Shows
How We Made Your MotherHow We Met the Office Ladies [with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey]Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas welcome Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey of Office Ladies for an “extra-extra-special” crossover episode that celebrates the shared DNA between The Office and How I Met Your Mother. The four trade stories about auditioning, early career struggles, and the naïve confidence it took to chase a dream to Los Angeles. Jenna and Angela recall the pressure of remaking the British Office and the moment they knew Diversity Day proved their show’s originality; Josh and Craig compare that to creating HIMYM in the shadow of Friends. They discuss manifesting success, the comfort of ensembl...
2025-11-131h 10
Office LadiesHow We Met the Office LadiesThis week on Office Ladies 6.0, Jenna and Angela chat with the hosts of the “How We Made Your Mother” podcast, Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas! Welcome to the Office Ladies Network fellas! Josh played Ted Mosby on the hit TV comedy “How I Met Your Mother” and Craig Thomas co-created the show. Now they talk all things about how the show was made and give fans behind the scenes details on their podcast, How We Made Your Mother. Josh and Craig join the ladies this week to rewatch “The Office” episode “Customer Survey”. They also discuss the time they all spent as par...
2025-11-1254 minHow We Made Your MotherHow that Wasn't Ted | S2E4 "Ted Mosby: Architect"In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas revisit Season 2, Episode 4, “Ted Mosby: Architect,” which aired October 9, 2006. They reflect on the show’s use of music—like the Decemberists’ “Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect”—and how songs became part of Ted’s emotional language. They discuss the episode’s mystery structure, Robin and Ted’s first fight, and the episode’s emotional ending, where Ted shares his architectural dream with Robin. The two dive deep into the craft of storytelling, the symbolism of architecture, and the “HIMYM” balance between comedy and emotional truth. They also t...
2025-11-101h 08How We Made Your MotherHow We Met Marshall's Calves | S2E3 "Brunch"Season two, episode three of How We Made Your Mother takes on “Brunch,” the HIMYM episode that juggles family chaos, secrets, and spicy breakfast rolls. Josh and Craig reminisce about casting Michael Gross—yes, the dad from Family Ties—as Ted’s father, and how surreal that was for Josh, who grew up watching him on TV in Columbus, Ohio. They unpack the episode’s Pulp Fiction-style structure, Ted’s awkward family brunch with his divorced parents, Robin, and Barney, and the hilarious side plots of Marshall and Lily’s lingering chemistry (and calves). The hosts also dive into themes of commun...
2025-11-031h 08
Jill on Money with Jill SchlesingerIntroducing How We Made Your Mother Season 2!It’s been 20 years since How I Met Your Mother premiered, and just over 10 years since the finale. Josh Radnor, who played “Ted” for nine seasons teams up with series co-creator Craig Thomas for this episode-by-episode rewatch podcast. For the superfans, HWMYM will get into all the secrets, theories, and pineapples, but we'll also use HIMYM – and our relationship to it two decades later – to talk about life and love and art and everything in between. How We Made Your Mother, a flashback podcast for a flashback show. You can listen to all episodes of season 1 now, and join Josh and Cr...
2025-11-0105 minHow We Made Your MotherHow Marshall Met the Apocalyptic Wasteland | S2E2 "The Scorpion and the Toad"Season two, episode two of How We Made Your Mother opens with a message from Brazil, and a story about growing up with HIMYM that sets the tone for a conversation about comfort, change, and creative courage. Josh and Craig discuss “The Scorpion and the Toad,” where Marshall tries to reenter the dating world with Barney as his wingman—only to be repeatedly sabotaged by him. They unpack the Aesop fable behind the title, Barney’s compulsive nature, and how this episode explores addiction, friendship, and moral boundaries beneath the comedy. The hosts share behind-the-scenes moments about Lily’s emotional...
2025-10-2754 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Spent the Summer | S2E1 "Where Were We?"Season two of How We Made Your Mother kicks off with a big announcement: the show has officially joined the Office Ladies Network, thanks to a friendship between Josh Radnor and Jenna Fischer.
Josh and Craig reminisce about filming “Where Were We,” the How I Met Your Mother season two premiere, breaking down the challenge of picking up right after Ted and Robin’s rain-soaked kiss and Marshall’s heartbreak. They dig into the emotional realism of post-breakup depression, the iconic “When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead” line, and behind-the-scenes stories about George...
