It was so great to see Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan in person today on Katie. After their interview, I can tell that their on-air chemistry stems from an amazing real-life friendship. The former NFL player joined Kelly as her co-host in September 2012, and ever since, the show has been getting some of its highest ratings ever. So what’s giving the show its new kick? Is it Michael and Kelly’s hilarious chemistry? Or maybe it’s how relatable and in touch with viewers they both seem to be.

I guess when you see a mom of three doing “it all,” you realize there really are no excuses.

With Kelly jumping off the walls at 9 a.m. looking amazing, I feel like, “What the heck, time to get out of my sweats and get it together.” I guess when you see a mom of three doing “it all,” you realize there really are no excuses. Kelly is an inspiration to me and other mothers who struggle with wearing several different hats. She admits that she’s not a “supermom,” but she does her best to get everything done and if she falls a little short at the end of the day, she just lets it go.

A quote from Kelly that captures her parenting attitude deals with raising the first child in a family. She said, “First children are like pancakes. You always screw the first one up.” Although this was said in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek way, it’s a little refreshing to hear – especially from a celebrity. Michael has also been forthcoming about his blended family and the highs and lows of parenting. I think their openness is a critical ingredient to the show’s success and why so many parents find it relatable and relevant.

Kelly is also a truly outstanding talk show host. Throw Michael in the mix and it’s the perfect pair. They allow us to get to know their guests on a more personal level, almost as if we were sitting and talking to them directly. For example, take their interview with Michelle Obama. The First Lady obviously has a way with words and chooses what she says wisely, but she seemed particularly at home with Kelly and Michael. From her personal thoughts on the presidential campaign, to detailing how the president helps coach their daughter’s basketball team, Mrs. Obama appeared totally at ease. Because of their welcoming personalities, Kelly and Michael were able to zero in on those commonalities that we all share out in the real world.

Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan are like the sugar in America’s coffee every morning. The two of them together have that natural sweetness I need to start my day.