In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig welcome the brilliant Wayne Brady to revisit “Single Stamina,” the Season 2 episode that introduced Barney’s gay, Black brother James. Together they unpack how Wayne came to the show, what it felt like to embody this new character, and how the episode balanced outrageous comedy with genuine heart. They discuss James as both brother and father figure to Barney, the themes of aging, vulnerability, and growth that define the show, and how the episode’s subtle pro–gay-marriage message felt quietly radical in 2006. Wayne shares memories of working with Neil Patrick Harris, his nerves walking onto set, and how he approaches comedy and fear as a performer. Josh and Craig reflect on the episode’s legacy, its GLAAD Media Award nomination, and how it captured HIMYM’s mix of humor, heart, and social progressiveness.

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:

Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages)

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

A look ahead to 2026

The Globalist

Delivery of EU defence plans

The AI-powered Podcast Player