That Was Us

This week on That Was Us, we’re breaking down This Is Us Season 5, Episode 12: “Both Things Can Be True.” As Kevin and Madison’s wedding approaches, the episode explores commitment, family expectations, and the complicated ways people learn to communicate with the ones they love. From Jack’s proposal plans for Rebecca in the past, to Kevin navigating unresolved tension with Randall in the present, the episode asks what it really means to show up for the people you care about.

In this episode, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan chat about:

* Asking for a partner’s parents’ blessing and whether that tradition still feels meaningful today

* Parenting dynamics and the emotional complexity of stay-at-home parenting

* The pressure parents can unknowingly place on their children

* Digital de-aging, wigs, and the behind-the-scenes magic

* Candy Corn: love or hate?

They also break down the episode, including:

* Miguel helping Jack rehearse his proposal to Rebecca

* Miguel defending Jack to Rebecca’s father and proving just how loyal of a friend he is

* Kevin struggling to ask Randall to be his best man after their explosive fight

* Nicky and Miguel clashing and feeling “replaced” by Jack’s death

* Madison opening up about what kind of wedding she actually wants

* Toby struggling with stay-at-home parenting while Kate starts her new job

* Beth navigating Tess and Alex’s relationship while trying to support Tess without judgment

* Randall attending a transracial adoptee support group

And a friendly reminder, you can catch new episodes of That Was Us every Monday, a day early, exclusively on Hulu. Available on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts on Tuesdays like usual!

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

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🍋 About the Show:
The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Together, they dig in and dig deep, have the tough conversations, bring in very special and familiar guests, share never-before-heard behind-the-scenes moments, and feature listeners in highly anticipated fan segments.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday.

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Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:
Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com.

» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1

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This week on That Was Us, we’re so beyond excited to be joined in studio by actor Eris Baker, who grew up playing Tess Pearson on This Is Us! Eris reflects on her journey from child actor to USC film production student, opening up about balancing school and set life, stepping into storytelling behind the camera, and how playing Tess shaped both her personal life and creative voice.

In this episode, Eris chats about:

* Booking This Is Us at just 10 years old after filming a Target commercial

* Growing up on set alongside the cast and forming lifelong bonds with the Black Pearson family

* Navigating school while working and missing out on a traditional high school experience

* Choosing USC’s film production track and her dream of becoming a creative producer and director

* Writing and directing her own short films and the emotional response one of them got from Sterling

* Working as a PA on Dan Fogelman’s series Paradise and hustling for internships at production companies

* Saying yes to Tess’s coming-out storyline at age 12

* Cutting her hair for the storyline and how it impacted her confidence entering high school

* Preparing emotionally for Tess’s coming-out scene with support from Sterling, Susan Kelechi Watson, Ken Olin, and Dan Fogelman

* Her close friendship with Lyric Ross and Faith Herman both on and off screen

* Where she imagines Tess, Deja, and Annie would be today

* Why she hopes to one day run her own production company

And a friendly reminder, you can catch new episodes of That Was Us every Monday, a day early, exclusively on Hulu. Available on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts on Tuesdays like usual!"

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

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Support Our Sponsors:

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-------------------------

🍋 About the Show:
The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Together, they dig in and dig deep, have the tough conversations, bring in very special and familiar guests, share never-before-heard behind-the-scenes moments, and feature listeners in highly anticipated fan segments.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday.

-------------------------

Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:
Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com.

» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1

» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum

» FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/

» FOLLOW us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headgum

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on That Was Us, we’re breaking down This Is Us Season 5, Episode 11: “One Small Step.” Centered on Uncle Nicky’s journey to meet Kevin and Madison’s twins, the episode explores how the smallest steps can lead to the biggest changes—and how the stories we tell ourselves can shape an entire lifetime.

In this episode, the hosts chat about:

* Media saturation, smartphones, and the idea of going back to a simpler “brick” device

* The importance of setting intentional boundaries with technology—for yourself and your kids

* How limiting choices can actually lead to more clarity and happiness

* Challenging your own “core belief” stories and the narratives that hold you back

* The difference between routine and rut—and how to break out of it

* The loss of shared cultural moments and what brings people together today

They also break down the episode, including:

* Nicky’s emotional journey from isolation to connection

* His first flight since Vietnam and what it represents

* Cassidy helping Nicky prepare for the trip—and confront his fears

* Nicky’s arrival in California and his misunderstanding about the twins’ baptism

* Flashbacks to his relationship with Sally and the life he almost chose

* The moon landing as a symbol of hope, possibility, and connection

* His attempt to reconnect with Jack after the war and why he ultimately walks away

* Kevin and Madison welcoming Nicky into their home

* Nicky’s powerful monologue to the twins and the meaning behind “you two are my moon”

* The emotional final moment with Kevin discovering Nicky in the nursery

And a friendly reminder, you can catch new episodes of That Was Us every Monday, a day early, exclusively on Hulu. Available on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts on Tuesdays like usual!

