Better Than Life: A Red Dwarf Podcast

Tuck into a delicious special all about food in Red Dwarf, featuring food journalist and author Andrew Webb. As both a big fan of the show and an expert on cuisine, Andrew is the perfect guest to guide us through the Dwarf’s gastronomic delights. It’s all here: vending machines, dog food, curry, triple fried egg chill chutney sandwiches and a glass of chilled Sancerre.We explore the British food scene in the 80s and 90s, Grant and Naylor’s knack for lists, Mimosian banquets and – of course – Can’t Smeg Won’t Smeg. What’s more, Andrew has prepared not one but two Red Dwarf taster menus for your delectation - bon appetit!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! Hosted and produced by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Huge thanks to Alex Watson for invaluable help in making this podcast a thing. FANCY SOME LINKS?Christmas is coming – why not buy one of Andrew Webb’s books for the food lover or aspiring chef in your life? Links below – other book vendors are available! Food Britannia – Guild of Food Writers’ Book of the Year.Haynes Manuals: Pies, Baking, Meat. WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer-songwriter Jamie Lenman is a hero to noughties alt-rock kids for fronting the band Reuben, and a hero to sci-fi fans for his Doctor Who Magazine illustrations. As a big Dwarf fan, he’s the ideal guest for this special ep about the musical magic of our favourite sci-fi sitcom. We ask why there’s such a crossover between fans of Red Dwarf, Doctor Who and rock music (especially Queen). We go big on the genius of Howard Goodall: perfect pastiche, crazy guitar, and unexpected yet perfect cues. And we dive very deeply indeed into the wonders of Goodall’s classic Red Dwarf theme tune. Plus: the boys from the Dwarf as the archetype of a band, including a comparison of Dave-era Red Dwarf and the current spate of band reunions. 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! Hosted and produced by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Huge thanks to Alex Watson for invaluable help in making this podcast a thing. FANCY SOME LINKS?Go follow @jamielenman on Instagram. Get all your Jamie Lenman links and music at http://www.jamielenman.com/.Don’t forget to sign up to https://www.patreon.com/thejamielenmanfanclub for your special Red Dwarf fan reward, as instructed in this episode! WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?That’s John and Fergus, and there’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More smegstra content from series 6. Gemma Arrowsmith and Guy Kelly have more to say about Rimmerworld, Out Of Time and series 6 in general – from Rimmer’s concubines, to the tragedy of Grant-Naylor’s split. Plus: how come Cat never gets his own episode? And when the chat is done, we reveal next week’s exciting bonus episode, guesting a cult hero of the UK music scene! 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! Hosted and produced by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Huge thanks to Alex Watson for invaluable help in making this podcast a thing. FANCY SOME LINKS?Follow Guy Kelly on BlueSky and/or Twitch @BrainmageGuy’s photography, making the familiar strange - and strangely beautiful.Go to gemmaarrowsmith.com for all your Gemma Arrowsmith links and info. Follow @mmaarrow on Instagram and/or Bluesky.WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?That’s John and Fergus, and there’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Smegstra content from three of our amazing series 6 guests. These clips might be offcuts from the episodes we released – but don’t think they don’t taste great. They’re delicious. First, enjoy a banquet of extra Ellis! Taskmaster star Phil talks product non-placement, Red Dwarf series 7, and those salads you get with a curry. Next, we present more Jessica Knappett to feast your ears on – from space jargon, to David Letterman, to how Red Dwarf influenced her writing. Last but not least, it’s time for Andy Farrant 2: Not Emohawk! We discuss Rob Grant’s Red Dwarf prequel, rabbis, and Space Corps directives.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! Hosted and produced by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Huge thanks to Alex Watson for invaluable help in making this podcast a thing. FANCY SOME LINKS?See what Phil Ellis is up to on Instagram @philelliscomedy - watch him on Taskmaster and find his upcoming tour dates at philelliscomedy.com Follow Jessica Knappett @jessicaknappett on Instagram and listen to Jessica’s awesome interview podcast, Perfect Day. Catch up with Andy Farrant on social media platforms @farrantula and check out OutsideXbox and Oxventure on YouTube.WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?That’s John and Fergus, and there’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time to put a bow on the first six series of Red Dwarf. So we sit down with Gemma Arrowsmith to discuss our favourite episodes from across the classic Grant-Naylor era. It’s a great big celebration of just how brilliant the show and its people are. Then Fergus pits John against Tom Neenan and Guy Kelly in a Red Dwarf quiz that’s alright for you listening, you’ll probably think it was easy, but actually it was really tough, okay? Sigh. 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! Hosted and produced by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Huge thanks to Alex Watson for invaluable help in making this podcast a thing. FANCY SOME LINKS?Follow Gemma Arrowsmith on Instagram and/or Bluesky @mmaarrow Go to gemmaarrowsmith.com for all your Gemma Arrowsmith links and info. Follow Tom Neenan on Bluesky @tpneenan.bsky.socialBuy Tom’s awesome art at tomneenanart.bigcartel.com Follow Guy Kelly on BlueSky and/or Twitch @BrainmageGuy’s photography, making the familiar strange - and strangely beautiful.WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?That’s John and Fergus, and there’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To close out the Grant-Naylor era of Red Dwarf, the genius Gemma Arrowsmith returns. We explore why these glory days came to an end, and ponder if the show’s creators could ever return. Gemma will be back in a near-future episode to give an overview of the first six series of Britain’s best loved sci-fi sitcom – because this week, we’ve got more than enough to explore!It turns out we can fill a whole episode rabbiting about series 6 episode 6, Out of Time. Gemma is a fount of knowledge about the production and troubled genesis of this strangest of episodes. And, as you’d expect if you’ve heard her previous appearance (Thanks For The Memory) she is full of fascinating insights into the themes and craft behind this epic series finale. 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! Hosted and produced by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Huge thanks to Alex Watson for invaluable help in making this podcast a thing. FANCY SOME LINKS?Go to gemmaarrowsmith.com for all your Gemma Arrowsmith links and info. Follow @mmaarrow on Instagram and/or Bluesky.WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?That’s John and Fergus, and there’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raise a glass of chilled Sancerre for the return of Guy Kelly! We discuss catchphrases, competence and the swagger of series 6 – what does success mean for an underdog show? Obviously there’s some book chat. And Guy shares his brilliant theory about the one change that would have made Lister and Rimmer grow into completely different, happier adults. Then we raise our many collective eyebrows at series 6 episode 5, Rimmerworld. We explore the horrifying prospect of our own worlds of self-clones. Then ask some typically over-thought questions, like: Why Romans? Who makes the breastplates? And what’s up with that ending? Also: Do Grant and Naylor throw away ideas too casually – or is that their best feature? 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! Hosted and produced by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Huge thanks to Alex Watson for invaluable help in making this podcast a thing. FANCY SOME LINKS?Guy’s photography, making the familiar strange - and strangely beautiful.To get more Kelly in your life, follow the Guy on BlueSky and/or Twitch @BrainmageIf you enjoy podcasts about Garfield that aren’t about Garfield, subscribe to I Don’t Like Mondays on your podcast app of choice. WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?That’s John and Fergus, and there’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From hosting OutsideXbox and the Mom Can’t Cook! podcast, to winning awards for his horror writing, Andy Farrant is a renaissance man of geekery. He tells tales of how his parents used to bribe him with Red Dwarf videos, and the lines of Dwarf dialogue that live in his head. We also chat about how the show has aged, and explore the idea of series 1 and 2 as prequel. Then it’s time to discuss series 6 episode 4, Emohawk: Polymorph II. Is it a crime against continuity? A missed opportunity? Or a delicious plate of sugary treats? Plus: psycho Ace, Lister doing his job, the genius of Robert Llewellyn, and the worst people for every situation. We also attempt to answer the most important question: Why Ainsley Harriot? 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! Hosted and produced by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Huge thanks to Alex Watson for invaluable help in making this podcast a thing. FANCY SOME LINKS?Catch up with Andy on social media platforms @farrantula Check out OutsideXbox and Oxventure on YouTube.Read Andy’s spooky stories at his UH OH Substack. Listen to Mom Can’t Cook! wherever you like to hear podcasts.WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?That’s John and Fergus, and there’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’ll know comedian, actor and writer Jessica Knappett from her sitcoms Drifters and Avoidance, Taskmaster, and from The Inbetweeners Movie. Red Dwarf is a childhood favourite and her comfort watch to this day. She talks about fancying Lister in her youth, the show’s lack of pretension, and the weird day when she was cast in the revived Red Dwarf on Dave! We take a steady aim at series 6 episode 3, the Emmy Award-winning Gunmen of the Apocalypse. But don’t worry, our guns contain no bullets. We celebrate film noir, Vindaloorians, impeccable Western comedy shenanigans – and how the show anticipates Black Mirror. Plus: find out which line from this episode became a bizarre catchphrase in Jess’ house growing up.