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.

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READ JOSH’S MUSELETTERS ON SUBSTACK:
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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:
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FOLLOW THE OFFICE LADIES:
Check out "Office Ladies" at https://officeladies.com/ or wherever you get your podcasts!
Follow on Instagram: OfficeLadiesPod
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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.

Josh and Craig revisit “Spoiler Alert” (Season 3, Episode 8), breaking down the episode’s central idea: how one pointed-out flaw can permanently change the way you see someone. They discuss the ethics of telling friends uncomfortable truths, the surprisingly philosophical themes of love and acceptance, and how the episode’s two mysteries—Kathy’s endless talking and Marshall’s forgotten bar exam password—fit together so elegantly. Along the way, Josh reflects on feeling personally exposed by Ted’s “intellectual snob” characterization, Craig shares behind-the-scenes stories about Stephen Lloyd’s writing, Jason Segel’s improvised songs, and the episode’s memorable sound design, and the conversation closes with a thoughtful listener letter about why How I Met Your Mother has always felt like storytelling rooted in genuine care rather than simply making people laugh.

And read WHY YOU WILL MARRY THE WRONG PERSON

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

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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

In this deeply personal bonus episode, Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas pause their Season 3 rewatch to revisit the life-changing summer between Seasons 2 and 3 of How I Met Your Mother. Josh opens up about struggling with the pressures of sudden fame, his increasing reliance on alcohol, and how transformative ayahuasca journeys to Brazil and Colombia led him to stop drinking and return to the show feeling calmer, more grounded, and better equipped to embrace his role as Ted Mosby. Craig then shares the heartbreaking story of his son Elliot’s birth, the terrifying weeks spent in the NICU, Elliot’s life-saving open-heart surgery, and his diagnosis with the rare genetic condition Jacobsen syndrome. The two reflect on how those parallel journeys profoundly shaped Season 3, their friendship, and the emotional core of the series, discussing themes of unconditional love, vulnerability, parenthood, finding community, and how life’s hardest moments can ultimately lead to unexpected purpose.

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

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.

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