Ep. 20: Revisiting "Memphis" (116) in Memory of Ron Cephas Jones | with Jermel Nakia

[@lukethomasdillon3762]

Ah man, Sterling making the parallels between Williams death and his own fathers got to me 😭😭

[@CCphotobombs]

Me too and it made me sob because I feel the same way about the loss of my mother. Therapeutic in a way.

[@KristaDeSouza718]

Same!!!!!

[@85gmb1]

Same here

[@LizaJane761]

@@CCphotobombsme too on loss of my Mama

[@LizaJane761]

Me too! 😢

[@charnayeg]

The line, "I'm a little scared" gets me EVERY TIME!!!

[@es-vz9fi]

Jermel Nakia is PHENOMENAL! His portrayal of younger William and the community service he is doing in Detroit😢😢😢❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉 He and Ron Cephas Jones (older William) are in their OWN LEAUGES!❤ Every episode with him and Ron made me bawl my eyes out and fully embrace life with more transparency and unconditional LOVE! Truly gifts to this world. ❤

[@LizaJane761]

It is beautiful what Jermel is doing

[@mayacrosby8145]

This is the episode I tell people to watch if they have never seen the show. It is so beautifully and masterfully done, and it is my absolute favorite episode.

[@kleebaggins]

But it doesn’t even have the effect if you’ve not watched up until now. Seems like a horrible way to recommend someone watches haha

[@carmellem6813]

Kudos to Sterling saying "please check on the ppl you think that have it all together". I am one of those ppl and it's very rare for some to ask "how are you?" And mean it.

[@slsigafoos]

This is the comment I came here to make and was so glad to see someone else already made it. One of the common threads that holds most humans together, whether we admit it or not, is that most of us never feel like we have it together, and we're all good at concealing that we're not okay. I am so grateful for how often this show and podcast have mentioned mental health.

[@LizaJane761]

I felt this so deeply as well 💔

[@christinemaldonado9011]

SAME!!!!!!! 😅

[@RobinZK67]

OK. So how is it possible that I cried like a baby watching the episode…. And then CRIED AGAIN watching this. dang it!

[@mindfulness123]

Me too!

[@es-vz9fi]

Rest well Ron Cephas Jones❤ Thank you🙏🏽🕊

[@albataliephillips4271]

The platform that you Mandy and Chris provided for Sterling to share which a vulnerable part of his heart. It’s so important and beautiful to have.

[@chef_5564]

Sterling said something that really hit me. "There's sadness - it's part of the fabric of life. What a joy to be able to feel all of it." I'm going through a tough time right now with the end of a relationship, and I NEEDED to hear that. I wrote it down because I may need that reminder again. Thank you for doing this podcast and sharing your experiences and wisdom with us all.

[@angd4268]

I forgot this was the episode William died. My husband walked in during the scene when Randall was sitting beside William at the hospital and I was sobbing. I waved him away and said come back later. He had realized which episode it was when he heard the music at the beginning. My dad died a few months ago and it hit me so hard. I had two weeks of sitting with him but he couldn't communicate. I could just talk to him. I felt so jealous of Randall getting that time to talk to his dad. This show mimics so many times in my life. I have no idea how I will deal with the end of the show as my mom has dementia. And Durn if ya'll didn't have me crying during the podcast.

[@centerstagedancestudio6605]

This is the podcast that y’all should WATCH if you can rather than listen to. I will listen also because talking about this episode brings it all back. But WATCHING these three phenomenal actors react is precious and special. Bravo 👏👏👏

[@greggburklund5353]

You’re a beautiful person, Sterling, thank you for the good cry

[@LJMurray]

This episode was one of the greatest hours of television I’ve ever seen.

[@melissag5029]

Thank you to Mandy, Chris and Sterling for doing this podcast! I look forward to each Tuesday's discussion with all of you, like I looked forward to watching This Is Us. I wish the show never had to end, as It was the best show ever made in my opinion. Such an incredible ensemble of writers, actors and musicians that made this show so powerfully dynamic!

