Explore every episode of Could Be Better
Dive into the complete episode list for Could Be Better. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Feb 2018 | Could Be Better, Part 1 (Thirty Thousand Things Episode 9a) | 00:21:47 | |
This intro episode is really Episode 9 of J. Dewey's podcast "Thirty Thousand Things," which was all about the emotional connections people have with the things in their homes. "I interview my good friend Rob (over cocktails) about his huge collection of back issues of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and we discuss our shared love for the magazine and others like it. When we move on to examining the January 2018 issue, the gloves come off and we really spill the tea about what we think of it. But it comes from a place of love. Really." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 28 Feb 2018 | Could Be Better, Part 2 (Thirty Thousand Things Episode 9b) | 01:24:16 | |
This is part 2 of the original Thirty Thousand Things episode, which functions as the pilot episode for Could Be Better. "When we move on to examining the January 2018 issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine, the gloves come off and we really spill the tea about what we think of it. But it comes from a place of love. Really." We delve into baskety pendants, where to put the lube, #houseplants, and, though we're both firmly out of the closet, the most remarkable closets your houseguests have ever seen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 28 Feb 2018 | The March 2018 Issue | 01:06:40 | |
In this episode of Could Be Better, we delve into the March 2018 issue of Better Homes & Gardens: the gardening issue. For the first time in the magazine's history (as far as we know) there's a single (as in, photographed alone) hot guy on the cover! It's all about the boys in this episode, plus more #houseplants, the horrors of vinyl shutters, and navy as a neutral. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 30 Mar 2018 | The April 2018 Issue | 01:08:38 | |
In this episode of Could Be Better, we introduce a new feature--a signature cocktail (or two). After we pre-game with a sparkling pomegranate cocktail, we hit record, open the April issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine, and start on a few shakers full of Earl Grey tea martinis. Things quickly devolve to discussing whether or not to chop up your leather chaps to make vases, installing wallpaper on your ceiling, the I Did It we've all done, and a disagreement over color that may end Rob and J's friendship. Thanks a lot, Color Issue! Just kidding, we're totally fine. Theme music by Bensounds and special thanks to Tim for reading the credits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 17 Apr 2018 | Extra Episode (3a): Pink and Blue | 00:08:42 | |
This episode is extraaah! We’re sharing our uncut conversation about the “Colorful Past” feature in the April 2018 issue. You heard a little bit of it during Episode 3 but we cut a bunch out to fit (because as you know we always run long) and we didn't have a lot to like (Rob didn't even tag it!). But, as you listeners keep saying, you like it when we don't like stuff, so…here it is. Grab an extra cocktail and have a listen. We’ll be back in just a few short weeks with more drinks, more dish, and hopefully a return to paint can lid color samples with the May episode. Cheers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 03 May 2018 | The May 2018 Issue | 01:15:45 | |
In this episode of Could Be Better, we pregame with the classic Tulip cocktail as featured in the magazine and the brandy goes straight to our heads. We imagine that our podcast has made an impact on the editors since the issue is a) all about tulips b) much more diverse and c) a greatest hits of the past few issues: dark wallpapers, a return to paint can lid color samples, painted kitchen cabinets and dads with untucked shirts. Plus, an "I Did It" neither of us have done, what party hosts love most about Rob, a pink palette we don't hate (and one pink thing we really do), three-feet-long beans, and J's future home reno projects. Watch for video of our recipe taste testing on our new YouTube channel, and visit our new website, CouldBeBetterPodcast.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and, most importantly, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and listen from the beginning. Welcome to your better life--happy drinking! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 17 May 2018 | Mini Episode: Untucked | 00:12:49 | |
This episode is extraaaah! Here are two segments that didn't make it into the main May episode: our convo about the Before & After segment, and a featured food article (with gorgeous wallpaper-worthy pics by Con Poulos). The main theme of these two "cut" bits. Call us the Hardy Boys, because we finally solved the mystery of why most men photographed for the magazine have to untuck their button-down shirts. Plus: stacked tiles, tulip tables, naked vegetables, and the first "fancy" wine that Rob picked out to impress his friends. Look for more full episodes coming soon or check out the back catalog on our feed, and subscribe today to get episodes as soon as we release them. Please review us on iTunes and tell your friends to give us a listen, too. Get it all (including behind-the-scenes videos) at CouldBeBetterPodcast.com. Now go tuck in your shirt! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 31 May 2018 | The June 2018 Issue | 01:05:06 | |
