Ep. 5: Misery | “The Pool” (S1E4)

Jack, Rebecca, and The Big Three are off to the pool, which sounds fun, but in actuality feels a bit like Rebecca’s book: Misery. Randall and Kevin fight with each other, Kevin fights for attention, and Kate opts not to fight her bullies. Kevin miserably auditions for his first Broadway play, Toby bumps into his ex-wife, and William is mistaken as a loiterer. There are a lot of dynamics at play - parenting, self-discovery, racial injustice, weight insecurities, bullying, and forgiveness - and we get into it all.
00:00 Intro
00:32 Ritual
02:27 Discussion
21:36 Mint Mobile
23:23 Hello Fresh
25:28 Discussion
40:10 Talkspace
41:57 Discussion
51:39 Emotional Support Hotline
01:03:20 Credits
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[@lindstromandthelimit]

It was an HONOR to be a guest on this week's episode. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

[@Nicole-en1km]

I loved what you said about not feeling like you fit into either world... I can definitely relate! Thanks for sharing your story and being so vulnerable. Also, congrats on the sobriety! ❤

[@Damiana1111]

I was ready to cry with you, Aaron. You were fantastic and conveyed a lot of how I/we feel. Thank you & all the very best to you, your life, and your art.

[@mersac9049]

Hearing your story made me love this show even more. I am so sorry for what you had to go through in life but im so happy you shared how real this show was for you. Congratulations on being sober. You’re so strong. Also I cried.

[@2AZSUN]

Addiction is no joke, those genes are powerful!! Congrats on your 5 years!! Strong work on that, for sure!! You were honored to be on the show, however, it was an honor to have you on the show. Your ability to verbalize so well, and so clearly, the impact the show had on you directly was incredible. Also, just looked at your channel hoping to find your Up up and away. It would be great to be able to hear and see you perform it. If you have a vid of it that you haven't posted yet, would love to be able to see it.

[@cherin5892]

I never felt seen even though I’m white and grew up white. So many ways to feel unheard or seen.

[@ntly02310]

There was such a Rebecca and Randall moment when talking about sunscreen 😂15:26

[@ACTINGDRAMA]

Yep!lol

[@charlesronaldgenato824]

I found it funny too. Mandy is a mother

[@sportsbabe1125]

And lotion and taking him to a Black barber!

[@FFlores79]

Who elses vocabulary is expanding listening to this podcast? So many words i would never think or know to use. They are all so well spoken.

[@Shininglight1984]

Right. I mean, physiognomy??? Whaaaat?

[@dominiqueparrish5860]

Yesss!! So articulate lol love it

[@cherin5892]

I totally agree with Sterling . Both Justine and Susan’s were overlooked. I loved both of them and they deserved nominations and respect Those two were my fav. characters

[@mymakersdaughter6041]

Beth was my favorite character! My girlfriends and I talked about every line she said on the show. We’re still talking about some of her lines 2 years later. But here’s the line that was epic where I think the show missed an opportunity to make T-shirts. This relationship only works because I do the bending! ~ Beth Pearson😧🎤👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@mersac9049]

Ive started to ”rewatch” with you and now im soooooo far ahead 🤣

[@MShaiqable]

I started rewatching as well and now I'm at season 6! 😅

[@MsShortstuff333]

It's a struggle every week to not re-watch more than one episode 😅

[@ayoubdad4700]

Same 😂

[@ajpreclaro1608]

Same. I’m on 1x13 now. I think I’ll be done season 1 by the end of this week.

[@Arjay404]

The Pool episodes are my favorite because I feel like those episodes are the best compact representation of what makes all the characters tick and what the characters are about. Kevin feeling invisible in his family, Randall looking for black people to connect with, Kate being socially ostracized, Jack baby-ing Kate, Rebecca over worrying about Randall.

[@sportsbabe1125]

Kevin literally almost drowns, Kate felling ostracized by her “friends” because she’s overweight and how Rebecca treats her, and Randall trying to find his Black family members! That tongue thing he does is hysterical.

[@toniwel6819]

This is the episode that hooked me. I love the last scene at the pool when they are huddled together and Jack pulls in Kevin-adolescent. My heart melted

[@cherin5892]

I was hooked from day one up until the very end. Best character development show ever. Best kids cuz they actually acted like kids and not mini adults.. The writers thought like a kid when they wrote this show.

[@GABRIELACMORAES]

❤

[@MsCandyShay]

Folks, I do not have friends. Thanks for giving me the interaction I really needed. I am a big fan of all of you and your work.

[@orlan.brigino]

Whenever I have to describe this show to someone, I always say that it tackles everything that's happening in society. It is not ahead of its time because this should've been depicted ages ago, but this show is ahead of anything on TV. And that's why this is such a special series.

[@kokopelligirltam]

100% agree!

[@hollybinns9250]

Watching this is like catching us with old friends where no time feels like it had passed, it's my new thing to look forward to each week x

[@revrodgers]

So true. And I find so much of what I loved in the characters in the actors

[@jamin-atl4377]

I love how real to life the show portrays the family dynamics. We often hear a person’s story or look at our own story from only one perspective. The flashbacks give the audience a good, mostly unbiased context to each character’s perspective. Kevin is not wrong and you can see just how much his jealousy of Randall plays into their relationship. But Jack and Rebecca were not doing anything wrong in trying to give each kid what they needed. They were just doing the best they knew how with each of the kids. They may have missed the mark in many ways with each kid but it was all done with love. It is obvious that the “kids” understand that and that is why despite the negative feelings they may have about it, they all remained so close.

[@TheDeRaye]

This episode touched me personally on multiple levels, from the kids bullying Kate, to the black mother giving Rebecca some advise on caring for an African American child, to Kevin almost drowning in the pool, but the part that hit me most this time around was the inteaction between Jack and Kevin afterwards. It mirrored my own interactions with my son, who is now around the same age as Kevin then.

[@thisisusbra]

We are loving this podcast so much. Thank you for sharing with us.🍋

[@raqdreams]

This is something I didn’t know I needed. I love behind the scenes perspectives of shows and movies and because time has passed it’s even better outlooks.

[@QMW11]

I had no idea that was Sterling's real life wife. She's so beautiful!

[@jillianbaker8442]

yup . she is gorgeous and talented

[@cherin5892]

Sterling does an amazing job recapping the episode. His humor is infectious

[@jamin-atl4377]

I love how real to life the show portrays the family dynamics. We often hear a person’s story or look at our own story from only one perspective. The flashbacks give the audience a good, fairly unbiased, context to each character’s perspective. Kevin is not wrong and you can see just how much his jealousy, in particular of Randall, plays into his character as an adult and relationships. But Jack and Rebecca were not doing anything wrong by giving attention to Kate and Randall in those moments. They were just doing the best they knew how with each of the kids. They may have missed the mark in many ways with each kid but it was all done with love. It is obvious that the adult kids understand that and that is why, despite the negative feelings they may have about it, they all remain so close.

[@mackenziewilber]

My 16 year old daughter and I are rewatching it together (she didn’t see it when it first came out) and it has been a BLESSING. I feel like you all are my family. ❤ thank you for this gift

[@slsigafoos]

Anyone else have a 5-tissue alarm moment from this gentleman's voicemail and story? I love This Is Us fans.

[@lunaloutfy]

I love this episode! It gave us further insight on the depths of the struggles of the Pearson family so well and showed us how Rebecca and Jack raised each of the three of their kids. It’s a key episode that determined the way they turned out to be in their adult lives during the present.

[@jaimes8382]

These episodes are what keep my house clean!! I listen while I am cleaning and I never want them to stop!! I absolutely love that you are filling in some blanks from the show. I will be restarting and watching with my pre-teen❤❤

[@christina419]

Sterling, first and foremost you will always be Roland Burton to me-So I loved the Army Wives mention. ❤ Such fond memories associated with that show (my cousin who is like a sister and I watched it together) Getting to know you as Randall was just the whipped cream and cherry on top! Much love from STL 😊

[@drhenning53]

I also watched Army Wives mostly initially for my love of Catherine Bell and Kim Delaney from their previous shows but I discovered Sterling and so enjoyed his character as another Army "Wife"... So I was initially attracted to TIU because of the main actors and was hooked as a guy from Day 1.because of the story and I watched it almost live every week it was on.