2025-10-201h 05
Entertainment & Celebrity News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!How I Met Your Mother Podcast Joins Office LadiesHow I Met Your Mother rewatch podcast joins the Office Ladies network! Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas's How We Made Your Mother is moving to Audacy and teaming up with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, promising even more behind-the-scenes stories and big-name guests like Bryan Cranston. Get ready for a heartfelt, funny, and nostalgic deep dive into season two and beyond!The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-10-1402 minHow We Made Your MotherSeason 2 TrailerWe're back! How We Made Your Mother returns for another season of rewatching the hit TV series How I Made Your Mother! Josh Radnor and series co-creator Craig Thomas will discuss all 22 episodes of Season 2, including classic episodes like “Ted Mosby: Architect,” “Swarley,” “Slap Bet,” and “Something Blue.” You like guests? We’ve got guests, including Joe Manganiello and that man who finally proved to the world that he had dramatic acting chops, through his iconic portrayal of Hammond Druthers, Mr. Bryan Cranston.
We love hearing from the fans, so please go to www.HowWeMadeYourMother.com and click on the CONTAC...
2025-10-1304 min
How We Made Your MotherPresenting: The Craft of Being with Guest Alek LevWelcome again to another bonus episode of How We Made Your Mother!
It’s our final bonus episode before we launch Season 2 towards the end of October. In this upcoming season we’ve already got a bunch of special guests lined up and a VERY special announcement about our podcast which we’re just not quite allowed to announce right now. So stay tuned.
This week we bring you an interview that Alek did on the new podcast The Craft of Being, hosted by Anna Schumacher.
The Craft of Being is a podcast via a se...
2025-10-0343 min
How We Made Your MotherPresenting: Hyperfocus with Guest Craig ThomasHello Major Fans of How We Made Your Mother, and welcome to another bonus episode. We are hard at work on Season Two (which will launch soon), and we want to use this space to share some appearances of the team on other great podcasts.
This week, we bring you Craig Thomas’s appearance on Hyperfocus. Hyperfocus is a show that zeroes in on what fascinates us about ADHD, mental health, and learning. From hacking your dopamine to busting TikTok myths, it blends personal stories, sharp questions, and expert insight. The show is produced by Understood.org, a...
2025-09-3054 min
How We Made Your MotherPresenting: Life in Seven Songs with Guest Josh RadnorHello Major Fans of How We Made Your Mother and welcome to another bonus episode!
We are hard at work on Season Two (which will launch soon), and we want to use this space to share some appearances of the team on other great podcasts. This week, we bring you Josh Radnor’s appearance on Life in Seven Songs.
What songs tell your life story? On Life in Seven Songs, we ask this question of some of the world’s most fascinating people. Through seven songs, guests reveal the milestones—and the music—that have shaped t...
2025-09-2834 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Made it Rain | S1E22 "Come On"Josh and Craig close out season one revisiting “Come On,” celebrating the show’s early confidence, playful narrator tricks, and willingness to dip into magical realism—culminating in Ted’s euphoric rain dance to keep Robin from camping with Sandy Rivers as Marshall and Lily’s relationship hits a seismic crisis over her San Francisco art fellowship. They talk about cramming emotion into 22 minutes, the power of the Block Party needle‑drop “This Modern Love,” and why grand gestures (roses!) often fail while messy, heartfelt acts can work.
There are shoutouts to Alexis Denisof, Amy Acker, script supervisor Janet K...
2025-09-011h 27
How We Made Your MotherPresenting: Arts Educators Save the World with Guest Craig ThomasWelcome back to your How We Made Your Mother feed. Today, we are presenting an appearance by our own Craig Thomas on a podcast called Arts Educators Save the World, where successful artist sit in conversation with their mentors to talk about the importance of art, arts education, and mentorship. I produced this podcast with my lifelong friend, Erica. Last week we brought your our episode with Josh Randor and his teacher from NYU. This week, we’ve got Craig and Rob Greenberg, an experienced writer and show runner who helped Craig and Carter in the early years of HI...
2025-08-291h 02How We Made Your MotherHow Lily Went AWOL | S1E21 "Milk"Josh and Craig break down S1E21 “Milk,” debating the title (they pitch better ones like “Mistakes” and “Fight or Flight”) and zeroing in on Lily’s panic about growing up: she secretly takes Marshall’s Fiero toward a San Francisco art opportunity, calls Ted from the roadside, and he chooses loyalty—ditching a matchmaker-arranged “perfect” date—to help his best friend, a Ted–Lily dynamic the guys really love. Meanwhile, Marshall sinks deeper into Barney’s corporate prank culture, and the matchmaker thread rekindles Ted’s feelings for Robin, capped by her late‑night rescue (and infamous bad highlights) that nudges Ted towa...
2025-08-2555 min
How We Made Your MotherPresenting: Arts Educators Save the World with Guest Josh RadnorToday, we are presenting an appearance by our own Josh Radnor on a podcast called Arts Educators Save the World, where successful artists sit in conversation with their mentors to talk about the importance of art, arts education, and mentorship. Alek produced this podcast with his lifelong friend, Erica, and this is a fantastic episode with Josh and one of his teachers from NYU, Deborah Lapidus.
And next week, we’ve got another episode of Arts Educators Save the World, this time with one Craig Thomas, in conversation with Rob Greenberg, who worked with Craig and Carter on...
2025-08-2244 minHow We Made Your MotherHow Alek Almost Killed Alyson | S1E20 "Best Prom Ever"In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit “Best Prom Ever,” which features Alek’s memorable (well, to him) cameo as Todd. They reflect on the episode’s big themes—Lily’s growing doubts, the anxiety of adult commitment, and the bittersweet grief that comes with making life choices. The conversation also includes a heartfelt listener message from Jesse, a longtime trans fan of the show, which prompts a thoughtful, honest discussion about how comedy evolves, the importance of inclusive language, and owning past mistakes. The team also unpacks behind-the-scenes stories from filming the prom sequenc...
2025-08-181h 05How We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E19 "Mary the Paralegal"In this General Questions episode following Mary the Paralegal, Josh, Craig, and Alek explore fan-submitted questions ranging from the origins of catchphrases like “Lawyered” and the logic behind character names, to deeper themes like miscommunication and the emotional cost of avoiding vulnerability. They reflect on moments from the show that became iconic (telepathic conversations, Barney’s antics, mustache-on-TV gags), and share behind-the-scenes details like how Buzz Aldrin inspired Lily’s last name. They also dive into how assumptions, pretending, and silence shaped the story of Mary the Paralegal, and how telepathy became a comedic counterpoint to all the unspoken truths.
2025-08-1425 minHow We Made Your MotherHow There Was Something About Mary [with director Pam Fryman] | S1E19 "Mary the Paralegal"This episode features the long-awaited guest appearance of director Pam Fryman, who helmed nearly every episode of How I Met Your Mother. Josh and Craig share stories of how Pam shaped the show’s tone, protected its emotional core, and created a supportive, joyful set culture that lasted nine seasons. They also look back at the episode “Mary the Paralegal,” reliving Sandy Rivers’ debut, Ted’s misguided date, and the first-ever “lawyered” and telepathy jokes. The group reflects on the challenges of shooting without a live audience, the benefits of breaking sitcom norms, and one outdated line they wouldn’t include today...
2025-08-111h 19How We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E18 "Nothing Good Happens After 2 AM"In this General Questions episode following Nothing Good Happens After 2 A.M., the hosts dive into the fan reactions and deeper themes behind Ted and Robin’s decisions, exploring moral ambiguity, emotional neediness, and the push-pull dynamics of late-night choices. They reflect on the enduring relevance of these situations—romantic longing, blurred boundaries, and personal regrets—and how the show’s framing device allows for layered interpretation of behavior that’s questionable but deeply human. Production details come up too, including why they didn’t shoot a costly Ashley Williams cutaway and what wedding episodes really cost. They also reflect on t...
2025-08-0723 minHow We Made Your MotherHow Nothing Good Happened | S1E18 "Nothing Good Happens After 2 AM"Josh and Craig dive into the season one favorite “Nothing Good Happens After 2 A.M.” and talk about ghost stories, juice excuses, and bad decisions made in the middle of the night. They break down why this episode feels more like a play than a sitcom, how Ted gets pulled in every direction (and lies to everyone), and why the moral center of the show still holds up. They celebrate Alexis Denisof’s perfect intro as Sandy Rivers, shout out the music choices, and read two moving fan letters about how the show helped people through hard times.
...
2025-08-0459 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Were Steak Sauce | S1E17 "Life Among the Gorillas"Josh and Craig dive into Season 1, Episode 17, “Life Among the Gorillas,” where Marshall starts to lose himself in a toxic corporate job, raising big questions about identity, money, and what it means to be a man. They talk about peer pressure in your 20s, the real cost of selling out, and how the show handled financial stress in a way most sitcoms didn’t. They also touch on the long-distance struggles of Ted and Victoria, the genius of the episode’s cliffhanger, and share stories about early mentors who helped them believe in their creative paths. Plus, a surprise and swee...
2025-07-2858 minHow We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E16 "Cupcake"Was Victoria going to be the mother if the show was canceled early? Find out!
In this General Questions episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh, Craig, and Alek dive deeper into episode 16, “Cupcake,” prompted by listener questions. They discuss how rare and satisfying it was to see Victoria choose her career over love, a choice echoed in Robin’s character arc as well. The team explores the value of fan theories—whether or not the creators intended certain meanings—and the power of unconscious storytelling, comparing it to dream logic, color theory, and even H...
2025-07-2427 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Sat on a Cake | S1E16 "Cupcake"In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit “Cupcake” (Season 1, Episode 16), reflecting on the pivotal crossroads for Ted and Victoria as she prepares to leave for Germany. They praise Ashley Williams’s performance and discuss the episode’s unique structure—showing the same day from both characters’ perspectives. The conversation dives into how HIMYM grapples with adult issues like money, long-distance relationships, and self-identity in your 20s, highlighting the show’s emotional honesty beneath its humor. They explore Barney’s manipulative but needy attempts to recruit Marshall to the “dark side,” Lily’s cake-sitting disaster, and the subt...
2025-07-2155 minHow We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E15 "Game Night"In this General Questions episode, the team brings back Chris Harris (writer of the HIMYM episode “Game Night”) to answer fan questions and explore deeper elements of storytelling from the early seasons. They discuss how HIMYM balanced large, event-style episodes with character development, whether Chris was intentionally given “scope” episodes like “Subway Wars,” and how character traits (like Marshall’s love of games) were assigned in the show’s early, more flexible days.
They touch on the importance of continuity in a serialized sitcom, the organic nature of callbacks, and the evolving creative relationships between writers, actors, and the broader...
2025-07-1723 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Met Your Vader [with Chris Harris] | S1E15 "Game Night"In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig are joined by writer Chris Harris to reflect on the making of Season 1, Episode 15: “Game Night.” The trio breaks down the episode’s structure, the origin of Barney’s backstory, and how the writers constructed a compelling present-day story to balance the flashbacks. They talk about the decision to reveal Barney’s past as a heartbroken hippie and the challenges of maintaining both comedic pacing and emotional depth. Chris shares memories from the writers’ room, including how “Marshgammon” came to life, legal hurdles around parodying Monopoly, and Neil Patrick Har...
2025-07-141h 04How We Made Your MotherHow We Met More Ashley Williams | S1E14 "Zip, Zip, Zip"In Part 2 of their conversation with Ashley Williams, the How We Made Your Mother team explores the legacy of the episode “Zip, Zip, Zip” while also reflecting on its tonal whiplash following the romantic “Drumroll, Please.” Ashley, Josh, and Craig discuss the writers’ room debate about couples’ bathroom practices, what it’s like to shift from lead storyline to comic side note, and how multi-cam shows use genre to balance intimacy and laughs. Ashley shares touching and hilarious stories about her relationship with her husband Neil—including Snickers-fueled declarations of love. The group also breaks down favorite “Zip, Zip, Zip” moments (like...
2025-07-1040 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Met Ashley Williams | S1E14 "Zip, Zip, Zip"In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas welcome Ashley Williams—beloved for her role as Victoria—for an in-depth conversation that’s as much about How I Met Your Mother as it is about surviving (and thriving) in the world of multi-cam sitcoms. They reflect on the intimacy and cinematic tone of “Drumroll, Please,” the silliness of “Zip, Zip, Zip,” and the powerful creative safety net provided by director Pam Fryman. Ashley opens up about her early industry struggles, hard lips during on-screen kisses, and the healing experience of joining the...
2025-07-0746 min
How We Made Your MotherPresenting: The Puzzler with Guest Josh RadnorHWMYM is just taking one week off, but we are thrilled to be able to bring you an appearance that Josh made on an incredibly fun podcast called The Puzzler, where the host, A.J. Jacobs, tested his puzzle skills with a bunch of original word games. As you might know, Josh a big crossword fan, and it sounds like he had a great time. We thought you might enjoy it, too. What you’ll hear are three short episodes they recorded, one after the other. So take a listen, and be sure to subscribe to The Puzzler wherever yo...
2025-06-3045 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Almost | S1E13 "Drumroll, Please"In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit the deeply romantic Season 1 quasi-two-parter culminating in “Drumroll, Please,” where Ted meets Victoria at a wedding and chooses connection over logistics. They unpack how the structure mirrors “The Pineapple Incident,” praise the chemistry between Josh and Ashley Williams, and reflect on how the episode balances whimsical rom-com structure with emotional realism. They explore Ted’s romantic resilience, Robin’s surprise vulnerability, and the subtle heartbreak and sweetness of not kissing. The hosts also discuss rom-com mythmaking, garment metaphors, and HIMYM’s layered mysteries, while listener messages highlight the...
2025-06-231h 07How We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E12 "The Wedding"In this bonus “General Questions” episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh, Craig, and Alek reflect on the Season 1 episode “The Wedding,” especially the lasting impact of Ashley Williams as Victoria, even with just seconds of screen time. They explore why her character resonated so deeply, whether she was ever considered to be the mother if the show had ended early, and how the timing of her reveal was crafted to feel mythic and cinematic. They talk about writing under the pressure of a midseason pickup, the significance of Victoria’s entrance, and the show’s deeper themes of trust, su...
2025-06-1926 minHow We Made Your MotherHow Dare You Mess with Claudia | S1E12 "The Wedding"Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas revisit “The Wedding,” Season 1, Episode 12 of How I Met Your Mother, focusing on how Ted’s belief in love and planning clashes with reality, nearly derailing someone else’s wedding. They explore themes of memory, self-sabotage, and how the show captures both heartbreak and hope. The conversation covers Ted’s romantic logic, the reveal that he didn’t actually check “plus one,” and how this episode sets up the next with the introduction of Victoria. They also highlight Sue Fetterman’s editing, the odd sudden closeness of Stuart and Claudia, and how weddings stir up emotions and ex...
2025-06-1659 minHow We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E11 "The Limo"In this bonus “General Questions” episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh, Craig, and Alek reflect on gender dynamics in How I Met Your Mother, prompted by a listener who studied “The Limo” episode in an English class on 2000s sitcoms. They explore the show’s gender role reversals, Barney’s objectification of women (and how it was meant to be satirical), and the tension between authorial intent and fan interpretation. They also dive into the legacy and construction of Barney’s iconic Get Psyched mix (including whether a prop list or fan reconstructions are accurate), share their own personal “...
2025-06-1228 minHow We Made Your MotherHow That Wasn't Moby | S1E11 "The Limo"Josh and Craig reflect on How I Met Your Mother’s Season 1 episode “The Limo,” a fan-favorite New Year’s Eve story that they and many fans—including Andrea from Mexico—consider emblematic of the show’s emotional core. They recall the episode’s ambition to be a “simple shoot” that turned out to be one of the most technically challenging due to the cramped limo set, and share behind-the-scenes stories like Jason Segel’s triumphant foggy entrance, the difficulty of getting camera shots in the limo, and the running joke of “the circuits are jammed.” They marvel at the Emmy-winning cinematog...
2025-06-091h 11How We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E10 "The Pineapple Incident"In this bonus “General Questions” episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh Radnor, Craig Thomas, and Alek Lev dive into fan-submitted questions about “The Pineapple Incident,” covering everything from the origin of the pineapple (a mysterious “alien fruit”) to the challenges of shooting nonlinear narratives. They reminisce about the kind, collaborative atmosphere on set, the influences behind HIMYM’s story structure (like Rashomon and Memento), and how props like the yellow umbrella and blue French horn have become iconic fan symbols. The episode also includes some vacation banter, and a heartfelt discussion about gratitude, presence, and the legacy of the show.
2025-06-0535 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Chose a Pineapple [with co-creator Carter Bays] | S1E10 "The Pineapple Incident"Josh and Craig are joined by series co-creator Carter Bays to revisit “The Pineapple Incident,” one of How I Met Your Mother’s most beloved early episodes. They share how the idea—originally called “Drunken Fiasco”—was one of the first ever pitched for the show, long before the writers’ room formed. The trio reflect on the power of mystery in storytelling, how the episode helped define the show’s voice, and why they ultimately prefer the pineapple to remain unexplained. Carter does reveal, however, the real-life inspiration for the “vomit-free since ’93” line. With detours into fan tattoos, early network notes, and the j...
2025-06-021h 12How We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E9 "Belly Full of Turkey"In this bonus episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig return to episode 9, “Belly Full of Turkey,” to answer listener questions, share new behind-the-scenes stories, and read exclusive commentary from writer Chris Miller. They dive into the magic of set construction, the evolution of Marshall’s Minnesota roots, last-minute casting shake-ups (including how Bill Fagerbakke became Marshall’s dad), and the contributions of the beloved stand-ins. Josh also shares heartfelt stories from his recent music tour, including fans flying in from across the world. It’s a fast-moving, funny, and emotional look at the people who helped sha...
2025-05-2929 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Birthed a Turkey | S1E9 "Belly Full of Turkey"In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, Josh and Craig revisit “Belly Full of Turkey” and reflect on Lily’s hilarious but heartfelt journey into Marshall’s giant Minnesota family, while Ted, Robin, and Barney navigate their own offbeat holiday at a food shelter (and later, a strip club). They discuss Allison Hannigan’s standout performance, the visual comedy of a Brooklyn girl in a land of giants, and the deeper emotional themes of family, identity, and partnership. With behind-the-scenes stories, a moving listener letter from Australia, and insights from Jordana about in-laws and marriage, this episode blends big laughs with big feelings—j...
2025-05-2654 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Met Cobie SmuldersIn this special episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig sit down with Cobie Smulders to talk all things Robin Scherbatsky—from her early auditions and the moment Robin became Canadian to how the character evolved over nine seasons. Cobie shares what it’s like to play one of TV’s most iconic roles and how the writers wove her real-life quirks into Robin’s journey. The trio laughs through stories of whispered pre-scene obscenities, Jason Segel’s hammer pants, and the behind-the-scenes friendships that made the show feel more like a band than a sitcom.
We a...
2025-05-191h 18How We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E8 "The Duel"In this General Questions bonus episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh, Craig, and Alec reflect on “The Duel” and answer fan questions about real-life apartments, the emotional weight of physical space, and how props like swords and Shockey came to represent bigger ideas in the show. They also dig into the origins of HIMYM’s many fictional websites, the legacy of Barney’s blog, and the writers assistants who used that material to launch their careers. The conversation blends nostalgia, comedy, and sincerity—covering everything from sentimental goodbyes to apartments, to what it’s like to stage a sitcom swo...
2025-05-1533 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Stabbed Lily | S1E8 "The Duel"In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit “The Duel,” where Ted, Marshall, and Lily wrestle—literally and emotionally—with what it means to grow up without growing apart. From the iconic sword fight to Barney’s very first attempt at making a “thing” with the Lemon Law, the episode explores fear of change, nostalgia, and the dream of keeping your friends close as life pulls you in different directions. They also discuss how objects carry emotional meaning in HIMYM’s storytelling, the mystical character of New York City, and the very real inspiration behind Shockey t...
2025-05-1258 minHow We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E7 "Matchmaker"In this General Questions bonus episode, Josh, Craig, and Alek answer listener questions inspired by “Matchmaker” and the legendary cockamouse. They share memories of life on set—from forgotten script pages to candy carts—and reflect on the ecosystem of people who brought HIMYM to life behind the scenes. The conversation also explores the inspiration behind the matchmaking plot, how Robin’s job helped shrink New York into a small-town setting, and why characters like Ted become verbs among close friends. Plus, they tackle the fan-favorite topic of spoilers (or avoiding them), and reveal whether they ever had an emergency...
2025-05-0824 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Met Our Match | S1E7 "Matchmaker"In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit HIMYM Season 1, Episode 7: “Matchmaker.” They break down the hilarious and heartfelt collision of fate and data as Ted tries a professional dating service and meets Camryn Manheim’s character, Ellen, the no-nonsense matchmaker who delivers one of the most memorable guest turns in early HIMYM. They discuss how her storyline puts Ted’s romantic optimism to the test, while Marshall and Lily face off with the mysterious cockamouse in a B-story that has since become a fan favorite. From the real-life origin of the cockamouse to the time...
2025-05-0557 minHow We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E6 "The Slutty Pumpkin"In this bonus episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh, Craig, and Alek dive into the Season 1 fan-favorite episode “The Slutty Pumpkin.” They revisit how the show used Ted’s bizarre romantic traditions to explore themes of hope, faith, and emotional resilience. The conversation also highlights Robin’s struggle with intimacy, the early signs of attachment theory at work in the writing, and the growing chemistry between the cast. They reflect on iconic bits like Marshmallow and Lilypad, Ted’s loud love for a cappella, and the origins of one of the series’ best music moments featuring Nada Surf. Plus...
2025-05-0125 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Stayed Up All Night | S1E6 "The Slutty Pumpkin"In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit “The Slutty Pumpkin,” a fan-favorite early episode of HIMYM written by Brenda Hsueh. They explore how the episode deepens Ted and Robin’s characters—Ted’s relentless romantic hopefulness and Robin’s fear of losing her independence—while also setting up major relationship themes that carry through the series. They reflect on the inspiration behind Ted’s ritualistic loyalty to the pumpkin party, the show’s early use of attachment theory (before it was trendy), the origins of classic bits like Marshmallow and Lilypad, and why Ted’s unreasonable...
2025-04-2851 minHow We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E5 "Okay Awesome"In this bonus General Questions episode, Josh, Craig, and Alek answer fan-submitted questions about “Okay Awesome,” diving into Marshall’s dance moves, the role of improv in the show, and the legacy of HIMYM props. They also explore the emotional roots of the episode’s themes—like fear of adulthood and holding on to youthful joy—and reflect on how memory, nostalgia, and storytelling shape the way we grow up. Plus, an all-time great listener question from Maya Rupert inspires a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about each host’s personal “Okay Awesome” list: things everyone is supposed to love… but they just don’t...
2025-04-2437 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Couldn't Hear You | S1E5 "Okay Awesome"In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig take a deep dive into “Okay Awesome,” HIMYM’s first “club episode” and the debut script of longtime writer Chris Harris. They revisit the origin of the show’s loudest joke—the nightclub subtitles gag—and reflect on the real-life friendship themes that drive the plot, as Marshall and Ted struggle to stay connected across diverging life paths. They also discuss Robin’s need for validation, the debut of HIMYM’s iconic narrative tricks, the magic of Jason Segel’s dance moves, and why Alyson Hannigan’s Lily might be the show’s...
2025-04-2151 minHow We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E4 "Return of the Shirt"In this General Questions bonus episode, Josh, Craig, and Alek field fan-submitted questions all about Season 1, Episode 4: “Return of the Shirt.” They dig into nostalgia, memory, and what it means to go back to a past relationship—or a past version of yourself. The conversation also covers the symbolism of “the shirt,” how wardrobe choices are made, and the deeper meaning of memory in both life and storytelling. They explore how music shapes emotional memory, revisit HIMYM’s digital side quests (RIP, Barney’s Blog), and wrestle with one line that hasn’t aged well. Plus, sock monkeys, Bell and Sebastian, a...
2025-04-1737 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Returned a Shirt | S1E4 “Return of the Shirt”In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig are joined by longtime HIMYM writer and producer Kourtney Kang to break down Season 1, Episode 4: “Return of the Shirt.” Together, they explore the emotional roots of the story—from the awkwardness of rekindling old relationships to the anxiety of breaking up with someone (twice, on their birthday, at a surprise party). They also highlight how this episode marks a turning point for Robin as a comedic character and showcases one of the earliest examples of the show’s signature blend of heart and absurdity. Plus, the real story be...
2025-04-141h 06How We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E3 "The Sweet Taste of Liberty"In this bonus General Questions episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh, Craig, and Alek dive deep into how How I Met Your Mother actually got made. They walk through the production week—from table reads to rewrites, from blocking to shooting—and share behind-the-scenes memories from the early days of the show. They also revisit the creation of the show’s opening credits, the music choices that almost happened, and the story behind Barney’s first big catchphrase. A true behind-the-scenes look at how television comes together—complete with New York Street, Liberty Bell licking, and Barney zipped in...
2025-04-1039 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Made a Cartoon | S1E3 "The Sweet Taste of Liberty"In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit “The Sweet Taste of Liberty” and talk about how it marked a shift in tone for the show. The episode introduced Barney’s cartoonish side, the “legend—wait for it—dary” catchphrase, and a more outrageous style of storytelling. They discuss the influence of writers Chris Miller and Phil Lord, the origins of Barney’s character, and the episode’s mission to answer two big questions: Why is this wild man part of the friend group? And how do Robin and Lily become friends?The conv...
2025-04-071h 02How We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E2 "Purple Giraffe"In this bonus General Questions episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh, Craig, and Alek respond to listener questions all about “Purple Giraffe.” They cover everything from how Josh and Cobie developed their early on-screen chemistry to the symbolism of the rooftop and the origin of the show’s callbacks. The team also weighs in on the fan-created “purple vs. yellow” theory, share behind-the-scenes wardrobe details, and talk about how real-life relationships and experiences made their way into the show’s characters.They reflect on what it felt like filming the second episode after the pi...
2025-04-0337 minHow We Made Your MotherHow I Met the Roof | S1E2 "Purple Giraffe"In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit How I Met Your Mother’s second episode, “Purple Giraffe.” They talk about the pressure of following up the pilot, the decision to structure the story around three parties, and how the show continued to play with time and storytelling. They also reflect on Ted’s optimism, his flaws, and what this episode reveals about his character.The episode includes behind-the-scenes stories about writing, editing, and production, including how the purple giraffe came to be and why the rooftop scene was so impor...
2025-03-311h 08How We Made Your MotherGeneral Questions | S1E1 "Pilot"In this bonus episode, Josh Radnor, Craig Thomas, and producer Alek Lev answer your General Questions—rapid-fire style! From the origin of the “major problem / general question” salute, to behind-the-scenes memories from the pilot, and how Ted’s infamous blue French horn heist was conceived, this episode dives into your burning curiosities.They also reflect on what older Ted would say to younger Ted, how Bob Saget became the voice of future Ted, and the surprising story of how Carl the Bartender ended up on the show.Questions Answered in This Episode:
2025-03-2741 minHow We Made Your MotherHowwww We Met Ted | S1E1 "Pilot"This week, Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas kick off the official rewatch of the PILOT episode of How I Met Your Mother! They reflect on the origin of the series, the narrative complexity of the show’s storytelling, and the way the pilot sets up the entire series—from Ted’s romantic optimism to Barney’s legendary schemes.They also revisit memories from filming, discuss the impact of the show’s themes on fans, and answer the big question: If they could rename the first episode, what would it be?CONNECT...
2025-03-241h 17How We Made Your MotherHow Craig Met Carter [AKA: "The Backpack Boys"]When we sat down with Carter Bays to talk about the development of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, we just couldn’t stop talking. And by the end, we found that we had two episodes on our hands: We had HOW WE GOT IT MADE, detailing the ins and outs of pitching, selling, casting, and finally making HIMYM. But we also have our first bonus episode, HOW CRAIG MET CARTER, about the legendary meeting at Wesleyan University of the HIMYM creators, their musical and comedy collaborations through their work at THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, right up until the moment the...
2025-03-2036 minHow We Made Your MotherHow They Got it Made [with co-creator Carter Bays]On this week's episode of How We Made Your Mother, we welcome the most special of guests: The co-creator, co-writer, co-showrunner and Executive Producer of How I Met Your Mother, the legendary... Carter Bays!If you’ve ever wondered how you get a show on the air, especially one that is all framed as a flashback, or one that is framed as a flashback and uses even more flashbacks (and flashforwards) in that flashback, or one that is framed as a flashback and uses flashbacks and flashforwards that also has its characters evolve and chan...
2025-03-171h 02How We Made Your MotherHow We Made This PodcastWelcome to How We Made Your Mother, a new weekly podcast, rewatching 208 episodes of How I Met Your Mother. In our inaugural episode, Josh Radnor (“Ted Mosby”) and Craig Thomas (co-creator) discuss the origins of this podcast, and lay out some of the questions and themes they look to explore. EPISODES MENTIONED:Return of the Shirt (Season 1, Episode 4)The Pineapple Incident (Season 1, Episode 10)Drumroll, Please (Season 1, Episode 13)CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:Official Webs...
2025-03-1052 minHow We Made Your MotherHow We Made This PodcastWelcome to How We Made Your Mother, a new weekly podcast, rewatching 208 episodes of How I Met Your Mother. In our inaugural episode, Josh Radnor (“Ted Mosby”) and Craig Thomas (co-creator) discuss the origins of this podcast, and lay out some of the questions and themes they look to explore. Episodes Mentioned:Return of the Shirt (Season 1, Episode 4)The Pineapple Incident (Season 1, Episode 10)Drumroll, Please (Season 1, Episode 13)Music Mentioned:The Boy with the Arab Strap (Apple Music)The Boy with...
2025-03-0752 minHow We Made Your MotherIntroducing How We Made Your MotherIt’s been 20 years since How I Met Your Mother premiered, and just over 10 years since the finale. With so many round numbers in the air, it’s time to look back at this groundbreaking show. Josh Radnor, who played “Ted” for nine seasons teams up with series co-creator Craig Thomas for this episode-by-episode rewatch podcast. For the superfans, HWMYM (listen to the trailer to learn how it’s pronounced) will get into all the secrets, theories, and pineapples, but we'll also use HIMYM – and our relationship to it two decades later – to talk about life and love and art and everyt...
2025-03-0302 minHow We Made Your MotherWait for It…Follow the show today and be sure not to miss the full PROMO, dropping on MARCH 3rd, and our first FULL EPISODE just a week later on MARCH 10th. Make sure to go towww.HowWeMadeYourMother.com to join our Substack mailing list, get links to all our social media sites, learn more about the show, and send us an email or an audio message with your questions or to tell us what HIMYM means to you.Advertising Inquires: hwmym@wearebv.com To learn more about l...
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