General Questions | Instagram Live 2/4/26
4/20/202653 min
This February 4 Instagram Live episode of How We Made Your Mother brings together Josh Radnor, Craig Thomas, and producer Alek Lev for an expansive, warm, and frequently hilarious conversation that doubles as a love letter to the show, the podcast, and the community that’s grown around both. Broadcasting at a new midday time to reach international fans, the trio talk about why they started the podcast, how listener voice notes and letters have become its emotional core, and what it’s been like revisiting How I Met Your Mother nearly two decades later. Topics range from New York winters, unrealistic sitcom apartments, long-term storytelling payoffs and accidental continuity errors, to Craig’s emotional reflections on the end of The Late Show legacy after his formative years writing for Late Show with David Letterman. Josh opens up about rediscovering pride in the series after years of distance, becoming a fan of the show himself, and how the podcast has softened his relationship with Ted Mosby and the audience. The group shares behind-the-scenes stories about the origins of running jokes like the Major General salute, the ripple effects of tiny life choices, fan proposals sparked by the podcast, and the optimism behind the phrase “People Will Dance,” which may soon become merch. Along the way they shout out fans tuning in from around the world, reflect on music’s role in the show (and Josh’s late-in-life songwriting journey), and close on the idea that HIMYM now belongs to its viewers as much as its creators—something all three clearly cherish. 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: OfficeLadiesPodFollow 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
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsJosh Radnor· Host0:00
[upbeat music] As a man, finding a truly great pair of pants can feel impossible. Some wrinkle the moment you sit down. Others look fine, but don't travel well, don't move well, or completely lose their shape throughout the day. When you're flying, commuting, or packing light, most pants just aren't built for real life.
Craig Thomas· Host0:17
Well, that's why there's Jack Archer. Jackarcher.com makes the Jetsetter Tech Pant, designed to be the one pair you actually need. Comfortable enough for travel, polished enough for work, and versatile enough for wherever the day takes you.
Josh Radnor· Host0:29
The Jetsetter Tech Pant is wrinkle free, stain resistant, and built for all-day comfort. With flexible stretch, customizable fit options, and thousands of five-star reviews, these are the pants you'll reach for every day. Jack Archer, ready when you are.
Craig Thomas· Host0:45
For a limited time, get 15% off your first order using code GETJACK at jackarcher.com. Again, that's promo code GETJACK at jackarcher.com for 15% off your first order. [upbeat music] Craig.
Alec Lev1:00
Josh.
Josh Radnor· Host1:00
We live in a pretty expensive city. It's called New York City.
Craig Thomas· Host1:03
That's what it's called.
Josh Radnor· Host1:05
And, uh, they say that, uh, it costs about $100 to just step out of your apartment in New York City.
Craig Thomas· Host1:11
Right.
Josh Radnor· Host1:12
Yeah. And you know, you, you, you, you get your, a meal here, a coffee there, a little thing here, a little thing there. Next thing you know, by the end of the month, that's all added up. But Rocket Money will help you see exactly where all your money was going and help you keep track of it.
Craig Thomas· Host1:28
The app automatically