As Good As It Gets? With Bev Turner & Marina Fogle

Happy Birthday to you…Happy Birthday to you…Happy Birthday dear…yes, that's right, this week we're talking about Birthdays!Love ‘em or hate ‘em, we all have them every single year (unless, of course, you were born on February 29th). In this entertaining episode, Bev and Marina chat about their birthdays in both the distant and more recent past, how much birthdays mean to them, and what's important when it comes to celebrating (or not celebrating) them. Topics of discussion include children's birthday parties, brilliant and not-so-brilliant birthdays, as well as whether or not it's ok to forget a friend's birthday. The ladies both share some amusing anecdotes, not least Bev's story of the year she didn't get around to throwing a joint birthday party for her girls - who were born in April and May - until December; as for Marina, her 40th birthday party was somewhat overshadowed by her husband who had recently returned from scaling Mount Everest! As you do...When it comes to making life As Good As It Gets, we could all do worse than to bear in mind a quote from Bev's Dad who has always told her this: “Beverley, it's how you treat people all year round that matters, not how you treat them on one day.” As we head into 2022, this might just be the best New Year's resolution we can make. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you consider yourself the type of person who speaks out when you've been treated unfairly or received bad service? Or are you the one cringing while your other half makes a fuss about something insignificant to a shop assistant? In this week's episode, the topic at hand is...complaining. Nobody likes the person who is constantly moaning, but there are times when complaining is acceptable, appropriate and, in some cases, necessary. So how do we distinguish between when we should and shouldn't complain? Bev and Marina ponder over these and other questions, as well as sharing stories of times when they've been a bit, well, Karen-ish. Unless you want to feel their wrath, you should avoid going into a Sports Direct with Bev, and ensure that your car engine is switched off - not idling - if Marina is anywhere in the vicinity. When it comes to making life As Good As It Gets, perhaps the most important thing is for us to recognise when to complain, and learn how to to complain with grace. But also learn to take complaints and use them constructively where we can, discard them when they're not constructive, and be aware of the difference. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, the topic of discussion is a slightly more lighthearted subject - although one that still applies to us all (apart from the naturists among us) - it's How We Dress.Bev and Marina reveal how they decide what to wear and how important (or not) it is to them. They also reminisce about their outfit choices back in the day - you may not be surprised to learn that Marina spent most of her time in jodhpurs, whereas Bev tended to dress more like Sporty Spice back in the 90s. Other talking points include navigating our kids' clothes choices, how we feel about swimwear, and Bev's penchant for Tesco jewellery.Whilst the way we dress isn't necessarily something we give too much thought to, it is a reflection of who we are, and how we want to be seen by the world. The clothes we wear are certainly one of the factors that others use when forming their initial impression of us, and how they perceive - on some level - what kind of person we are. That said, in terms of making life As Good As It Gets, the most important thing to note is how confident our outfit makes us feel when we step out into the world. Because that, after all, will determine how we show up in it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The topic of this week's episode is...Alcohol. Yes, our favourite vice. Or is it...? In this week's episode, Bev and Marina spill the beans on their drinking habits, and frankly it's worth a listen if only to discover Marina's magical hangover cure...Do you like a drink, or are you perhaps teetotal? Do you stop at one glass of wine, or are you beginning to wonder whether a visit to AA might be in order? Whatever your drinking habits, we've got you covered in this revealing episode. The ladies discuss everything from teenagers and booze, to having a hangover when you've got small children to deal with, to people who seem to change dramatically when they're under the influence. They also share some of their own drinking-related stories which include Bev having her photo taken whilst on the toilet in a Leeds nightclub, and Marina constructing a trap involving a CD rack for an imagined intruder.Of course, there is a serious side to the subject of alcohol too, which Bev and Marina discuss with sensitivity and candour. When it comes to making life As Good As It Gets, alcohol can bring both fun times and not-so-fun times, depending on your relationship with it. Only you can know whether it's something that might need addressing. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What is your definition of a tough person? Is it someone who takes a cold shower every morning, someone who stands up and gives a speech, someone who does a skydive? Do you think of mental toughness, physical toughness, emotional toughness, or all of the above? Whatever your definition of toughness - our topic for this week - Bev and Marina chat about the term within an array of different contexts.Would you be flattered to be described as tough, or would you take it as an insult? And in terms of your kids, would you rather they were tough or sensitive? Of course, the two are not mutually exclusive and so perhaps in an ideal world we would all be a combination of both. Toughness can manifest in many ways, from having a brutally honest conversation with a friend, to going for a run in the cold and rain, to stepping anywhere outside of our usual zone of comfort. Perhaps in its truest form, being tough simply means that we keep getting back up every time we fall, both literally and metaphorically. When it comes to making life As Good As It Gets, it may be that we could all benefit from toughening up so that when life throws us those inevitable curve balls, we're better equipped to deal with them. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week's episode is an uplifting conversation about reading. Join Bev and Marina on a trip down memory lane as they remember their favourite books from childhood, their teens, and the present day. From Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl and Judy Blume, to Lisa Jewell, Louis de Berniere and Allison Pearson, a myriad of different authors and genres are covered.The ladies bring their usual mix of insight and humour to the many different aspects of books and reading, including how to help our children embrace books, the benefits of Audible, and how to decide which books to keep and which to chuck!Whether you're an avid reader, or you never seem to find the time to pick up a book, there is something for everyone in this episode. You may just feel inspired to curl up on the sofa with a book this evening, instead of turning to Netflix or Social Media. Because isn't it true that there's just something about a good book that provides nourishment for the soul in a way that a TV show or a film can't? When it comes to making life As Good As It Gets, perhaps it's actually when we feel we don't have the time to read that it's most important for us to make the time. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What do you dream about? What do you aspire to? Or does the busyness of your day-to-day life prevent you from even thinking about your hopes for the future? Now is the time to give it some thought because this week's topic is Looking Ahead. How many of us actually take the time to look ahead and think seriously about what we want our life to look like in the future? In this episode, Bev and Marina mull over their thoughts on the subject, and whilst Bev comes out in hives even thinking about planning her next holiday, Marina has more of a vision of her life in years to come because she's a planner.Are we scared to look ahead because of the possibility of failure? Maybe it's just easier to bumble along in life without questioning where we are or where we're going; after all it takes effort to sit down and think about our goals and aspirations. In an effort to make life As Good as It Gets, perhaps we should prioritise some quality time for dreaming, imagining, and taking baby steps in the direction of the life we know would make us truly happy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you have a tendency to blame other people for the things that go wrong in your life? Or are you more likely to take the blame for something that you haven't done? In this week's episode, Bev and Marina contemplate the notion of Blame, looking at the topic within a number of different contexts.Marina admits that she has a tendency to blame other people, things or situations, and has even been known to blame the stairs after she's tripped up on them. And Bev has, on occasion, blamed James 2 for forgetting to bring the milk up to the bedroom in preparation for her morning cuppa from her beloved teasmade. Joking aside, the ladies also discuss blame in some more serious contexts, including politics, the Grenfell Tower fire and modelling blame to our children.Depending on the situation, blame can be both helpful and utterly unhelpful. When it comes to making life As Good As It Gets, perhaps the key is just to think before we place blame. Rather than automatically blaming other people, let's take responsibility for ourselves, and accountability for our actions, even - especially - when we're in the wrong. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week's episode may not seem like the most tantalising of topics, but according to Bev there is nothing sexier than a man doing, yes, housework!Housework is, for the vast majority of us, an integral part of our day-to-day existence; a dull but necessary part of life. Whether you love it or hate it, this week's episode provides a funny and interesting take on a not-so-funny-or-interesting subject. Bev and Marina talk ironing (Bev recommends a G&T to help with those creases), hoovering (luckily for Marina, Ben loves it), cleaning up after our children, and going on holiday with friends whose standards of tidiness somewhat conflict with our own. They also discuss whether society still reinforces the idea that women should take on the bulk of the housework, and how the issue of division of labour at home can have damaging effects on our relationships.Do you carry out your household chores with grace or do you, like Bev, turn into the Wicked Witch of the West whenever you have a laundry basket in your hands? Perhaps you treat yourself to a weekly cleaner who, like Marina, you practically throw your arms around in gratitude every time they arrive? In terms of making life As Good As It Gets when it comes to housework, maybe the key is to simply take comfort in the fact that you are not alone! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week's podcast, Bev and Marina tackle the subject of Failure, something which for many of us brings to mind negative connotations. But does failure actually need to be regarded as, well, a failure? Or can we reframe it and perceive our failures as inevitable and positive experiences from which we can learn and grow?In this episode, the ladies discuss their own views on failure and talk candidly about areas of their life in which they feel they are failing and / or have failed. From parenting failures (Marina mistakenly revealed to her daughter that Father Christmas isn't real), to career failures (Bev wrote a novel years ago which she hasn't yet had published), and other so-called failures such as divorce or bad results in exams, they cover many different aspects of this universal concept.In terms of living a life that's As Good As It Gets, perhaps the key is to embrace failure, looking upon it as an opportunity to work out how we can be better. After all, the most successful people on the planet all have one thing in common - they have all experienced failure on their way to success.One more thing...this episode is worth a listen if only to hear the story of Marina failing her driving test 5 times. FIVE! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week's episode, our ladies have a very candid and touching conversation about the concept of closeness. What does it mean to be close to someone? Does closeness require physical proximity? Does it require you to have known the person for a certain length of time? Does it mean that you have to know every detail of each other's lives?Being close to someone means different things to different people, and as always Bev and Marina's differing opinions play out in this topic and make for an engaging discussion. They talk about closeness in relation to friends, family, children, and sexual/romantic relationships. Their frank heart-to-heart about their own level of closeness is both funny and interesting, and it almost feels as though we shouldn't be listening. But as you know by now, this podcast is more like having your two best friends in the room with you, so anything goes!Whatever it means to you, closeness to others is something we all need in order to thrive, feel safe, and feel loved. Some of us will require it more than others, some of us less. In terms of living a life that's As Good As It Gets there are no rules, no pressure to have a hundred close friends; as long as you have one person you feel close to, that's really all that matters. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ever been unable to sleep because a conversation with a colleague earlier in the day kept going around and around in your head? Ever worried that a particular comment you made to a friend may have offended them and you just couldn't get it out of your mind? Ever been so distracted by thoughts of something that you're not mentally present either at work or with your children? If so, then you've been a victim of Overthinking, the topic of this week's episode.But is 'victim' the right word? Does overthinking always justify its negative connotations, or can it actually be beneficial to us? Bev and Marina ponder this and many other questions with their usual mix of insight, relatability and humour. When it comes to making life As Good As It Gets, how do we find the balance between giving something the thought and energy it warrants and deserves, and thinking about something to the point that it becomes obsessive and unhealthy? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week's episode, Bev and Marina talk about education and what it means in today's world.What do you think about when you hear the word education? Does it conjure up images of school and/or university, or something much more than, and far beyond, those institutions? What about our education system itself? Is it providing the best possible environment for our children, or is narrow and outdated? Are exams actually the best way of measuring a child's ability, or should they have been left back in the Victorian times that created them? Bev and Marina discuss these topics and more, including the snobbery around going to university, choosing schools for our kids, and the ladies' own experience of education. How much has your perspective of learning and education changed as you've got older, and does maturity bring with it an appreciation of what a privilege it is in a way we couldn't understand in our youth? Perhaps in terms of living a life As Good As It gets, we should remember that our education doesn't end when we leave school or university; learning is something we can, and are, continually doing, and not always within the confines of the traditional idea of education. All we need to do is take a look at the world around us, and the wealth of information that is at our fingertips on a daily basis, and we may become far more educated than we might have expected. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week's episode we're discussing the importance of the Work-Life Balance, a balance that is far from easy to achieve in today's fast-paced world where we all have to be so many things to so many people. Advances in technology, not to mention Covid and lockdowns, have made it even harder to separate our work lives from our personal lives.In this episode, Bev and Marina delve into how there are so many factors that play into the balance between the things we have to do to earn money, and the 'fun stuff'. Among other things, the ladies discuss the ways in which they feel the pressure of balancing work, children, life admin, relationships, and time for themselves. Both make an effort to carve out much-needed me time whenever they can, with Bev turning to her beloved swimming, and Marina her love of horse riding; yet both at times feel guilty when they do. In terms of living a life that's As Good As It Gets, is it ever possible to find that 'perfect' balance when we're being pulled in so many different directions, or is this notion of perfection the very thing we need to stop striving for? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you a social animal or a bit of an introvert? Was lockdown your idea of heaven...or hell? And are you embracing the return to normality, or worrying that you no longer have an excuse to stay at home?In this week's episode, Bev and Marina chat about Socialising which, love it or hate it, is a part of all our lives. Believe it or not, the ladies are very much in agreement on this particular topic - both of them LOVE to socialise. But don't worry, their differences are still apparent; Marina would rather entertain at home whereas Bev's idea of paradise is a sweaty dance floor (at The Roxy in Berry).However you feel about life returning to some degree of normality, Bev and Marina have got you covered. Topics of discussion include what to do if you love socialising but your partner doesn't, how to successfully socialise when your kids are tagging along, and how to make being sociable easier if the thought of it is giving you anxiety.When it comes to making life As Good As It Gets, perhaps socialising is one area of life where the best is yet to come... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week's episode, Bev and Marina discuss the pros and cons of being competitive. Bev was competitive as a teen and into her twenties, but is much less so these days (except when it comes to netball); Marina has never been the competitive type, and was happy to sit back and watch the sports teams in her school days, rather than partake. Whereabouts do you sit on the sliding scale between fiercely competitive and couldn't-care-less-about-winning? Were you competitive as a child but not so much as an adult, or perhaps it's the other way around? Topics of discussion include whether certain people in our lives make us feel more competitive than others, whether kids today are less competitive than we were, Bev's uber-competitive ex-husband, and the attitude of some England fans following their loss at the final of the Euros. When it comes to making life As Good As It Gets, we should of course feel passionate about our goals and achieving success in the things that mean the most to us; but isn't it equally important not to invest too much in our results so that losing doesn't have to mean everything? Whilst a bit of healthy competition isn't necessarily a bad thing, we need to be able to lose graciously if we want to stay happy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Get the tissues out and don't even bother with mascara because this week, Bev and Marina talk about the very human act of crying, and the emotions behind it.When was the last time you cried? Is it a distant memory because you're not a big cryer, or was it only yesterday because crying is something you do on a regular basis? Whether you cry at the drop of a hat, or you tend to be more like Cameron Diaz in ‘The Holiday', the ladies cover it all. From the kind of visceral crying that comes from losing a loved one, to the kind of crying you only experience when something makes you laugh so hard your belly hurts, this episode covers these and everything in between.As is so often the case with our presenters, they have very different approaches when it comes to crying. Marina has learned to embrace her tears, whereas if you cry in front of Bev she may well call you a “big Jessie”. Having said that, neither of them are immune to a good old cry when watching a sad film, or reading a book.When it comes to making life As Good As It Gets, should we feel less embarrassed about crying in the office, or on the tube or in the supermarket? And should we learn to be more accepting of ourselves and others when the flood gates open? Perhaps if we learn to really embrace the tears, both our mental and physical health may benefit. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week's episode is a truly uplifting, interesting and life affirming conversation about friendships and relationships across the generation gap. For some reason it is not considered the ‘norm' in our society to engage in relationships - whether romantic or otherwise - with those outside of our own generation and age range. But why? Why on earth does age matter? There are so, so many benefits to having friendships with people from different generations, and the truth is we can all learn so much from people who are both younger and older than us. Bev (who admits that she is still 23 in her head) is a case in point given her very happy relationship with a man fourteen years her junior, and her life is all the better for it. He, in turn, has friendships with people in their 60s and 70s. And Marina - who recently attended an 89th birthday party which was filled with people ranging in age from 3 years to 93 years - has formed several fabulous friendships with people who happen to be significantly older than her. Both ladies acknowledge how wonderful these relationships are, and how much they add to both of their lives. When it comes to making life As Good As It Gets, the idea that we can't have friendships with people from different generations is both extraordinary and unhelpful. If we make a conscious decision to embrace intergenerational relationships, we may just find that our minds are broadened and our hearts opened. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Bev and Marina discuss the often tricky subject of criticism. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, criticism is ‘an opinion given about something or someone, especially a negative opinion, or the activity of making such judgements.' So, do you frequently give it? And how well do you take it? If we're completely honest with ourselves, are any of us actually ‘good' at taking criticism? This week's conversation encompasses everything from who we are willing to take critcism from, to who we give it to; how criticism makes us feel, and whether it is ever gratefully received; and how we might think about both the giving and receiving of criticism in an effort to improve our lives and the lives of those we care about.Whatever you do though, just don't criticise Marina's now famous childhood horse, Jester, because only she is allowed to do that. And if you're one of Bev's ex-boyfriends, you might want to tune in as she admits her previous tendency to be critical of her former love interests. In terms of living a life that is As Good As It Gets, perhaps we need to learn to look at criticism as a gift, as a way of becoming a better version of ourselves, rather than taking it as a personal critique of who we are. And by the same token, when we're about to give criticism, maybe we should look carefully at our motivation to ensure that we are giving it in the best interests of that person. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week's episode is a must-listen in which Bev and Marina tackle the awkward subject of ‘Being Embarassed.' If you thought they were brutally honest and open already, you ain't seen nothing yet!In this highly amusing episode, our ladies discuss everything from periods and poo, to vaginas and nudity, plus a whole host of other cringeworthy issues. Bev and Marina do not hold back with their own embarrassing anecdotes in which - spoiler alert - Bev admits to a rather embarrassing situation involving a rather big fart, and Marina admits to a similarly embarrassing outdoor wee situation. Every single one of us, no matter whether a celebrity, a politician, or a world leader, has at some point or other done something so embarrassing that we have wished the ground would swallow us up. But, if we want to make our lives As Good As It Gets, we need to learn to embrace our vulnerability, style out our embarassing stories, and free ourselves in the process. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The topic of this week's episode is Change. There is simply no doubt that change is inevitable, for all of us. Although some of us may find it easier to cope with than others, every single one of us has been resistant to change at some point in our lives. From the bigger changes in life such as divorce or moving to the other side of the world, to the smaller ones like changing our hair colour, Bev and Marina tackle the subject with a combination of insight and thoughtfulness, as well as their usual humour. Marina admits that the life-changing event of getting married had her crying at the end of her wedding celebrations, whilst Bev enlightens us about ‘Boiling Frog Syndrome' - it's worth a listen just to find out what it is! In terms of living a life that's As Good As It Gets, how can we learn to better cope with this unavoidable facet of the human experience? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you a big risk taker? Or are you more inclined to play it safe? Whichever camp you fall into, Bev and Marina have got you covered in this week's episode. As far as taking risks is concerned, Bev and Marina both grew up as cautious children, but Bev reveals that these days she does take more risks. Having said that, Marina is still trying to persuade her that sitting in a room with black labrador, Storm, is a low risk activity! In our increasingly risk averse culture, have we lost perspective on the things that we might otherwise take a chance on? And does the fact that the media loves to catastrophize certain things mean we have become more fearful of taking risks? The ladies discuss this and much more. Risk is a crucial part of living a rich and fulfilling life, and while it will always carry the possibility of failure, is this not how we learn and grow? There may be (relative) danger in taking a risk, whether that's getting our heart broken or getting our leg broken; but as long as we're taking calculated risks rather than being reckless, there is joy to be found beyond the fear. And isn't that what it's all about? So when it comes to making our life As Good As It Gets, perhaps the greatest risk of all is not daring to take one. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Benjamin Franklin once said “Money never made a man happy yet, not will it.” Wise words, or a load of @#$%? Whatever your take on money, this week's episode has something in it for you. Whether you have it or don't have it, spend it or save it, love it or loathe it, money is integral to the lives of every one of us. So why is it such a taboo subject? Bev and Marina's frank discussion includes the narratives from their childhood that have shaped the way they treat money today, what they love to spend money on and what they don't, and what they teach their children about money. Marina admits that she simply cannot stand wasting money, while Bev reveals that she has never been in debt.When it comes to making life As Good As It Gets, perhaps we should all talk more openly about the subject of money rather than treating it like the elephant in the room. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our topic this week is one for the girls and - equally if not more importantly - one for the boys. Yes, we're talking Feminism. How far have we come? And how far do we still have to go? Are you a ‘good' feminist? Is there anything that makes you feel like a ‘bad' feminist? Bev and Marina discuss everything from the gender pay gap to school uniforms, from calling out sexism to the objectification of women in music, from judgement from other feminists to teaching our kids about feminism. They also reveal what they do that makes them feel like guilty feminists (and it's the exact same thing for both of them!) When it comes to making our life As Good As It Gets, let's not forget that as modern day feminists we don't need to be perfect to make a difference. But as women, let's make damn sure we have each other's backs. Girls may compete with each other, but women empower each other. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Bev and Marina's topic of choice is the environment. Perhaps a departure from the usual 'flavour' of As Good As It Gets, but certainly worthy of a conversation, the environment and the idea of 'saving the planet' is something that can cause real fear and anxiety, not just in us but in our children too. Many of us may feel a sense of disempowerment, assuming that the problem is just too severe for any one of us to make any impactful difference.So how can we turn this around? We can start by having meaningful conversations with our family, friends, children, peers and colleagues about the little things that each of us can do that, when added up, will absolutely make a difference. Whether we try and eat less meat but buy organic when we do, or only flush the loo after doing a number two, let's all take action, no matter how small. That way, when it comes to making our life As Good As It Gets, we know we've done our bit to help protect this beautiful planet we are privileged to call home. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Why do we find it so hard to say no? And why do we end up saying yes to so many things that we don't REALLY want to do?! In this week's episode, Bev and Marina discuss the lost art of saying no. Whilst Bev is great at saying no to the school Christmas raffle, she's not quite so successful when it comes to saying no to her 14th glass of wine at a dinner party! Marina, however, is much more ruthless when it comes to saying no to things and reveals that it's actually her husband who says yes to everything without thinking it through.In both personal and professional situations, surely it's better to say no than to say yes and then flake out at the last minute?When it comes to living a life that's As Good As It Gets, perhaps we should learn to be honest and upfront with ourselves and others by saying no even when it feels awkward. You never know, we might even feel empowered in the process. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There's a big difference between being the victim of life's difficult events, and living a life in which you always see yourself as the victim. In this episode, Bev and Marina consider how to make sure the first doesn't shape you into becoming the latter. Is it easier, as we get older, to stop blaming others when life goes wrong? Or are we so tired and worn down that we shrug off taking responsibility? And what are the difficulties of living in a world where too many people see themselves as 'victims'? Are the perpetually offended preventing honest conversation? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Aaah, Memories! In this episode, the girls take a trip down memory lane as well as talking about memory itself. As is so often the case, Bev and Marina come from very different viewpoints, and while Bev struggles to remember anything at all, Marina can recall specific details from way back when; (having said that, she sometimes forgets to pack her pants when she goes away, and she once forgot to confirm her son's place at his new school!) This charming and funny discussion between the two friends touches on holidays they've had together, childhood memories, the benefits of being able to forget, as well as tips and tools for how to better remember things. It explores the idea that it's actually liberating when we own up to having forgotten something, rather than coming up with excuses; and also whether perhaps, in this digital world, we are too preoccupied with recording every little thing on our smart phones. Because in terms of living a life that's As Good As It Gets, perhaps the memories we have in our own minds may just be the best ones of all. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week's episode provides an interesting take on the concept of being average. Bev and Marina muse over how, in this world of over-achievers and pressure to be exceptional, the idea of being average has become something we are no longer satisfied with. But as the girls ruminate over everything from social media to Oprah, they find that there is much to be celebrated in being average, and plenty of beauty in the ordinary. Perhaps the key to making life As Good As It Gets is to stop worrying about being exceptional, and rather rediscover the Joy Of Being Average. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, Bev and Marina discuss the good and bad of being organised, with the ladies at opposite ends of the spectrum. Marina is the more organised of the two and can get three online food shops done whilst sitting on the loo; whereas Bev desperately wants to be organised but cannot seem to get past interruptions from children and washing machines, even whilst trying to write her will! What both agree on, however, is that there is a middle ground where we can be organised whilst still allowing spontaneity in our lives. Perhaps this is the place where life is As Good As It Gets...? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode the girls explore the topic of Anger, asking what's behind it and how we can learn to use it as a force for good. But...woe betide anyone who uses the passive aggressive kind with Bev; and if something winds Marina up she may well be found doing some furious needle working, if indeed there is such a thing! Can we learn to harness our anger and use it in a productive way as we continue our quest to make life As Good As It Gets...? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, Bev and Marina tackle the subject of Compromise. Although it's something we all inevitably have to do, that doesn't mean it's always easy. From Bev's refusal to compromise when it comes to getting her kids a dog, to Marina threatening to chain herself to a lamp post in the name of road safety...the girls mull over how to do compromise in a way that makes life As Good As It Gets. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Now that we're daring to dream about the possibility of getting away, the girls reminisce about the good, the bad and the ugly of holidays. Marina shares her experience of a raft building 'break' on a river in Sweden which didn't quite go as expected; while Bev remembers the no pooing policy aboard the 6 berth beast of a motorhome on a leaf-peeping trip to the US. But...were the so-called holiday 'disasters' actually As Good As It Gets...? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bev and Marina mull over that four letter word: L.O.V.E. Bev admits she's an old fashioned gal when it comes to love and romance, and we discover that the love of Marina's life was actually a horse named Jester. Oh, and there's a surprise appearance from Jest…,I mean Ben Fogle. When it comes to love for our kids, our siblings, our partners or ourselves, what is the key to making it As Good As It Gets? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In a moving and funny episode, Bev and Marina explore their experiences of grief. From the processes of grieving to the silly, hilarious and beautiful connections that were made to help them through. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you a decisive person? Are you sure? From choosing a partner to settling on a place to live, your 21st century guide to living tackles one of life's most tiresome things: decision making. And what is it with Bev and those tiles?! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you at a stage in your life where criticism can't touch you? Or are you constantly drawing negative conclusions from years of in-built stereotypes? Bev and Marina's guide to 21st century living tackles the thorny issue of judging others. Painful listening for any man who drives a fast car, has a big tattoo, and eats Wotsits for breakfast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the worst things anyone can say about someone else is that they're boring. So how do we stay interesting? Is the secret to be interested in stuff? Is Marina more engaging now that she's had guitar lessons? Will Bev be more fascinating after she's finished that book? And how come this rule doesn't extend to cycling fanatics? Help your own interest factor with this 21st Century Guide To Living. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From punctuation to children to our partners hiding things and calling it tidying, Bev and Marina let loose on all the stuff that annoys the hell out of them. Is there anything funnier than listening to two people get really cross about minor things? Minor things and dog poo. I hate people who don't pick up their dog poo. I MEAN, SERIOUSLY! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In an episode that might otherwise be titled, Spiders vs Dogs, Bev and Marina discuss whether our experiences make us braver or more cautious. And does the ability to conquer our fears get stronger, or has it already been As Good As It Gets? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Whether it's related to motherhood, divorce, looking after our parents or just not flossing our teeth enough, we seem to be surrounded by guilt. What can we do to change this? Do core values help us minimise our feelings of regret or should we just accept that our guilt free days have already been As Good As It Gets? Plus, hear the quotation of the series so far when Bev completes this sentence, 'This is a smack in the face for all those feminists who...' See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From bottling it for our bad hair days to gifting it to our children, confidence is the holy grail of characteristics, but is it inherent or can it be learnt? Will the experiences of life continue to increase our confidence or has the self belief already been As Good As It Gets? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From minding your p's to eating your Yorkshire Puddings by hand, Bev and Marina sit up straight and hardly swear at all as they ponder the benefits of good manners. Did they have better etiquette than their children do now? And does the remoteness of social media mean that polite behaviour has already been As Good As It Gets? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sharing a problem can lighten the load, but are there things that we should never burden others with? Bev and Marina look back on the tragedies in their lives and weigh up the positives that came from talking about them openly. Do their families and friends ever wished they were more discreet and have their days of sharing already been As Good As It Gets? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The green eyed monsters come out as Bev and Marina discuss what's best about each other's siblings, career and partners! Do they still look around and get envious of others or is there a feeling that everything they have now is already As Good As It Gets? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From how was your day? To, yes, it looks massive! Bev and Marina dissect the nature and importance of honesty. How does Marina teach her children the art of the white lie, and is Bev being honest with herself when she says that lying is all part of getting along? Will the pair of them ever get better at giving an honest 'no' or has the fine line between tact and truth already been As Good As It Gets? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bev and Marina get confessional on how they feel about getting older. Will Bev really be clubbing long into her dotage? And what's the thing Marina fears more than smelling of wee? Is there a perfect time of life that awaits them or has the ageing process already been As Good As It Gets? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Can a mental audit keep us from our sins? Bev and Marina refrain from their vices just long enough to talk about them. Is this the best time in Marina's life for sticking to her exercise routine, and didn't Bev used to be better at saying no to cake? Can they improve their self discipline together or has it already been As Good As It Gets? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A moving and funny insight on how we feel when having to apologise. Is Marina right that a 'sorry...but' doesn't count? Is Bev right that we should never apologise to our children? Have the pair still some improvements to make when it comes to apologising, or have all their sorries been As Good As It Gets? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Funny and insightful guide to 21st century life as a parent. Bev and Marina talk about their own experiences of running antenatal classes, as well as the modern verbiage of being a parent and all the guilt and joy that comes with it. Did their maternal fantasies materialise? Are there more rewarding experiences still to be had? Or has it all already been As Good As It Gets? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Your 21st century guide to life takes on Social Media and everything from the support it can offer during the most difficult of times, to Bev's best advice for willies. Do we take social media too seriously? Does it have a positive role to play in our lives? Can we improve how we use it, or has it already been As Good As It Gets? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.