Ep. 19: Like Father, Like "Jack Pearson's Son" (115) | with Alex Breckenridge

[@thepixelsesh]

I think this was truly the beginning of Kevin’s incredible character growth. Please get Justin on the show!

[@thetreasuregarden.creates]

the moment between kevin & randall is the absolute best part of the entire series, hands down! i cried audibly. 1000% pure gold.

[@angd4268]

Seeing Kevin go from the brother who ignored his brother's anxiety and become the brother who gave up something so important to him to care for his brother was beautiful.

[@kaleyrose47]

Thank you everyone (especially Chris) for being so open about your struggles with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts/ideation. Sterling’s depiction of Randall’s panic attack was so real (blurred vision, shaking, etc). I have anxiety/depression and have been close to attempting to take my life-I am so glad I am still here to experience this show. Thank you! ❤

[@micheleamano6545]

Not only does Kevin show up for his brother, he shows up in what is about to be a BIG MOMENT for himself (about to go on stage). That's the key. It wasn't like other times when it was no skin off Kevin's back to help him.

[@gwenorwiler2228]

That episode with Kevin being there for Randall in the corner was the most heart wrenching, spine tingling moment for me in the whole show!

[@Builtfromweights]

Same. One of the best episodes

[@jstmez]

That scene and when he's trying to get his necklace back. Both break my heart.

[@alisong826]

The first time I watched this back in 2017, the relationship with my parents was even worse back then, I remember crying & realized I was grieving bc of not having someone in my family that could do that. Not a pity post, I’ r thankfully gotten close to my brother these last 2 years 50:41

[@kerlyne8009]

1. Watching Randall slowly lose it during the show in small increments had me in shambles by the end when Kevin was comforting him. Man amazing acting! 2. It makes no sense how that sounds exactly like Chris on that song, like uncanny!

[@kleebaggins]

I finally got my husband to watch the show with me! He is definitely hooked & says all the same things we all did upon watching. “The acting has no right to be this good, the show is SO good etc etc” We are actually lined up with the podcast currently & when we finished this episode he said “That was the best episode of the show so far. Hands down.” He also was raving about the scene between Kevin/Miguel, talking about how Kevin visibly took on the role/mannerisms of Jack throughout the scene. He was talking about this for an hour after we finished haha.

[@randomrandom2729]

Love Alexandra Breckenridge on the podcast! Please bring her back!

[@itomanpr]

Kevin embracing Randall in this episode is such a powerful moment. Truly one of my favorite developments in their relationship. I also want to highlight the transparency and vulnerability that Chris expresses regarding his relationship. It's a very admirable and inspiring approach to sharing life with a partner. Also, amazing contribution by Chris in "Bring It On Home To Me." hahahaha. Hilarious to identify "his voice" in the song. Thanks for another amazing week of That Was Us. Keep loving the outro with Sids's "That was Us" chant.

[@rajarshighosh1857]

Love Alexandra being on the show and on the podcast finally! She is so adorable and her ending up with Kevin gave me a high i still couldnt get off of. Hope to see her in more episodes. ❤

[@sarahadenardo2109]

This episode is in my top 10 favorites of the series. Kevin “coming to the rescue” for Randall was so special ❤️.

[@ae0ns]

Sterling’s Jack impressions kill me 😂

[@JenPirante]

Best show ever. This podcast almost makes me cry just recalling the scenes and episodes. I love how the actors give their characters so much thought and made them so tangible. That episode about Randall's anxiety was crazy powerful. That episode, the one with Randall watching Mandy Moore freaking out inside the cabin and the house fire with "To Build a Home" playing tears me up every time.

[@TheDeRaye]

This was the episode that got me, emotionally, as I rewatched it. The scene at the end with Randal breaking down and Kevin coming to comfort his brother.

[@tlooneytoon]

HOT TAKE! - That's Lou Rawls who sings backup in "Bring It On Home To Me." One of the greatest soul songs ever written! 🙂

[@joshjones1848]

this episode is my fav because of sterling's performance when he had that breakdown and kevin did the right thing

[@SydneyKong]

Sophie knows him so welll that she knows that he was having that dream 😭😭😭😭😭

[@stephbowler3141]

One word: INCREDIBLE! I could listen to these three all day ❤ I love their perspectives and insights; not only with the show but also with life. They are so real and they all compliment each other so well ❤

[@KristaDeSouza718]

Sterling took me out with "Give Bailey a hug and kiss from me, but not on the mouth bc I'm black and we don't do that!" 🤣😂🤣😂 Love y'all!

[@PatchesEsq]

This is getting too close to “Memphis.” Can we have a few more guest appearances, first? I’m not ready for “Memphis.” I probably will never be ready.

[@daniyahgoodwin3078]

Just rewatched Memphis and I was bawlingggggg 😢

[@triviatrap]

I know what you mean…😭

[@tagteamthompson]

@@daniyahgoodwin3078saaaame!

[@Baepsae_Nation]

I can't believe Ron Cephas Jones is not gonna be with us to talk about that episode 🥹

[@janicegarcia3560]

I just finished listening/watching the Memphis rewatch episode and I am a sobbing mess 🥲

[@LizaJane761]

Such a good episode. I was already crying in the beginning and nothing had really happened yet. It just hits you right in the feels. But the way Kevin runs to Randall I mean come on it’s very emotional. And it’s the way you should be with your sibling, sadly not everyone has that kind of relationship. Everyone wishes they had that sibling that would drop anything and come help you and just hold you. So powerful and beautiful. Love Sophie & Kevin. Seeing William start to go down reminded me of my Mama 😢 This was a beautiful turning point for Miguel. He was there for Kevin even though Kevin didn’t think he would be able to help him. Very sweet turning point. Seeing Jack take that drink ughhh heartbreaking. This show is so wonderful but rewatching again is just WOW! Sometimes I feel like my mom is speaking to me through these characters. So grateful for this show and all of you. 🙏🦋

[@jenabans7350]

I want to thank Chris for being so transparent with his feelings in therapy. It was comforting to see that we can share the same thoughts regardless of age, race or gender. Thanks for your vulnerability. 🫶🏽

[@LizaJane761]

Totally agree!

[@stephaniethompson1265]

I have been waiting for this episode of the podcast just to hear about sterling performance of this panic attack. I loved seeing Kevin show up for Randall. ❤

[@BarbaraKaszab]

Amazing episode as always, it became such a highlight of my week I just can’t wait for Tuesdays! It feels like hanging with the Pearsons real life plus getting to know you three more, learn and laugh with you (Sterling’s laugh is one of my favorite things on the show for real) Sending love

[@kerlyne8009]

Omg same! I so look forward to Tuesdays now and I love Sterling's laugh. It's so hearty and bear like

[@luckyvanwie138711]

I absolutely adore this series. Thank you for living the episodes with us!

[@erinhoyt1671]

The closing song clip was epic! Thank you for doing this. It makes the show even more meaningful than it was when it aired live.

[@carolmadigan3250]

I really hope they do all the episodes of the series

[@BigThreeChiu]

This episode broke me so many times (watching it the very first time years ago) and still does even just listening to it This Is Us has the most amazing character growth, so wonder to see the full human experiences

[@nerina_m]

ughhh that miguel and kevin talk got me good once again 😭😭😭

[@fearlessviking544]

I loved this episode! I really think this was the beginning of peeling back Kevin's layers of deep insecurity and him figuring out who he is deep down and started him to move in the direction of who he wanted to be. He did the right thing for his brother. Sibling relationships are complex. and sometimes when you're drowning.. you reach out for help & the most unexpected person responds. Also Alex! I love her, and I love Sophie. I have struggled with addiction to alcohol, and next week I'll be 5 years sober. Seeing how alcoholism permeates into relationships with spouses, family, etc.. and watching Sophie love Kevin so much, but not being able to help him really helped me understand what my husband was going through at that time. Also, another shout out to Chris Sullivan for talking about that simple exercise of writing a gratitude list. Something so simple can really remind you of what's important. I love listening to you guys - it's definitely a highlight of my week. THANK YOU!

