That Was Us

with Sterling K. Brown and Mandy Moore and Chris Sullivan

Uncle Nicky Meets The Twins | "One Small Step" (511)

5/5/2026

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.

🍋 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.