>

28 - "Quarantine" with Matthew Highton

American podcaster, writer and comedian Travis McElroy has been a fan of Red Dwarf since it started airing on PBS. He has such a unique take on the boys from the Dwarf as a surrogate family, he really made us see the show in a different light. He gently challenges easy assumptions about how the crew relate to each other and why they say the things they do. Travis also reveals why Rimmer is his favourite - and a much better person than you might think. He’s super insightful on chameleon Lister, too - listener, you’re in for a treat! When we get into series 5 episode 3, Terrorform, Travis is right inside all the best bits. Like… Why Robert Llewelyn is the best at Krytening. The “taranshula”. Lister’s oscillating intelligence. The psi moon and Doctor Who logic. How much value is added by the canoe. Starbug’s caterpillar treads - what, how, why, why not? Cat’s undermined plans. And how do the crew really feel about Rimmer? SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for a first watch or a rewatch. Be warned: spoilers!&nbsp; Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan).&nbsp;Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson.&nbsp; FANCY SOME LINKS? Visit <a href="https://www.themcelroy.family/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mcelroy.family</a> for tons of Travis content.&nbsp; Get advice from Travis and two of his siblings in the comedy podcast <a href="https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/my-brother-my-brother-and-me/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">My Brother, My Brother and Me</a>.&nbsp; Hear the McElroy brothers and their dad play tabletop role playing games in <a href="https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/adventure-zone/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Adventure Zone</a> podcast.&nbsp; And check out <a href="https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/shmanners/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shmanners</a> - Travis and his wife Teresa’s podcast about the history of etiquette (which probably dictates we shouldn’t have started this sentence with ‘and’).&nbsp; WHAT DO YOU THINK? Have a word on our socials:&nbsp;X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpod EMAIL US We’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: <a href="mailto:betterthanlifepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">betterthanlifepod@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE? There’s more where that came from:<a href="https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://holygoats.bandcamp.com</a>

27 - "Terrorform" with Travis McElroy

Tom Salinsky wrote the book on Red Dwarf. Two books, actually. We tap into his awesome knowledge - from the show’s alternative comedy roots, to a fascinating idea Grant and Naylor had for the pilot episode, which would have been very different… and very legendary. Tom also gives us the last word on continuity (who are we kidding?). We discuss Tom’s five star ratings… and Fergus judges Tom’s take on Justice.&nbsp; Speaking of judgement, we go to town on series 5 episode 2, The Inquisitor (in a good way). Tom talks sitcom pinball, comedy versus philosophy, and capitalism. We also explore the Inquisitor himself - from the unusual casting, to voice choices, and the character’s evolving methods. Plus: more Trojan Horse theories than you might expect.&nbsp; SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for a first watch or a rewatch. Be warned: spoilers!&nbsp; Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan).&nbsp;Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson.&nbsp; FANCY SOME LINKS? Follow @tomsalisky on <a href="https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Ftomsalinsky" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">X</a>.&nbsp; Check out Tom’s podcast about best picture Oscar winners, <a href="https://bestpickpod.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Best Pick</a>. Visit <a href="https://tomsalinsky.co.uk/blog/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tom’s blog</a> for musings worth your time.&nbsp; Buy the perfect companion book for the Better Than Life podcast, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Dwarf-Discovering-TV-1988-1993/dp/1399034944" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Red Dwarf: Discovering The TV Series</a> (this is not an affiliate link, other book retailers are available).&nbsp; WHAT DO YOU THINK? Have a word on our socials:&nbsp;X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpod EMAIL US We’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com&nbsp; ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE? There’s more where that came from:<a href="https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://holygoats.bandcamp.com</a>

26 - "The Inquisitor" with Tom Salinsky

Podcast royalty - and phenomenal comedian, actor and writer - Cariad Lloyd joins us to say some of the geekiest things she’s ever said on a pod. It all begins with the reveal of a teenage Christmas present, which will have you wishing this was a visual medium. Cariad also confesses the enduring influence of Kristine Kochanski in her life.&nbsp; Moving on to series 5 episode 4, Holoship, we leave no stone unturned. You’ll wonder if we’ve all had a mind patch as we explore misogyny, Brief Encounter, hologram afterlife choices, Jane Horrocks’ accent and some serious hairspray. Plus: what are Grant and Naylor trying to tell us about humanity? SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for a first watch or a rewatch. Be warned: spoilers!&nbsp; Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan).&nbsp;Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson.&nbsp; FANCY SOME LINKS? Follow @cariadlloyd on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cariadlloyd/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.&nbsp; Check out Cariad’s podcast with Sara Pascoe, <a href="https://shows.acast.com/sara-cariads-weirdos-bookclub" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Weirdos Book Club</a>. Be like Captain Hollister and catch a performance of <a href="https://www.austentatiousimpro.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Austentatious</a>.&nbsp; Make a child’s day on 25th December by giving them <a href="https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/cariad-lloyd/the-christmas-wish-tastrophe/9781444971484/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Christmas Wish-tastrophe</a>.&nbsp; WHAT DO YOU THINK? Have a word on our socials:&nbsp;X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpod EMAIL US We’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com&nbsp; ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE? There’s more where that came from:<a href="https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/</a>

Better Than Life: A Red Dwarf Podcast

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