How We Made Your Mother

Author: 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. Its 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 HIMYMs 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.
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Language: en

Genres: After Shows, TV & Film, TV Reviews

Contact email: Get it

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iTunes ID: Get it

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How to Salute Your Mother | S3E9 "Slapsgiving"
Monday, 13 July, 2026

Josh and Craig revisit “Slapsgiving,” one of the series’ most beloved episodes, beginning with the latest—and perhaps fiercest yet—chapter in the battle between producer Alek Lev and his childhood best friend Joel over who truly invented the legendary “Major General” salute. (Alek did. He can say that now because he’s writing these show notes.) From there, they celebrate Matt Kuhn’s script, Orson Bean’s unforgettable guest performance as Bob, and how the episode balances outrageous comedy with genuine emotional stakes as Ted and Robin struggle to figure out whether they can really stay friends after their breakup. They also reflect on Jason Segel’s iconic “You Just Got Slapped” song, the episode’s many classic running gags, and how How I Met Your Mother created its own shared language that fans still use today. The episode closes with a thoughtful listener letter about how different characters resonate at different stages of life—from Barney in youth, to Ted while searching for love, to Marshall and Lily in marriage—highlighting the show’s remarkable ability to grow alongside its audience. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages)InstagramTiktok. 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: OfficeLadiesPodFollow on TikTok.AND MORE:Josh’s Official WebsiteJosh on SpotifyCraig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing)Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack.