logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
42m 45s

General Questions | S1E1 "Pilot"

Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas
About this episode

This week, Josh and Craig sit down with HIIMYM’s co-creator, Carter Bays to discuss the origins of the show, the creative process, and the journey from pitch to pilot. They dive into the early days of development, the challenges of casting, and how the show’s unique storytelling style came to be. Plus, messages from fans from around the world.

Next week, we begin our official episode rewatch, starting with the How I Met Your Mother pilot. Rewatch with us and subscribe so you don’t miss an 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:


00:00 The Impact of 'How I Met Your Mother' on Personal Lives

04:46 The Journey of Pitching the Show

20:05 Casting Challenges and Triumphs

28:51 Casting the Perfect Ted

30:14 The Audition Experience

35:48 Creating Robin Scherbatsky

44:09 The Pressure of Network Tests

49:30 Listener Stories and Reflections

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

Up next
Aug 22
Arts Educators Save the World with Guest Josh Radnor
Today, we are presenting an appearance by our own Josh Radnor on a podcast called Arts Educators Save the World, where successful artists sit in conversation with their mentors to talk about the importance of art, arts education, and mentorship. Alek produced this podcast with hi ... Show More
44m 8s
Aug 14
General Questions | S1E19 "Mary the Paralegal"
In this General Questions episode following Mary the Paralegal, Josh, Craig, and Alek explore fan-submitted questions ranging from the origins of catchphrases like “Lawyered” and the logic behind character names, to deeper themes like miscommunication and the emotional cost of av ... Show More
25m 28s
Aug 11
How There Was Something About Mary | S1E19 "Mary the Paralegal" with Pam Fryman
This episode features the long-awaited guest appearance of director Pam Fryman, who helmed nearly every episode of How I Met Your Mother. Josh and Craig share stories of how Pam shaped the show’s tone, protected its emotional core, and created a supportive, joyful set culture tha ... Show More
1h 22m
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2020
How to Pitch your Movie to Get the Green Light with John Livesay & Producer Aaron Scotti
This week we’re shaking things up a bit with a masterclass on pitching your dream project to studios and financiers. Joining Giles Alderson is regular co-host Director/Producer Dom Lenoir as they both sit down with presentation and pitching expert John Livesay and Producer of the ... Show More
54m 32s
Mar 2025
ADOLESCENCE: Creating the new Netflix One-Take hit series with actors Stephen Graham & Erin Doherty, director Philip Barantini & writer Jack Thorne
On today’s episode, our primo host Dom Lenoir sits down with the team behind Netflix’s latest hit, Adolescence – a groundbreaking mini-series where every episode is shot in a single take. It’s an incredible achievement from the entire cast and crew, and we couldn’t wait to find o ... Show More
1h 20m
Feb 2019
I Am The Night Season 1 Pilot; Phenomenon of Interference E:1 & E:2 Review
TNT’s “I Am The Night” discussion with hosts Jim Alexander @thejimalexander and Anna-Kay Thomas @annakaythomas who discuss the pilot and second episode of the of the show that stars Chris Pine and India Eisley. We talk about the shows set-up, the parallel storylines and the creep ... Show More
47m 19s
Jun 2020
Greenleaf S5 E1 Recap & After Show: A New Beginning
On today’s Greenleaf Aftershow for the season 5 episode 1 premiere, “The First Day” hosts Shaka Smith and Queen-Esther Ekanem discuss Hope & Harmony’s ultimate plan, a new beginning for Bishop and Lady Mae and another heartbreak for Grace. The relationships between Charity and Ph ... Show More
43m 10s
Jan 2020
Week of December 30th-January 3rd, 2019 'Young and the Restless' Review & Recap
Join Rachel Goodman to discuss Young & The Restless. Follow us on http://www.Twitter.com/AfterBuzzTV "Like" Us on http://www.Facebook.com/AfterBuzzTV For more After Shows for your favorite TV shows and the latest news in TV, Film, and exclusive celebrity interviews, visit http:// ... Show More
43m 19s
Nov 2019
The Aeronauts, Peaky Blinders & Wild Rose director Tom Harper joins Giles Alderson, Dom Lenoir and Robbie McKane to talk how to make films & TV
Director Tom Harper drops by Cameo Recording Studios to chat with Giles Alderson (The Dare), Dom Lenoir (Winter Ridge) and producer/editor Robbie McKane to talk about how he makes his films including 'Scouting Book For Boys', 'Woman in Black 2', 'War Book', 'Wild Rose' & 'The Aer ... Show More
1h 15m
Apr 2020
God Friended Me S2 E21 & E22 ‘ Recap & After Show with Brandon Micheal Hall: The Millennial Prophet Comes To Talk To Us!
It’s the 2 hour two part "God Friended Me" series finale! SPOILER ALERTS! As much as Corey Smith tried to sabotage the God Account the God Squad figured out how to save the account. The millennial prophet is in full effect and we have Brandon Micheal Hall aka Miles on our live ch ... Show More
48m 6s
May 2024
Black Sails Season 1 (and a half) Review
On this bonus episode of Story Archives, Mario breaks down his thoughts on season one (and a half) of Black Sails. Black Sails is an American historical adventure television series set on New Providence Island and written to be a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel ... Show More
28m 35s
Sep 2020
Going from Shorts to Marvel movies. Directors Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck on making Half Nelson, Mississippi Grind & Captain Marvel.
This week Giles interviews writing and directing team Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck to discuss their impressive career and body of work from the indie scene to working with Marvel. Anna and Ryan first made an entrance with their indie hit Half Nelson, which picked up a best actor nom ... Show More
1h 6m