In this episode of Could Be Better, it's time for Gay Pride Month, but something's a little amiss. There's only one rainbow in the whole issue, the recipes feature low-alcohol cocktails, and the Editor's Letter leaves us filled with regret. We're determined to make it #werk, however, so we plow on while sipping this month's signature cocktail, the Tito's Smash (courtesy of the back cover...we're making a real difference, girls). We take a trip back to the mid-80's for color trends, swoon over Reese Witherspoon's new Draper James line, tour a garden we'll never have, and choose between summer tablescapes. Plus: peach emojis, hookups who linger for the photoshoot, and the long-awaited launch of our lifestyle brand! (It's OK to launch a brand with no products, right?) Visit our YouTube channel for video of us tasting rose-flavored recipes while on vaca in Provincetown, follow us on Instagram and Facebook at CouldBeBetterPodcast, and visit the home of our Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 21 Jun 2018 | Mini Episode: The New Victorihemians | 00:14:21 | |
The new what? In this segment from the June 2018 episode, Rob and J. own up to confused feelings about "The Natural Life" feature on page 116 of the Better Homes & Gardens June 2018 issue. Meet the forager family behind the Insta account Fox Meets Bear and decide for yourself if their style is 1980's "Country Living," an update on Victorian naturalism, trapped-in-the-70's-Woodstock--or do we have it totally wrong? (J. provides a little corrective at the end of this mini episode.) By the end, we crack the code and determine that swingers, open relationships, sex dens and far away husbands are soooo gay pride. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and visit couldbebetterpodcast.com for all the latest Could Be Better shenanigans. Suggested signature cocktail for this episode: a sparkling wine with a shot of an herbal aperitif, such as Aperol, St. Germain or Cap Corse, garnished with a shasta daisy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 07 Jul 2018 | The July 2018 Episode | 01:05:16 | |
It's the summer/gay pride issue we were all waiting for (and didn't get in June). We hit record on a 100-degree afternoon as Rob pours us a berry lemonade martini inspired by the "Burger Bash" feature. Tim serves lighter-than-they-look snacks by the pool before we escape the heat to the cool confines of our recording spot. The lemonade has us in high gear before we even get past the Editor's Letter and we wind up with our naughtiest episode ever! Listener discretion is advised. We get kinky (with garden hoses and duct tape), go gaga for gardeners, do a few dramatic readings (#phrasing), and wind up on ice with the Throwback feature. (We needed to cool down after the tool section gets us all hot and bothered...or maybe it's the weather.) Along the way, J. reveals a childhood decor trauma and Rob makes a stand for power bottoms everywhere. Don't keep yourself on edge (or maybe do, if that's your thing)--listen and subscribe today where you get your podcasts, or visit www.couldbebetterpodcast.com. Happy summer for realz! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 20 Jul 2018 | Mini Episode: YouTube House/Before & After | 00:15:00 | |
In this bonus episode we're featuring two segments from our July 2018 episode taping that didn't make the cut (because we can't stop blabbing). These are a little more design-y in nature, and they share a few common themes: white on white (on white...) kitchens, "rustic" wood and a little more womp-womp talk about our least favorite big-name designer (guess who). Plus, Rob picks out a decor trick that he knows J. will totally, totally hate...and he's right. Watch the feed for our August 2018 episode coming soon! In the meantime, show us a tag for love by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes and follow us on the Could Be Better social media feeds or www.CouldBeBetterPodcast.com. Now go paint your front door pink! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 03 Aug 2018 | The August 2018 Episode | 01:13:02 | |
In our August 2018 episode, the magazine leaves us thirsty (only one beverage recipe, and it’s plain ole iced tea) so Rob creates his own signature cocktail–the Salty Be-otch–inspired by this month’s paint can lid hues. After sampling another array of excellent foods from Chef Tim, J. confesses that he forgot his magazine…and it’s all downhill from there. Before the pitchers of peach-flavored cocktails run out, we discuss hazardous ottomans, outdoor showers, the #partyboard trend that just won’t die, and monstrous ice cream. Plus, J. has a surprise crush on a featured chef. Say goodbye to your summer of regret! Join us for a salty rimmed drink on our podcast feed and look for us on Instagram and Facebook, or at www.couldbebetterpodcast.com. Music by Bensound.com. Recipe preparation and end credits by Tim Lawton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 07 Sep 2018 | The September 2018 Episode | 01:11:33 | |
In our September episode, we plant the seeds for fall with a new focus on decor. (Foodies, don't worry: check out our YouTube channel for our monthly recipe tastings). Rob mixes up a signature cocktail inspired by this BH&G issue's global flair (a Chocolate Spice martini) but J's excited by this month's Editor's Letter: cue another dramatic reading! In this Stylemaker issue, white walls reign supreme, purple is a neutral, citrine green and peacock blue are "it" shades, kitchens suffer from visual clutter, and there's nary an "I Did It" nor a craft project in sight. Plus, we throw more shade in Waco's general direction. Pour yourself a drink, open your magazine and join us for another intimate conversation about design trends (#tagforhate). After all, it's just decorating. Signature cocktail: Chocolate Spice martini. Recipes: Oat-Chia Bars, French Chocolate Mousse. All music: Bensound.com. End credits: Tim Lawton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 11 Oct 2018 | The October 2018 Episode | 01:09:47 | |
In the October 2018 episode of Could Be Better, we try to be a little nicer, a little more helpful, and a little less judgy. But that's no fun so we quickly devolve to our usual cocktail-fueled opinions. Though the cover of this month's Better Homes and Gardens mag has us hopeful for autumn color--and the Halloween features are on point--our time machine has us trapped in the horrors of 1970's design. Dark colors, spider-thin staircase railings, and ghostly-white walls play up the witchy vibes, but Rob never gets any trick-or-treaters so it's all lost on him. J. admires another big wallpaper pattern (shocker) but can't get past all the pom-poms. But hey, it's just decor. Why not embrace imperfection, warts and all? Signature cocktail: The Pum-mosa, made with cava and pumpkin liqueur. Food prep by Tim Lawton. Check out videos of our recipe tastings on our YouTube channel. Camerawork by Michael Hall. Music by Bensound.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Could Be Better Podcast and visit us at www.couldbebetterpodcast.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 29 Oct 2018 | The November 2018 Episode | 01:05:30 | |
In our November 2018 episode, we switch things up and hang out at J's house, where green is a neutral. We tried hard but we could not find many tags for hate in this issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine! Maybe it's because we both love Thanksgiving so much. Maybe it's because the issue was mostly about the food (though we did do a fun recipe tasting at J's house--check our YouTube channel for that)! Never fear, we managed to find plenty to talk about: more white walls and big art, pumpkins of all sizes and shapes (#phrasing), trends we actually like for once, and dramatic facelifts (the furniture kind, not ours). But how will Rob, aka Mr. Tablescape, react to the big tablescaping how-to feature? Make sure to listen all the way through for a special announcement about our first-ever LIVE event! Signature cocktail: a bourbon orange-cran smash. Recipe prep by Chef Tim Lawton and J. Dewey. Music by Bensound.com. Visit our website at www.couldbebetterpodcast.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Could Be Better Podcast. Cheers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 06 Dec 2018 | The December 2018 Episode | 01:07:56 | |
Oh, the irony! We've been looking forward to the December issue all year, and then when it arrives (super-late, for Rob) we get...more pink. Can we please declare a new It color for 2019? J. and Rob unwrap a holiday surprise when Santa reveals the hottest seasonal decorating trend: not using red and green. Stuff your stockings with thumbprint cookies, pom-poms, pom-ginger cocktails, water bottles (sooo romantic!) and clothespin dolls--if you're lucky to get them at the craft swap party. J. shares another childhood trauma (it involves glitter) and Rob gets a little tearful (with laughter). Yet in the end, the guys make peace with this season of giving--10,000 spoons and butt butter for everyone! Look for this month's recipe tastings on YouTube! Signature cocktail: Pom-Ginger Shandy. Recipe tasting prep and end credits: Tim Lawton. Theme music: Bensound.com. End credits music by Lenny B and Madison Park. Visit us at www.couldbebetterpodcast.com and on Facebook and Instagram. Merry Christmas, y'all! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 18 Dec 2018 | The Citrus Surprise Holiday Bonus Episode | 00:16:59 | |
Happy holidays, party people! Here’s our gift to you, a special bonus episode to tide you over while we take a little Christmas break (there’s a lot of eggnog and pom-ginger shandies to drink). We’re also putting this out there because we won’t have a new episode later this month since we’re talking about the January issue (which already arrived in our mailboxes) during our LIVE episode taping on January 18th. And boy, do we have a LOT to say about January! In this bonus ep, we un-sidebar the Editor’s Letter sidebar from the December issue, which we also sidebarred from our main monthly episode too. Then we discuss two big ways to make your Christmas decorations more personal and #moremeaningful. Both involve a little crafting, so be warned! We'll be back in 2019 with more snark, more tags for love (and hate), more cocktail ideas and...more everything. Please subscribe and rate us on iTunes or wherever you get your favorite podcasts--that's all we really want for Christmas. Thank you for listening! Say hi on Facebook and Instagram; we promise to be nice (until we get to know you or unless you make it into the magazine before we do). Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 22 Jan 2019 | The January 2019 Episode | 01:19:55 | |
To celebrate our one-year anniversary, we recorded our January 2019 episode live at the Crafted Kup Coffeehouse in Poughkeepsie New York! And because we had a captive audience (and a timer!) we touched on a only a few highlights from the BHG magazine, instead of letting ourselves ramble for hours. Guests got to see the pages with us in a slideshow--which you can also check out on our website! We also asked for listener submissions for what we called the "You Did It!" section. To wrap up, we discussed a few design trends for 2019 and the Colors Of The Year. With lots of audience participation, you'll be able to hear which trends are in--and which ones are over before they begin. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us, and for listening all year long. Special thanks to Tanner and everyone at The Crafted Kup, Adam and Ryan from Dead Radio Podcast, Amy Dittmar for cupcake creations inspired by the magazine, Chef Tim Lawton for party foods (also pulled from the January issue of course), Joe C. for the "Tag for Hate" shirts, Joe W. for keeping time. Recipes: Spicy Beef Sloppy Joes, partyboards. Signature cocktail: spiced pear prosecco cocktails. Music by Bensound.com. Subscribe and listen for Season 2 wherever you get your podcasts! Plus: Amazon Prime members can access Better Homes & Gardens magazine for free so you have no excuses for not following along with us. Happy 2019! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 14 Feb 2019 | The February 2019 Episode | 00:57:47 | |
Welcome to Season Two of Could Be Better! If a certain #3 magazine is still pumpin' out issues, we're still pumpin' out episodes. Just in time for Valentine's Day, Rob brews up a red signature cocktail to get your blood racing: a Mid-Hudson Mule. They do pack a kick, because it takes us about three sips to start talking dirty about the February issue. Though lacy envelopes don't do it for us, we do fall for a white-on-white room (don't worry, it's a guest space so it's OK), a kitchen makeover, an I Did It feature (at last, hallelujah), and hand pies. Cupid's arrow misses the mark on windowsill gardening, and one space may send Rob to therapy. Will your favorite look get a tag for love, or a tag for hate? Listen in and find out! Signature cocktail: Mid-Hudson Mule. Recipe tastings coming soon to our YouTube channel: coconut curry short ribs and hand pies. Music by Bensound.com. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and visit us at www.couldbebetterpodcast.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 01 Mar 2019 | The March 2019 Episode | 01:08:42 | |
This month we make sure you're a real trendoid by dissecting our most (and least) favorite so-called trends from BHG's Trend issue. We're dubious about '70's glam (curate it, please), all-in on mural wallpapers, and totally over a certain color--this time, even the #houseplants get in on the action. Rob is only here for the zoodles, while J. does something unconventional and has to get something off his chest. And which of these trends did we totally call in our January live episode? Remember, we're not shoving trends down your throat--we're only gently strongly suggesting them. Signature cocktail: "Matchamacallit." Recipe taste testings on our YouTube channel: red lentil soup and hen-of-the-woods tart. Music by Bensound.com. Visit our website for almost-daily Tags For Love or Tags for Hate at www.couldbebetterpodcast.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at CouldBeBetterPodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 04 Apr 2019 | The April 2019 Episode | 01:02:58 | |
Kids these days... In our April 2019 episode, we become art critics, in that it's the Art of Color issue and we're highly critical. How many Tags For Hate can one episode handle? Apparently pink is here to stay (baloney is so on trend right now), beige is back (thank you Gen X), anything can be a neutral, and the most exciting thing about spring is cleaning your toilet. Oh, and the Could Be Better Department of Outdoor Living really needs you to turn in the paperwork attesting that you've decorated your deck or patio with an outdoor rug. We also share a few secrets: the recurring nightmare Rob had as a child, J's middle name, and which featured room is really a sex den. Our takeaway lesson? Take time to smell the irises in the neighbor's yard. Signature cocktail: Ginger-Rhubarb Raspberry Punch. Check out our YouTube channel soon for Chef Tim's Recipe Tastings: Spiral Ham With Orange and Garlic, Buttered Sweet Pea Rice, and Rhubarb Tart. Music by Bensound.com. Visit us at www.couldbebetterpodcast.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, you weird kid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 24 Apr 2019 | Sidebar: Purple As A Neutral/Friends/Rent | 00:09:56 | |
If you listened to our April 2019 episode, you heard us discuss the "New Neutrals" article, about redefining what a neutral color is and how to make any color a neutral (in theory.) That led us to a sidebar conversation that didn't quite fit into the main episode (hello, tangent!) but did show our pop culture side. We'll be back with our May 2019 full-length episode very soon! Music by Bensound.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 03 May 2019 | The May 2019 Episode | 01:00:06 | |
In this episode: Deception! Lies! Big baskets! Secrets revealed! But even those might be another deception. As Rob pours Kentucky Derby mint juleps made gayer with lavender and berries, J. digs up memories of a childhood dinner gone horribly wrong. (This is the Food Issue, after all.) We discuss what charities really want (NOT your #KonMari non-joyful items), what no one wants (Grandma’s silver trays), an instant classic color scheme, and another hot male gardener. (Brace yourselves for that one.) Plus, a house that’s nautical but not, kitchen countertops that Rob and J. both tag for hate, and the best I Did It yet. Signature cocktail: mint julep. Recipe tasting: five flavors of cold-oven chicken. Music by Bensound.com. Subscribe and rate us in iTunes or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Visit us on Instagram and Facebook at CouldBeBetterPodcast, and please check out our website, www.CouldBeBetterPodcast.com, for bonus content, more opinions, and videos. And please, don’t make your mother cry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 13 Jun 2019 | The June 2019 Episode | 00:58:39 | |
t's LGBTQ Pride Month and Rob and J. search desperately for some signs of gay life in this month's magazine. Though there's little to be found on the pages, there's plenty of love at the bottom of their cocktail glasses (thanks to the strawberry basil smash cocktails, lifted from the recipe section). J. explains why this episode was delayed and shares a very painful housing-related memory. Rob gets tongue-tied over a supergay font but otherwise feels kinda "meh," especially about all the #whiteonwhite neo-bohemian rooms. However, everything turns out all right in the end thanks to a Tea Dance #lewk for the ages. This month's recipes: white bean dip, crispy fish open-faced sandwiches, Pimm's Cup ice pops, all prepared by Chef Tim. Theme music is by Bensound. We're now on Spotify in addition to Apple Podcasts and all your other favorite podcast listening platforms. Visit us at www.couldbebetterpodcast.com for our blog posts, videos, and more! Happy Pride! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 01 Jul 2019 | The July 2019 Episode | 00:59:35 | |
In our July 2019 episode, we have a summer surprise! Special guest host Bob Brink fills in for Rob while he recuperates from a solstice cold. Bob, who also happens to be J.’s husband, is a fine wine buyer and hospitality expert. He’s also not a regular BHG magazine reader, but you know what, sometimes an honest outside opinion is refreshing…like the Sandy Bottom, a watermelon-flavored signature cocktail. We talk frankly about hot dogs, toppings (of course), where not to put your child during a magazine photo shoot, more white walls, and the biggest light fixture ever featured (size does matter). Plus: a cameo by the Queen of Tennessee and a return to crafting! So Happy Independence Day, safe travels, and let’s just call it what it is, all right? Signature cocktail: the Sandy Bottom. End credits read by Tim Lawton. Music by Bensound.com. Listen to more episodes and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Contact us at couldbebetterpodcast@gmail.com or visit us online at www.couldbebetterpodcast.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for all our latest news. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 01 Aug 2019 | The August 2019 Episode | 00:59:14 | |
We're in the summer doldrums (but savoring them) so we're going shirtless for this episode! Why not enjoy a few stone fruit margaritas (inspired by the August issue's articles on peaches and plums, and how to throw an ice cream social) and hang out topless with your cohost? This month, we dive into beekeeping and hot beekeepers (new fetish alert!), why you should invest in your laundry room, and OCD pantry organization. The Color of the Year makes a return after a nine-month hiatus, the Editor's Letter has us nostalgic for mid-90's life in Chelsea, and a basement reno leaves us scratching our heads. Plus: we go gaga for a new feature but it's Tags for Hate on this month's wallet-busting I Did It. Oh yeah, and it's the family issue. This month's signature cocktail: the Stoned Rita Moreno (aka stone fruit margaritas). Recipe testing: savory stuffed waffles. Recipe prep by Tim Lawton. Music by Bensound. Did we mention we're shirtless? Subscribe and listen to all our episodes wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Or visit us online at www.couldbebetterpodcast.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @couldbebetterpodcast for all the latest news...and more shirtless pics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 07 Dec 2019 | The December 2019 Episode | 00:53:21 | |
It's December once again and we're in the holiday spirit...and into the holiday spirits with Rob's family recipe for egg nog. We have a few glasses and dish up our opinions on the latest issue of BH&G. There's a lot of Christmas and not many of our usual features, like I Did It or paint can lids. Instead we get lots of snow-white rooms warmed by holiday colors, even some non-traditional hues which is nice. Tag for love! Tag for hate on the oversized 5th grade play decorations. Sorry we weren't into what you wrapped in a bow. Signature cocktail: egg nog. End credits by Tm Lawton. Music by Bensound.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 12 Jan 2020 | The January 2020 Episode | 00:59:46 | |
In this episode, we field a few pressing (not really) questions from readers (not really, the editors did that) instead of the usual “New Year, New Me” features. This month we have lots of dark paint colors instead of the usual white, including a purple/blue that Rob tags for love and J. tags for hate. Yet paint can lids are in scarce supply. We range from tips on cleaning (when should I clean?) to tips on landscaping (native plants all the way) but end with a throwback feature that is too retro red for us. Signature cocktail: a Sacred Sipping Chocolate Martini. End credits: Tim Lawton. Music by Bensound.com. What’s your problem? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 07 Feb 2020 | The February 2020 Episode | 00:59:29 | |
On this month’s episode of Could Be Better, we indulge in some speech therapy practice as J. heads towards recovery from a brain hemorrhage. Can you say “editor’s letter” without blending the sounds together? We warm up with a ginger-liqueur cider but say “tag for hate” on another outdoor entertaining suggestion. We’re in for the chocolate spice cake skewers, though. There’s a lot of food in the February issue but we do have paint can lids in mint green. A less polarizing pastel? We decide. Also: indoor gardening, another white room, and a retro 1950s room straight out of the ’70s. Get your magazine, follow along and practice your speech therapy! Signature cocktail: ginger-pear cider warmer. Music by Bensound.com. Credits by Tim Lawton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 13 Mar 2020 | The March 2020 Episode | 00:59:18 | |
In our March 2020 episode, we discuss the latest trends in home design. Or the latest popular things that are about to be overexposed. At least the houseplants are paper this time. Another plus: lots of green and nary a pink! Rob invents a Dark & Bootchie cocktail inspired by the “give up alcohol” article (as if), and Chef Tim gets sour with the Lemon Tiramisu from the recipe section. Also: caning, ferns, a Queer Eye-adjacent article, and a kitchen that makes J. proclaim “this is my favorite thing ever in this magazine!” Listen up, trendoids: things are about to get bootchie. Whatever that means. Music: Bensound.com. End credits: Tim Lawton. Recipe tasting: lemon tiramisu. Signature cocktail: Dark and Bootchie (rum and kombucha). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 03 Apr 2020 | The April 2020 Episode | 00:58:10 | |
In this month's episode, Rob and J. are on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic of course--so we recorded this by a socially distant Zoom meeting. Thus we have two signature cocktails: a classic Mary Pickford for Rob, inspired by the Throwback feature, and J. created a "Social Distance" cocktail, a modified Greyhound. It's the color issue packed with lots of practical, hands-on tips for fixing up the home you're now trapped in. We stretch to find anything to hate once past the pink cover (which gets a pass since it's technically Easter), we love the I Did It! feature since it doesn't involve building a box, and side with the husband (of course) in a couple's makeover article. Grab your magazine and follow along--it makes for great listening while you're sheltering in place! End credits: Tim Lawton. Music by Bensound.com. Signature cocktails: the Mary Pickford and the Greyhound (with extra ingredients). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 26 Apr 2020 | The May 2020 Episode | 00:54:36 | |
In our May 2020 episode, we are still under a "Safer At Home" mandate in our home state of New York and so we recorded this episode via Zoom video conference once again. We each make our own signature cocktail: J. does a classic vodka gimlet, partially inspired by the lemon curd tart on the cover of the May 2020 issue of Better Homes and Gardens, while Rob pulls a recipe for ginger punch from the mag's new Stylemaker column. May means Mother's Day so we cover a few ideas for a special Sunday for ya mom, and Rob invents a new tag to discuss certain magazine features. Of course, depending on where you are in the country, you may have to stay socially distant from your mother. Especially if, like Rob's mom, she mispronounces the word "peony" because you may be tired of correcting her. We notice a few changes at work in the magazine, including transitions from our usual tableaux and paint can lids, and need to mourn the loss of other features. But we'll get over it. There are more important concerns in the world right now, right? Like "why does my husband want a door from our shower to the balcony?" (PS we have a theory about that one.) Music by Bensound.com. End credits by Tim Lawton. Stay healthy, dear listeners! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 06 Jun 2020 | The June 2020 Episode | 00:58:29 | |
This month is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and it’s “How To Decorate Your Patio” time again! Despite the pandemic and protest marches, we are still here doing what we do: obsessing over a home shelter/food/crafting magazine as if it were the end-all, be-all of American experience. But we know we are not saving the world, and that this is all just design. If it makes you happy–and you are privileged enough to have a home to decorate, more power to you. Unlike the magazine, we are not changing our format, though we lament the replacement of the Throwback with the new Stylemaker back page. We taped this on what came to be known as Blackout Tuesday, and oh! the irony! of a paint can lid section devoted to WHITE paint! More white walls are only slightly offset by a rainbow-hued napkin and painted rock tableau. We puzzle over the plans for a kitchen makeover with both a peninsula and an island, and ponder the implications of building a big black box in your front yard. Happy Pride Month, everyone! Signature cocktails: strawberry mint lemon-orangeade cooler, and a “Lilac’s Lament,” a lilac-infused vodka drink with nectarines. Music by Bensound.com. End credits by Ramon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 04 Jul 2020 | The July 2020 Episode: Part One | 00:47:33 | |
It's July, it's summertime, and after months of quarantine/shelter in place/safer at home you deserve a little treat--so we're bringing you TWO episodes for July. In Part One, we do our usual schtick and go through the magazine offering up our unsolicited opinions (spoiler alert: there are tags for hate and tags for love). In Part Two, hear our conversation with our very first guest, Paul Trudel-Payne, an actual award-winning designer who hosts his own podcast! (We'll be on a future episode of his show, In Your Mind.) Part One brings us some Independence Day crafts (not doing those, sorry), yet another all-white house, a gorgeous garden that stresses us out, and some Upstate and Chill. (It's a thing: Google it). Signature cocktail: Cherry Ginger Coolers a la Moscow Mules. Theme and interstitial music by Bensound.com. And make sure to listen to Part Two with our special guest for more shenanigans! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 04 Jul 2020 | The July 2020 Episode: Part Two with Special Guest Paul Trudel-Payne | 01:28:28 | |
It’s a summer surprise: not one but TWO episodes of Could Be Better! In Part Two of our July 2020 episode, we talk with award-winning interior designer, real estate expert and podcast host Paul Trudel-Payne. He hosts the awesome In Your Mind podcast, which we’ll be on in a few weeks. We review a section of the July 2020 issue of Better Homes and Gardens with him, talking paint can lids, the color green, Southwestern style, and some budget-friendly home updates. Whether we are into these things or not…well, listen and find out. We also talk about a non-binary backyard–because gender is over! Make sure to listen to Part One for our full opinion-packed tour through the magazine. Theme music by Bensound.com. Thanks again to Paul for joining us for a fun conversation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 03 Aug 2020 | The August 2020 Episode | 00:59:14 | |
It’s August 2020 and we’re back with another fact-filled episode of Could Be Better! Do you know what the watermelon emoji means? Do you know what color makes Rob go ga-ga for paint can lids? Can you guess what culinary tip J. has been keeping from Rob for years? What is the kids’ favorite song and parents’ least-favorite song? Find out the answers to all of these puzzlers in our August episode! Plus: more hot male gardeners, pickling with the gays, and defying the architecture of your house in your decor. So pour some big-batch rosemary lemonade (our signature cocktail, spiked of course), grab your magazine and read along with us! Music by Bensound.com and the Zinghoppers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 30 Aug 2020 | The September 2020 Episode | 00:55:23 | |
September is here, if you can believe it! In this month's episode, we discuss how the magazine celebrates gay pride a few months late, railroad stripes, and how to project joy throughout your life. It may have been PROject joy in the mag but we've turned it into ProJECT Joy. Which we kind of fail at by lamenting more white walls and even (maybe) having a falling out over plans for J.'s upcoming kitchen reno. Oh, the drama! We're also not sure if one front porch is more M.C. Escher or Q-bert. Plus: another peacock chair, another hot gardener, and throwbacks to the 80's all over the place. Signature cocktails: an Aperol spritz and a Rum-eo & Julep. Music by Bensound.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 04 Sep 2020 | Mini Episode: Pride Flags | 00:13:26 | |
Welcome to a special episode of Could Be Better! In the September issue of Better Homes and Gardens, they featured rainbow-hued items as a trend in decor. (A little late for Pride month, but whatev.) That led us to a discussion about Pride flags, and the current debate between the traditional six-color Pride flag and more inclusive versions–the Philadelphia Pride flag, the Progress flag, et al. Here’s our full conversation about rainbows and Pride flags, unedited. And we’re projecting joy, projecting joy… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 04 Oct 2020 | The October 2020 Episode | 00:49:58 | |
For our October 2020 episode, we go full-on Halloween and revel in the autumnal palettes of the season. We sip apple cider-based cocktails and gush over the “not too spooky” handmade projects in the October issue of Better Homes and Gardens–and, shocker, J. admits to liking these crafts! There are very few tags for hate, so the editors either did a good job or we drank the pumpkin-flavored Kool-Aid. We talk Halloween candy favorites, ghosts (that when wet can look like other things that are even less savory) and ghoulish tableaux. “I Did It” features shiplap, a renovated kitchen inspires J’s reno project, and Rob admits to a huge tag for hate on marshmallows (from a highly specialized store OR in Peeps form). Signature cocktails: caramel apple martinis and apple-ginger sours. Music by Bensound.com. Happy haunting and safe Halloweening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 01 Nov 2020 | The November 2020 Episode | 00:58:30 | |
It’s November again, Thanksgiving (arguably the best holiday for food of the year) is approaching, and you’re wondering what design trend to highlight on your family table. Spoiler alert: it’s dowdiness. How to turn a negative into a positive? Pretend it’s cool! You could also throwback things (like the Throwback feature, which is back, sorta) to a trend you embraced a loooonng time ago, like the one we highlight as our “last page.” (Boycotting the Stylemaker feature.) Rob goes all-in on 90’s female musicians and J. flips for hex tile floors. You know things are weird when one of our favorite (and agreed-upon) tags for love is for the article about composting. Never fear, magazine lovers, this is our penultimate episode so you won’t have to disagree with us for too much longer. So take a new look at Lace (the 80’s miniseries), dried flowers, the color pink, International Male mesh sweaters, and crafts, pour a Thanksgiving cocktail or four, and join us for another episode. Signature cocktails: apple-cran-pumpkin sour, pear-ginger tart martini. Music by Bensound.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 04 Dec 2020 | The December 2020 Episode | 00:57:47 | |
In our final regular episode, we are all about Christmas. And spending all your remaining moments between now and Christmas crafting your handmade decor. At least, that’s what the magazine seems to be saying. No more worries about free time or boredom! You won’t have a moment to spare. Whether you go mad for plaid, feel fine with pine, or you’re down with brown, we’ve got you covered. (Especially the brown…there’s a lot of it.) Rob gets his mind blown by the serendipitous inclusion of his childhood decor projects in the magazine. J. shares a tag for love on a Narnia-esque wardrobe despite what it suggests about parenting styles while Rob says “meh” to the decorate-the-playroom-for-Christmas concept (doesn’t everyone do that?). But we love Christmas decorating, we swear! Fitting for our last episode, Rob’s magazine is different than J’s! (Those pesky Z pages again.) Signature cocktails: mulled wine for Rob, spiked eggnog for J. Theme music by Bensound.com. Thanks to all of our listeners and supporters over the past few years! Keep decorating, keep reading, and of course keep drinking! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 20 Dec 2020 | The Finale | 00:42:56 | |
This is it, folks! Could Be Better is winding to a close after three years. In this bonus episode, Rob and J. say farewell, reminisce about some favorite moments, and share their final advice on home decor. Who will deride all-white interiors and Magnolia now? Who knows but we are sure someone will. Thanks to the thousands who have tuned in over the years, special thanks to the designers and magazine editors who supported us, and to hands-on help from Tim, Michael and Bob. Theme music was by Bensound.com. May your home and your garden be a little bit better than your neighbors' and your best friend's! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
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