Ted's Soundtrack and Emotional Language

Josh and Craig discuss how music cues (Otis Redding, George Harrison) function as Ted's emotional language.

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Transcript

Episode notes

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.

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READ JOSH’S MUSELETTERS ON SUBSTACK: