How We Made Your Mother

By 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 f... more

4.8

723723 ratings

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about How We Made Your Mother:

How many episodes does How We Made Your Mother have?

The podcast currently has 64 episodes available.

How We Made Your Mother episodes:

December 22, 2025 How We Met Robin Sparkles [with Cobie Smulders] | S2E9 "Slap Bet"
In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas revisit one of the most iconic episodes of How I Met Your Mother: Season 2, Episode 9, “Slap Bet,” with special guest Cobie Smulders.
The conversation dives deep into the origin and impact of Robin Sparkles, from the wild writers’ room pitch to the massive, risky production of the full “Let’s Go to the Mall” music video—shot on an extra day, with choreography, wigs, dancers, and a full pop song that went on to live far beyond the episode itself. Cobie shares candid memories of recording the song (green apples, whiskey, nerves, and all), learning the choreography, and how revealing this secret pop-star past fundamentally unlocked a lighter, sillier, more intimate side of Robin Scherbatsky. Josh and Craig reflect on how the episode introduced not just Robin Sparkles, but also the slap bet, the slap bet commissioner, and a storytelling confidence that helped define the series’ future. The episode also features deeply moving listener letters, including one read by Cobie, underscoring how HIMYM has become a source of comfort, philosophy, nostalgia, and emotional connection for fans—proving that even the funniest episodes are ultimately about vulnerability, love, and letting yourself be truly known.
Watch the full VIDEO of “Let’s Go to the Mall”

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages)
Instagram

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 WebsiteJosh 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
...more
1h 2min
December 15, 2025 How To Play Xing Hai Shi Bu Xing | S2E8 “Atlantic City”
In this episode, Josh and Craig revisit Season 2, Episode 8: “Atlantic City,” written by Maria Ferrari, who started as a writer’s assistant before becoming a staff writer. They discuss the unusual challenge of writing a road-trip episode that takes the whole gang out of their usual sets and how that led to one of the longest rewrite nights of the early seasons. The conversation covers how the story’s emotional center—Lily trying to escape judgment by eloping with Marshall only to realize she can’t run from family—finally clicked during late-night rewrites, and how the episode became a metaphor about facing what you’re avoiding. Josh recalls on-set memories, like Ted’s Twizzler moment and Robin’s bikini-shirt gag, while Craig explains the origins of Barney’s fake Chinese gambling game (“Deal or No Deal,” a jab at the rival show). They also talk about guest star Kate Micucci, who sends in a warm voice memo about her brief role, and close with reflections on Cheers, improv, extras’ pay, the pressure of 22-episode seasons, and the meaning of the final song “Sink to the Bottom with You” by Fountains of Wayne—an anthem for commitment, even when it means sinking together.

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages)
Instagram

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 WebsiteJosh 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
...more
1h 5min
December 11, 2025 Preview: Dinner’s On Me with Guest Josh Radnor
Josh recently sat down with his friend Jesse Tyler Ferguson for an episode of Jesse's podcast "Dinner's On Me." Both Josh and Jesse were on hit sitcoms during a very particular moment in TV's metamorphosis, and they've both had on-going, evolving relationships with the characters they played on those shows.
Here's a preview of their conversation...

