New Parents | "The Ride" with Director Jon Huertas (509)
From That Was Us by Mandy Moore, Chris Sullivan, and Sterling K. Brown
April 14, 2026 · 1h 36m
About this episode
The episode discusses the challenges and emotions of new parenthood as depicted in 'This Is Us' Season 5, Episode 9, featuring insights from director Jon Huertas.
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…
People in this episode
Hosts: Mandy Moore, Chris Sullivan, Sterling K. Brown
Guest: Jon Huertas
Topics covered
- new parenthood
- emotional experiences
- family dynamics
- directing
- COVID-19
- personal stories
Keywords
- This Is Us
- new parents
- Jon Huertas
- emotional chaos
- parenting experiences
- family
- directing
- COVID-19
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: This Is Us
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