That Was Us

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:

- Don’t just take my word for it – go grab one for yourself. Head to Walmart today to try a bar or stock up on 4CTs of your favorite flavors, like Blueberry Pie and Salted Peanut Butter, sold exclusively at Walmart. Check out https://Walmart.com to find a store near you!

- Refresh your everyday with luxury you'll actually use. Head to https://Quince.com/twu for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

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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 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

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 own stressful ride-home and early parenting experiences

* The emotional chaos of bringing newborns home across timelines

* Jack and Rebecca’s trip home with the triplets

* Jack’s anxiety about becoming his father, including the gas station confrontation and his admitted drink

* Kevin and Madison navigating paparazzi and the pressure of new parenthood

* Kevin’s dream conversation with Jack and his spur-of-the-moment proposal

* Kate and Toby bringing home Hailey and Ellie backing out of the open adoption arrangement

* Toby revealing that he’s been fired

* Future Deja arriving at Randall’s home pregnant and the show’s seamless casting continuity

Plus, Jon Huertas joins the podcast to talk about:

* Directing “The Ride” during COVID

* His transition from actor to director

* What he finds most fulfilling about directing

* The preparation that set him up for success behind the camera

* Fun memories directing Mandy Moore, Chris Sullivan, and Sterling K. Brown

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

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Support Our Sponsors:

- Thanks to Article for sponsoring this podcast! Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit https://www.article.com/discount/twu and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

- Don’t just take my word for it – go grab one for yourself. Head to Walmart today to try a bar or stock up on 4 cartons of your favorite flavors, like Blueberry Pie and Salted Peanut Butter, sold exclusively at Walmart. Check out https://Walmart.com to find a store near you!

- Right now, go to https://Quince.com/twu for free shipping and 365-day returns. That's a full year to wear it and love it. And you will. Now available in Canada, too. Don't keep settling for clothes that don't last.

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

🍋 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