In the inaugural episode of her SiriusXM podcast, Let’s Chat Off Camera with Kelly Ripa, Kelly Ripa opens up about the ups and downs of her 26-year marriage to Mark Consuelos. The couple discusses their love and how they have overcome difficult times through open communication.

Consuelos, 51, believes that no challenge is insurmountable if you’re willing to talk things through. He asserts, “It always gets better.” They have learned that effective communication is the key to working through their problems and maintaining a strong bond.

Ripa, 52, reveals that Consuelos’ jealousy has been a recurring issue in their marriage. She emphasizes that this doesn’t mean they are oblivious to the challenges they face. In the past, Consuelos often had an inaccurate perception of situations, which led to feelings of envy. Ripa recalls an incident early in their marriage when a waiter in a Boston restaurant called her a “princess” in Italian. This innocent encounter sparked a severe argument between the couple.

Consuelos admits that he was upset and carried that resentment for some time. At 25 years old, he acknowledges that he was young and foolish. However, he has since realized that envy is a flaw within himself, causing more harm to him than to the person he’s envious of. He says, “It’s a flaw in who I am. It’s disgusting. Even though the jealous person knows it’s bad and evil, they still can’t help it.”

So what changed? According to Consuelos, it was about personal growth. He recognized the need to work on himself and overcome his jealous tendencies.

Ripa, too, acknowledges areas where she needed improvement. One of her bad habits was hanging up the phone during arguments, especially when the other person was far away. She confesses, “That’s awful,” and attributes it to her upbringing. Ripa comes from a family with a history of unresolved conflicts.

The couple emphasizes that all marriages have their share of ups and downs. Consuelos compares it to a heartbeat, where it’s never just flat and steady. They have sought the help of a marriage therapist, especially now that their children have left the nest. By attending counseling sessions, they have been able to address lingering issues and develop healthier habits.

Consuelos believes that marriage counseling forces couples to reevaluate their routines and behaviors, even when things are going well. It holds them accountable and encourages them to seek continuous growth in their relationship.

Let’s Chat Off Camera with Kelly Ripa is a podcast produced by Ripa and Consuelos’ Milojo Productions in association with SiriusXM. The show features a lineup of notable guests, including Matthew McConaughey, Andy Cohen, Carol Burnett, and Anderson Cooper.

Marriage requires effort and a willingness to face challenges head-on. Ripa and Consuelos’ story serves as a reminder that open communication, personal growth, and seeking help when needed are essential ingredients for a successful and enduring partnership.