How We Made Your Mother

Season two, episode five of How We Made Your Mother dives into “World’s Greatest Couple,” where Lily moves in with Barney, and Marshall finds unexpected companionship with Brad—played by guest star Joe Manganiello, who joins Josh and Craig for the episode. The hosts break down how this fan-favorite storyline came together: Lily’s disastrous apartment, the debut of Barney’s Fortress of Barnitude, and the surprisingly sweet “odd couple” chemistry between Lily and Barney. They also reveal behind-the-scenes details about Joe’s casting, his Carnegie Mellon roots, and how his vulnerable, hilarious energy made Brad a standout character. Josh and Craig discuss the episode’s mystery structure, the craftsmanship behind the Murphy bed gag, and Barney’s hidden loneliness beneath all the bravado. Joe shares stories about his early days in Hollywood, his “bros at brunch” fame, and what could’ve been if Brad had become a series regular. The episode closes with heartfelt listener letters from Emma in Canada and Brenda in New Jersey, reflecting on breakups, creative growth, and how HIMYM helps fans rediscover hope and strength through changing chapters of life. Check out cartoonist and comedian Asher Perlman on INSTAGRAM. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Instagram READ JOSH’S MUSELETTERS ON SUBSTACK: Subscribe HERE. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to order your copy of THAT’S NOT HOW IT HAPPENED. SUPPORT PEDIATRIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE RESEARCH: Click HERE to learn more and donate today. FOLLOW THE OFFICE LADIES: Check out "Office Ladies" at https://officeladies.com/ or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow on Instagram: OfficeLadiesPod Follow on TikTok AND MORE: Josh’s Official WebsiteJosh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 ensemble storytelling, nostalgia for network-era TV, and what it means to have made “comfort shows” that helped fans through hard times. The episode closes with a listener letter from Chile about how HIMYM quite literally changed one fan’s life—and a toast to everyone who’s ever found solace, laughter, and a sense of home in these two beloved worlds. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Instagram FOLLOW THE OFFICE LADIES: Check out "Office Ladies" at https://officeladies.com/ or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow on Instagram: OfficeLadiesPod Follow on TikTok READ JOSH’S MUSELETTERS ON SUBSTACK: Subscribe HERE. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to order your copy of THAT’S NOT HOW IT HAPPENED. SUPPORT PEDIATRIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE RESEARCH: Click HERE to learn more and donate today. AND MORE: Josh’s Official WebsiteJosh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 talk about Field of Dreams, music supervision, and fan letters that show how the series became a source of comfort and inspiration for viewers. General Questions we Sort of Answer: How did Spokane get chosen for the skyscraper site? Was the Decemberists’ song chosen just because it had “architect” in the title, or for its lyrics? Where do Carter and Craig’s real lives end and the fictional HIMYM characters begin? You can check out Evryman retreats HERE. If you don’t know the amazing work of the great Al Hirschfeld, take a LOOK. Listen to Ezra Klein’s interview with Brian Eno on APPLE PODCASTS or SPOTIFY. And yes… you can check out Josh’s Tedscapes on Spotify. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Instagram READ JOSH’S MUSELETTERS ON SUBSTACK: Subscribe HERE. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to order your copy of THAT’S NOT HOW IT HAPPENED. SUPPORT PEDIATRIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE RESEARCH: Click HERE to learn more and donate today. FOLLOW THE OFFICE LADIES: Check out "Office Ladies" at https://officeladies.com/ or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow on Instagram: OfficeLadiesPod Follow on TikTok AND MORE: Josh’s Official WebsiteJosh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 communication, generational love languages, and repeating family patterns, praising Steven Lloyd’s dark humor and Christine Rose’s comedic subtlety. Barney’s needy attempts to outshine Robin, Ted’s questionable shirt choices, and the debut of the “83%” statistic all get airtime, before a touching fan letter from Mexico reflects how HIMYM continues to offer hope and comfort to viewers around the world. Check out Friend of the Devil by Stephen Lloyd Read Oldster on Substack CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Instagram READ JOSH’S MUSELETTERS ON SUBSTACK: Subscribe HERE. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to order your copy of THAT’S NOT HOW IT HAPPENED. SUPPORT PEDIATRIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE RESEARCH: Click HERE to learn more and donate today. FOLLOW THE OFFICE LADIES: Check out "Office Ladies" at https://officeladies.com/ or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow on Instagram: OfficeLadiesPod Follow on TikTok AND MORE: Josh’s Official WebsiteJosh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 return, Neil Patrick Harris’s magic tricks, and the infamous “smelly water” line, while praising Chris Harris’s clever wordplay and Alyson Hannigan’s acting. They touch on gender norms, Ted’s “lucky penny” bit, and Robin and Ted’s early relationship bliss before closing with Craig’s announcement of his debut novel That’s Not How It Happened and a heartfelt fan letter about how Lily’s bravery inspires creative risk-taking. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Instagram READ JOSH’S MUSELETTERS ON SUBSTACK: Subscribe HERE. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to order your copy of THAT’S NOT HOW IT HAPPENED. SUPPORT PEDIATRIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE RESEARCH: Click HERE to learn more and donate today. FOLLOW THE OFFICE LADIES: Check out "Office Ladies" at https://officeladies.com/ or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow on Instagram: OfficeLadiesPod Follow on TikTok AND MORE: Josh’s Official Website Josh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Clinton’s cameo, Robin’s gun joke, and Neil Patrick Harris’s precision physical comedy. The episode also covers the show’s evolution, season-two adjustments (including the brighter red couch), and fan questions about serialization, background actors, and hiatus memories, before closing with a touching letter from a 15-year-old fan in Germany about how HIMYM brings her hope. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Instagram READ JOSH’S MUSELETTERS ON SUBSTACK: Subscribe HERE. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to order your copy of THAT’S NOT HOW IT HAPPENED. SUPPORT PEDIATRIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE RESEARCH: Click HERE to learn more and donate today. FOLLOW THE OFFICE LADIES: Check out "Office Ladies" at https://officeladies.com/ or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow on Instagram: OfficeLadiesPod. Follow on TikTok AND MORE: Josh’s Official Website Josh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We'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 CONTACT tab to send us a voice message or an email and tell us what How I Met Your Mother means to you. We play and read these messages on nearly every episode, and it’s absolutely one of our favorite parts of the show. And please take a look at How You Make a Difference, our ongoing campaign supporting pediatric congenital heart disease research. Donate and learn more by clicking the MAKE A DIFFERENCE tab at the top of our website. Remember to follow us on Instagram and TikTok @howwemadeyourmother CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Instagram READ JOSH’S MUSELETTERS ON SUBSTACK! Subscribe HERE. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to order your copy of THAT’S NOT HOW IT HAPPENED. SUPPORT PEDIATRIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE RESEARCH: Click HERE to learn more and donate today. AND MORE: Josh’s Official WebsiteJosh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome 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 series on conversations where we dig into what the heck even is CREATIVITY? Undefined, yet definitive. Each week we will talk to a different human about their experience of their own creativity, and how it shows up –both planned and unexpectedly– across art, work, life, and the pursuit of… well, everything. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show @thecraftofbeing on Instagram, or email the show at thecraftofbeingpod@gmail.com. Music by Colin O’brien-Lux: https://bandcamp.com/cobrienlux To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello 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 nonprofit dedicated to helping people with learning and thinking differences thrive. You can check out Hyperfocus anywhere you get your podcasts.Listen here: lnk.to/hyperfocus Original Show Notes: Craig Thomas is best known for his work on TV. He co-created the sitcom How I Met Your Motherand has written for American Dad and more. He’s penned songs for Sesame Street and essays for The New Yorker. He’s less known for being a dad. For now, at least. He has a daughter, Celia, and a son, Elliot, who was born with Jacobsen syndrome, a genetic condition causing physical and developmental disabilities.  When Elliot was born, Craig’s career was taking off with How I Met Your Mother. “I was living an hour drama show at home and then driving to work and doing a sitcom,” Craig says. His upcoming novel, That’s Not How It Happened, is based in part on his family’s experience. If you heard our series on the resurgence of the R-word, you’ll recognize Craig’s voice. The conversation with him was so good that we’re sharing more! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello 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 their lives. This week, we Willkommen actor and musician Josh Radnor! Josh is best known for playing Ted Mosby on the hit sitcom How I Met Your Mother for nearly a decade. But that success came at an unexpected cost: an identity crisis that left him feeling trapped in a character he didn’t create. In this episode, Josh talks about his formative role as the MC in his high school’s production of Cabaret, his first “almost kiss” (soundtracked by Aretha Franklin), how psychedelics helped him stay centered amidst the whirlwind of fame, and the chance encounter that launched his second career as a musician in his 40s. Here are his songs. Rocky Mountain High – John Denver Respect – Aretha Franklin Willkommen – Cabaret (Joel Grey, original cast recording)  “Cabaret” All I Want – Joni Mitchell Delicate – Damien Rice  Tara – Dechen Shak-Dagsay Cmon – Fred Again/Brian Eno To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Kagan, and the crew; a candid story about CBS urging them to be “less serialized” after season-one ratings wobbles (which they ignored and doubled down on in season two); Jordana’s tender reflection on watching Josh-as-Ted; and a fan‑letter medley about how HIMYM taught English, offered comfort, and now truly “belongs to the fans.” They tease a cool opportunity making season two “bigger and better,” thank listeners for riding along, and promise they won’t be gone long. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Substack (Join the mailing list, get announcements, and read more from Josh and Craig) Instagram HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research AND MORE: Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack Josh’s Official Website Josh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Mint Mobile: If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at mintmobile.com/yourmother PrettyLitter: Save 20% on your first order and get a free cat toy at prettylitter.com/HWMYMRaycon: Go to buyraycon.com/YOURMOTHER to get 15% off Raycon's best-selling Everyday Earbuds! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome 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 HIMYM, and beyond. If you enjoy these episodes, please check out Arts Educators Save World, where guests include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Annaleigh Ashford, Cecily Strong, Bradley Whitford, Jonathan Groff, Billy Eichner, and many, many others. Enjoy! You can find more Arts Educators Save the World episodes HERE on Apple Podcasts. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today. And if you’re a business with big orders to fulfill, Amplifier is there to help growing consumer brands and influencers create a unique experience for their customers during the fulfillment process. Visit AMPLIFIER to learn more, and name-drop How We Made Your Mother for special pricing for your emerging brand's program. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Substack (Join the mailing list, get announcements, and read more from Josh and Craig) Instagram HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease researchAND MORE: Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack Josh’s Official Website Josh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 toward “I don’t want perfect; I want Robin.” They shout out Wendy the Waitress’s naming, crew cameos—including Carter & Craig as paramedics—and even the show’s long-game goat tease, plus production nuggets about staging the Fiero drive on a neighboring stage. The episode’s heartbeat is Lily’s “you only know it’s a mistake by making it” ethos, echoed by moving listener letters from Melbourne and Taiwan that tie the show’s themes to real life. GET YOUR MERCH! We’ve got HWMYM merch, which is now just a FEW CLICKS AWAY. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today. And if you’re a business with big orders to fulfill, Amplifier is there to help growing consumer brands and influencers create a unique experience for their customers during the fulfillment process. Visit AMPLIFIER to learn more, and name-drop How We Made Your Mother for special pricing for your emerging brand's program. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Substack (Join the mailing list, get announcements, and read more from Josh and Craig) Instagram HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research AND MORE: Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack Josh’s Official Website Josh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Vessi: Meet your new favorite daily sneaker—Vessi is waterproof, ultra-comfy, and fits every part of your routine. Visit https://vessi.com/yourmother and enjoy 15% off your first pair at checkout! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, 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 How I Met Your Mother as — to quote Craig — the adult in the room.  If you enjoy these episodes, please check out Arts Educators Save the World, where guests include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Annaleigh Ashford, Cecily Strong, Bradley Whitford, Jonathan Groff, Billy Eichner, and many, many others. Enjoy! You can find more Arts Educators Save the World episodes HERE on Apple Podcasts. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today. And if you’re a business with big orders to fulfill, Amplifier is there to help growing consumer brands and influencers create a unique experience for their customers during the fulfillment process. Visit AMPLIFIER to learn more, and name-drop How We Made Your Mother for special pricing for your emerging brand's program. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Substack (Join the mailing list, get announcements, and read more from Josh and Craig) Instagram HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease researchAND MORE: Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack Josh’s Official Website Josh on SpotifyCraig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 sequence, shares how Scooter (David Burtka) was introduced, and celebrates the first appearance of the show’s unofficial house band, The 88. Read Craig’s piece “Hollywood and the R-Word” here in the Boston Globe. GET YOUR MERCH! We’ve got HWMYM merch, which is now just a FEW CLICKS AWAY. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today. And if you’re a business with big orders to fulfill, Amplifier is there to help growing consumer brands and influencers create a unique experience for their customers during the fulfillment process. Visit AMPLIFIER to learn more, and name-drop How We Made Your Mother for special pricing for your emerging brand's program. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Substack (Join the mailing list, get announcements, and read more from Josh and Craig) Instagram HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research AND MORE: Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack Josh’s Official Website Josh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Mint Mobile: If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at mintmobile.com/yourmother PrettyLitter: Save 20% on your first order and get a free cat toy at prettylitter.com/HWMYM MeUndies: Support the show by going to meundies.com/yourmother and using my code YOURMOTHER to get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Questions Alek asks in this episode: Who came up with “Lawyered”? Was Marshall based on your friend Noah? How did you decide on the characters’ last names? What was the original idea behind “Aldrin”? What was the inspiration for the “telepathic conversation” bit? Was the “MadTV” VHS tape on purpose? How much damage do we do when we make assumptions instead of asking the hard questions? And why is pretending always easier than being vulnerable? GET YOUR MERCH! We’ve got HWMYM merch, which is now just a FEW CLICKS AWAY. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today. And if you’re a business with big orders to fulfill, Amplifier is there to help growing consumer brands and influencers create a unique experience for their customers during the fulfillment process. Visit AMPLIFIER to learn more, and name-drop How We Made Your Mother for special pricing for your emerging brand's program. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Substack (Join the mailing list, get announcements, and read more from Josh and Craig) Instagram HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research AND MORE: Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack Josh’s Official Website Josh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. The show opens and closes with moving fan letters that highlight just how deeply HIMYM continues to connect. GET YOUR MERCH! We’ve got HWMYM merch, which is now just a FEW CLICKS AWAY. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today. And if you’re a business with big orders to fulfill, Amplifier is there to help growing consumer brands and influencers create a unique experience for their customers during the fulfillment process. Visit AMPLIFIER to learn more, and name-drop How We Made Your Mother for special pricing for your emerging brand's program. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Substack (Join the mailing list, get announcements, and read more from Josh and Craig) Instagram HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research AND MORE: Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack Josh’s Official Website Josh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at https://quince.com/yourmother Vessi: Meet your new favorite daily sneaker—Vessi is waterproof, ultra-comfy, and fits every part of your routine. Visit https://vessi.com/yourmother and enjoy 15% off your first pair at checkout! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 the end of season one, revealing how uncertain and scrappy things still felt, even after renewal. Fan Questions We Attempt to Come Close to Answering: How were the questions this week for “Nothing Good Happens After 2 A.M.”? Is Robin to blame, and was it written that way or left open to interpretation? Was there pushback about showing Ted in such a morally gray light? Do you feel the show’s narrator softens the blow of Ted’s behavior? What was the inspiration behind Victoria? How much did that wedding episode really cost? Were you excited or nervous approaching the end of season one? Is Buttercup a real bakery in New York? GET YOUR MERCH! We’ve got HWMYM merch, which is now just a FEW CLICKS AWAY. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today. And if you’re a business with big orders to fulfill, Amplifier is there to help growing consumer brands and influencers create a unique experience for their customers during the fulfillment process. Visit AMPLIFIER to learn more, and name-drop How We Made Your Mother for special pricing for your emerging brand's program. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Substack (Join the mailing list, get announcements, and read more from Josh and Craig) Instagram HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research AND MORE: Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack Josh’s Official Website Josh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. GET YOUR MERCH! We’ve got HWMYM merch, which is now just a FEW CLICKS AWAY. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today. And if you’re a business with big orders to fulfill, Amplifier is there to help growing consumer brands and influencers create a unique experience for their customers during the fulfillment process. Visit AMPLIFIER to learn more, and name-drop How We Made Your Mother for special pricing for your emerging brand's program. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Substack (Join the mailing list, get announcements, and read more from Josh and Craig) Instagram HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research AND MORE: Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack Josh’s Official Website Josh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: PrettyLitter: Save 20% on your first order and get a free cat toy at prettylitter.com/HWMYM Raycon: Go to buyraycon.com/YOURMOTHER to get 15% off Raycon's best-selling Everyday Earbuds! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 sweet letter from production designer Steve Olson. GET YOUR MERCH! We’ve got HWMYM merch, which is now just a FEW CLICKS AWAY. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today. And if you’re a business with big orders to fulfill, Amplifier is there to help growing consumer brands and influencers create a unique experience for their customers during the fulfillment process. Visit AMPLIFIER to learn more, and name-drop How We Made Your Mother for special pricing for your emerging brand's program. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Substack (Join the mailing list, get announcements, and read more from Josh and Craig) Instagram HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research AND MORE: Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack Josh’s Official Website Josh on Spotify Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing) Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices