Show notes
"You've got to kind of get quiet with it every once in a while because you have so many people telling you what you're supposed to do with your life...And just know for yourself." Sterling K. Brown
This Thanksgiving week on The Pivot Podcast, Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with someone who knows a thing or two about family, both on-screen and in real life, the highly respected and decorated: Sterling K. Brown. Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actor from This Is Us, The People v O.J. Simpson, Black Panther, Army Wives and many other iconic roles, but in this holiday episode, the conversation goes way beyond his career. The guys, all big fans (especially Ryan, who binge-watched This Is Us in just three weeks), go behind the acting wall and discover all the things about Sterling that not only make him a phenomenal actor but also a grounded, family man with strong values.
Going through his journey and career, starting with his childhood in St. Louis to attending Stanford to NYU to the big screens of Hollywood…Sterling opens up about losing his father at just 10 years old, how that loss shaped his view on family, and how he honors his dad's memory—both through their shared name and in his portrayal of Randall Pearson on This Is Us. He talks about the strength of his mom, who raised him as a single parent while encouraging him to chase his dreams, even during tough times and questionable paths.
The conversation becomes centered around Sterling’s trailblazing career as He talks about the “magical” six years on This Is Us, the joy of representing Black love on-screen, and the responsibility of telling authentic stories both in front of and behind the camera. The guys also get into the cultural impact of Black Panther, the intensity of The People v. O.J. Simpson, and why Sterling gravitates most toward roles that challenge him.
Balancing Hollywood success and family life isn’t easy, but Sterling shares how his wife and two sons are the source of his humility and reality. He compares acting to being an athlete in many ways, explaining how the physicality and focus of his craft help him connect with his characters while staying present for his real-life family. Touching on the importance of representation and seeing people who look like him star in inspiring roles, he hopes his work will continue to open doors for future generations.
Sterling talks about how timing is key and the power of saying no or walking away from what doesn’t feel right to hold out for what feels more complete is what guides his career. He shares wisdom about giving yourself grace, staying present, and finding connection—even in a divided world.
In the the hit series, This is Us one of the most iconic episodes of the six seasons, is Thanksgiving episode which holds a special place in all of hearts for the portrayal of true family, emotion, turmoil, triumph and hope.
So as we Kick off the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to sit with the man who impacted lives and made us all think about our families and evolution within our lives.
Tap in now for a wholesome, laugh-filled episode and hit the subscribe button on YouTube or listen to our show on all audio platforms. And during this Thanksgiving week, we all take a moment to reflect on what we are grateful for and to thank each of you for being such a core part of our Pivot Journey. Happy Thanksgiving Pivot Family!
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