Oprah Winfrey advised Kelly Ripa during a podcast to continue her role on “Live with Kelly and Mark,” emphasizing that her connection with the audience is more crucial than ever amid challenging times, reflecting the emotional weight of their conversation about the impact of talk shows on viewers’ lives.

In a heartfelt conversation on Kelly Ripa’s podcast, “Let’s Talk Off Camera,” iconic television host Oprah Winfrey advised her fellow talk show host not to quit her long-running show, “Live with Kelly and Mark.”

During the episode, which aired on July 16, 2025, Winfrey emphasized that Ripa’s presence on the show is more vital now than ever, urging her to continue connecting with the audience that has come to rely on her.

The discussion began when Ripa, who has been a staple on the show since 2001, posed a poignant question to Winfrey, asking how she knew it was time to step away from her own legendary program, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which aired from 1986 until 2011.

Winfrey, with her characteristic warmth and wisdom, quickly reassured Ripa, stating, “First of all, it’s not time for you to step away.

And I, if I were advising you, I would say absolutely not.” Her words resonated deeply, reflecting the importance of Ripa’s role in the lives of her viewers.

Throughout the conversation, Ripa shared her experiences co-hosting with her husband, Mark Consuelos, who joined her on the show in 2023. She described their dynamic as “fun” and noted that they have found a rhythm together.

Winfrey praised their chemistry, describing the atmosphere of their show as “easy” and “light,” yet capable of addressing serious topics when necessary.

“You and Mark are in a groove, and that groove continues to work,” Winfrey remarked, highlighting the positive energy they bring to the program.

Winfrey’s own journey as a talk show host has been filled with challenges. She reflected on her experiences, particularly the emotional toll of dealing with serious issues on her show.

“As much as I loved being a part of the show every day, and as much as I loved the audience, I’m telling you, the nature of what we were doing every day became just so hard,” she admitted.

Ripa acknowledged this point, reminding Winfrey that her show often tackled significant and sensitive subjects, which contributed to the stress.

The conversation took a nostalgic turn as Winfrey recounted her decision to pull “The Oprah Winfrey Show” out of Emmy consideration midway through its run.

Ripa humorously noted that it was likely due to Winfrey running out of shelf space for awards. Winfrey, however, explained that the pursuit of accolades had become secondary to her mission of making a positive impact. “It’s not gonna be measured by an award at the end of the year.

It’s measured in every viewer response,” she stated, emphasizing that her legacy lies in the lives she touched through her show.

As the discussion progressed, Winfrey passionately urged Ripa not to underestimate the significance of her platform. “Don’t let go of the platform that you have. Do not do it,” she implored.

Winfrey pointed out that the community Ripa has built, both within the studio and among viewers, is essential during these challenging times.

“The family that you’ve created is really more vital and important now than ever before,” she asserted, reinforcing the idea that talk shows serve as a source of comfort and connection for many.

Ripa expressed her admiration for Winfrey, stating that in her “fantasy world,” she would love to see “The Oprah Winfrey Show” make a comeback.

“I feel if somebody could get us through the dark times that we currently seem to be stuck in, it would be you guiding us,” Ripa said, echoing a sentiment shared by many fans of Winfrey’s influential career.

Ripa also acknowledged the responsibility she feels towards her audience, recognizing that her presence on the show provides solace to viewers who may be facing their own struggles.

As the conversation drew to a close, Ripa reflected on the importance of her role as a host, noting that there are people counting on her and the show.

“I have to remember that there are certain people that I will never know … who are counting on me and counting on the show,” she concluded, a testament to the impact that talk shows can have on individuals seeking connection and understanding.

In summary, Oprah Winfrey’s heartfelt advice to Kelly Ripa underscores the significance of her role in the talk show landscape.

As Ripa continues to navigate her journey alongside Mark Consuelos, the encouragement from a television legend like Winfrey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity, connection, and the positive influence of media in people’s lives.

Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how Ripa embraces this advice as she moves forward in her career.