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
...more
6min
December 08, 2025 How We Met Ol' Swarley | S2E7 "Swarley"
Josh and Craig are joined by writer Greg Malins, who co-ran Friends before joining How I Met Your Mother for Season 2. They revisit the episode “Swarley” (aired December 8 2006), talking about how Greg helped shape the show’s tone, the accidental (or maybe subconscious) Friends dig in the coffee-shop cold open, and how the “Swarley” name was coined by Rob Greenberg. Greg reveals a never-before-revealed admission about a joke he… borrowed from Friends for this episode. The group discusses Marshall and Lily’s reunion scene, Robin Sparkles’ early origins, the importance of showing Barney lose for once, and how the cast’s joy made the “Swarley” storyline unforgettable. They end by answering a listener question from @SwarleyMemes about why the show’s humor still resonates today—deciding it’s because HIMYM’s jokes, like “Swarley” itself, come from love and timeless wordplay.
Watch the original Friends clip HERE (around 2 minutes and 45 seconds in).
CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages)
Instagram
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
...more
1h 6min
December 01, 2025 How We Broke Bad [with Bryan Cranston] | S2E6 "Aldrin Justice"
Season two, episode six of How We Made Your Mother features a special guest: the legendary Bryan Cranston, who joins Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas to revisit his first appearance as Hammond Druthers in “Aldrin Justice.” Cranston reflects on taking the role right after Malcolm in the Middle ended, how he almost didn’t get Breaking Bad if Fox had ordered another Malcolm season, and how one X-Files episode led Vince Gilligan to cast him as Walter White. The three dive into acting lessons, career timing, and luck—plus Cranston’s thoughts on confidence, craft, and why good writing is the only thing worth chasing. They talk about the hidden humanity behind Druthers’ egotism, the joy of unhinged characters, and Jane Seymour’s hilarious turn as the original “cougar.” Josh and Craig share behind-the-scenes stories about the episode’s writing, Lily’s “karma police” subplot, and early uses of the word “cougar,” while reflecting on jokes that don’t hold up and the importance of owning creative missteps. The conversation closes with thoughtful discussions about teaching, artistry, and the strange, lucky chain of moments that connect How I Met Your Mother to Breaking Bad.
CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages)
Instagram
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
...more
1h 11min
November 24, 2025 Flashback: How We Birthed a Turkey | S1E9 "Belly Full of Turkey"
To celebrate Thanksgiving, we are flashing back to our Season 1 rewatch of “Belly Full of Turkey.” Josh and Craig 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 Alyson 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.

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages)
Instagram

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 WebsiteJosh 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
...more
56min
November 17, 2025 How We Got Ridonk [with Joe Manganiello] | S2E5 "World's Greatest Couple"
Season two, episode five of How We Made Your Mother dives into “World’s Greatest Couple,” where Lily moves in with Barney, and Marshall finds unexpected companionship with Brad—played by guest star Joe Manganiello, who joins Josh and Craig for the episode. The hosts break down how this fan-favorite storyline came together: Lily’s disastrous apartment, the debut of Barney’s Fortress of Barnitude, and the surprisingly sweet “odd couple” chemistry between Lily and Barney. They also reveal behind-the-scenes details about Joe’s casting, his Carnegie Mellon roots, and how his vulnerable, hilarious energy made Brad a standout character. Josh and Craig discuss the episode’s mystery structure, the craftsmanship behind the Murphy bed gag, and Barney’s hidden loneliness beneath all the bravado. Joe shares stories about his early days in Hollywood, his “bros at brunch” fame, and what could’ve been if Brad had become a series regular. The episode closes with heartfelt listener letters from Emma in Canada and Brenda in New Jersey, reflecting on breakups, creative growth, and how HIMYM helps fans rediscover hope and strength through changing chapters of life.
Check out cartoonist and comedian Asher Perlman on INSTAGRAM.

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages)
Instagram

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 WebsiteJosh 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
...more
1h 8min
November 13, 2025 How We Met the Office Ladies [with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey]
Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas welcome Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey of Office Ladies for an “extra-extra-special” crossover episode that celebrates the shared DNA between The Office and How I Met Your Mother. The four trade stories about auditioning, early career struggles, and the naïve confidence it took to chase a dream to Los Angeles. Jenna and Angela recall the pressure of remaking the British Office and the moment they knew Diversity Day proved their show’s originality; Josh and Craig compare that to creating HIMYM in the shadow of Friends. They discuss manifesting success, the comfort of ensemble storytelling, nostalgia for network-era TV, and what it means to have made “comfort shows” that helped fans through hard times. The episode closes with a listener letter from Chile about how HIMYM quite literally changed one fan’s life—and a toast to everyone who’s ever found solace, laughter, and a sense of home in these two beloved worlds.

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages)
Instagram

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

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.

AND MORE:
Josh’s Official WebsiteJosh 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
...more
1h 11min
November 10, 2025 How that Wasn't Ted | S2E4 "Ted Mosby: Architect"
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.

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages)
Instagram

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 WebsiteJosh 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
...more
1h 9min
November 03, 2025 How We Met Marshall's Calves | S2E3 "Brunch"
Season two, episode three of How We Made Your Mother takes on “Brunch,” the HIMYM episode that juggles family chaos, secrets, and spicy breakfast rolls. Josh and Craig reminisce about casting Michael Gross—yes, the dad from Family Ties—as Ted’s father, and how surreal that was for Josh, who grew up watching him on TV in Columbus, Ohio. They unpack the episode’s Pulp Fiction-style structure, Ted’s awkward family brunch with his divorced parents, Robin, and Barney, and the hilarious side plots of Marshall and Lily’s lingering chemistry (and calves). The hosts also dive into themes of communication, generational love languages, and repeating family patterns, praising Steven Lloyd’s dark humor and Christine Rose’s comedic subtlety. Barney’s needy attempts to outshine Robin, Ted’s questionable shirt choices, and the debut of the “83%” statistic all get airtime, before a touching fan letter from Mexico reflects how HIMYM continues to offer hope and comfort to viewers around the world.
Check out Friend of the Devil by Stephen Lloyd
Read Oldster on Substack
CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages)
Instagram

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 WebsiteJosh 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
...more
1h 9min

FAQs about How We Made Your Mother:

How many episodes does How We Made Your Mother have?

The podcast currently has 64 episodes available.

More shows like How We Made Your Mother

Happy Sad Confused by Josh Horowitz

Happy Sad Confused

1,277 Listeners

Go Birds! by Audacy

Go Birds!

2,380 Listeners

From the Heart with Rachel Brathen by Rachel Brathen

From the Heart with Rachel Brathen

4,453 Listeners

The Skate Podcast by Audacy

The Skate Podcast

300 Listeners

the goop podcast by gwyneth paltrow

the goop podcast

6,724 Listeners

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend by Team Coco & Earwolf

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

59,438 Listeners

6 Rings and Football Things by Audacy

6 Rings and Football Things

270 Listeners

The Michael Scott Podcast Company by Ordinary Things Media

The Michael Scott Podcast Company

1,750 Listeners

Office Ladies by Audacy & Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey

Office Ladies

85,597 Listeners

Spits & Suds Podcast by Audacy

Spits & Suds Podcast

107 Listeners

Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald by iHeartPodcasts

Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald

18,743 Listeners

The Commercial Break by Comedy Podcast | Commercial Break LLC

The Commercial Break

763 Listeners

Impolitic with John Heilemann by Audacy | Puck

Impolitic with John Heilemann

4,688 Listeners

Whirlwind: America, Russia & Ukraine by Audacy Studios | Tim Weiner | Jigsaw Productions

Whirlwind: America, Russia & Ukraine

559 Listeners

The Powers That Be: Daily by Puck | Audacy

The Powers That Be: Daily

376 Listeners

Ghostwriter by Audacy

Ghostwriter

1,885 Listeners

Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade by Audacy

Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

12,788 Listeners

The Mess Around with Hannah and Lamorne by Headgum

The Mess Around with Hannah and Lamorne

8,745 Listeners

The Psychologists Are In with Maggie Lawson and Timothy Omundson by Cloud10

The Psychologists Are In with Maggie Lawson and Timothy Omundson

2,098 Listeners

The Draymond Green Show by Audacy | The New Media

The Draymond Green Show

2,042 Listeners

Love of the Star: A Dallas Cowboys Podcast by Audacy

Love of the Star: A Dallas Cowboys Podcast

205 Listeners

Pod Meets World by iHeartPodcasts

Pod Meets World

6,734 Listeners

The Best Football Show with Brian Baldinger by Audacy

The Best Football Show with Brian Baldinger

85 Listeners

Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson by Sony Music Entertainment

Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

921 Listeners

How Rude, Tanneritos! by iHeartPodcasts

How Rude, Tanneritos!

1,696 Listeners

1st & Pod by Audacy

1st & Pod

116 Listeners

Magical Rewind by My Cultura and iHeartPodcasts

Magical Rewind

540 Listeners

The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast by The Lonely Island & Seth Meyers

The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast

2,196 Listeners

Fashion People by Audacy | Puck

Fashion People

234 Listeners

The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott by Audacy, Red Hour, Great Scott

The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott

2,306 Listeners

Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

10,778 Listeners

The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast by Max

The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast

300 Listeners

Simpsons Declassified with Nancy Cartwright by Audacy & CRE84U Entertainment

Simpsons Declassified with Nancy Cartwright

173 Listeners