In this bonus episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig return to episode 9, “Belly Full of Turkey,” to answer listener questions, share new behind-the-scenes stories, and read exclusive commentary from writer Chris Miller. They dive into the magic of set construction, the evolution of Marshall’s Minnesota roots, last-minute casting shake-ups (including how Bill Fagerbakke became Marshall’s dad), and the contributions of the beloved stand-ins. Josh also shares heartfelt stories from his recent music tour, including fans flying in from across the world. It’s a fast-moving, funny, and emotional look at the people who helped shape one of the show’s most memorable episodes. How many sets were in this episode, and how were they managed? What inspired Marshall’s love of Minnesota and the Vikings? Did Jason Segel enjoy the Minnesota scenes? What was it like working with Bill Fagerbakke as Marshall’s dad? Was another actor originally cast in that role? Who were the stand-ins, and what did they contribute to the show? Have any of you ever been arrested for public urination? What was in the Thanks-tini? Was the seven-layer salad based on a real recipe? How did you cast such tall actors for Marshall’s family? What’s the story behind the acoustic “Mr. Roboto” cover that didn’t make it in? Can you talk about the music selection and supervision process on HIMYM? GET YOUR MERCH!We’ve got HWMYM merch, which is now just a FEW CLICKS AWAY. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today. JOSH IS STILL ON TOUR!Tickets are available HERE for the final shows of the EULOGY TOUR. And if you’re a business with big orders to fulfill, Amplifier is there to help growing consumer brands and influencers create a unique experience for their customers during the fulfillment process. Visit AMPLIFIER to learn more, and name-drop How We Made Your Mother for special pricing for your emerging brand's program. 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 DIFFERENCEDonate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research AND 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 Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, Josh and Craig revisit “Belly Full of Turkey” and reflect on Lily’s hilarious but heartfelt journey into Marshall’s giant Minnesota family, while Ted, Robin, and Barney navigate their own offbeat holiday at a food shelter (and later, a strip club). They discuss Allison Hannigan’s standout performance, the visual comedy of a Brooklyn girl in a land of giants, and the deeper emotional themes of family, identity, and partnership. With behind-the-scenes stories, a moving listener letter from Australia, and insights from Jordana about in-laws and marriage, this episode blends big laughs with big feelings—just like the show always did. GET YOUR MERCH!We’ve got HWMYM merch, which is now just a FEW CLICKS AWAY. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today. JOSH IS STILL ON TOUR!Tickets are available HERE for the final shows of the EULOGY TOUR. And if you’re a business with big orders to fulfill, Amplifier is there to help growing consumer brands and influencers create a unique experience for their customers during the fulfillment process. Visit AMPLIFIER to learn more, and name-drop How We Made Your Mother for special pricing for your emerging brand's program. 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 DIFFERENCEDonate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research AND 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 Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig sit down with Cobie Smulders to talk all things Robin Scherbatsky—from her early auditions and the moment Robin became Canadian to how the character evolved over nine seasons. Cobie shares what it’s like to play one of TV’s most iconic roles and how the writers wove her real-life quirks into Robin’s journey. The trio laughs through stories of whispered pre-scene obscenities, Jason Segel’s hammer pants, and the behind-the-scenes friendships that made the show feel more like a band than a sitcom. We also announce the launch of the official How We Made Your Mother merch, starting with college-style and logo designs available on T-shirts and hoodies. Ten percent of profits support their congenital heart disease research fundraiser. Visit www.howwemadeyourmother.com/store or howyougetyourmerch.com. We are also thrilled to announce Craig’s debut novel, That’s Not How It Happened, coming November 4. The audiobook features Josh and Cobie as co-narrators. Inspired by Craig’s experience raising a child with a rare genetic syndrome, the story is a heartfelt, funny look at family, storytelling, and inclusion. Pre-order info and donation links are available at howwemadeyourmother.com. GET YOUR MERCH! We’ve got HWMYM merch, which is now just a FEW CLICKS AWAY. CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today. JOSH IS STILL ON TOUR! Tickets are available HERE for the final shows of the EULOGY TOUR. And if you’re a business with big orders to fulfill, Amplifier is there to help growing consumer brands and influencers create a unique experience for their customers during the fulfillment process. Visit AMPLIFIER to learn more, and name-drop How We Made Your Mother for special pricing for your emerging brand's program. 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 Thanks to our sponsors: Mint Mobile: If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at mintmobile.com/yourmother PrettyLitter: Save 20% on your first order and get a free cat toy at prettylitter.com/HWMYM Vessi: Meet your new favorite daily sneaker—Vessi is waterproof, ultra-comfy, and fits every part of your routine. Visit https://vessi.com/yourmother and enjoy 15% off your first pair at checkout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this General Questions bonus episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh, Craig, and Alec reflect on “The Duel” and answer fan questions about real-life apartments, the emotional weight of physical space, and how props like swords and Shockey came to represent bigger ideas in the show. They also dig into the origins of HIMYM’s many fictional websites, the legacy of Barney’s blog, and the writers assistants who used that material to launch their careers. The conversation blends nostalgia, comedy, and sincerity—covering everything from sentimental goodbyes to apartments, to what it’s like to stage a sitcom sword fight and why leaving a home can feel like losing a piece of yourself. What happened to all the HIMYM websites like TedMosbyIsAJerk.com and Barney’s Blog? Can you bring any of the old sites back? Who actually owns those domains now? Did writing Barney’s Blog help writers assistants get promoted? What real-life places inspired the show’s apartments and bars? Do you have a building from your life that will always feel like “yours”? What was your first apartment like, and did you have objects like Shockey or the swords? Did Craig and Carter have a shared object that symbolized their early years like the swords? What are you doing with your apartment while you’re on tour? Was the sword fight fully choreographed or improvised? Were the swords always part of the set or added for this episode? Why do we get so attached to physical spaces? How do our props and surroundings help us feel at home? Is there such a thing as a forever home, or is home something we carry with us? How did the crew design a realistic but shootable New York apartment? What was it like saying goodbye to the real stage where HIMYM was filmed? 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit “The Duel,” where Ted, Marshall, and Lily wrestle—literally and emotionally—with what it means to grow up without growing apart. From the iconic sword fight to Barney’s very first attempt at making a “thing” with the Lemon Law, the episode explores fear of change, nostalgia, and the dream of keeping your friends close as life pulls you in different directions. They also discuss how objects carry emotional meaning in HIMYM’s storytelling, the mystical character of New York City, and the very real inspiration behind Shockey the coffee maker. 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: HelloFresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/YOURMOTHER10FM now to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life. Car Gurus: Buy or sell your next car today with Car Gurus at cargurus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this General Questions bonus episode, Josh, Craig, and Alek answer listener questions inspired by “Matchmaker” and the legendary cockamouse. They share memories of life on set—from forgotten script pages to candy carts—and reflect on the ecosystem of people who brought HIMYM to life behind the scenes. The conversation also explores the inspiration behind the matchmaking plot, how Robin’s job helped shrink New York into a small-town setting, and why characters like Ted become verbs among close friends. Plus, they tackle the fan-favorite topic of spoilers (or avoiding them), and reveal whether they ever had an emergency plan to end the series early. Questions We Try to Answer: What’s life like on a sitcom set day-to-day? Did anyone ever try to hide script pages in props or pockets? How did the crew, like the script supervisor, help actors stay on track? What’s the story behind the candy cart and other Fox lot traditions? How did you balance screen time and prep with phones creeping onto set? Was the matchmaking plot based on anyone’s real-life experience? Did this matchmaking service actually exist, and did anyone try it? What made Robin’s job as a local reporter such a useful storytelling tool? Why does Robin’s news fluff piece feel so personal and charming? Why does turning New York into a small town make the show more relatable? Where did the phrase “Tedding out” come from, and what does it mean to the characters? Did the group using Ted’s name as a verb feel affectionate or mocking? Was there ever an emergency plan to wrap the show early if it got canceled 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 Advertising inquiries:hwmym@wearebv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit HIMYM Season 1, Episode 7: “Matchmaker.” They break down the hilarious and heartfelt collision of fate and data as Ted tries a professional dating service and meets Camryn Manheim’s character, Ellen, the no-nonsense matchmaker who delivers one of the most memorable guest turns in early HIMYM. They discuss how her storyline puts Ted’s romantic optimism to the test, while Marshall and Lily face off with the mysterious cockamouse in a B-story that has since become a fan favorite. From the real-life origin of the cockamouse to the timeless theme of belief vs. logic, this episode balances absurdity with emotional truth—and gives a nostalgic look at dating before apps took over Check out THIS AMERICAN LIFE episode 766: “Math or Magic.” And JOIN THE FAN FACEBOOK GROUP! 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: Vessi: Meet your new favorite daily sneaker—Vessi is waterproof, ultra-comfy, and fits every part of your routine. Visit https://vessi.com/yourmother and enjoy 15% off your first pair at checkout! Betterhelp: How We Made Your Mother is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/yourmother Advertising inquiries:hwmym@wearebv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh, Craig, and Alek dive into the Season 1 fan-favorite episode “The Slutty Pumpkin.” They revisit how the show used Ted’s bizarre romantic traditions to explore themes of hope, faith, and emotional resilience. The conversation also highlights Robin’s struggle with intimacy, the early signs of attachment theory at work in the writing, and the growing chemistry between the cast. They reflect on iconic bits like Marshmallow and Lilypad, Ted’s loud love for a cappella, and the origins of one of the series’ best music moments featuring Nada Surf. Plus: behind-the-scenes anecdotes about Jason Segel’s eyeliner, Neil Patrick Harris’s fire tricks, and a moment of self-examination around the episode’s more dated jokes. General Questions o’ The Week Was Marshall’s dance outlined in the script or mostly improvised? How much improv or ad-libbing happened on How I Met Your Mother? Did being a writer help you stay focused on acting without wanting to rewrite lines? Did Josh invent the “grabbing the heart” move or was it scripted? Who kept Barney’s Mylar silver club shirt? How do you feel now about the scene where Marshall and Lily jump out the window—does it break reality? Was that moment the beginning of using Future Ted as an unreliable narrator? Was Lily’s feeling about “having to grow up” based on real-life experience? When did you realize you’d crossed the line from youth into adulthood? What’s on your personal “Okay Awesome” list—things you’re supposed to like but secretly hate? 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 Advertising inquiries:hwmym@wearebv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit “The Slutty Pumpkin,” a fan-favorite early episode of HIMYM written by Brenda Hsueh. They explore how the episode deepens Ted and Robin’s characters—Ted’s relentless romantic hopefulness and Robin’s fear of losing her independence—while also setting up major relationship themes that carry through the series. They reflect on the inspiration behind Ted’s ritualistic loyalty to the pumpkin party, the show’s early use of attachment theory (before it was trendy), the origins of classic bits like Marshmallow and Lilypad, and why Ted’s unreasonable optimism often becomes his superpower. Plus, they share behind-the-scenes stories about Jason Segel’s eyeliner, Neil Patrick Harris’s love of magic props, and the surprising indie rock influences that shaped the emotional tone of the series. 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: Nutrafol - Start your hair growth journey with Nutrafol at nutrafol.com and use the code YOURMOTHER PrettyLitter -  Save 20% on your first order and get a free cat toy at prettylitter.com/HWMYM Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus General Questions episode, Josh, Craig, and Alek answer fan-submitted questions about “Okay Awesome,” diving into Marshall’s dance moves, the role of improv in the show, and the legacy of HIMYM props. They also explore the emotional roots of the episode’s themes—like fear of adulthood and holding on to youthful joy—and reflect on how memory, nostalgia, and storytelling shape the way we grow up. Plus, an all-time great listener question from Maya Rupert inspires a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about each host’s personal “Okay Awesome” list: things everyone is supposed to love… but they just don’t. Questions We Try to Answer: Was Marshall’s dance outlined in the script or mostly improvised? How much improv or ad-libbing happened on HIMYM? Did being a writer help Josh and Jason stay focused on acting? Did Josh invent the “grabbing the heart” gesture, or was it scripted? Who kept Barney’s silver club shirt, and what happened to the props after the show ended? How do you feel about Marshall and Lily jumping out the window—does that break the reality of the show? Was that moment a turning point for how HIMYM used the narrator to play with memory? Was Lily’s storyline about growing up based on real experience? At what moment did you realize you had passed from the joy of youth into adulthood? What’s on your personal “Okay Awesome” list—things you’re supposed to like, but don’t? 