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! Hosted and produced by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Huge thanks to Alex Watson for invaluable help in making this podcast a thing. FANCY SOME LINKS?Follow @jessicaknappett on Instagram. Check out Jessica’s awesome interview podcast, Perfect Day. Learn more about Jessica at jessknappett.com WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?That’s John and Fergus, and there’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Star of the new Taskmaster series, Phil Ellis shares the jaw-dropping true story of the time he almost got cast in Red Dwarf. It’s one of the most bonkers and traumatic tales we’ve ever heard! A fan from the beginning, you won’t believe which character Phil wanted to be as a child. He also talks about loving the less-loved episodes. And he offers up an excellent selection of options in the return of our recasting game. We tuck into the delicious feast of comedy that is series 6 episode 2, Legion. Phil helps us digest all the best bits – from Grant and Naylor’s personal favourite Red Dwarf joke, to the lightbulb moment, Rimmer’s reincarnation theory and, of course, the funniest dinner ever. 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! Hosted and produced by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Huge thanks to Alex Watson for invaluable help in making this podcast a thing. FANCY SOME LINKS?See what Phil Ellis is up to on Instagram @philelliscomedyWatch Phil on series 20 of Taskmaster (may not be available outside the UK). Phil’s live show Bath Mat, is touring the UK soon – find dates and more at philelliscomedy.com WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?That’s John and Fergus, and there’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who better to start our voyage into series 6 than returning legend Tom Neenan?! Not only is Tom an incredibly eloquent and insightful comedy writer and performer…but this is also his favourite series of Red Dwarf! Consequently, we spend a lot of time together in Overthinking Corner. And Tom can’t help giving us his own preview of the rest of the series. But before we get to that juicy look ahead, we go into series 6 episode 1, Psirens. We explore self-acceptance, Cat’s new job, and the series subtitle that almost was. We reflect on the impact of losing Holly and the Dwarf. Naturally, we can’t help asking what exactly the psirens are for. All that, plus: Cameos! Kochanski! Cockroaches! And Compact Kryten! 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! Hosted and produced by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Huge thanks to Alex Watson for invaluable help in making this podcast a thing. FANCY SOME LINKS?Go follow Tom Neenan on Bluesky @tpneenan.bsky.socialBuy Tom’s awesome art at tomneenanart.bigcartel.com WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?That’s John and Fergus, and there’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kippers smoked. We’re back for breakfast. And series 6. 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! Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson. WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 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! Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson. WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson. WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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! Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson. WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 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! Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson. FANCY SOME LINKS?Enjoy all things Alexis Dubus at alexisdubus.com Follow Alexis on Instagram @alexisdubuscomedyGet tweeted at (if that’s still a thing) by Alexis on X (a thing) @AlexisDubusWHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 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. 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! Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson. FANCY SOME LINKS?To out what Alasdair Beckett-King has done and will be doing, visit https://www.abeckettking.com/.Laugh yourself silly at Alasdair’s YouTube channel. WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 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! Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson. FANCY SOME LINKS?Check out Matt’s films on YouTube, starting with Norman Lovett’s Holly starring in Moon with Sam Rockwell!Follow @MattHighton on X.Follow @itsmatthighton on Instagram. WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson. FANCY SOME LINKS?Visit mcelroy.family for tons of Travis content. Get advice from Travis and two of his siblings in the comedy podcast My Brother, My Brother and Me. Hear the McElroy brothers and their dad play tabletop role playing games in The Adventure Zone podcast. And check out Shmanners - Travis and his wife Teresa’s podcast about the history of etiquette (which probably dictates we shouldn’t have started this sentence with ‘and’). WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 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. 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! Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson. FANCY SOME LINKS?Follow @tomsalisky on X. Check out Tom’s podcast about best picture Oscar winners, Best Pick.Visit Tom’s blog for musings worth your time. Buy the perfect companion book for the Better Than Life podcast, Red Dwarf: Discovering The TV Series (this is not an affiliate link, other book retailers are available). WHAT DO YOU THINK?Have a word on our socials: X/Instagram/Facebook - @itsBTLpodEMAIL USWe’d love to ask your questions on the pod – and to hear your feedback. Drop us a line: betterthanlifepod@gmail.com ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.