[@rere8654]

Best show ever!!!! Feel like we are part of the Pearson family!!!!!

[@shannonstilwell8225]

This podcast brings me such joy. It’s like an extended after show. I was so sad when y’all stopped those! I hope y’all will interview other cast members too!?

[@elisacuellar4944]

I look forward to listening to this podcast weekly. It’s been such an injection of feel good and fills my intellectual cup! Thank you Mandy, Sully, and Sterling. With love from San Antonio

[@jessicasparks7226]

You all and this show makes me cry every time I listen/watch. My heart just is so filled. I watched the show from first episode to last in real time every week. My daughter (15) and I are going to rewatch with you guys and reconnect our family with yours! 💜

[@Irene_90]

This is probably my favorite podcast episode so far. I love the fact that you share with us your personal experiences related to what your characters lived during the show. It's really touching and inspiring and the fact that, once again, I can reflect with your words in one way or another, makes me think about how much I love this show and it will never be a show like this one. Thanks for opening with us and sharing a little piece of you with all of us.

[@arguetacastillomarcelasofa8230]

Oh wow that phone call❤ Randall's plot line regarding anxiety helped me too

[@haleymitchell3087]

Awww mama Pearson making sure that “Randall” is protecting his skin

[@MaddieBullock]

The way she said “Sterling…” 😂🤍

[@haleymitchell3087]

@@MaddieBullock Ikr!! It was so maternal and cute!! Hehe 🥰🥺

[@cherin5892]

Sterling sadly says he needs to show white people he's not a danger. Just like his character.Supreme writing from all angles

[@mymakersdaughter6041]

It’s so true and so sad for us! 😢 The black writers wrote those lines for sure!

[@BigThreeChiu]

Our hearts are full from listening to the wonderful conversations between Sterling, Mandy and Chris (so organized and thoughtful)🥰Gosh, what a blessing to hear Rapunzel's voice

[@MShaiqable]

Omg I've been missing these videos and just listening! I need to watch these 😍

[@samanthasamantha1830]

I love everything about these podcasts. I never anticipated that I would cry during the episodes as much as I cried during the actual shows...lol. Well done to you awesome three! xx

[@MShaiqable]

I'm watching season 6 now and there were 3 episodes, one for each of the Big 3, and it starts with the pool! Started the rewatch after listening to the 3rd episode of this podcast

[@xxangeleyes40xx]

I’m re-watching the episodes again, one a week before the podcast comes out and I love how your discussion adds another layer to this wonderful show. Thank you 🥰

[@seinfeldchik]

Mandy is welcoming a daughter soon! 🎉

[@renataftorres]

I love that so much

[@wendylee13]

I can’t tell you how great this podcast is to watch! I’m watching This is Us all over again and loving it! 😊 My highly Sensitive Soul can only handle 2 episodes a night so I’m trying to really take it all in again! This show hits me so hard in so many ways! My husband and I are reconnecting from watching this show again so thank you! ❤

[@alisondawnsmith]

5 episodes in and I still can't believe that we're so lucky as to get this podcast!

[@livingsatisfied1997]

I am so in love with this pod. And the show. Going through my second rewatch as I do this pod and might be a little ahead hehe. Thank you for starting this 💖

[@wendycampbell7370]

This is a favorite episode. I love hearing about making it and the dynamics of the grown characters as well.

[@SorichSala]

Thank you again for this ❤️❤️❤️ I love the backstories. And also rewatching the episodes I now appreciate Justin’s acting on the show. It was remarkable

[@leadfootwildone1136]

YES, I love watching you guys ❤

[@kokopelligirltam]

Can this podcast get any better!? Superb! Loving the emotional support calls too!! thank you thank you!

[@alittlelessdisappointed.9689]

Thank you. Having just watched ath whole show in 5 days and rewatching with this was us, loving it even more.

[@juliathrush4401]

Waking up happy on Tuesday mornings!! I love this podcast so much!

[@bellaventimiglia35]

I LUV this podcast so much!!! I look forward to each new episode! I’ve not only been rewatching episodes of “This Is Us,” but I’ve also rewatched your podcast episodes too!!!

[@Angelinoah8]

Thank you guys for this treat. Your perspectives and experience doing the show and playing these impactful and life changing roles are so meaningful. THANK YOU. I hope we get to see or hear other cast members ❤

[@sportsbabe1125]

The Pool was one of my favorite episodes!

[@rebeccapettiford5389]

Your podcast is my happy place now that your show is over. Thank you.

[@LizaJane761]

Every character is so wonderful! The writing is just phenomenal. Jack is such a great Dad, the Dad we all want to have and wished we had. The interaction with Randall & William where he apologizes to Randall and tells him he’s doing a good job. Sooo good. Rewatching it now, I lost my Mama in 2020 I felt like it was her spirit speaking to me through that scene. Seeing Toby’s character revealing something very traumatic was so good too. Kevin’s audition I hilarious. Sterling made me laugh out loud about that scene. I’m just so happy about this podcast. It’s just WONDERFUL. Sterling I loved you on Army Wives, that was one of my favorite tv shows!

[@amysuplicki1454]

This is wonderful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights and experiences with the world in such a natural conversation between adults who've got some life under their belts. Rewatching with you is just the best and something to look forward to each week. And congrats to you, Mandy, on soon becoming the mom to your own three! ❤

[@DanielaAvery]

This episode was amazing. Watching the show again along with the podcast is eye-opening. I love the conversations and the different perspectives. The fact that they speak about their own lives and their own real-life experiences is so fantastic!❤❤

[@jacquelineshea1824]

I'm loving this journey back with the Pearson's 💗

[@afiaali4159]

Thanks so much for this! Loving the recapping the episodes and those great moments in each, which are so many, so glad you the actors doing the recaps, coming from your point of view, also to hear from viewers experiences and the impacted on their lives, as it has also impacted on mine thanks

[@lizstephenson2047]

Love the show. I love rewatching and hearing about the making of the show and the experience of the actors. Thank you.

[@dessertlullaby]

Pool episode really made it family🎉

[@revrodgers]

Hey! Thank you so much for this podcast. I am also mad at you three because I can’t get any work done because I’m rewatching the show. SMH. 😂😂😂❤❤❤

[@elisacuellar4944]

This is chefs kiss

[@AnjaTurner-hf6sf]

Loving the podcast and hearing how similar your thoughts about the episodes are to those of us watching. I’m rewatching knowing that while it seems as though Jack is the glue of the family it’s actually Rebecca. Because of what happens to Jack when it happens Rebecca is left to take the “blame” for so many issues that the kids have. I feel that as a mom 😢❤

[@sewsarahstitch]

Enjoying this pod so much, thank you! I’m rewatching along with you and trying not to get ahead ❤

[@dorethacarter6480]

Love this episode sooo much!! Just getting the details added to the understanding of the characters. I love you all like my own family and am so thankful for the absolutely best tv show to ever be made! Thank you guys and much love to you!❤

[@GABRIELACMORAES]

I just love this podcast. Thank you for bringing back these memories ❤

[@cynthiaherreraochoa1997]

i love this, and 1x04 is one of mi favorites of all series

[@amaryllisvelazquez2384]

It’s my birthday today and I’m so happy to be watching 💕💕 my ultimate favorite show

[@cleudesampaio1385]

Já assisti a série 9 vezes e lembro de cada detalhe. Más ouvindo vocês só aumenta a certeza de ser a melhor série de todas❤ estou amando o podcast!!!😍

[@jecka1982]

I'm absolutely loving this podcast and watching it with you! Such an amazing show! Much love from the uk

[@TheDeRaye]

In defense of Rebecca and Jack, I didn't know that we need sunscreen until I reached my 40's. I got my first sunburn at the age of 45.

[@yerlin12]

We need Milo on the podcast 🥹🥹🥹

[@mayabasquin]

I think I’ll be a puddle if they bring Jack Pearson on this pod. Whew

[@hildidzigas5811]

I look forward to this every week!

[@JenniferOquendo-cy1vc]

Incredible, touching show forever in my heart

[@kathleengates]

So so so good!!! My new favorite podcast with 3 brilliant human beings 🤍🤍🤍

[@Vanilla2346]

I look forward to this so much!!!

[@gloriarizzuti2140]

Loved the show. Loving this podcast

[@jenabans7350]

Enjoying this podcast!

[@QMW11]

I was looking forward to this episode. Cuz this is one of my favorite episodes from the show!

[@bellaventimiglia35]

Same…as Mandy Moore said, this is when I started to fall in love with Milo Ventimiglia/Jack Pearson!!! 😍🥰😍. I have the t-shirt scene saved as one of my fav “This Is Us” video clips!!!

[@TheTeenBeauty101]

I want the big three hat they have on the center table!!

[@KarenWright-jg7cc]

Before I knew that the actress that played the lady at the pool is married to sterling, I really want to keep seeing her in future episodes. I wanted there to be a deeper reveal concerning her connection to the family somehow.

[@juliewilson9823]

Loving the podcast ❤

[@yaramartell3062]

ES PARA LA POSTERIDAD LA SERIE Y UDS LOS AMAMOS BESOS DESDE SANTIAGO!♥♥♥♥🦋🦋

[@shawnlmichael3871]

Love this

[@sarahadenardo2109]

Come to think of it I think this is the episode I fell in love with Jack Pearson lol. I’m loving this podcast so far! 💙

[@MovableNu]

I purposely avoided watching “This Is Us” in real time. I’m in the habit of only watching shows once they’re complete. So the show has been on my “Watch It Someday” list for a looooong time. Thanks for creating this wonderful rewatch podcast so I’m not watching it alone. Although I’m probably gonna end up way ahead of y’all with the podcast episodes. 😂

[@evelyta22]

Don't stop making more episodes of the podcast

[@cherin5892]

Rebecca and Jack weren't always the best as we see in the kids adult life they had issues. No parent is perfect for sure and this show depicts reality. Jack didn't have Randall in therapy for anxiety Jack's alcoholism played a role. I think Rebecca was a good Mom aside from letting Randall meet his Bio Dad. When Jack died Mom was grieving but kids were mainly developed already

[@Arjay404]

6:56 omg, I thought I just liked Toby, but it seems like I like Chris Sullivan too. Dude I totally feel that, I don't have kids (yet), but I think that if I had kids, I would be almost or actually landing in jail on a regular basis when it comes to my kids. A kid does something bad to my child? Oh boy, I might go to jail. A teacher says or does something bad to my child? Jail I go again. A stranger says something bad about my child? Make room in that cell, I'm going to jail!

[@PigDadGaming]

I dont mean to sound negative here, but has anyone else noticed so far that they haven't said much about Chrissy Metz? Usually they'll mention a character and then praise the actor with some form of anecdote but I haven't heard one about Kate yet. Maybe I'm wrong & they have as I'm only on episode 5 atm but was just curious to see if anyone has noticed it? Also, I bloody love this podcast!!

[@Marinus2311]

They will in episode 8, but yeah, not much

[@giovanafischer8354]

💛💛💛

[@cherin5892]

Dispite the fact that Jack helped Kate feel special and apologized to Kevin for not paying attention to him they both grew up with issues.

[@user-qb2bi4qh3o]

AMAZING EPISODE!! And if the 3 of you see this comment, please comment on the UFC fighter that ADOPTED 2 African American boys and yet Black Americans are not having it and not liking it all.

[@chitchens1496]

Young Kevin was annoying but he was not wrong in that rant.

[@youssefhussein1615]

Yeah, he kind of was, I would have to agree with you because he was like impulsive, he would treat his brother so bad, and he would sometimes be annoying by doing stupid stuff someone should teach him on not doing and learning to be smart about.

[@manaperez]

The ads have to go!

[@lisaenciso2046]

The ads are a lot but theyre what pay for the production

[@drhenning53]

Get used to it as content moves from commercial TV to streaming more and more.. Where as a DVR allowed for ad skipping , streaming does not... The ad tech on this Podcast is simple and can be skipped.. not so otherwise... I wonder if our 3 wonderful actors are being paid much or is this mostly a labor of love of the show???