[@lcsuperwonder]

Memphis is really a beautiful episode! It is actually one of my favorites of the series.

[@revrodgers]

This episode and The Visitor on ST-DS9 are two of the best Black Father/Son episodes ever. I cry every time I see them both and remember my dad. Thanks for these great performances and writing.

[@monicahollen9616]

My Dad was terminally ill when this episode aired. I was on a work trip, alone in a hotel room and this death caught me completely off guard. Man, it was a rough night!

[@Estadisponibleparami]

Both Ron and Jermel melted my heart in every scene. What a beautiful energy and voice both had... What a sweetness... What a pressence... Another gift from the show was to have the chance to get to know them.

[@SeariderGirl]

I'll never forget that episode it was so heartbreaking and so emotional 🙏🏽♥️ RIP Ron 🤍🕊️

[@AlineSouza-pe6wf]

Dead father club here 🫶🏽 Sterling you’re not alone, also lost my dad when I was a kid and I know that we don’t know any better, but that shaped my life completely. Sending a big hug! My biggest connection with the show is exactly this one, and seeing my young feelings so represented in Randall, Kate and Kevin was always a help for me to copy. Also Randall going through it twice is devastating. Love this show!!! Love you guys

[@mahaswethakannan]

Same here! This show is like a major hug to those who have lost their dads. 🥺

[@joshjones1848]

One of the best father son moments between Randall and william

[@christinaw.4626]

LOVE how Chris broke down the significance of the addiction montages and "unconscious" ways folks get to that space 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 When I tell you I LOVE this show it's from the heart! Watching series for the 4th time, took a break as grief popped up ..plus I now want to watch weekly with podcast review. This is Us/That Was Us is my therapy ‼️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@mariloushelledy]

My mom was diagnosed with cancer during Season 1 of This Is Us. This episode was so hard to watch. And later as her cancer became terminal I would go back to this episode. It really helped with my grieving process, as did the other episodes with Rebecca, her illness, and how the kids dealt with it. This Is Us really is a Playbook to Life. Amazing cast, directors, and writers. ❤

[@aegeanchan374]

My ❤ aches every time I rewatch this episode. All of you are wonderful and talented actors. But Ron was iconic. Thankful and that we were blessed as viewers to watch and enjoy his artistry.

[@sfardanali]

Jermel and Ron are (and every cast member) are just otherworldly! The level of talent is insane, especially Ron!

[@PolkaDots788]

Their discussion about how they handle anxiety was so real & raw. Thank you. ❤

[@johnnykalloniatis6350]

My father passed away fifteen years ago. I cannot express what the show has done for me . I love all three of you . Best show and an amazing podcast!!!!! Thank you so much for all you do guys.

[@kellywhitman6561]

This episode had me bawling 😢. As Sterling expressed how it felt like it gave him a chance to say to goodbye to his father, hit me in the heart and brought tears to my eyes. Sterling, you are a beautiful human being! You feel emotions deeply, whether it's joy, pain, grief, you manifest your feelings sooo profoundly and I love that about you.

[@thats_faithv212]

Mannnnn The Way I Sobbed At Hard When William Died🥺❤️….It Was So Moving,You Know😭

[@_adrian_sean]

🥹🥲 I always think I'm weird cuz I start happy crying when Randall shouts "I HAVE COUSINS!!" 🥹 He was so happy to find a piece of the world & the diaspora he connected to

[@Damian-o7w]

Favorite episode...only Memphis and Birth Mother made me cry😢❤

[@Zoe___oOooo]

💖 Oh I love that this podcast is also filmed and produced in such high quality for KZbin. I love how empathetic and emotionally balanced you are and not afraid of the tears flowing. That makes you so real, so likeable and authentic. I love it. Thank you so much. Sterling 💖 you have touched my heart deeply with your story. Best wishes from Germany 💖

[@katesgate]

Stellar performance by everyone. My favorite episode in the series. I never knew my Dad because he died when I was a year old. I didn't know what a father was until I was older and I vaguely remember grieving when I did understand. My Mom was my rock and her passing was the hardest thing. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to her and I wish I could have helped her pass like Randall did with William in this episode.

[@ibleedorange329]

Memphis is such a beautiful episode of This Is Us and this was such a wonderful episode of That Was Us. So many tears shed during both. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing!

[@amynapier3551]

This is one of the most powerful episodes. We're sad because of the story but also because we never completely healed in real life. Some of us had to be strong in order to make the decisions, carry out wishes and complete tasks. We patted ourselves on the back for being strong and dealing with it but we never had the opportunity to truly grieve. Thanks to all of the This is Us team for giving us the space, time and permission to begin the process or get closure to all those emotions and memories of the past. Hugs to everyone. You are not alone.

[@LizaJane761]

Very well said

[@blackberrymolasses1502]

THIS is the episode I’ve been waiting for!! I ugly cried on the Memphis episode 🥺

[@kmk41111]

This podcast + the conversations these three have, with each and with other people, brings me so much joy (whether it’s a happy or sad thought). Having this weekly to experience is like a This Is Us 2.0❤️❤️❤️

[@ae0ns]

Wow it’s ironic that this dropped on the day of my dad’s birthday who passed away more than a decade ago. This was hard one to get through but also very healing (like the show). Thank you for gifting this podcast to us 💜

[@jennes1442]

Love❤and miss this show so much! Randall and William 😢 thankful for this podcast !

[@Estadisponibleparami]

I love how William says in the hospital to Randall how deserving he is of all the good things in his life. That's huge. Another beautiful and healing scene.

[@BigThreeChiu]

Memphis guarantee to tug at the heartstrings. Thank you Sterling for sharing your heartfelt story and Mandy and Chris for providing the space. Gosh, just listening to the podcast and BTS still have us😭Jermel's warm spirit and gentle soul shine through both on and off the screen. Dan's note perfectly captures the essence of the entire show and the richness of life itself. May we continue to add vibrant colors to this beautiful painting together.

[@deidrehudnell9165]

Wow! I cried when I watched the original, the rewatch, but today my makeup is a total mess! OMG! Jermel is just as compassionate and kind as he portrayed on the show. I am a fan for life! I appreciate you all.

[@stefanienovodor4936]

Watching this episode captured the human experience as a whole from the beginning with u r my sunshine to the end with William. All the twists and turns but we know the begging and the end are inevitable. Throw the maps out the window, breathe the fresh air, and love with all ur heart bc the pain is worth it. God bless.

[@staceemccarter1824]

Every time I've watched Memphis, I've cried. I wasn't in a space to watch it again before this Podcast. Memphis was a moving episode, so well done by everyone. The lessons Randall was being taught by his birth father were awesome. When Randall put his hands on his dad's face and had him breath... I'm so happy they are doing this Podcast. I'm sure I will cry even more knowing the behind the scenes thoughts and feelings. Thank you!

[@adinya4860]

We can always come back to this” keeps playing in my mind throughout watching this episode and podcast ❤❤❤❤

[@harmowknee]

This Is Us broke me (and continues to do so) in ways I never thought possible and then you bring this podcast which continues on that beautiful and heartwrenching legacy. Bravo! And as always, RIP to the incomparable, Ron Cephas Jones.

[@Gilmoreholic]

My gosh you got me in the feels with this one. Every episode with you 3 just keeps getting better. Please keep going, this new insight and deep dive is just so special and getting to hear your perspectives is such a gift. The way life mimics art is so beautiful and has created so many aha moments for myself in my own life. Thank you so much. Much love to you all ❤❤❤

[@DeadlyAntenna]

In this episode we see Randall almost revisiting his past trauma of losing Jack, but he gets to be present with it, prepared, and we see him move along another step on his path to healing. Randall's need for control, like Jack, largely stems from that trauma, or more accurately it was concentrated by it, and through William and William's death he takes the opportunity to discover that he can be safe by letting go of that control. I'm not sure how much of this was premeditated by the writers, or if it's just something unconscious that shone through, but this is one of the reasons I love this show - how much it teaches us about some of the darkest experiences we can face.

[@lauralimagomes]

Oh my gosh... What an episode. I can't express well enough how amazing you are. I just wanna say that this podcast is amazing, not just because it was a great serie. It is also because you are nailing it! Thanks, thanks, thanks... I am not rewatching yet, but I cried and felt all the emotions from this ep from you. Thanks again...

[@darlenestokes368]

Whenever I watch this episode, I have to decide ahead of time whether or not I am going to surrender to the moment of William taking his last breath. Randall holding William face. So heartwarming.

[@karenstedman5699]

❤❤ you touch my heart every time I watch This was Us. I love it. You guys are awesome for sharing with us.

[@arethawalker3795]

Beautiful tribute to Mr Jones.

[@BADGALCIN]

This episode had me sobbing. Especially that last conversation between Randall, when I saw the ducks I lost it 🥺

[@raquelwatjen100]

I rewatched this episode only for this podcast. It was really hard. My mother passed in March of this year and I was with her to the very end. Sterling, thank you for sharing your story with your father. I’m moved by your vulnerability. I’ve been a huge fan of yours and now I simply adore you. The way that Mandy and Chris held the space for you was beautiful to watch. Thank you for giving new life to my favorite show. ❤

[@lunaloutfy]

Okay, time to cry! Sending you all so much love. One of my favorite episodes ever!!! Rewatching it was still emotional for me, just like the first time around. And now I’m sure that I’m gonna be a bawling mess while watching this podcast episode. The tissues and wine are needed for this one 😭❤️

[@Baepsae_Nation]

I feel it's "time to cry" every week but this one in particular is more like "time to wail" ❤

[@85gmb1]

Yeah have the tissues on standby. You will need them lol

[@sidersproductions941]

As emotional as Sterling's recollection of those ending scenes are the camera switching to reveal Chris' short shorts gave me the chuckle over the emotions I needed. Lol Sir, find the rest of your shorts.🤣🤣 These are my people.🥲😭

[@PolkaDots788]

After watching "Memphis" again, I realize how much I didn't appreciate it at the time. Wow, I'm so happy I had the opportunity to really "see" it this time. It's such a powerful episode for sure.

[@SereFenzi83]

The ending of this episode, when you talked directly to Ron… oh my God! 😭 I have to go get my son back to football training, and I don’t know how! 😭😭😭😭 I,m a mess 🤦🏼‍♀️ thank you 😅❤

[@npatriciacastillo6671]

THIS was the episode that led to me sharing the show with my teenage sons. And the show became a huge blessing for me and my boys. What a beautiful episode with you three discussing Memphis. The parallels to Sterling's life is amazing! And I ended up in tears again. So beautiful!

[@madeleinevacanti8635]

I love the way Jermel played young William. I think the familiarity we saw from him was the parallels between him and teen Randall. I think it was so beautiful to see the softness, care, and kindness from both young William and Randall. Also, this episode was one of the hardest, tear-filled This is Us episode ever. I remember watching it with my mother. It was such a difficult time as her father passed the previous year and her mother just a month before it aired. We ugly cried so much. And then we watched it again another day since we were so attached to it. And cried a whole lot more. Thank y'all for such a lovely story and sendoff for William. RIP Ron

[@wandawilson5816]

This was such a beautiful podcast on many levels. Thank you! I watched Memphis but will go back to watch it again to catch the details I've missed. Thank you!

