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
Soul Boom

Soul Boom

Rainn Wilson

3d ago

How We Blah Blah [with Gloria Calderón Kellett] | S3E5 "How We Met Everyone Else"

Josh and Craig are joined by writer and producer Gloria Calderón Kellett to discuss “How I Met Everyone Else,” one of the most mythology-rich episodes of the series. Gloria shares the origins of fan-favorite ideas like Blah Blah, the sandwich euphemism, the Hot/Crazy Scale, and the various “how we met” stories that flesh out the gang’s shared history. The conversation explores the episode’s use of Ted as an unreliable narrator, the challenge of building authentic long-term relationships through Marshall and Lily, and the many real-life experiences that inspired the show’s stories. They also reminisce about working with future filmmaking superstar Phil Lord, Abby Spencer’s memorable guest appearance, the early days of the writers’ room, and how HIMYM captured a generation’s experiences with friendship, dating, and growing up. The episode closes with a heartfelt listener letter about a mother who bonded with her sons through the show over many years, underscoring the lasting emotional impact of both the series and the podcast. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages)Instagram 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.FOLLOW THE OFFICE LADIES:Check out "Office Ladies" at https://officeladies.com/ or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow on Instagram: OfficeLadiesPodFollow on TikTok AND MORE:Josh’s Official WebsiteJosh on SpotifyCraig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing)Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack

1h 5m
Jun 8

How We Met Tiny Barney | S3E4 "Little Boys"

Josh and Craig revisit Season 3’s “Little Boys,” written by Courtney Kang, and talk about Ted’s unusually confident single-guy era, Barney’s wildly manipulative plan to outplay Ted, and Robin’s hysterical fear of children while dating a dad from Lily’s kindergarten class. They spend a lot of time praising Cobie Smulders’ growing comedic confidence, point out hidden Ghostbusters references in the episode, laugh about accidentally mentioning subprime lenders before the 2008 financial crash, and reflect on the awkwardness of acting and performing comedy on set. The episode ends with a heartfelt letter from a fan who explains how How I Met Your Mother helped her through loneliness, college, heartbreak, and eventually finding love. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Instagram 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. 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

54 min
Jun 1

How Ted Won the Belt [with Dave Hemingson] | S3E3 "Third Wheel"

Josh and Craig are joined by Dave Hemmingson to revisit “Third Wheel,” the Season 3 fan-favorite where newly single Ted unexpectedly finds himself navigating the possibility of a threesome with returning guest stars Busy Philipps and Danica McKellar. Dave talks about joining the writers’ room during a pivotal moment for the series, helping launch the “free-range Ted” era after the Robin breakup, and crafting the episode’s frantic, almost real-time energy inspired by farce and physical comedy. The group digs into Barney’s surprising vulnerability, Marshall and Lily’s enthusiastic “mission control” support of Ted’s big night, the origins of the tramp stamp storyline, and whether Ted actually “won the belt.” Along the way, they reflect on why the episode still works: balancing absurd comedy, emotional honesty, and one of the weirdly sweetest stories HIMYM ever told. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Instagram 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. 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

57 min
Apr 15

The Office & HIMYM: Favorite Cold Opens!

This week on Office Ladies 6.0, Jenna and Angela are joined by Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas from the How We Made Your Mother podcast to talk all things cold opens! They swap favorites from The Office and How I Met Your Mother and break down what makes those opening moments so memorable. Plus, Jenna and Angela kick things off with a Taylor Swift–inspired chit chat, and reveal which episodes of The Office were their favorites to film. So, don’t skip the first two minutes… and enjoy! Office Ladies Website - Submit a fan question for Around the Town, Chit Chat, The Paper & Second Drink favorite moment: 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

52 min
Jun 4

General Questions | Instagram Live 3/4/26

This Instagram Live bonus episode of How We Made Your Mother features Josh Radnor answering fan questions with producer Alek Lev. Josh reflects on rediscovering the show while rewatching it with his wife Jordana, including how his relationship with fans has changed now that he sees the series more from their perspective. They also talk about specific behind-the-scenes details—like the blue French horn prop that Josh kept from the set—and discuss memorable guest stars such as Martin Short. The conversation ranges widely, touching on music used in the show (including Belle and Sebastian and Iggy Pop), the origin of the rewatch podcast, advice about breaking into film and television today, and how How I Met Your Mother has helped viewers through difficult moments in their lives. The episode closes with a more philosophical discussion about memory, nostalgia, and how revisiting the show years later reveals new meaning in both the series and the lives of the people who made it. 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

50 min
May 25

How Robin Met Robin | S3E2 "We're Not From Here"

Josh and Craig talk about “We’re Not From Here,” the second half of the Gael mini-arc, and how the episode feels a little more like a classic sitcom with three separate storylines: Robin trying to make a vacation romance work in real life, Ted and Barney pretending to be tourists to pick up women, and Marshall freaking out over Lily’s “death letter.” They laugh a lot about Jason Segel’s completely committed insanity, Robin almost pulling a gun on people, Ted passionately defending New York over New Jersey, and how absurdly old they made Marshall and Lily look in the 2029 flash-forward. They also talk about Chris Harris’ writing style, Enrique Iglesias’ guest spot, and how Ted in early Season 3 is trying really hard to become less “romantic Ted” after the breakup. The episode ends with a really sweet surprise letter from producer Emily Blumberg about growing up loving HIMYM and eventually winding up working on the podcast. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Instagram 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. 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

49 min
May 18

How We... Dary! | S3E1 "Wait for It"

Josh and Craig kick off Season 3 of How We Made Your Mother by revisiting “Wait For It,” while also reflecting on the emotionally massive hiatus between Seasons 2 and 3 of How I Met Your Mother. Craig opens up about the birth of his son Elliot and the terrifying medical challenges their family faced, while Josh talks about traveling to Brazil and Colombia, working with ayahuasca, quitting drinking, and returning to the show feeling transformed. From there, they dive into the episode itself: Ted’s breakup beard, the “winning the breakup” dynamic with Robin, Enrique Iglesias as Gael, the infamous butterfly tramp stamp, blackout Ted behavior, and how Season 3 marked a deliberate attempt to shake up Ted’s character beyond the hopeless romantic archetype. They also discuss Jason Segel’s fearless comedy instincts, behind-the-scenes stories about wardrobe, product placement (“the Cadillac of rebound guys”), the evolution of terms like “tramp stamp” and “cougar,” and why the Ted/Robin apartment-door argument remains one of Josh’s favorite scenes in the series. The episode closes with a heartfelt message from former production coordinator Kelly about joining the show during Season 3, plus a moving fan letter from a public health nurse who explains how both HIMYM and the podcast have become a source of comfort and hope in her life. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Instagram 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. 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 Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack

59 min
Apr 6

How We (...Wait for It...) | S2E22 "Something Blue"

Josh and Craig wrap up Season 2 by revisiting the emotional finale where Marshall and Lily get married and Ted and Robin realize they can’t build a future together despite loving each other. They talk about the episode’s clever mystery structure, the heartbreaking couch scene, the meaning behind the title “Something Blue,” and the hopeful reset that sends Ted and Barney back out as wingmen. The episode also includes the story of a real marriage proposal that happened during filming of the café scene, reflections on how the show balances comedy with real relationship truths, and a moving – anonymous – fan letter about a couple whose relationship began over a shared love of the show. 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

1 hr
Mar 30

How We Got it Toupee Off | S2E21 "Something Borrowed"

Josh and Craig break down How I Met Your Mother Season 2, Episode 21, “Something Borrowed,” the chaotic first half of Marshall and Lily’s wedding finale. They revisit how the episode leans into the idea that every element of Lily’s carefully planned wedding begins to unravel—from Marshall accidentally shaving a reverse mohawk into his hair to Scooter showing up determined to stop the ceremony. The hosts talk about the technical side of filming Jason Segel’s shaving scene (and how hard it was for everyone not to break), the escalating farce that pushes the wedding off course, and the way the writers used these disasters to set up the emotional payoff of the finale. They also reflect on the show’s growing commitment to serialized storytelling, planting clues and callbacks that reward long-time viewers while still delivering big comedy moments, and how the imperfect, improvised version of the wedding ultimately reinforces one of the show’s core themes: the moments that go wrong are often the ones that reveal what really matters. 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

50 min
Mar 16

How We Met NPH [with Neil Patrick Harris] | S2E20 "Showdown"

Josh and Craig are joined by Neil Patrick Harris to revisit How I Met Your Mother Season 2’s “Showdown,” the episode where Barney appears on The Price Is Right believing that host Bob Barker might be his father. Neil reflects on the lasting cultural impact of Barney Stinson, the freedom the show’s unusual hybrid format gave actors to experiment with comedy, and the physical-comedy influences—from Buster Keaton to Cirque du Soleil—that shaped his performance. The conversation dives into Barney’s mix of bravado and vulnerability, how the writers gradually revealed the emotional core beneath the suit, and why the character’s deep loyalty to his friends often drove the story more than his playboy antics. They also share memories of filming on the real Price Is Right set, discuss how the show’s early “on the bubble” years kept everyone creatively hungry, and explore the idea that the heightened moments of the series may represent Ted’s exaggerated memories rather than literal reality. And we end on HWMYM’s first… cliffhanger! 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

54 min
Mar 23

How We Met NPH Pt. 2 [with Neil Patrick Harris] | S2E20 "Showdown"

Josh and Craig continue their conversation with Neil Patrick Harris, reflecting on their working dynamic during How I Met Your Mother and how Barney and Ted’s very different roles on the show sometimes created a strange but productive tension between the actors. They talk candidly about early insecurities, the pressure of carrying different storytelling responsibilities—Josh often delivering the emotional core while Neil chased the biggest laughs—and how that contrast ultimately helped create the chemistry that defined the show. The discussion then shifts to the Season 2 episode “Showdown,” including Barney’s obsession with The Price Is Right, Ted’s struggle to write a best-man speech for Marshall, and memorable bits like Marshall’s belief in ghosts, Lily and Marshall’s intense co-dependence, and the absurd sincerity of Barney asking Bob Barker if he’s proud of him. Along the way they swap behind-the-scenes memories—from Neil’s obsessive continuity tricks for the editors to subtle moments that planted the seeds for Barney and Robin—and reflect on how, years later, they can finally look back at the experience with perspective, affection, and a deeper understanding of what each of them was bringing to the show. 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

36 min
03/24/2025

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

1h 14m
03/10/2025

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

49 min
Feb 16

How Men Are All Dogs | S2E16 "Stuff"

This episode is a loose, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful conversation about “Stuff”—both the How I Met Your Mother episode and the larger idea of what we owe our partners and friends when it comes to honesty, history, and emotional baggage. Josh and Craig dig into why the episode works as a joke machine (the mermaid debate, the slap bet payoff, Marshall’s infamous pants, Barney’s doomed robot musical, and Ted getting dragged into Lily’s play), while also unpacking the deeper philosophical question at its center: how much of your past should come into a new relationship. Along the way they share vivid on-set memories (dog-licking trauma, breaking during Jason Segel’s physical comedy), talk about filmmaking techniques like visual morphs and fast-forwarded fights, celebrate the audacity of needle-dropping Iggy Pop on CBS, and reflect at length on the creative legacy and personal impact of Rob Reiner—connecting How I Met Your Mother to When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, and Stand By Me. The result is a wide-ranging, affectionate, and honest look at comedy, craft, friendship, and the messiness of loving people while carrying your past with you. Check out the book (and website) PLEASE KILL ME, the oral history of punk. And Lizzie Goodman’s MEET ME IN THE BATHROOM, covering the New York scene from 2001 to 2011. Here’s DAISY JONES AND THE SIX by Taylor Jenkins Reid 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

59 min
Apr 13

How We Met a Listener: Jessica [SPOILER Alert!]

Major Spoiler Warning! This episode contains major spoilers for the entire run of How I Met Your Mother, including the series finale and where the characters ultimately end up. If you haven’t finished the show yet and want to avoid spoilers, you may want to skip this one and come back later. The conversation also goes deeply into themes of grief, loss, and death, which some listeners may find emotionally heavy. Josh and Craig share a deeply personal conversation with Jessica, a fan whose life took on unexpected parallels with the show after her husband died from a congenital heart condition shortly before the podcast launched. Jessica reflects on what the series—and especially the finale—came to mean to her after experiencing loss, while Josh and Craig talk about the show’s long-running themes of love, time, change, and the possibility of finding happiness again even after heartbreak. 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

55 min
Feb 23

How We Walked 500 Miles | S2E17 "Arrivederci, Fiero"

This episode dives into “Arrivederci, Fiero” as a love letter to friendship, nostalgia, and the messy logic of long-running TV. Craig and Josh unpack fan questions about continuity errors (when did Barney learn to drive?), lean happily on the “unreliable narrator” defense, and explain how the show’s triumphant orchestral version of “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” came together. The heart of the episode comes through two deeply personal listener letters—one from a college student whose real-life Fiero breakdown led to lasting friendships, and another tracing a red Mustang, the Olive Theory, and a marriage back to the emotional roadmap the show provided. Together, the conversation lands on why vulnerability, chosen family, and sincerity are what helped the series—and Ted—age so well. Check out the episode in our first season where Josh and Craig give their thoughts on problematic language used in How I Met Your Mother. Listen to Sleeping at Last’s version of I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles). 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

1h 1m
May 11

Favorite Cold Opens with the Office Ladies

Josh and Craig joined Jenna and Angela on The Office Ladies podcast to talk about their favorite cold opens from How I Met Your Mother and The Office. And so, (as we smash to credits), here we go! 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

41 min
11/17/2025

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

1h 4m
12/01/2025

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

1h 7m
10/20/2025

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

1h 2m

Josh Radnor on Apple

Josh Radnor

Shows

Episodes

How We Blah Blah [with Gloria Calderón Kellett] | S3E5 "How We Met Everyone Else"

How We Met Tiny Barney | S3E4 "Little Boys"

How Ted Won the Belt [with Dave Hemingson] | S3E3 "Third Wheel"

The Office & HIMYM: Favorite Cold Opens!

General Questions | Instagram Live 3/4/26

How Robin Met Robin | S3E2 "We're Not From Here"

How We... Dary! | S3E1 "Wait for It"

How We (...Wait for It...) | S2E22 "Something Blue"

How We Got it Toupee Off | S2E21 "Something Borrowed"

How We Met NPH [with Neil Patrick Harris] | S2E20 "Showdown"

How We Met NPH Pt. 2 [with Neil Patrick Harris] | S2E20 "Showdown"

Howwww We Met Ted | S1E1 "Pilot"

How We Made This Podcast

How Men Are All Dogs | S2E16 "Stuff"

How We Met a Listener: Jessica [SPOILER Alert!]

How We Walked 500 Miles | S2E17 "Arrivederci, Fiero"

Favorite Cold Opens with the Office Ladies

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

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

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