Josh Radnor on Apple Podcasts

Office Ladies

Office Ladies

Audacy & Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
How We Made Your Mother

How We Made Your Mother

Audacy & Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas

2D AGO

How We Made Your Mother Meets World (PART 2)

The conversation rages on with Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas from “How We Made Your Mother” for a crossover with Boy Meets World you never saw coming. Josh shares his unique audition for the role of Ted Mosby and details his new connection with the show, thanks to podcasting. Craig talks about his newest endeavor: writing novels and Josh explains a familiar identity crisis after years of people calling him “Ted” in public. It’s time for sitcom history as two of your favorites finally meet - on the conclusion of this Pod Meets World mash-up!! Follow @podmeetsworldshow on Instagram and TikTok! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

43 min
2D AGO

How We Met Robin Sparkles [with Cobie Smulders] | S2E9 "Slap Bet"

In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas revisit one of the most iconic episodes of How I Met Your Mother: Season 2, Episode 9, “Slap Bet,” with special guest Cobie Smulders. The conversation dives deep into the origin and impact of Robin Sparkles, from the wild writers’ room pitch to the massive, risky production of the full “Let’s Go to the Mall” music video—shot on an extra day, with choreography, wigs, dancers, and a full pop song that went on to live far beyond the episode itself. Cobie shares candid memories of recording the song (green apples, whiskey, nerves, and all), learning the choreography, and how revealing this secret pop-star past fundamentally unlocked a lighter, sillier, more intimate side of Robin Scherbatsky. Josh and Craig reflect on how the episode introduced not just Robin Sparkles, but also the slap bet, the slap bet commissioner, and a storytelling confidence that helped define the series’ future. The episode also features deeply moving listener letters, including one read by Cobie, underscoring how HIMYM has become a source of comfort, philosophy, nostalgia, and emotional connection for fans—proving that even the funniest episodes are ultimately about vulnerability, love, and letting yourself be truly known. Watch the full VIDEO of “Let’s Go to the Mall” 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

1h 2m
DEC 15

How To Play Xing Hai Shi Bu Xing | S2E8 “Atlantic City”

In this episode, Josh and Craig revisit Season 2, Episode 8: “Atlantic City,” written by Maria Ferrari, who started as a writer’s assistant before becoming a staff writer. They discuss the unusual challenge of writing a road-trip episode that takes the whole gang out of their usual sets and how that led to one of the longest rewrite nights of the early seasons. The conversation covers how the story’s emotional center—Lily trying to escape judgment by eloping with Marshall only to realize she can’t run from family—finally clicked during late-night rewrites, and how the episode became a metaphor about facing what you’re avoiding. Josh recalls on-set memories, like Ted’s Twizzler moment and Robin’s bikini-shirt gag, while Craig explains the origins of Barney’s fake Chinese gambling game (“Deal or No Deal,” a jab at the rival show). They also talk about guest star Kate Micucci, who sends in a warm voice memo about her brief role, and close with reflections on Cheers, improv, extras’ pay, the pressure of 22-episode seasons, and the meaning of the final song “Sink to the Bottom with You” by Fountains of Wayne—an anthem for commitment, even when it means sinking together. 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

1h 4m
DEC 8

How We Met Ol' Swarley | S2E7 "Swarley"

Josh and Craig are joined by writer Greg Malins, who co-ran Friends before joining How I Met Your Mother for Season 2. They revisit the episode “Swarley” (aired December 8 2006), talking about how Greg helped shape the show’s tone, the accidental (or maybe subconscious) Friends dig in the coffee-shop cold open, and how the “Swarley” name was coined by Rob Greenberg. Greg reveals a never-before-revealed admission about a joke he… borrowed from Friends for this episode. The group discusses Marshall and Lily’s reunion scene, Robin Sparkles’ early origins, the importance of showing Barney lose for once, and how the cast’s joy made the “Swarley” storyline unforgettable. They end by answering a listener question from @SwarleyMemes about why the show’s humor still resonates today—deciding it’s because HIMYM’s jokes, like “Swarley” itself, come from love and timeless wordplay. Watch the original Friends clip HERE (around 2 minutes and 45 seconds in). 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

1h 6m
MAR 24

Howwww 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 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: BetterHelp: How We Made Your Mother is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/yourmother Mint Mobile: If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at mintmobile.com/yourmother Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com AND IN CASE IT HELPS: 03:10 Antidote to Loneliness 08:59 Character Dynamics and Relationships 15:03 The Hero's Journey of Ted Mosby 21:00 The Art of Storytelling in the Pilot 27:02 The Cinematic Quality of the Pilot 39:31 Editing and Narrative Structure 43:57 Character Development and Themes 49:22 Fan Reactions and Expectations 01:01:44 The Impact of the Show on Fans 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

1h 18m
NOV 12

How We Met the Office Ladies

This 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 part of the "appointment television" generation and what it's like now to revisit the shows they were on now. There was a lot to chat about like the similarities between the two shows, their theme songs and what makes both such classic comedies. Enjoy! Check out “How We Made Your Mother”: https://www.howwemadeyourmother.com/ Check out Craig Thomas’ book “That’s Not How It Happened”: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/thats-not-how-it-happened-craig-thomas?variant=43708741517346 Office Ladies Website - Submit a fan question: https://officeladies.com/submitaquestion Follow Us on Instagram: OfficeLadiesPod Follow Us on YouTube Follow Us on TikTok 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

54 min
MAR 10

How We Made This Podcast

Welcome 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 Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Substack (Join the mailing list, get announcements, and read more from Josh and Craig) Instagram TikTok 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: Betterhelp: How We Made Your Mother is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/yourmother Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at https://quince.com/yourmother Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/yourmother for 4 extra months of Surfshark. Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com 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

53 min
MAR 17

How 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 change, oh and also has maybe 65 or 70 scenes per episode and sometimes will take a few minutes break from comedy to go full drama, oh and has a really long, bizarre title, oh that is being written by two guys who look young enough to be their own kids… … well this is the podcast episode for you. This is How We Got it Made. Later this week, look out for a bonus episode, where Carter and Craig talk about how they met, played music together, were hired by Letterman, and all their stops on the road to HIMYM. Spoilers: In this ep of the pod, we don't dive into a specific HIMYM episode juuuuust yet. NEXT week, we begin our official episode rewatch, starting with the How I Met Your Mother pilot. Rewatch with us and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! 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: Nutrafol: Start your hair growth journey with Nutrafol at nutrafol.com and enter the code YOURMOTHER ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: hwmym@wearebv.com AND IN CASE IT HELPS: 00:00 The Impact of 'How I Met Your Mother' on Personal Lives 04:46 The Journey of Pitching the Show 14:54 Creating a Unique Narrative Structure 20:05 Casting Challenges and Triumphs 30:14 The Audition Experience 35:48 Creating Robin Scherbatsky 44:09 The Pressure of Network Tests 49:30 Listener Stories and Reflections 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

1h 3m
DEC 1

How We Broke Bad [with Bryan Cranston] | S2E6 "Aldrin Justice"

Season two, episode six of How We Made Your Mother features a special guest: the legendary Bryan Cranston, who joins Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas to revisit his first appearance as Hammond Druthers in “Aldrin Justice.” Cranston reflects on taking the role right after Malcolm in the Middle ended, how he almost didn’t get Breaking Bad if Fox had ordered another Malcolm season, and how one X-Files episode led Vince Gilligan to cast him as Walter White. The three dive into acting lessons, career timing, and luck—plus Cranston’s thoughts on confidence, craft, and why good writing is the only thing worth chasing. They talk about the hidden humanity behind Druthers’ egotism, the joy of unhinged characters, and Jane Seymour’s hilarious turn as the original “cougar.” Josh and Craig share behind-the-scenes stories about the episode’s writing, Lily’s “karma police” subplot, and early uses of the word “cougar,” while reflecting on jokes that don’t hold up and the importance of owning creative missteps. The conversation closes with thoughtful discussions about teaching, artistry, and the strange, lucky chain of moments that connect How I Met Your Mother to Breaking Bad. 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

1h 11m
MAR 31

How 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 important. Josh shares what it was like navigating early fame, and his wife Jordana offers thoughtful insight into Ted’s emotional growth. 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: Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/yourmother and use code YOURMOTHER for 4 extra months of Surfshark. Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com AND IN CASE IT HELPS: 03:08 Creating Episode Two: Purple Giraffe 06:13 The Challenges of Writing a Second Episode 09:03 The Great Gatsby Influence 17:57 The Essence of Ted Mosby 20:49 Balancing Humor and Heart 35:16 The Art of Cinematic Storytelling 40:39 Ted's Journey: The Tug of War Between Control and Destiny 49:00 The Evolution of Ted: From Childish Dreams to Adult Realities 59:00 Audience Engagement and Community Connection 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

1h 9m
NOV 17

How We Got Ridonk [with Joe Manganiello] | S2E5 "World's Greatest Couple"

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

1h 8m
NOV 10

How 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 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

1h 9m
NOV 3

How 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 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

1h 8m
NOV 13 · BONUS

How 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 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

1h 11m
APR 7

How 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 conversation also explores how Ted became more reactive in this episode, the challenge of balancing sitcom energy with character growth, and how early episodes were still “auditioning” the show’s style. They end with heartfelt letters from listeners about how How I Met Your Mother impacted their lives—and Craig shares his personal story about making the show while navigating his own family’s medical crisis, adding emotional depth to the series and the podcast. Make sure to listen through to the end, when Craig Thomas will announce the permanent fundraising campaign of this podcast, How You Make a Difference, raising money for congenital heart disease. 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 SPONSOR: Nutrafol: Start your hair growth journey with Nutrafol at nutrafol.com and use the code YOURMOTHER. Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com AND IN CASE IT HELPS: 00:00 Emotional Growth Through Television 07:14 The Creative Process Behind 'How I Met Your Mother' 14:00 Character Dynamics and Relationships 21:04 The Evolution of Storytelling in Sitcoms 30:54 The Creative Process Behind Iconic Moments 32:41 Balancing Character Arcs and Storytelling 35:49 The Role of Chaos and Creation in Relationships 39:03 Exploring Vulnerability and Masculinity 43:23 Fan Impact and Personal Stories 55:08 The Timelessness of Love and Resilience 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

1h 3m
MAR 27 · BONUS

General 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: What line from the pilot became Josh’s personal mantra and the name of his corporation? What’s the origin of the “general question / major problem” salute joke? What advice would older Ted give to younger Ted in the pilot? Why did you cast Bob Saget as the voice of future Ted? When did the cast start to realize the group chemistry was special? Did you film all the future kids’ scenes at once? Do you remember watching the pilot for the first time? How much did test audience reactions and executive notes influence the show? What did the actors know about what was coming for their characters? What inspired the blue French horn? Did anyone keep the blue French horn? (Hint: Yes, and it’s in Josh’s house.) What’s the real story behind casting Carl the Bartender? What were your biggest writing influences for the pilot? What movies helped inspire Ted as a character? Will the podcast be filmed? (Yes—check YouTube!) What was the biggest challenge in transitioning Robin into the full group after the pilot? Why would Robin, who lives in Brooklyn, be hanging out on the Upper West Side so much? 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 Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com 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

42 min
OCT 20

How 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 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

1h 6m
APR 14

How 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 behind the sock monkey, the birth of the “ineffable” joke, and why Belle and Sebastian helped define the HIMYM vibe. 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: Betterhelp: How We Made Your Mother is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/yourmother Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at https://quince.com/yourmother Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com AND IN CASE IT HELPS: 02:18 Writer's Journey and Personal Growth 06:06 The Complexity of Relationships 10:48 The Role of the Shirt in the Episode 18:29 The Dynamics of Ted and Robin 27:13 The Writer's Room Experience 35:14 The Art of Comedy and Writing 40:45 The Journey of a TV Writer 44:00 The Magic of Sock Monkeys and Montages 49:23 Memorable Moments from the Shoot 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

1h 6m
OCT 27

How 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 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

55 min
MAR 20 · BONUS

How 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 they first pitched HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER to their agent. (Read more in our Substack post.) 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 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: hwmym@wearebv.com AND IN CASE IT HELPS: 00:00 The Unexpected Journey Begins 03:11 From College Friends to Comedy Partners 06:01 The MTV Internship Experience 12:08 The Power of Collaboration 14:59 The Suit Connection: Identity and Choice 17:49 Breaking into the Industry 20:56 The Letterman Experience 23:56 Lessons Learned from Late Night Writing 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

36 min

Josh Radnor on Apple

Josh Radnor

Shows

Episodes

How We Made Your Mother Meets World (PART 2)

How We Met Robin Sparkles [with Cobie Smulders] | S2E9 "Slap Bet"

How To Play Xing Hai Shi Bu Xing | S2E8 “Atlantic City”

How We Met Ol' Swarley | S2E7 "Swarley"

Howwww We Met Ted | S1E1 "Pilot"

How We Met the Office Ladies

How We Made This Podcast

How They Got it Made [with co-creator Carter Bays]

How We Broke Bad [with Bryan Cranston] | S2E6 "Aldrin Justice"

How I Met the Roof | S1E2 "Purple Giraffe"

How We Got Ridonk [with Joe Manganiello] | S2E5 "World's Greatest Couple"

How that Wasn't Ted | S2E4 "Ted Mosby: Architect"

How We Met Marshall's Calves | S2E3 "Brunch"

How We Met the Office Ladies [with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey]

How We Made a Cartoon | S1E3 "The Sweet Taste of Liberty"

General Questions | S1E1 "Pilot"

How We Spent the Summer | S2E1 "Where Were We?"

How We Returned a Shirt | S1E4 “Return of the Shirt”

How Marshall Met the Apocalyptic Wasteland | S2E2 "The Scorpion and the Toad"

How Craig Met Carter [AKA: "The Backpack Boys"]