How We Met Tiny Barney | S3E4 "Little Boys"

How We Met Tiny Barney | S3E4 "Little Boys"

From How We Made Your Mother by Audacy & Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas

June 8, 2026 · 54 min

About this episode

Josh and Craig discuss the episode 'Little Boys' from Season 3 of How I Met Your Mother, focusing on character dynamics and comedic elements.

Josh and Craig revisit Season 3’s “Little Boys,” written by Courtney Kang, and talk about Ted’s unusually confident single-guy era, Barney’s wildly manipulative plan to outplay Ted, and Robin’s hysterical fear of children while dating a dad from Lily’s kindergarten class. They spend a lot of time praising Cobie Smulders’ growing comedic confidence, point out hidden Ghostbusters references in the episode, laugh about accidentally mentioning subprime lenders before the 2008 financial crash, and reflect on the awkwardness of acting and performing comedy on set. The episode ends with a heartfelt letter from a fan who explains how How I Met Your Mother helped her through loneliness, college, heartbreak, and eventually finding love. 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…

People in this episode

Hosts: Josh Radnor, Craig Thomas

Topics covered

  • comedy
  • television
  • relationships
  • parenting
  • nostalgia

Keywords

  • How I Met Your Mother
  • Little Boys
  • Barney
  • Ted
  • Cobie Smulders
  • comedy
  • relationships
  • parenting

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Audacy, CRAIG’S WEBSITE, Substack, Office Ladies

Books & works: How I Met Your Mother

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