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

-------------------------

Support Our Sponsors:

-This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit Betterhelp.com/twu today to get 10% off your first month.

-With Shipt, it’s never just a delivery order – it’s shopped same day – in the same way you would. Use code "podcast" to get a year of Shipt for only $49 – HALF OFF the regular $99 price – at https://Shipt.com/offer. Terms apply

-------------------------

🍋 About the Show:
The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Together, they dig in and dig deep, have the tough conversations, bring in very special and familiar guests, share never-before-heard behind-the-scenes moments, and feature listeners in highly anticipated fan segments.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday.

-------------------------

Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:
Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com.

» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1

» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum

» FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/

» FOLLOW us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headgum

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on That Was Us, we’re thrilled to be joined in studio by actor and director Jennifer Morrison, who brought Cassidy to life on This Is Us. Jennifer reflects on her journey from acting to directing, the challenges of transitioning from fantasy to grounded drama, and how This Is Us unexpectedly changed her life in a very real way.

In this episode, Jennifer chats about:

* Playing Cassidy across Seasons 4–6 and navigating her place within the Pearson family

* The love quadrangle between Cassidy, Kevin, Zoe, and Nicky

* Transitioning from Once Upon a Time to the grounded realism of This Is Us

* Why she still had to audition for the role—and what that experience taught her

* Her evolution from actor to director and why she feels she has more to contribute behind the camera

* The intensity of shooting 100 scenes in 12 days

* The challenges of proving herself as a director after years of acting

* Her early experiences directing short films and her first feature, which sold to Netflix

* Her time on House and the demanding pace of network television

* Growing up in a marching band–focused household and how it shaped her work ethic

* The surreal story of buying Dan Fogelman’s house after feeling an unexpected connection to it

* What makes great writing so impactful for actors and why This Is Us scripts felt like a gift.

And a friendly reminder, you can catch new episodes of That Was Us every Monday, a day early, exclusively on Hulu. Available on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts on Tuesdays like usual!"

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

-------------------------

Support Our Sponsors:

-With Shipt, it’s never just a delivery order – it’s shopped same day – in the same way you would. Use code "podcast" to get a year of Shipt for only $49 – HALF OFF the regular $99 price – at https://Shipt.com/offer. Terms apply

-------------------------

🍋 About the Show:

The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Together, they dig in and dig deep, have the tough conversations, bring in very special and familiar guests, share never-before-heard behind-the-scenes moments, and feature listeners in highly anticipated fan segments.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday.

-------------------------

Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:

Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh.

Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com.

» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1

» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum

» FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/

» FOLLOW us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headgum
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on That Was Us, we’re chatting about This Is Us Season 5, Episode 10: “I’ve Got This.” This episode explores the pressures of pride, money, and what it really means to provide for your family.

In this episode, the hosts chat about:

* Survival vs. dreams and how priorities shift in different seasons of life

* Lessons they learned from their time on set

* Which This Is Us cast member couldn’t resist eating the prop food

* Navigating finances, including making more money than your spouse

* Deciding where to spend the holidays as your family grows

They also break down the episode, including:

* Kevin and Madison hosting Kate and Toby for a sushi dinner that unravels

* Toby secretly losing his job

* Kate thanking Rebecca for a stable childhood

* Flashbacks of Jack chasing a promotion and Rebecca stepping in to take over finances

* Randall and Beth navigating family dynamics as Carol extends her stay

* Tess opening up about dating Alex and Malik seeking advice about co-parenting

* Beth and Carol’s emotional reconciliation

* Nicky’s surprise arrival in Los Angeles"

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

-------------------------

🍋 About the Show:
The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Together, they dig in and dig deep, have the tough conversations, bring in very special and familiar guests, share never-before-heard behind-the-scenes moments, and feature listeners in highly anticipated fan segments.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday.

-------------------------

Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:
Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh.

Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com.

» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1

» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum

» FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/

» FOLLOW us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headgum
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices