5 Shocking Twists Inside Kelly Ripa And Mark Consuelos' New Scripted Soap Opera Podcast, 'Summer Breeze'

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have returned to their dramatic roots, but not on daytime television. As of late 2025, the power couple has taken the world of audio drama by storm with their new project, the scripted podcast Summer Breeze. This Audible Original is a nostalgic, yet thrilling, return to the genre that first brought them together, but with a modern, meta-twist that explores the dark side of Hollywood and the cutthroat nature of the soap opera world. The series, produced by their own Milojo Productions, is a must-listen for fans of their on-screen chemistry and behind-the-scenes family dynamics.

The project is far from a simple audio play; it’s a high-stakes, full-cast audio drama that leverages the couple's decades of experience in the soap opera genre to deliver a story packed with intrigue, ambition, and betrayal. The excitement is amplified by the involvement of their son, Michael Consuelos, making Summer Breeze a true family affair that has captivated listeners since its May 2025 announcement and subsequent release.

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples, known for their long-running careers in television and their successful production company, Milojo Productions. Their joint and individual careers span acting, hosting, and producing, cementing their status as media moguls.

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Kelly Ripa (Kelly Maria Ripa)

• Born: October 2, 1970, in Stratford, New Jersey.
• Career Highlights:
  • Began her career in 1990 as Hayley Vaughan Santos on the ABC daytime drama All My Children, where she met Mark Consuelos.
  • Became a co-host of Live with Regis and Kelly in 2001, replacing Kathie Lee Gifford.
  • Continued hosting the show through its various iterations: Live with Kelly, Live with Kelly and Michael, Live with Kelly and Ryan, and currently, Live with Kelly and Mark (since 2023).
  • Executive Producer through Milojo Productions.
  • Host of the successful unscripted podcast, Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa.

Mark Consuelos (Mark Andrew Consuelos)

• Born: March 30, 1971, in Zaragoza, Spain.
• Career Highlights:
  • Joined the cast of All My Children in 1995 as Mateo Santos, the love interest of Ripa’s character, Hayley.
  • Known for his role as Hiram Lodge on The CW’s drama series Riverdale.
  • Became Kelly Ripa’s permanent co-host on Live with Kelly and Mark in 2023.
  • Executive Producer through Milojo Productions.
  • Other notable roles in films and television, including The Great Raid and Pitch.

Personal Life

• Relationship: Met in 1995, eloped and married in May 1996.
• Children: The couple shares three children: Michael (b. 1997), Lola (b. 2001), and Joaquin (b. 2003).

The Dark and Meta Plot of 'Summer Breeze'

The core concept of Summer Breeze is a dramatic and meta-commentary on the world of soap operas that Ripa and Consuelos know intimately. The show is written by Aaron Tracy and delves into a thrilling narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and reality within the television industry.

Twist 1: The Aspiring Writer and the Mega-Producer

The story centers on Lucy Frears (voiced by Sarah Steele), a down-on-her-luck, aspiring screenwriter. Lucy finally gets her big break when her deeply personal script is optioned by the legendary, but ruthless, mega-producer Gordon Ready, played by Mark Consuelos. This setup immediately places Consuelos in a role of power and potential villainy, contrasting sharply with his real-life image as a daytime TV host.

Twist 2: The Script That Becomes a Nightmare

Lucy’s dream quickly devolves into a terrible nightmare. The script, which is based on her own life and experiences, becomes a source of manipulation and danger. The narrative explores how personal stories can be exploited and how the pursuit of fame can corrupt even the most innocent ambitions. This theme of exploitation is a subtle nod to the real-world pressures of Hollywood storytelling.

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Twist 3: Kelly Ripa’s Role as a Former Soap Star

Kelly Ripa’s character is a former soap opera star who forms an unlikely, surprising alliance with the beleaguered screenwriter, Lucy. This role is particularly meta, as Ripa herself is an iconic former soap star. Her character acts as a guide or perhaps a cautionary tale, helping Lucy navigate the treacherous waters of the soap opera production world, a setting that is ripe for drama and suspense.

Twist 4: The Family Affair with Michael Consuelos

Adding a layer of topical authority and personal connection is the involvement of their eldest son, Michael Consuelos. Michael is also part of the full cast, making the audio drama a true family collaboration. Given that Michael has followed his parents into acting (notably playing a younger version of his father’s character, Hiram Lodge, on Riverdale), his participation underscores the project's deep connection to their shared career history.

Twist 5: Milojo Productions’ Strategic IP Play

Summer Breeze is executive produced by Kelly and Mark’s company, Milojo Productions, named after the first two letters of their three children's names (Michael, Lola, Joaquin). The decision to launch a scripted audio drama on Audible is a strategic move, reflecting a growing trend in Hollywood where talent uses podcasts to develop valuable intellectual property (IP) with an eye toward potential film or television adaptation. This means Summer Breeze is not just a podcast; it could be a backdoor pilot for a new series. Milojo Productions has a history of producing content, including two films for Lifetime, demonstrating their commitment to developing diverse media projects.

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Why 'Summer Breeze' Resonates with Fans of 'All My Children' and 'Riverdale'

The scripted podcast is specifically inspired by the world of 1990s soap operas, a deliberate choice that pays homage to the couple’s breakout roles as Hayley and Mateo on All My Children. This connection provides a powerful nostalgic draw for their long-time fanbase.

For listeners who enjoy the high-octane drama of shows like Riverdale (where Mark Consuelos was a prominent cast member), Summer Breeze offers a similarly fast-paced and character-driven storyline. The audio drama format is perfect for conveying the suspense and intensity required of a modern thriller set against a glamorous, yet dark, industry backdrop.

By blending the familiar romantic drama of a 90s soap with a contemporary, meta-narrative about Hollywood’s dark side, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have created a unique piece of entertainment. It’s a project that not only showcases their enduring chemistry but also proves their versatility as producers and actors in the rapidly evolving digital media landscape. The podcast is a fresh, clever, and compelling listen that solidifies their topical authority in the world of serialized drama.