That Was Us

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 go...

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 acr...

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 could...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re breaking down This Is Us Season 5, Episode 9: “The Ride.” As new parents bring their babies home, the episode explores the fears, hopes, and expectations that come with the start of a new chapter for every Pearson family. Across timelines, it’s a reminder that the ride home is where everything begins. In this episode, the hosts chat about: * Sharing their o...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re breaking down This Is Us Season 5, Episode 8: “In The Room.” In this episode recap: * Randall and Beth FaceTime Madison while waiting for updates on Kevin * Kevin arrives at the hospital and tells Madison his family is his priority * Kate and Toby navigate the emotional realities of adoption and their relationship with Ellie, the birth mother * Rebecca and...

This week on That Was Us, we’re joined by one of the most pivotal people behind This Is Us: casting director Josh Einsohn. Josh reflects on 25 years in casting and shares how he got his start in production, what led him to feel passionate about casting, and how This Is Us ultimately changed his life forever. In this episode, Josh chats about: * His 25-year journey in casting and how he got his sta...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 5, Episode 7: "There." The Pearsons confront the pressures passed down through generations as we revisit Jack’s childhood with his father, watch Kevin grapple with what it means to be a “good” dad in the middle of a crisis, and see Madison face the terrifying possibility of bringing the twins into the world alone. Plus, Mandy, Chris, and...

This week on That Was Us, we’re bringing you a very special episode recorded live at the historic Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. In front of an incredible audience of This Is Us fans! It was an unforgettable night of conversation and live music with Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore, and Chris Sullivan, as we celebrated one of the most powerful elements of This Is Us: the music. We talked about the...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 5, Episode 6: Birth Mother. This episode uncovers the long-buried story of Randall’s birth mother, Laurel. Randall and Beth’s journey to New Orleans reveals inherited grief, unfinished love, and through Hai’s retelling of his love story with Laurel, Randall releases the pain he’s carried his entire life. Plus, we're also joined by one of...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 5, Episode 5: A Long Road Home. The Pearsons confront long-held truths as Kate reckons with a painful chapter from her past, Kevin and Madison face growing uncertainty about their future, and Randall is shaken by new information about his birth mother that challenges everything he thought he knew. Plus, Mandy, Chris, and Sterling chat wit...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 5, Episode 4: Honestly. This episode explores how patterns repeat across generations: from Kevin confronting childhood pressures and insecurities, to Randall stepping into mentorship and turning an uncomfortable moment into purpose, and Kate and Toby navigating the early steps of adoption. Plus, Mandy, Chris, and Sterling have fun in the...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 5, Episode 3: Changes. The Pearson family is pushed in new emotional directions: Randall navigates big shifts with Tess; Kevin and Madison confront some hard truths; and Kate and Toby take a meaningful step toward adoption. Meanwhile, new characters reveal there’s more to Laurel’s story. Plus, Mandy, Chris, and Sterling give their hot tak...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 5, Episode 2: Forty: Part Two. Tensions are running high at the cabin, we continue unraveling the events surrounding The Big Three’s birth, and we learn a surprising revelation about Randall’s biological mother. Plus, Mandy, Chris, and Sterling have fun in the studio recalling moments they couldn't stop laughing on set, the moments from t...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 5, Episode 1: Forty: Part One. It’s The Big Three's 40th birthday, and everyone heads to the cabin to quarantine and celebrate the big milestone, except Randall. We also jump back to the day The Big Three were born, exploring the parallels between Jack and William’s experience as new fathers, and uncovering the powerful backstory of Randa...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 4, Episode 18: Strangers: Part Two. In the season four finale, Randall and Kevin’s relationship reaches its breaking point, Madison shares news that changes everything, and Kate and Toby make a decision that redefines their family. Plus, Mandy, Chris, and Sterling talk about times in life when they've had a personal argument with family m...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 4, Episode 17: After the Fire. While in therapy, Randall begins to imagine what life might have looked like if Jack had survived the house fire, revealing just how differently the Pearsons’ lives could have turned out. This week on the podcast we also have a very exciting guest join us in studio, the one and only Pamela Adlon! Pamela talk...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 4, Episode 16: New York, New York, New York. Rebecca and Randall join Kevin in New York for his movie premiere, but the night takes an emotional turn. Through flashbacks of the Pearsons’ family trip to New York and again when the Big Three are in college, we see how The Met became such a meaningful place for Rebecca, and how those memorie...

Happy New Year and welcome back to the pod! We’re excited for 2026 and all the fun episodes coming your way! On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 4, Episode 15: Clouds. Kevin and Rebecca spend the day checking off experiences she’s always dreamed of, including a visit to Joni Mitchell’s old home, right before Rebecca receives her official diagnosis. Meanwhile, Randall is rel...

We're so grateful for all of our listeners and it's been so fun to rewatch #ThisIsUs with all of you! We're taking a short holiday break, with a new episode of #ThatWasUs back on January 6, 2026! Until then, we're wishing you love, rest, and time with the people who matter most  Happy holidays everyone! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 4, Episode 14: The Cabin. As the Big Three reunite at the family cabin, old wounds reopen, including flashbacks to Kate’s toxic relationship with Marc, and a rediscovered time capsule gives them a long-lost piece of Jack. Plus, here to join the discussion is the Director of this episode, Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight, Thirteen, Lords of D...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 4, Episode 13: A Hell of a Week: Part Three, and you guessed it...the amazing Hannah Zeile joins us in studio to chat about teen Kate's storyline in the last episode of this trilogy! As Kate heads to a retreat for parents of visually-impaired children and Toby stays behind, the fate of their marriage weighs on her mind. Rebecca joins Kate...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 4, Episode 12: A Hell of a Week: Part Two. The one and only Logan Shroyer, AKA teen Kevin, joins us for a rewatch in the studio to chat about the most memorable parts of this episode, answer fan questions, and more! This episode shifts the focus to Kevin, as a call from Sophie brings old memories and unfinished feelings to the surface. Th...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 4, Episode 11: A Hell of a Week: Part One — and we have a very special guest joining us in studio: Niles Fitch, AKA teen Randall! Niles sits down with Mandy, Sterling, and Chris to break down the episode, share behind-the-scenes stories, and answer fan questions. This episode of This Is Us kicks off a three-part arc centered on the Big Th...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 4, Episode 10: Light and Shadows. Randall supports Rebecca as she is faced with a difficult truth at her doctor’s appointment, Kate and Toby acknowledge the growing distance between them, and Kevin takes a woman on an elaborate first date. In the past, Jack and Rebecca finally say, “I love you.” Plus, Mandy, Chris, and Sterling talk about...

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 4, Episode 9: So Long, Marianne. If there's one holiday the Pearsons love...it's Thanksgiving! Today we dive into another memorable holiday with the entire Pearson family (and a few special guests) who come together at Randall and Beth’s new home in Philly. Rebecca grapples with her memory, Tess confides in Kevin about her journey of comi...