Better Than Life: A Red Dwarf Podcast

Discover why improv comic and playwright David Reed is nostalgic for the days when series continuity wasn’t all that important. Hear his take on the boys from the Dwarf as characters from Winnie The Pooh. And shudder at the memory of David’s wife breaking Starbug. As we pull apart series 2 episode 4, Stasis Leak, David helps us celebrate the brilliance of Morwenna Banks and the joys of playing time travel as farce. Once again, we touch on how Red Dwarf is so funny, yet also – if you stop to think about it – so very sad. Plus, we ask the key question: is future Lister’s beard evil? Trigger warning: this episode contains maths. 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?Find David Reed’s latest live dates, appearances and listening links at mrdavidreed.comWHAT 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: [email protected] 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 comedy writer and actor Gemma Arrowsmith joins us, sporting an awesome Mugs Murphy t-shirt. Her combo of megafandom and top-tier scriptwriting insight makes for a wide-ranging, illuminating conversation – from Grant and Naylor assuming the viewer’s intelligence, through to how unlikely it is that a sitcom driven by relative unknowns would be made today. Taking a close look at series 2 episode 3, Thanks For The Memory, we discover a cast at the top of their game. We explore Rimmer’s surprising emotional maturity, reflect on the show’s fantastic bleakness, hear a defence of Esperanto, and celebrate the fried egg chilli chutney sandwich. 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?Go to gemmaarrowsmith.com for all your Gemma Arrowsmith links and info. 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: [email protected] 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.

Human hurricane John Robertson talks about inspiring some of Norman Lovett’s standup, having a Twitter misunderstanding with Robert Llewelyn, Hattie Hayridge’s s**t stirring mate, and an embarrassing encounter with Chris Barrie.As we immerse ourselves in series 2 episode 2, the creator of live action videogame The Dark Room tells us why he would be sure to have a good time in Better Than Life. We explore Cat’s problem with Marilyn Monroe. And we consider how this ep’s namesake novel raises the stakes. Plus, we ask: where is Kochanski?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?Get John Robertson’s latest tour dates and more at thejohnrobertson.com Watch John’s live streams at twitch.tv/robbotron Jamali Maddix’s documentary series, Hate Thy Neighbour, is available online. 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: [email protected] ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/album/monsters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BAFTA-nominated film maker, author and comedian Nat Luurtsema explains why Rimmer really doesn’t deserve nice things. We talk grubby, grotty losers and reassuring lessons about growing up. You’ll also get to hear the moment Nat wins Red Dwarf. Analysing series 2 episode 1, Kryten, we discuss the theatrical roots of our favourite mechanoid’s name, the innately tragic quality of fictional butlers, and the audience response to Lister being Rimmer’s wingman. Plus: the origins of a feud between cast members that started during this ep and continues to this very day. And, of course, we admire David Ross’ totally legit performance.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?Get the latest from Nat on X or Instagram @natluurtsemaWHAT 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: [email protected] ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/album/monsters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which awesome comedy guests will join us to celebrate series 2 of Red Dwarf? How’s our sacrilegious recasting game going? What do our listeners make of it all? And… The Muppets Take Red Dwarf! Please enjoy this pithy palette cleanser before series 2 kicks off. 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: [email protected] ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/album/monsters  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The Nation’s Favourite Uncle”, comedy titan Nick Helm, closes our series 1 discussion. A massive collection of Red Dwarf t-shirts! Watching every episode four times a day! Turning the hell of teeth straightening appointments into the heaven of Red Dwarf video shopping! That’s all stuff we talk about!From the challenges of making two Rimmers work, to the ruination of a soup, we give “sitcom 2001” series 1 episode 6, Me2, a good going-over. Major questions are posed. Like: what is Lister without Rimmer? And: original intro or electric guitar bonanza, what’s best? Listen and learn. 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?Instagram is Nick’s preferred social medium. Follow @thenickhelmSee Nick live on tour in 2024 – grab tickets for his accurately named Super Fun Good Time Show. 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: [email protected] ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/album/monsters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, musician and podcaster Matt Blair joins us to chat about continuity (or lack thereof) in Red Dwarf, being hooked as a kid by its naughtiness… and what it was like when Matt shared a flat with Norman Lovett. Our amateur psychoanalysis of Rimmer continues, and we return to the burning question: is Lister cool?Chewing over series 1 episode 5, Confidence and Paranoia, we cover all the essentials. Like how it is “pure Star Trek”, how long it takes for the plot to kick in, and how well the special effects stand up today. Also: what exactly is the virus trying to achieve here?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?Catch Matt’s antics online: www.twitchtv.mattblairuk See Matt compere London’s OPH Comedy Club, Chiswick, on the last Thursday of every month. 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: [email protected] ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/album/monsters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Foxcroft is both a comedian and a renowned dungeon master. His experience leading epic fantasy games is perfect prep for exploring the lore of Red Dwarf’s feline civilisation. Interrogating series 1 episode 4, Waiting For God, we learn why Paul thinks Cat is a psycho. Why a book made of scents is a bad idea. And why it’s more cost effective to land on lava planets than water planets. As always, no stones are left unturned - from hardcore from boardgame wargames, to Paul’s super cheerful theory of the true motivation behind Lister’s ‘back to Earth’ plan. We also discover that Mac McDonald (Captain Hollister) has been in everything. Everything. 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?For all your Paul Foxcroft needs, visit paulfoxcroft.com Want to chat with the man himself? He’s on X @paulfoxcroft and Instagram @misterspidergodIntrigued by Questing Time, where Paul leads comedians through roleplay games? Find past episode on Twitch - www.twitch.tv/questingtimeWHAT 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: [email protected] ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/album/monsters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sooz Kempner joins us to dig into all manner of Red Dwarfery. Want to know if it has the perfect pilot? Why Chris Barrie should’ve been born American? And which series Sooz thinks has never been bettered? Then get listening to our chat about series 1 episode 3, Balance of Power. In a world exclusive, Sooz tells us about meeting the unsung hero who sings the theme song. We also explore the genius of Danny John-Jules. Why Red Dwarf speaks to teenagers. And the verifiable fact that Rimchanski’s hips don’t lie. 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?Find out all about Sooz Kempner. Hear Sooz being a genius rock analyst on the mighty Queen Podcast. Interact with Sooz on X @SoozUKWHAT 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 what you think. Drop us a line: [email protected] ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/album/monsters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bec Hill shares her Red Dwarf journey: Manipulating the public library system to get hold of box sets. Reviving Duane Dibbley as a paper puppet. And doing stand-up comedy with her time travelling future self. That’s dedication. We cover all the important stuff about series 1 episode 2, ‘Future Echoes’, including: Kids’ spongy brains and the Theory of Relativity. Low-tech backstage shenanigans. Why unloved PE teachers should move to Australia. Plus, of course, hopelessness. 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?Bec’s Duane Dibbley paper puppetry in action.  Bec Hill talks about even more funny stuff in The Guardian. Watch Bec’s time travelling masterpiece, I’ll Be Bec on Next Up Comedy. Binge the marvellous Makeaway Takeaway. Check out Bec’s own podcasts, A Problem Squared and Enemy In Paris. Interact with Bec on X and Instagram @bechillcomedianWHAT 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 what you think. Drop us a line: [email protected] ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/album/monsters  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. Guy Kelly is our wonderfully warm and witty guest for series 1 episode 1, The End. You’ll find out why he was terrified the first time he watched Red Dwarf. Where the stains on his novelisations come from. And how it feels to gig with Norman Lovett. We cover all the important stuff – from the drabness of the future, to Cat’s muted trumpets, the acting instincts of an inexperienced Craig Charles, and aliens versus accountability. Plus: the utterly perfect ways in which Rimmer is such a smeghead. With a fresh guest every ep, Better Than Life is 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?Guy’s Red Dwarf book collection - the proof! The Sink Comedy Horror Podcast as recommended by Guy. Guy’s photography, making the familiar strange - and strangely beautiful.To get more Kelly in your life, follow the Guy on X and/or Twitch @BrainmageWHAT 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 what you think. Drop us a line: [email protected] ENJOY OUR THEME TUNE?There’s more where that came from: https://holygoats.bandcamp.com/album/monsters  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trailer for Better Than Life: a podcast for fans of beloved sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf - and fans of comedy in general. In each instalment we interview a funny person about why they love Red Dwarf, and then we do a deep dive into a classic episode. Series 1 features interviews with Nick Helm, Bec Hill, Sooz Kempner, Paul Foxcroft, Matt Blair and Guy Kelly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.