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 Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig take a deep dive into “Okay Awesome,” HIMYM’s first “club episode” and the debut script of longtime writer Chris Harris. They revisit the origin of the show’s loudest joke—the nightclub subtitles gag—and reflect on the real-life friendship themes that drive the plot, as Marshall and Ted struggle to stay connected across diverging life paths. They also discuss Robin’s need for validation, the debut of HIMYM’s iconic narrative tricks, the magic of Jason Segel’s dance moves, and why Alyson Hannigan’s Lily might be the show’s emotional center. It’s a loud, fast, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt look at what HIMYM was always about: holding onto your people as life pulls you in new directions. (Or at least that’s what ChatGPT thinks this episode is about.) 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: 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: 03:11 The Impact of Fan Testimonials 06:02 Celebrating Chris Harris and the Writing Process 10:04 Narrative Techniques and Humor in Storytelling 12:57 Exploring Themes of Friendship and Connection 23:02 The Role of Humor in Relationships 24:15 The Art of Unique Line Readings 32:34 Navigating Success and Friendship in Your 20s 38:06 Emotional Conversations and Growth 42:39 The Heart of the Show: Friendship and Connection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this General Questions bonus episode, Josh, Craig, and Alek field fan-submitted questions all about Season 1, Episode 4: “Return of the Shirt.” They dig into nostalgia, memory, and what it means to go back to a past relationship—or a past version of yourself. The conversation also covers the symbolism of “the shirt,” how wardrobe choices are made, and the deeper meaning of memory in both life and storytelling. They explore how music shapes emotional memory, revisit HIMYM’s digital side quests (RIP, Barney’s Blog), and wrestle with one line that hasn’t aged well. Plus, sock monkeys, Bell and Sebastian, and why it might be time to resurrect some very 2005-era websites. Questions We Attempt to Answer in This Episode: As you’re rewatching, is it strange to watch yourself interact with everyone before you actually knew them well? How much input did you both have on clothing choices throughout the rest of the show? How many days does the costume department have between getting the script and needing wardrobe ready to go? Do you think nostalgia makes us see past relationships in a better light than they actually were? What are your thoughts on how memory shapes what we remember about our lives and relationships? Is what we’re watching the actual story Ted tells his kids, or are we seeing a more unfiltered version? How did you choose the music for the show, and what are your musical influences? Why were all the websites from the show taken down, and will they ever come back? How do you feel now about the “beat up by a girl” joke at the end of the episode? 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 Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com AND IN CASE IT HELPS: 02:00 Engaging with Fan Questions 03:35 Exploring Actor Relationships 05:30 Costume Design Insights 07:58 Production Flow and Challenges 15:22 The Nostalgia Trap: Yearning for the Past 18:06 Memory and Storytelling: The Unreliable Narrator 21:57 The Role of Music in Memory and Life 28:01 The Digital Footprint: Lost Websites and Fan Engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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) 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 Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at https://quince.com/yourmother Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com AND IN CASE IT HELPS: 02:18 Writer's Journey and Personal Growth 06:06 The Complexity of Relationships 10:48 The Role of the Shirt in the Episode 18:29 The Dynamics of Ted and Robin 27:13 The Writer's Room Experience 35:14 The Art of Comedy and Writing 40:45 The Journey of a TV Writer 44:00 The Magic of Sock Monkeys and Montages 49:23 Memorable Moments from the Shoot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus General Questions episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh, Craig, and Alek dive deep into how How I Met Your Mother actually got made. They walk through the production week—from table reads to rewrites, from blocking to shooting—and share behind-the-scenes memories from the early days of the show. They also revisit the creation of the show’s opening credits, the music choices that almost happened, and the story behind Barney’s first big catchphrase. A true behind-the-scenes look at how television comes together—complete with New York Street, Liberty Bell licking, and Barney zipped in a suitcase. Questions We Attempt to Answer in This Episode: How far into filming did you create the opening sequence and bar photos? Was the opening montage made just for this episode? Is the basement in this episode the same as Stella’s house later in the series? Did the studio or network have to approve the title sequence? What was a typical production week like for Josh and Craig? How did scripts get delivered to the cast? Did actors ever feel responsible for jokes being cut after table reads? What sets were permanent and which ones changed? What was it like filming on New York Street? Where did the idea of picking up girls at the airport come from? Is Barney actually successful at picking up women in the early episodes? How many takes did it take to film the police room scene with Neil? Were there a lot of bloopers in season one? Was Ted too bummed out in this episode? Why do they keep hanging out with Barney? Who came up with “legend—wait for it—dary”? Did Chris Miller and Phil Lord invent some of Barney’s signature language? How many HIMYM fans have actually tried to lick the Liberty Bell? Why was there drink service on a flight from NYC to Philly? 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 Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com AND IN CASE IT HELPS: 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Episode 01:41 Behind the Scenes of Episode Production 06:45 The Table Read Experience 10:10 Script Revisions and Feedback Process 17:00 Shooting Schedule and Production Insights 21:32 The Writer's Room: Crafting Ideas and Characters 22:01 Barney's Character: The Comedic Genius 26:00 Memorable Scenes: Bloopers and Behind-the-Scenes Fun 30:08 The Evolution of Humor: Legendary Moments 34:21 Friendship Dynamics: Ted and Barney's Relationship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit “The Sweet Taste of Liberty” and talk about how it marked a shift in tone for the show. The episode introduced Barney’s cartoonish side, the “legend—wait for it—dary” catchphrase, and a more outrageous style of storytelling. They discuss the influence of writers Chris Miller and Phil Lord, the origins of Barney’s character, and the episode’s mission to answer two big questions: Why is this wild man part of the friend group? And how do Robin and Lily become friends? The conversation also explores how Ted became more reactive in this episode, the challenge of balancing sitcom energy with character growth, and how early episodes were still “auditioning” the show’s style. They end with heartfelt letters from listeners about how How I Met Your Mother impacted their lives—and Craig shares his personal story about making the show while navigating his own family’s medical crisis, adding emotional depth to the series and the podcast. Make sure to listen through to the end, when Craig Thomas will announce the permanent fundraising campaign of this podcast, How You Make a Difference, raising money for congenital heart disease. 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 SPONSOR: Nutrafol: Start your hair growth journey with Nutrafol at nutrafol.com and use the code YOURMOTHER. Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com AND IN CASE IT HELPS: 00:00 Emotional Growth Through Television 07:14 The Creative Process Behind 'How I Met Your Mother' 14:00 Character Dynamics and Relationships 21:04 The Evolution of Storytelling in Sitcoms 30:54 The Creative Process Behind Iconic Moments 32:41 Balancing Character Arcs and Storytelling 35:49 The Role of Chaos and Creation in Relationships 39:03 Exploring Vulnerability and Masculinity 43:23 Fan Impact and Personal Stories 55:08 The Timelessness of Love and Resilience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus General Questions episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh, Craig, and Alek respond to listener questions all about “Purple Giraffe.” They cover everything from how Josh and Cobie developed their early on-screen chemistry to the symbolism of the rooftop and the origin of the show’s callbacks. The team also weighs in on the fan-created “purple vs. yellow” theory, share behind-the-scenes wardrobe details, and talk about how real-life relationships and experiences made their way into the show’s characters. They reflect on what it felt like filming the second episode after the pilot, how the roof became such a central location, and the challenge of balancing screen time in a packed episode. It’s a mix of thoughtful answers, personal stories, and a few very specific snack preferences. Questions We Attempt to Answer in This Episode: How did Josh and Cobie build their chemistry so quickly on screen? How did you keep track of callbacks throughout the series? What’s your favorite kind of dip? What were you actually drinking at the bar? Was the mood different filming episode 2 compared to the pilot? What inspired the rooftop setting, and do you have personal connections to it? How did you approach casting smaller roles like Carlos? What’s the story behind John Bernthal’s early appearance on the show? How did wardrobe choices affect your performance, especially for Ted? Why did Marshall and Lily’s relationship start out so strong and established? What’s the purple vs. yellow theory, and did you plan it? 