General Questions | S1E8 "The Duel"
Explicit content warning
05/15/25 • 36 min
1 Listener
In this General Questions bonus episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh, Craig, and Alec reflect on “The Duel” and answer fan questions about real-life apartments, the emotional weight of physical space, and how props like swords and Shockey came to represent bigger ideas in the show. They also dig into the origins of HIMYM’s many fictional websites, the legacy of Barney’s blog, and the writers assistants who used that material to launch their careers. The conversation blends nostalgia, comedy, and sincerity—covering everything from sentimental goodbyes to apartments, to what it’s like to stage a sitcom sword fight and why leaving a home can feel like losing a piece of yourself.
- What happened to all the HIMYM websites like TedMosbyIsAJerk.com and Barney’s Blog?
- Can you bring any of the old sites back?
- Who actually owns those domains now?
- Did writing Barney’s Blog help writers assistants get promoted?
- What real-life places inspired the show’s apartments and bars?
- Do you have a building from your life that will always feel like “yours”?
- What was your first apartment like, and did you have objects like Shockey or the swords?
- Did Craig and Carter have a shared object that symbolized their early years like the swords?
- What are you doing with your apartment while you’re on tour?
- Was the sword fight fully choreographed or improvised?
- Were the swords always part of the set or added for this episode?
- Why do we get so attached to physical spaces?
- How do our props and surroundings help us feel at home?
- Is there such a thing as a forever home, or is home something we carry with us?
- How did the crew design a realistic but shootable New York apartment?
- What was it like saying goodbye to the real stage where HIMYM was filmed?
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)
HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research
AND MORE:
Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack
Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing)
Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this General Questions bonus episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh, Craig, and Alec reflect on “The Duel” and answer fan questions about real-life apartments, the emotional weight of physical space, and how props like swords and Shockey came to represent bigger ideas in the show. They also dig into the origins of HIMYM’s many fictional websites, the legacy of Barney’s blog, and the writers assistants who used that material to launch their careers. The conversation blends nostalgia, comedy, and sincerity—covering everything from sentimental goodbyes to apartments, to what it’s like to stage a sitcom sword fight and why leaving a home can feel like losing a piece of yourself.
- What happened to all the HIMYM websites like TedMosbyIsAJerk.com and Barney’s Blog?
- Can you bring any of the old sites back?
- Who actually owns those domains now?
- Did writing Barney’s Blog help writers assistants get promoted?
- What real-life places inspired the show’s apartments and bars?
- Do you have a building from your life that will always feel like “yours”?
- What was your first apartment like, and did you have objects like Shockey or the swords?
- Did Craig and Carter have a shared object that symbolized their early years like the swords?
- What are you doing with your apartment while you’re on tour?
- Was the sword fight fully choreographed or improvised?
- Were the swords always part of the set or added for this episode?
- Why do we get so attached to physical spaces?
- How do our props and surroundings help us feel at home?
- Is there such a thing as a forever home, or is home something we carry with us?
- How did the crew design a realistic but shootable New York apartment?
- What was it like saying goodbye to the real stage where HIMYM was filmed?
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)
HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research
AND MORE:
Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack
Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing)
Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Previous Episode
How We Stabbed Lily | S1E8 "The Duel"
In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig revisit “The Duel,” where Ted, Marshall, and Lily wrestle—literally and emotionally—with what it means to grow up without growing apart. From the iconic sword fight to Barney’s very first attempt at making a “thing” with the Lemon Law, the episode explores fear of change, nostalgia, and the dream of keeping your friends close as life pulls you in different directions. They also discuss how objects carry emotional meaning in HIMYM’s storytelling, the mystical character of New York City, and the very real inspiration behind Shockey the coffee maker.
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)
HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research
AND MORE:
Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack
Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing)
Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
HelloFresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/YOURMOTHER10FM now to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.
Car Gurus: Buy or sell your next car today with Car Gurus at cargurus.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Next Episode
How We Met Cobie Smulders
In this special episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh and Craig sit down with Cobie Smulders to talk all things Robin Scherbatsky—from her early auditions and the moment Robin became Canadian to how the character evolved over nine seasons. Cobie shares what it’s like to play one of TV’s most iconic roles and how the writers wove her real-life quirks into Robin’s journey. The trio laughs through stories of whispered pre-scene obscenities, Jason Segel’s hammer pants, and the behind-the-scenes friendships that made the show feel more like a band than a sitcom.
We also announce the launch of the official How We Made Your Mother merch, starting with college-style and logo designs available on T-shirts and hoodies. Ten percent of profits support their congenital heart disease research fundraiser. Visit www.howwemadeyourmother.com/store or howyougetyourmerch.com.
We are also thrilled to announce Craig’s debut novel, That’s Not How It Happened, coming November 4. The audiobook features Josh and Cobie as co-narrators. Inspired by Craig’s experience raising a child with a rare genetic syndrome, the story is a heartfelt, funny look at family, storytelling, and inclusion. Pre-order info and donation links are available at howwemadeyourmother.com.
GET YOUR MERCH!
We’ve got HWMYM merch, which is now just a FEW CLICKS AWAY.
CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!
Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to pre-order your copy of That’s Not How It Happened today.
JOSH IS STILL ON TOUR!
Tickets are available HERE for the final shows of the EULOGY TOUR.
And if you’re a business with big orders to fulfill, Amplifier is there to help growing consumer brands and influencers create a unique experience for their customers during the fulfillment process. Visit AMPLIFIER to learn more, and name-drop How We Made Your Mother for special pricing for your emerging brand's program.
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)
HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research
AND MORE:
Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack
Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing)
Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack
Thanks to our sponsors:
Mint Mobile: If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at mintmobile.com/yourmother
PrettyLitter: Save 20% on your first order and get a free cat toy at prettylitter.com/HWMYM
Vessi: Meet your new favorite daily sneaker—Vessi is waterproof, ultra-comfy, and fits every part of your routine. Visit https://vessi.com/yourmother and enjoy 15% off your first pair at checkout!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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