[@kristenquinones9602]

I hope this podcast surpasses the length of episodes because I could watch the 3 of you sit and talk life always! Thank you thank you for this podcast, your vulnerability in sharing with us, and creating a space to talk life via This is Us with us ❤

[@YvetteVB]

Wow I'm so in admiration of Mandy. Third kid in a few years and shes so bubbly ❤. Getting Her own big 3 😊

[@jennamartens5447]

This to me is the greatest scene in TV history. Honestly I was having a hard time getting into this show. This scene got me! From there I couldn’t get enough of this show.

[@sofiagottschalk562]

Love this podcast!! You 3 are so honest and vulnerable- emotional as actually watching the show

[@missimtrying]

31:57 I paused the ep and went to listen. Ya'll he's not lying. It's so weird. Pay attention to the "yeahs" sung in the background. I did not expect it to be true. lol

[@cliffco823]

My all time favorite scene is the Kevin and Randal scene. Until I re-watched it the other day I didn't realize that if it weren't for Miguel Kevin never would have been there for Randal.

[@alisong826]

I decided to rewatch along with the pod, and this episode was so incredible showing gen pop (aka regular ppl) about what anxiety can look like for someone 🤗

[@agoodday9247]

Sterling with the Jack impression 🤣🤣🤣. Also, Chris's discussion regarding depression was so generous and true to life, thank you.

[@juliathrush4401]

I made the mistake of watching this in public while waiting for my kids at swim practice. I got teary eyed and laughed and everyone kept looking over at me 😂 Such a good episode. You guys elevated the masterpiece that is episode 15. Thank you❤❤❤

[@marialauradeleonardis8684]

Something very important happened in this episode...Jack drinks again!😢 Big fan from Argentina! I am watching this Is us for the tenth Time now!

[@melissapaneto2454]

I love the Krasinski Reference/Moment to the Camera!!! The Office Lives On!

[@SydneyKong]

“I was the one that was supposed to be with the drug problem. But they then decided to make Kevin the one with the drug problem” OOOHH THATS TEAAAA. Well it makes sense with Kevin having the drug problem.

[@SydneyKong]

“She knows who she’s married to” FACTSSS “She knows she’s not going on tour” LMAOOO AHAHAHAH

[@druskkyyy]

32:03 I had to pause and listen to the song... OMG!! 😂

[@HeatherArsenault-c9l]

SAME!!!

[@ellenb2498]

Chris Sullivan, you are a sensitive soul. We share a birthday, though a bunch of years apart, I get the scary deep emotions. And I process by talking, and you're right about having the person to listen. I empathize, b-day brother!

[@michelleburdiss325]

I stopped the podcast and went and listened to, "Bring It On Home To Me" and..."YEAH!" (Pun Intended 😂)

[@yldnierfiol]

I just teared up rewatching this episode of This is Us :( but so apt that I listen to the podcast episode right after. Helps me process my feelings.

[@milolevy]

Wow I did not know this podcast existed and it just popped up I loved this show this is crazy this episode was such a special one wow

[@lukethomasdillon3762]

'who kevin is gonna end up with..?' 'based on their shooting shedules..'

[@noavm4090]

One of my favourite episodes/moments of the show!!

[@sweetlife031]

My first celeb crush (still is to this very day) actor Noah Wyle … any ER fans out there? He’s STILL so adorably cute 😊 💗

[@angd4268]

YES - this was a show I rewatched and had moments that I just cried through.

[@sweetlife031]

@@angd4268 - I literally gasped 😮 when Mandy mentioned that she had a Joey McIntyre *male* Barbie-esque dool lol.... Now, admittedly, I was never a Barbie doll person at all, more American Girls and you can customize dolls to be be male too! Ohh....if I could only customize lookalikes of Milo, Noah Wyle and Mandy ...dream made lol haha 😂😂

[@LizaJane761]

So funny you say that! Last night I decided to start watching ER on Netflix. It’s been 30 years but I still remember it all. Such a wonderful show.

[@angd4268]

@@LizaJane761 It is and it had moments that mimicked my life - I remember when Mark Greene lost the patient to Pre-eclampsia. That wasn't long after I had my first child and I had the same thing but my outcome was obviously much better. but my heart broke for Mark and the family.

[@angd4268]

@@LizaJane761 I rewatched all episodes during the pandemic. It was such a great show and I cried just as hard during the ending as I did the first time.

[@christinakoch2738]

My mom and I love this is us so much!! I also love this podcast so much!! ❤️

[@SydneyKong]

“Because Mandy bought it” LMAOOO AHAHAHAHAHA

[@laramariottii]

1:07:09 I’d love to see Jen Morrison on the podcast! 🥹❤️

[@ginact822]

Chris, This is exactly how I’ve been feeling. I truly believe everybody else in my life would be better off if I was dead. Or with the Haven notice.

[@MsShortstuff333]

((Hugs)) to you. Please call the 988 Lifeline and talk to someone .

[@ellerdoodles]

I soooo love this show and the show that brought it forth!!!

[@AranaDiscoteca95]

Credit to you all for having real conversations but i always feel like Chris is the one that is staring at me telling me what i know i need to work on in my own life with stories about his relationships

[@kiaracaruth188]

I enjoyed listening. 😀 I'd like to pose a question: Does anyone think Rebecca was wrong for not telling Jack about her history with Ben? Obviously Jack was discontent upon finding out about it from Ben

[@charlesronaldgenato824]

There was a moment in this episode during the scene where Rebecca confronts Jack’s jealousy when out of nowhere, Mandy as Rebecca began uttering a very exact same line she said playing Jamie in A Walk to Remember back when we were teens. Was there anyone who remembered? It was a simple line that read: “You’re acting like a crazy person, what’s going on?” Felt the show’s creators were not just trying to be meta, but they were implicit in accessing a shared memory with the audience, letting us ride an emotional yet familiar wave of emotion. Hopefully it will be as transformative, restorative or as worthy of discernment of an experience.

[@missnads2223]

HOT TAKE - I was always team Zoe over Sophie. I know we're not there yet but when Kevin buys her the silk pillowcase despite not knowing the reason why, i fell in love with Kev! I definitely would've given him babies after that lol I thought Zoe and Kev had real chemistry & were growing with each other....wish they'd kept the character! It broke my heart when they broke up 💔

[@goldenchick85]

HOT TAKE: I was Team Madison, lol

[@missnads2223]

@@goldenchick85 I'm not mad at that! Lol

[@amandagthomson]

Paused to listen to the song and you can't convince me Sully isn't a vampire. That was totally him.

[@rg22usa]

OK, I know I’m not the only Swiftie who caught his death by 1000 cuts/a million little times reference!!

[@giovanafischer8354]

Unforgettable episode of the show 💛

[@JordanLeigh]

Welcome to the newest baby! Congrats Mandy!

[@jenniferfulton4505]

I had to pause the podcast to listen to Sam Cooke....that really does sound like Chris Sullivan!! I didn't think I'd be able to hear it, but it's so obvious!! 😂😂

[@alinecarvalho388]

Hello friends, where do I start? This series has so many points that we could spend forever talking about it. But today I also wanted to talk about Katy. I asked my father when he was the same age as our Big Three, but as the series shows in every season, grief is different for everyone and you literally see that Katie would like to be there to talk, but she can't. About Jack and Rebecca, even you Mandy agree that Beck could have been more honest... that only caused more problems in the future. And Sophie, I always rooted for Sophie and Kevin, but it's interesting that everything that happened with the schedules and etc., created a stronger plot line for Kevin, of him becoming someone better for himself to be in a relationship. And about Alex, she did a wonderful job as Sophie. From the moment she enters the restaurant she gives a speech to Kevin, she is indignant that he hasn't gotten worse with the years and she couldn't resist a few fries. I definitely liked her.

[@lavernemason6904]

HA! That totally sounds like Sully's voice in the background!!!

[@stefanienovodor4936]

I so look forward to Tuesdays now! I lost my dad recently after a long battle with brain cancer (GBM). It reminds me of our time watching This is Us. Thanks so much for doing this! It feels like watching the show and being part of the show due to all the inside takes and behind the scenes information. Thank U 🩶

[@bdazzlefromage]

Also I totally forgot about that last season episode with Sophie and the valentine 🥰awww

[@natashakhan878]

I dont think anyone else could ever played Rebecca's better than Mandy...Thank God u didnt get the role Alex😂😂 because no one else could ever do Sophie role better than youuuuu Alex 🤩🤩❤️😍 I Love Sophie❤ I was actually praying for Sophie and Kevin to end together ❤😍

[@CarrieJordan-oe5wf]

I just have to say that Mandy, I totally had the Joey McIntyre doll too! my sister had Jordan!

[@miahwhitmore7873]

Hot Take! I went straight to Tidal to listen to Bring it On Home To Me by Sam Cooke and 1000090% DIED LAUGHING BECAUSE THAT WAS CHRIS SULLIVAN

[@Whatsyourdestinyy]

Me pausing at 32:00 to listen to Chris sing backup in a Sam Cooke song! 😂

[@monicagoncalves730]

Invite Alex again in episodes 4x12 and 6x14

[@natashakhan878]

Season 6 Epi14 is my favorite ❤❤❤❤❤🤦‍♀️ I think I needed more of Sophie and Kevin

[@roxannekaplan2019]

Anxiety can also cause physical illness like heart attacks or strokes.

[@bdazzlefromage]

My first celeb crush that I can think of was JTT (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), anyone else? 😅

[@MariaJoseQ1D]

He just Krasinki 16:14 to the camera 😂

[@SydneyKong]

“What was that?” Jack did in fact not know that Sam and Rebecca didn’t date.

[@Amanda-db1be]

I didn't see chemistry between her and Justin!! I think you should watch Virgin River, the chemistry between Alex and Martin Henderson is incomparable.🔥💯

[@AtoZFarm]

As for first celebrity crushes, it would be rude to rank them all but for me it was... #1 Jordan Knight #2 Joey Mac ...in close succession. 😂

[@omilatickeram3335]

❤❤❤

[@monicagoncalves730]

kevin and Sophie🥰🥰

[@michellerobinson13]

Dying for the day that Chrissy comes on as a guest

[@blackberrymolasses1502]

I’ve been waiting for Memphis: I thought they skipped it since it’s episode 16

[@ThatWasUs]

We would never skip Memphis!

[@jillianbaker8442]

emotional vulnerability yes

[@kalimyt12]

MANDY MOORE HAS BEEN PREGNANT FOR 9 moNTHS?!? STOP IVE BEEN WATCHING THIS PODCAST SINCE THE BEGINNING AND HAD N O I DEA!!!!

[@Esha-sn7ub]

Wa

[@Stephanie-xq6bh]

Alexandra not talented at all really don’t like her I would be such a better actress

[@Amanda-db1be]

She is natural, she doesn't seem to act in her characters. She said Sophia looks like her. She also said in another interview that Mel from Virgin River also looks like her. 🤷

[@rajarshighosh1857]

How many auditions have you cracked till date super talented actress?

[@inasal]

One of the cool parts from this episode (S1E15) was hearing Mandy Moore say "You're acting like a crazy person, what's going on?", when Rebecca and Jack arrived home from the gig. This was also her line in A Walk To Remember, in my favorite scene where Jamie and Landon were straddling on a state line. 🥹🤍