MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel Hyperfocus: The R-word is back, and it’s definitely not funny | Part 2
Aug 7, 2025
Craig Thomas, co-creator of How I Met Your Mother, discusses his journey with language sensitivity following his son’s diagnosis with Jacobson syndrome. He reflects on the reviving of the R-word in comedy and stresses the need for mindful language. The conversation dives into how comedy has evolved, emphasizing the importance of uplifting marginalized voices. A disability advocate also joins in to highlight the impact of derogatory terms, urging listeners to consider how their words shape perceptions and identities in the context of comedy and beyond.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Craig Thomas' R-Word Realization
- Craig Thomas found an old screenplay where he used the R-word joke without understanding its impact back then.
- He now views it as offensive and notes some in culture are trying to bring the word back.
Parenting Shifts Craig's Comedy Views
- Craig balanced running a comedy show while parenting his son with Jacobson syndrome.
- After his son's birth, he demanded no disability-related jokes in his writer's room.
Language Shapes Thought and Bias
- Language shapes thought and unconscious bias influences how we think about others.
- Using harmful words creates mental associations that negatively impact people with disabilities.