[@andysvabygirl]

Thank you sooooooooooooo much Sterling K. Brown😢😢😢😢😢 I can't believe what you went thru with your dad and thanks for sharing your story😪😪😪 Also sharing the path of your character into your own life😮😮 Life works in mysterious ways and I am sooooo happy you got the role of a lifetime to you Brown😉😉😉😉

[@julissacaraballo1031]

I can’t keep up with the weekly updates due to crazy schedule but when I am able to listen God knows why…hearing you all speak today just confirms that you are here to provide encouragement from your own hearts just not from the show but your own personal experience. I have also lose both of my parents similar as in the show …I lost my father tragically in 2007 and lost my mom due health issues just last year Feb 2023. We all know they are in a better place and not suffering but it still hurts… but will forever have the memories ❤ Thank you all for sharing

[@sarahadenardo2109]

Memphis is the only episode that truly makes me cry. Beautiful episode, beautiful people ❤️.

[@dabeastking561]

Sterling on the ads "yes you do, you so fine with your hair" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MikeTrindade]

I cried a lot watching the show, and now I'm crying a lot watching the podcast. Damn, This is Us hits me every time in every beautiful way. Thank you for this, guys.

[@lavernemason6904]

It wasn't mentioned here, but the use of the lighting in this episode was amazing! The angles of what appeared to be sunlight directly on/behind Ron kind of enhanced the story without words. That's one of the things I noticed the very first time watching.

[@roxannekaplan2019]

Beautiful pod and episode. ❤

[@JessAMP]

Fully sobbing 😭 Ron Cephas Jonas was one of a kind. Thank you Sterling for sharing your story about your dad’s passing. It’s crazy the parallels life puts in front of us. This show was such an amazing look into humanity and how to see the humanity in everyone you come across. Forever grateful to this show and what it teaches ❤

[@jayallureofficial]

This was the first episode that made me really emotional. It was incredibly well done. 🥹

[@KathleenMcCarthy-c5z]

I’ve rewatched This Is Us so many times, and the Super Bowl episode kills me but THIS episode impacted me so much and has me sobbing when I rewatch. It was such a beautiful episode of television.

[@elodie_k221b]

"Memphis" ❤💔❤ This is the first episode that made me cry. A few others made me emotional later but "Memphis" definitely had the most impact by far. It's just perfect.

[@dntfeedthesimba]

This was the episode that got me. Beyond Excellent Storytelling and Acting 👏

[@diamondbed86]

He was so wonderful and has one of those memorable voices I will never forget

[@revrodgers]

Feb 4, 1987 SKB’s Dad Dec 20, 1987 my Dad. Wow!

[@revrodgers]

Sitting here with three friends on the couch crying. Thank you Ron Cephas Jones for being the heart of this episode.

[@Jerseygal30]

This is such a wonderful episode. William was such a beloved character and your memorial to Ron was beautiful. Hearing Sterling's story and the parallels between his dad and William's passing brought tears. Also how Sterling felt with Ron's scenes knowing how sick he was as I didn't know that until the podcasts started. I loved seeing Jermel and hearing his thoughts, also. Thank you for your podcast and this episode!! ❤

[@shaneadockery8508]

Thank you for sharing your experiences @Sterling

[@Black.Nostalgia]

This episode tore me up. I cried on other episodes but this was the first episode that make me scream and cry. No tv should ever make you feel like that lol

[@itomanpr]

What a powerful emotional episode this was. Even to the point that it comes through this podcast! Thank you once more for giving life to these stories; for being human and open regarding your own experiences. The last memory Sterling had of his father and the way he was able to say goodbye to William; truly astonishing how life comes back full circle sometimes. And Jermel's story of his interaction with the restaurant owner and how the show impacted his life...remarkable! Thank you, thank you all :')

[@LizaJane761]

Oh man. Just got done watching the episode and the podcast. I cried just about the whole time. Which I knew I would. Just so beautifully written. That was first time I’ve watched since it aired. It hit differently for so many reasons. The loss of Ron in of course, but reminders of my Mama with oxygen, the oxygen tanks, the struggle to breathe, the agony of pain. My Mama had COPD and stage 4 metastatic lung cancer, she died in 2020. So watching was very emotional and sometimes difficult. I had to look away a few times. But I tell you just like when This Is Us originally aired and now it is therapy. I think that’s why a lot of people are scared to watch they are afraid to feel it…I want to feel it so I can process it and try to move forward. Easier said than done sometimes. SKB, you are such a wonderful human. Your vulnerability is just a breath of fresh air. I felt you when you talked about losing a parent and not everyone gets to have that…..I was 13 minutes too late to say goodbye to my Mama. 💔 On one hand I think she wanted it that way. I watched her suffer a lot in the previous days. But in some ways I wish I was there for the person who gave me my first breath, that I could’ve seen her take her last breath. But it wasn’t meant to be. The lessons William was trying to give Randall, to live in the moment, I know my Mama would be saying too. And the singing of “you are my sunshine” I have sang that to my three children and my Mama bought me a plaque with the saying, so that song means a lot to me. This Is Us is the best show ever, in my opinion. I wish it was still on. But thankfully we can still rewatch it and having this podcast has sure been a blessing. You guys are the best, all of you. Such wonderful humans and so transparent and open, I love that. Sorry for such a long post. As I type this I’m listening to the This Is Us original score. Again thank you for such a beautiful episode of the show and podcast! RIP Ron, we will always remember you. 🙏

[@drhenning53]

Congrats Mandy on the arrival of Louise!!! I guess a lot of these podcasts have been banked until she can get back!!! Look forward to them.

[@stefanienovodor4936]

For William to have had a second chance to have a real relationship with his son and to have it taken away so fast from William must have been devastating. It’s so nice the third chance was the charm.

[@gailkennedy5727]

Just saw this episode because of the That Was Us podcast! Mercy! In tears!

[@beatrizmarques7697]

I CRIED MORE HERE THAN WATCHING THE EPISODE.

[@julieako]

This podcast made me sob. Thank you, Sterling, for sharing.

[@wordswrittenbyme2109]

One of the episodes i dont need to rewatch because it sticks with me. Heartbreaking beautiful. We lost william. And this hits different since the actor is really gone now.

[@kimbowers4559]

Dang, this episode just keeps on giving the cries! 😢😢

[@stephbowler3141]

Such a moving episode ❤ I bawled like a baby 😭😭😭 Such a beautiful moment when Randall puts his hands on William's face ❤

[@phoenixmoon3]

I have seen this episode twice. And it’s hard. So beautiful. Awe 😢 he’s still in the painting. Dan. I’m humbled. As usual, sir.

[@ericaelliott9395]

This is my absolute favorite episode. I haven't seen one better.

[@sandracc3803]

Sobbing. What a damn show

[@tracytamakloe9392]

One of the best episodes of television, period.

[@tynesha3710]

I wonder about the painting behind Jermel... Seems like there's a story there! I love how Jermel (and everyone else) seems so close to his character in real life - in terms of just the caring nature. Last thought: RON. ❤

[@daniyahgoodwin3078]

Bracing myself for this episode 🥹😭

[@demoss75]

Omg I thought the show had me in tears

[@lisacornish6673]

No this episode broke me I cried so hard

[@nikkicole54321]

This episode was hard because of the element of surprise on the original watch. but this one was hard because now Ron is gone and im finding my parallels with this story and my life now in hindsight.

[@ShuntaGrant-t5d]

I haven’t even started the episode yet but just seeing Memphis I’m like agh!!! I rewatched to prepare and it’s still my favorite episode of TIU!!!!!

[@fran23324]

Randell Beth & William were my favourite characters, and I lost my dad during Covid. I didn’t get to say goodbye or attend his funeral, and to hear Sterling had lost his dad and didn’t get to say farewell either, just killed me! That episode helped me so much, to process my grief, and May the one and only Ron rest in eternal peace. 💕🌹💕

[@hey_emily1977]

This episode was hard to watch the first time but was really difficult (ugly cry) the second. I lost my dad in January to pancreatic cancer and it just hit so different this time. Sterling’s description of his dad’s passing is so beautiful. Until you spend those last moments of someone’s life saying goodbyes and realizing you will never see them again. Aahh. Crying again! ❤