Episode notes
This week on That Was Us, we’re excited to welcome director Chris Koch, who returns to the podcast to take us behind the scenes of some of This Is Us’ most memorable episodes. Joined by guest co-host Jon Huertas, Chris shares his journey from making Super 8 films to building a long creative partnership with Dan Fogelman, and reflects on directing everything from comedy to some of the show’s most emotional moments. In this episode, the hosts chat about: * Jon Huertas’ latest adventures, including farm life, directing, and his dreams of eventually owning a boat * Chris Koch’s first experiences…
That Was Us
by Mandy Moore, Chris Sullivan, and Sterling K. Brown · English · Film & TV
This Is Us stars 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 bef
More from That Was Us
-
22 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
Beth Becomes a Mentor | "Our Little Island Girl: Pt 2" (606)
On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 6, Episode 6: Our Little Island Girl, Part Two. Beth steps into her calling as a mentor, Kevin faces the consequences of his choices, and the Pearsons reckon with the people and experiences that have shaped who they’ve become. In this episode, the hosts chat about: * The TV shows and movies they’re watching right now, including Furious, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Widow’s Bay, Ted Lasso, and Good Luck, Don’t Die * Their thoughts on Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, including Samantha Morton’s standout performance * The mentors…
-
15 Sep 2026 · 59 min
Lyric Ross and Us | Deja Pearson
This week on That Was Us, we’re joined in studio by Lyric Ross, who grew up before our eyes as Deja Pearson on This Is Us. From booking the role at just thirteen to navigating life and her career as a young adult, Lyric reflects on her years on the show, the challenges that shaped her, and the person she’s becoming beyond Deja. In this episode, Lyric chats about: • Moving back to Los Angeles after returning to Chicago following This Is Us and what she hopes to find in this next chapter • Getting her start as an actor in Chicago and the childhood moment that first sparked her love of…
-
8 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 36 min
Deja and Malik's Big News | "Heart and Soul" with Jon Huertas (605)
On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 6, Episode 5: Heart and Soul. As Rebecca opens herself up to life after loss, Kate and Rebecca navigate a painful shift in their relationship, Kevin searches for the right path forward, and Randall learns how hard it is to let go of the people you love. In this episode, the hosts chat about: - Jon and Chris' scripted sci-fi audio podcast - Chris Sullivan’s experience directing the episode and the “scaffolding” that came with directing a show he already knew so well - The cast members who got the chance to direct or write during the…
-
25 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
Marilyn's Funeral | "Don't Let Me Keep You" (604)
This week on That Was Us, we’re breaking down This Is Us Season 6, Episode 4: “Don’t Let Me Keep You.” As Jack says goodbye to his mother, Marilyn, he begins to discover the life she built after leaving his father and confronts how much of her story he never knew. In this episode, the hosts chat about: * Whether children can ever love their parents as much as parents love their children * Sterling’s memories of staying up late with his mom and the importance of simply being present with the people we love * How losing a parent can change the way we see them—not just as our parents, but as…
-
18 Aug 2026 · 59 min
Chat Was Us | Caregiving
This week on That Was Us…we’re back with another Chat Was Us! This time, inspired by the many caregiving stories throughout This Is Us, we’re tackling a topic that touches millions of families: what does it really mean to care for someone? Joined by caregiving advocate and storyteller Lydia Storie, hosts Mandy, Sterling, and Chris explore the realities of caregiving, why seeing these experiences represented on screen matters, and how storytelling can help people feel less alone.In this episode, the conversation covers: * Why caregiving is so often invisible—and why representation can change…
-
11 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 33 min
Parenthood Struggles | "Four Fathers" (603)
This week on That Was Us, we’re breaking down Season 6, Episode 3: "Four Fathers." As Kevin adjusts to co-parenting, Randall faces the reality that Deja is growing up, and Kate and Toby struggle to stay connected amidst long distance. The episode explores parenthood, changing family dynamics, and the memories that stay with us long after the moment has passed. In this episode, the hosts chat about: Their favorite TV shows they're currently watching Travel habits, airplane comfort, and life on the road Parenting chaos and the challenge of juggling family life Managing fame while trying to…
-
6 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 45 min
A Turn of Events | "Taboo" (607)
On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 6, Episode 7: Taboo. As the Pearsons gather for Thanksgiving, Kate and Toby confront lingering tension and Rebecca makes an important decision about who will care for her as her illness progresses. In this episode, the hosts chat about: * Their competitive nature and love of board games, especially Taboo * Their own relationships with food growing up and how those relationships have changed as parents * The challenges of navigating food and body image within families * The complicated dynamics of spending Thanksgiving with family…
-
29 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 23 min
Chat Was Us | Marriage
This week on That Was Us…another favorite segment of the pod, Chat Was Us! This time, we’re talking about something at the heart of so many This Is Us stories: marriage, partnership, and what it means to build a life together. And for this conversation, Mandy, Sterling, and Chris have brought along their spouses! Together, the six of them get candid about love, commitment, compromise, and all the ways a marriage evolves over time. In this episode, the conversation covers: - How each couple knew they wanted to build a life together - Whether marriage was always something they imagined for…
-
4 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 28 min
Chat Was Us | Success
This week on That Was Us…we’re back with another Chat Was Us! This time, inspired by the many journeys of ambition and self-discovery in This Is Us, we’re tackling one big question: What does it really mean to be successful? From chasing dreams and career milestones to fulfillment, purpose, and legacy, Mandy, Sterling, and Chris reflect on how their definitions of success have evolved over the years. In this episode, the hosts chat about: * How their definitions of success have shifted from external achievement to personal fulfillment * The difference between being successful and feeling…
-
28 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
First Love & Second Chances | "One Giant Leap" (602)
This week on That Was Us, we’re breaking down This Is Us Season 6, Episode 2: “One Giant Leap.” From Deja's life-changing weekend with Malik to Nicky's search for a love he never forgot, the episode explores first love, second chances, and the hope that keeps us moving forward. In this episode, the hosts chat about: * Waiting for the right person versus the right time when it comes to intimacy * Chris's unforgettable (and now admittedly creepy) road trips in pursuit of romance * How making amends can reveal just how much we've changed over time * The lasting impact of criticism and why one…
