

How We Made Your Mother
Audacy & Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, a groundbreaking sitcom that ran for 208 episodes on CBS from 2005-2014, unfolds entirely as a flashback, using a time-bending narrative structure that spotlights the lives of five friends navigating love, friendship, dating, careers, failure, and success in New York City. The show has remained vibrantly alive in our collective pop culture memory, with fans around the world still sharing stories of how HIMYM is not just a hilarious comedy but also medicine for the soul in hard times. Now, JOSH RADNOR (who played “Ted Mosby”) has teamed up with series co-creator CRAIG THOMAS to explore, episode-by-episode, the mystery at the heart of what has made this show so durable and beloved. It’s time – much like the older, wiser narrator Ted does in the show – to look back on this adventure that occupied a pivotal decade of their lives: how the show changed them, how it changed its fans, and how it changed the culture. With plenty of special guests joining us along the way, this podcast will use HIMYM’s trenchant themes as jumping-off points for larger discussions about life, loss, and love. This is HOW WE MADE YOUR MOTHER: A flashback podcast for a flashback show.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 24, 2025 • 38min
General Questions | S1E5 "Okay Awesome"
Dive into the world of fan-favorite moments as the hosts dissect the choreography behind Marshall’s iconic dance and the boundaries of improv on the show. They explore how nostalgia shapes our understanding of adulthood and the bittersweet struggle of holding onto youthful joy. Listeners get a peek into the fates of beloved props, alongside a hilarious look at personal 'Okay Awesome' lists—things everyone loves but they just don’t. It's a heartfelt blend of memories, laughter, and the nostalgia of growing up.

Apr 21, 2025 • 52min
How We Couldn't Hear You | S1E5 "Okay Awesome"
The hosts analyze the club-themed episode 'Okay Awesome,' spotlighting its unique club subtitles gag. They discuss the emotional core of Marshall and Ted's friendship amid life's changes. Jason Segel's dance moves and humor steal the show, while Alyson Hannigan's Lily is highlighted as the group’s moral compass. The conversation touches on Robin's quest for validation and the show's therapeutic take on male emotional discussions. Listeners share heartwarming testimonials, emphasizing the show's impact on its audience.

Apr 17, 2025 • 38min
General Questions | S1E4 "Return of the Shirt"
In this lively discussion, the hosts delve into nostalgia and how it alters perceptions of past relationships. They explore the symbolism of clothing, particularly a shirt that represents discomfort, and reveal the costume department's creative process. Music's role in shaping emotional memories is examined, alongside the question of whether the series provides an authentic tale or a dramatized narrative. They also reflect on jokes that haven't aged well and discuss the now-defunct websites associated with the show. Sock monkeys and 2005 nostalgia make for a quirky touch!

Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 6min
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)InstagramHOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE:Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease researchAND MORE:Josh’s “Museletters” on SubstackJosh’s Official WebsiteJosh on SpotifyCraig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing)Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on SubstackTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:Betterhelp: How We Made Your Mother is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/yourmotherQuince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at https://quince.com/yourmotherAdvertising inquiries:hwmym@wearebv.comAND IN CASE IT HELPS:02:18 Writer's Journey and Personal Growth06:06 The Complexity of Relationships10:48 The Role of the Shirt in the Episode18:29 The Dynamics of Ted and Robin27:13 The Writer's Room Experience35:14 The Art of Comedy and Writing40:45 The Journey of a TV Writer44:00 The Magic of Sock Monkeys and Montages49:23 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

Apr 10, 2025 • 40min
General Questions | S1E3 "The Sweet Taste of Liberty"
Delve into the fascinating behind-the-scenes journey of a classic sitcom. Discover how the iconic opening credits came to life and the network's approval process. Hear about the anxiety of table reads and the chaotic excitement of production week. The hosts unveil the origins of memorable jokes, including Barney's legendary antics. Explore the playful, yet revealing insights into character development and the stories behind outrageous scenes like the Liberty Bell lick. Tune in for a blend of nostalgia and humor!

Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
How We Made a Cartoon | S1E3 "The Sweet Taste of Liberty"
Josh and Craig dive into 'The Sweet Taste of Liberty,' highlighting its tonal shift and the introduction of Barney's cartoonish side. They reveal how this episode helped explore friendship dynamics and character growth, especially between Robin and Lily. The duo reflects on the role of Chris Miller and Phil Lord in shaping Barney's legendary catchphrases. They share listener stories about the show's impact on their lives while Craig candidly opens up about personal challenges faced during the show's creation, adding emotional depth to the conversation.

Apr 3, 2025 • 37min
General Questions | S1E2 "Purple Giraffe"
In this engaging discussion, the hosts dive into the chemistry between Josh and Cobie during their early scenes. They explore the rooftop setting's magical impact and its nostalgic significance. Listeners are treated to behind-the-scenes secrets, like what the cast was really drinking and their favorite snack dips. The conversation also touches on the organic creation of callbacks and the strong foundation of Marshall and Lily's relationship. Plus, they unravel the intriguing 'purple vs. yellow' theory and its subconscious influences.

11 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 9min
How I Met the Roof | S1E2 "Purple Giraffe"
Join the hosts as they delve into the creative process behind the second episode, exploring the pressure after a strong pilot. They discuss storytelling techniques, including character dynamics and whimsical moments that capture the essence of New York City. Insights reveal Ted's optimism and flaws, alongside personal anecdotes about navigating early fame. Key scenes, like the rooftop kiss, showcase emotional depth, while the symbols, like the purple giraffe, add thematic richness. Fans share heartfelt stories, demonstrating the show’s powerful impact on relationships.

Mar 27, 2025 • 42min
General Questions | S1E1 "Pilot"
Alek Lev, producer extraordinaire, joins Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas for a lively discussion. They dive into the origins of the show's unique jokes, like the 'major problem / general question' salute. Lev shares behind-the-scenes stories from the pilot, including how Bob Saget was chosen as the voice of future Ted and the significance of the blue French horn. The trio reflects on cast chemistry, test audience reactions, and personal lessons learned from the show's beloved character, Ted.

Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 18min
Howwww We Met Ted | S1E1 "Pilot"
Join Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas as they dive into the pilot of a beloved sitcom! They explore the show’s emotional resonance and its complex storytelling that captures friendship and love. Personal anecdotes bring the behind-the-scenes magic to life, while discussions on Ted Mosby's romantic journey add depth. Themes of community support and navigating relationships resonate throughout. The hosts even ponder what the pilot might be renamed, adding a nostalgic twist to this charming rewatch.


