For the final episode of series two, we wanted to end with something light-hearted, funny and full of personality — and Brian and Melvyn were the perfect people to do that.

Otherwise known as “Hat and Suitcase”, these two brothers brought humour, heart and complete chaos to the race in equal measure. From Glastonbury flags and Elvis impressions to golf clubs from charity shops, smelly shoes in hotel fridges and arguments about whether Melvyn’s suitcase was really a suitcase, this episode is full of laughs from start to finish.

But underneath all the banter is something much more powerful.

Brian and Melvyn talk honestly about what BBC's Race Across the World taught them — about getting older, trying new things, losing control, coping when life feels uncomfortable and finding confidence in yourself again. They reflect on the experience of travelling together in their sixties, the moments when they wanted to give up, the kindness of strangers, and how the race brought them closer together.

There are also brilliant behind-the-scenes stories from the series itself, including:

• The now-famous Brian and Melvyn Appreciation Society flag at Glastonbury
• Why Melvin’s shoes had to be stored in hotel fridges
• What really happened when they met Caroline and Tom during the race
• The jobs that never made the edit, including bakery work, cleaning a spa and lobster fishing
• Their very different approaches to golf, spending money and life in general
• What it was really like filming 24/7 and living out of one suitcase

As always, this episode is about much more than a television show.

It is about what happens when we keep saying yes to life, even when we are older, even when it feels uncomfortable and even when we have no idea what we are doing.

Brian and Melvyn remind us that you do not have to be the fittest, the fastest or the most prepared person in the room to do something extraordinary.

You just have to be willing to have a go.

Brian and Melvyn’s NVNG Top 3

1. Never be afraid of failure because success always feels sweeter when you know what it is like to lose.
2. Keep trying new things, whatever your age.
3. Sometimes the best experiences come when you stop trying to control everything.

A huge thank you to Brian and Melvyn for helping us end series two in such a funny, honest and uplifting way. Follow them on Instagram

And thank you to everyone who has listened, supported, shared and encouraged us throughout this series.

We will be back soon.

Please follow us on Instagram for lots of fun, adventures and behind the scenes antics.

NVNG is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge. Rebecca is an ICF PCC Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility. Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas — a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards.

🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing.

📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027

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