Better Than Life: A Red Dwarf Podcast

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 - @itsBTLpod

EMAIL US

We’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.

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 - @itsBTLpod

EMAIL US

We’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.

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. 

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! 

Hosted by Fergus (huge fan) and John (lapsed fan). 

Production, artwork and insights by Alex Watson. 

FANCY SOME LINKS?

Follow @cariadlloyd on Instagram. 

Check out Cariad’s podcast with Sara Pascoe, Weirdos Book Club.

Be like Captain Hollister and catch a performance of Austentatious. 

Make a child’s day on 25th December by giving them The Christmas Wish-tastrophe. 

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: [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.

Find out which awesome comedians are joining us to talk Red Dwarf Series 5… and when we’re launching! 

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: [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.

We wrap up series 4 with some great listener emails and reflections on our Red Dwarf journey so far. We also look ahead to series 5...

Plus: will Fergus humble John with his surprise quiz? 

And we give you a special musical treat...

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?

If you enjoy You Are What You Eat by Holy Goats, check out the full album Word Of Your Situation Has Reached Us (free to stream). 

For more music and albums by Holy Goats, check the link at the bottom of these show notes. 

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: [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.

Tom Salinsky is our special guest to talk about his two volume book, Red Dwarf: Discovering The TV Series. Packed with history, trivia and insights, it's a comprehensive companion to the show across all media. 

Volume 1 covers the original BBC series and is due to be released on 30th August 2024. Have a listen to this week's ep to find out how much effort Tom has put into this epic work.

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?

Pre-order Red Dwarf: Discovering The TV Series Volume 1 from your favourite bookseller (this link happens to go to Amazon UK FYI, but it's not sponsored, so grab your copy wherever!).

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: [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.

Hear more from Andrew O’Neill and Bethany Black. As we drift through deep space towards series five, this is the third in a short series featuring extras from our series four guests.

Andrew O’Neill talks about how much fans will forgive, misquoting music, and metalheads in Red Dwarf.

Bethany Black shares some juicy TV insider knowledge, unexpected biographical details about Pythagoras, and a critique of a famous movie script placeholder.

Plus: some smashing listener emails. 

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: [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.

Exclusive extra content from Tom Neenan and Alice Fraser, to bridge the gap between series four and five. This is the second in a short series featuring more from our series four guests.

Tom Neenan brings his brilliant brain to bear on continuity, the later series, Barbara Bellini, the Justice Field, Nicholas Ball, space mumps, and… just how clever is the Cat?

Alice Fraser’s supermassive intelligence is, frankly, wasted on the Dave series, some book stuff, and a feline sex scene… but she’ll leave you with at least one indelible image in your head. 

Plus: some awesome listener emails. 

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: [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.

Before we launch into series five, enjoy some more from Matt Kirshen and Garrett Millerick. This is the first in a short series of specials featuring extra content from our great series four guests.

Matt Kirshen muses on the difference between US and UK comedy – specifically TV scheduling, stand-ups, stunt casting, sitcom scuzziness, and science.

Garrett Millerick ponders why series 7 might not have lived up to fan expectations, how the later novels compare to the shows, the word ‘smeg’, embarrassing fans, quotes, misquotes, and his favourite episodes.

Plus: some brilliant listener emails. 

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: [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.

Top comedian, writer and actor Bethany Black was the first kid in her school to get into Red Dwarf. She spread the word and soon everyone was into it. So, you can expect a lifetime of wisdom and enthusiasm! 

We have an interesting chat about how the show relates to the Alternative Comedy movement and other sitcoms of the time. Bethany reveals how her favourite characters influenced the way she lived and dressed as a kid (spoiler: not Rimmer). And her recasting idea opens the door to a deep insight into the characters…and what they reveal about different aspects of human nature. 

Series 4 episode 6, Meltdown, was one of Bethany’s favourites back in the day. What does she think about it now? It’s so much fun! We discuss Risk and how it affects the psyche. Rimmer’s military madness. How well the cultural references and jokes have aged. And how much joy the lookalikes bring to the character mix. Plus: what’s up with those dino-bird-monsters?!

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 Bethany Black on Tik Tok or Bluesky. 

Check out Bethany’s tour dates and more at https://www.bethanyblack.co.uk/

Grab Bethany’s filmed shows from Go Faster Stripe. 

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: [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.