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 Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit How I Met Your Mother’s second episode, “Purple Giraffe.” They talk about the pressure of following up the pilot, the decision to structure the story around three parties, and how the show continued to play with time and storytelling. They also reflect on Ted’s optimism, his flaws, and what this episode reveals about his character. The episode includes behind-the-scenes stories about writing, editing, and production, including how the purple giraffe came to be and why the rooftop scene was so important. Josh shares what it was like navigating early fame, and his wife Jordana offers thoughtful insight into Ted’s emotional growth. 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: Surfshark: Go to https://surfshark.com/yourmother and use code YOURMOTHER for 4 extra months of Surfshark. Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com AND IN CASE IT HELPS: 03:08 Creating Episode Two: Purple Giraffe 06:13 The Challenges of Writing a Second Episode 09:03 The Great Gatsby Influence 17:57 The Essence of Ted Mosby 20:49 Balancing Humor and Heart 35:16 The Art of Cinematic Storytelling 40:39 Ted's Journey: The Tug of War Between Control and Destiny 49:00 The Evolution of Ted: From Childish Dreams to Adult Realities 59:00 Audience Engagement and Community Connection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode, Josh Radnor, Craig Thomas, and producer Alek Lev answer your General Questions—rapid-fire style! From the origin of the “major problem / general question” salute, to behind-the-scenes memories from the pilot, and how Ted’s infamous blue French horn heist was conceived, this episode dives into your burning curiosities. They also reflect on what older Ted would say to younger Ted, how Bob Saget became the voice of future Ted, and the surprising story of how Carl the Bartender ended up on the show. Questions Answered in This Episode: What line from the pilot became Josh’s personal mantra and the name of his corporation? What’s the origin of the “general question / major problem” salute joke? What advice would older Ted give to younger Ted in the pilot? Why did you cast Bob Saget as the voice of future Ted? When did the cast start to realize the group chemistry was special? Did you film all the future kids’ scenes at once? Do you remember watching the pilot for the first time? How much did test audience reactions and executive notes influence the show? What did the actors know about what was coming for their characters? What inspired the blue French horn? Did anyone keep the blue French horn? (Hint: Yes, and it’s in Josh’s house.) What’s the real story behind casting Carl the Bartender? What were your biggest writing influences for the pilot? What movies helped inspire Ted as a character? Will the podcast be filmed? (Yes—check YouTube!) What was the biggest challenge in transitioning Robin into the full group after the pilot? Why would Robin, who lives in Brooklyn, be hanging out on the Upper West Side so much? 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 Advertising inquiries: hwmym@wearebv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When we sat down with Carter Bays to talk about the development of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, we just couldn’t stop talking. And by the end, we found that we had two episodes on our hands: We had HOW WE GOT IT MADE, detailing the ins and outs of pitching, selling, casting, and finally making HIMYM. But we also have our first bonus episode, HOW CRAIG MET CARTER, about the legendary meeting at Wesleyan University of the HIMYM creators, their musical and comedy collaborations through their work at THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, right up until the moment they first pitched HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER to their agent. (Read more in our Substack post.) 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 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: hwmym@wearebv.com AND IN CASE IT HELPS: 00:00 The Unexpected Journey Begins 03:11 From College Friends to Comedy Partners 06:01 The MTV Internship Experience 12:08 The Power of Collaboration 14:59 The Suit Connection: Identity and Choice 17:49 Breaking into the Industry 20:56 The Letterman Experience 23:56 Lessons Learned from Late Night Writing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices