Better Than Life: A Red Dwarf Podcast

BTL POD
  • 5.0 (7)
  • COMEDY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Comedians talk Red Dwarf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4D AGO

    Series 1-6 Roundup and Quiz

    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.social Buy Tom’s awesome art at tomneenanart.bigcartel.com  Follow Guy Kelly on BlueSky and/or Twitch @Brainmage Guy’s photography, making the familiar strange - and strangely beautiful. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Have a word on our socials:  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  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.

    57 min

  2. OCT 23

    36 - "Out Of Time" with Gemma Arrowsmith

    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 - @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  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.

    55 min

  3. OCT 17

    35 - "Rimmerworld" with Guy Kelly

    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 @Brainmage If 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 - @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  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.

    57 min

  4. OCT 9

    34 - "Emohawk: Polymorph 2" with Andy Farrant

    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 - @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  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.

    1h 4m

  5. OCT 2

    33 - "Gunmen Of The Apocalypse" with Jessica Knappett

    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 - @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  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.

    1h 7m

  6. SEP 25

    32 - "Legion" with Phil Ellis

    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 @philelliscomedy Watch 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 - @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  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.

    1h 2m

  7. SEP 18

    31 - "Psirens" with Tom Neenan

    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.social Buy Tom’s awesome art at tomneenanart.bigcartel.com  WHAT DO YOU THINK? Have a word on our socials:  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  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.

    1 hr

  8. SEASON 6 TRAILER

    Series 6 - Teaser

    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 - @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  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.

    3 min
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Comedians talk Red Dwarf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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