Montecito – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to Montecito. A dark paradise where shattered romances, hidden family secrets, scandalous affairs hide behind manicured hedges and the shadows of towering palm trees. Inspired by the golden age of American radio dramas, Montecito blends classic soap with the modern audio drama genre —where love is currency, legacy is everything, and trust is the most dangerous game of all.
Starting April 22, 2025, prepare for a reimagining of the audio soap opera. Episodes will release weekly on Tuesdays.

Subscribe now and step into a world where everyone has something to hide... and everything to lose.

Character Guide: 

• Crystal Chappell as Helena Granville-Belasco, a strong willed mother who’s not afraid to get her hands dirty to protect her family. 
• Vincent Irizarry as Bradley Belasco, the alpha business man and ageless playboy.
• Daytime Emmy Winner Mike Manning as JJ Roman, the reckless, alcoholic nepo-baby.
• Peter Porte as brooding Deacon Granville, the trapped husband burdened by a moral obligation.
• Chelsea Rendon as treacherous Mina Rast-Granville, the malignant narcissist with an iron grip on her Montecito lifestyle and marriage of convenience.
• Emme Rylan as business maven Bethany Gina Roman-Quinn the overbearing sister and overachieving COO.
• Marc Anthony Samuel as even-keeled Gio Carreri, the returning resident confronted with his past from all angles.
• Kelly Thiebaud as straight-talking Dr. Layla Carreri.
• Jake Getman as Diego Granville, a young man caught in the eye of the storm.
  

Starting April 22, 2025, prepare for a reimagining of the audio soap opera. Episodes will release weekly on Tuesdays on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Subscribe now and step into a world where everyone has something to hide... and everything to lose.



Character Guide: Crystal Chappell as Helena Granville-Belasco, a strong willed mother who’s not afraid to get her hands dirty to protect her family. 
Vincent Irizarry as Bradley Belasco, the alpha business man and ageless playboy.
Daytime Emmy Winner Mike Manning as JJ Roman, the reckless, alcoholic nepo-baby.
Peter Porte as brooding Deacon Granville, the trapped husband burdened by a moral obligation.
Chelsea Rendon as treacherous Mina Rast-Granville, the malignant narcissist with an iron grip on her Montecito lifestyle and marriage of convenience.
Emme Rylan as business maven Bethany Gina Roman-Quinn the overbearing sister and overachieving COO.
Marc Anthony Samuel as even-keeled Gio Carreri, the returning resident confronted with his past from all angles.
Kelly Thiebaud as straight-talking Dr. Layla Carreri.
Jake Getman as Diego Granville, a young man caught in the eye of the storm.

The Pleasant View Resort and Beach Club throws open its doors with fanfare and secrets just beneath the surface. As Helena (Crystal Chappell) proudly ushers in a new chapter of her family's legacy, her son Deacon (Peter Porte) plays the part of devoted husband alongside the ambitious Mina (Chelsea Rendon). But behind the smiles, an affair burns hot with JJ (Mike Manning), grudges simmer, and a surprise guest (Marc Anthony Samuel) threatens to unravel it all. 

When tensions explode, one desperate move triggers chaos—setting the stage for scandal, betrayal, and the kind of reunion no one saw coming. Perfect for fans of soap operas, romantic thrillers, and serialized fiction podcasts.

Crystal Chappell as Helena Granville-Belasco
Vincent Irizarry as Bradley Belasco
Mike Manning as JJ Roman
Peter Porte as Deacon Granville
Chelsea Rendon as Mina Rast-Granville
Emme Rylan as Bethany Gina Roman-Quinn
Marc Anthony Samuel as Gio Carreri
Jake Getman as Diego Granvillle
Kelly Thiebaud as Dr. Layla Carreri
Announcing by Rick Hearst 

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly drama drops

Like MONTECITO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montecitoseriesSubscribe to MONTECITO on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/montecito/id1806842214Watch MONTECITO on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MontecitoSeries

The fallout from the fire alarm rings louder than the sirens. Helena (Crystal Chappell) and Mina (Chelsea Rendon) face off in a brutal confrontation. Meanwhile, Deacon (Peter Porte) and Gio (Marc Anthony Samuel) seek quiet refuge by the fire, where old wounds resurface and buried truths come to light. As they explore the path not taken, secrets smolder—about fatherhood, identity, and the cost of staying silent.

Elsewhere, Mina spirals, JJ (Mike Manning) snaps, and a long-missing sister (Emme Rylan) returns with a shocking entrance—just as the sound of whirring blades cuts through the night. 

Crystal Chappell as Helena Granville-Belasco
Vincent Irizarry as Bradley Belasco
Mike Manning as JJ Roman
Peter Porte as Deacon Granville
Chelsea Rendon as Mina Rast-Granville
Emme Rylan as Bethany Gina Roman-Quinn
Marc Anthony Samuel as Gio Carreri
Jake Getman as Diego Granvillle
Kelly Thiebaud as Dr. Layla Carreri
Announcing by Rick Hearst 

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly drama drops

Which side are you on—Helana or JJ? Let us know in the comments.

Like MONTECITO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montecitoseriesSubscribe to MONTECITO on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/montecito/id1806842214Watch MONTECITO on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MontecitoSeries

Step inside the elevator—because in Montecito, everyone’s trying to go up.

In this behind-the-scenes episode, we pull back the curtain on the glamorous chaos of Montecito, where family drama simmers beneath polished smiles. Episode 1unfolds in real time, capturing the tension of a public event where everyone’s on their best behavior... or at least pretending to be.

Plus, we dive into Gio’s dramatic return to town—a classic soap twist that shakes the foundation of Mina’s carefully controlled world. As fire alarms blare and secrets smolder, Gio and Deacon’s quiet connection raises the stakes. What does it mean for the future of the family—and for Mina’s grip on power?

Submit your questions on Facebook and in the YouTube comments
Like MONTECITO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montecitoseriesSubscribe to MONTECITO on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/montecito/id1806842214Watch MONTECITO on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MontecitoSeries

In this behind-the-scenes dive, we pick up right where the chaos of Episode 1 left off. Helena kicks Mina out, and we get into the layered dynamic between these two powerhouses — including candid conversations about crafting Mina.

We also unpack Deacon and Gio’s tender, tentative reconnection: fidgety moments and that subtle, emotional score. From tasers to titles (“Mrs. Deacon Granville” anyone?), Mina’s in full-on attack mode — and Bethany Gina’s shadow looms large over the entire episode. 

Submit your questions on Facebook and in the YouTube comments

Like MONTECITO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montecitoseriesSubscribe to MONTECITO on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/montecito/id1806842214Watch MONTECITO on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MontecitoSeries

The morning after brings no peace. At the hospital, Deacon (Peter Porte) and JJ (Mike Manning) trade barbs while Mina (Chelsea Rendon) and Deacon’s crumbling marriage is laid bare behind closed doors. As tensions rise, Deacon walks away—leaving Mina to fight for control alone.

Bethany Gina (Emme Rylan) returns to Montecito, warning JJ of a looming board revolt, while Mina draws strength from her comatose father and sets her sights on power. An uneasy apology sparks a new rivalry, and the game turns personal.

Crystal Chappell as Helena Granville-Belasco
Vincent Irizarry as Bradley Belasco
Mike Manning as JJ Roman
Peter Porte as Deacon Granville
Chelsea Rendon as Mina Rast-Granville
Emme Rylan as Bethany Gina Roman-Quinn
Marc Anthony Samuel as Gio Carreri
Jake Getman as Diego Granvillle
Kelly Thiebaud as Dr. Layla Carreri
Announcing by Rick Hearst 

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly drama drops.
Which side are you on— Bethany Gina or Mina? Let us know in the comments.

Like MONTECITO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montecitoseries
Subscribe to MONTECITO on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/montecito/id1806842214
Watch MONTECITO on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MontecitoSeries

Go behind the scenes of episode three of Montecito in this deep dive into toxic marriages, emotional power plays, and character-driven storytelling. We unpack Deacon’s strained performance as the perfect husband, Mina’s manipulative tactics with Bethany Gina, and her vulnerable moment with her comatose father.

Submit your questions on Facebook and in the YouTube comments

Like MONTECITO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montecitoseries Subscribe to MONTECITO on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/montecito/id1806842214 Watch MONTECITO on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MontecitoSeries

Mina (Chelsea Rendon) and JJ (Mike Manning) navigate a fragile truce as she offers support ahead of an emergency board meeting—though her loyalty is anything but clear. Bradley (Vincent Irizarry) and Bethany Gina (Emme Rylan) strategize over Regalton’s future, while Helena (Crystal Chappell) pushes Deacon (Peter Porte) to choose Gio (Marc Anthony Samuel) over Mina.

As Deacon grapples with family obligations and his past, Gio’s return sparks more tension. When the board meeting derails, the true battle for control begins.

Crystal Chappell as Helena Granville-Belasco
Vincent Irizarry as Bradley Belasco
Mike Manning as JJ Roman
Peter Porte as Deacon Granville
Chelsea Rendon as Mina Rast-Granville
Emme Rylan as Bethany Gina Roman-Quinn
Marc Anthony Samuel as Gio Carreri
Jake Getman as Diego Granvillle
Kelly Thiebaud as Dr. Layla Carreri
Announcing by Rick Hearst 
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly drama drops.

Who should JJ trust — Bethany Gina or Mina? Let us know in the comments.

Like MONTECITO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montecitoseriesSubscribe to MONTECITO on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/montecito/id1806842214Watch MONTECITO on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MontecitoSeries

Go behind the scenes of Montecito to explore how sound design drives drama, power, and emotion. From Bradley Belasco’s (Vincent Irizarry) debut to Helena's (Crystal Chappell) garden atmosphere, discover how we use audio to build tension, reveal loyalties, and shape character. We break down key scenes—like the boardroom drama between Bethany Gina (Emme Rylan) and Mina, and the chaos of Episode 1’s party—to show how music, ambient sound, and sonic cues bring the world of Montecito to life.

Submit your questions on Facebook and in the YouTube comments

Like MONTECITO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montecitoseriesSubscribe to MONTECITO on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/montecito/id1806842214Watch MONTECITO on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MontecitoSeries