The Salt Podcast

The Salt Podcast - George Iskander & Simon Thomas-Gilto

The Salt Podcast is where real faith meets raw stories 🎙️✝️. Hosted by George Iskander & Simon Thomas-Gilto, we dive deep into unfiltered conversations with world-class guests—clergy, influencers, authors, and everyday people with extraordinary testimonies. From miraculous encounters to life lessons forged in hardship, every episode inspires, challenges, and points back to Jesus. 🌍🙌 Whether you’re seeking truth, hope, or courage, this is where bold conversations ignite lasting faith. #StaySalty

  1. 1D AGO

    A Psychiatrist's Honest Take on Andrew Tate, Addiction & Mental Health

    Dr. Mena Mirhom is a psychiatrist, Columbia University professor, and Orthodox Christian who merges faith with mental health in a way you've never heard before.In this conversation, he unpacks why it takes over 11 years for people to seek help, how childhood trauma shapes your identity, and why shame, not the substance, is what keeps people trapped. He also responds to the Andrew Tate "just go to the gym" mentality, explains how confession actually heals the brain, and gives practical advice for parents, spouses, and friends supporting someone through addiction.Whether you're struggling yourself or loving someone who is, Dr. Mina's message is clear: treatment works, hope is real, and you were never meant to fight alone.Like, Comment & Subscribe. Share this with someone who needs to hear it. 🙏Follow us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaltpodcastlive/Website: https://www.thesaltpodcastlive.com/🔗 Stay Connected With Us.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSaltPodcastLive/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaltpodcastlive/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesaltpodcastlive Twitter (X): https://x.com/saltpodcastlive 📩 For business inquiries: George@thesaltpodcastlive.com 🤝 Our Partners & Sponsors🤝 Represent Christ in What You WearWe’re proudly collaborating with Word of God Apparel — a faith-based brand helping you boldly carry the message of Christ through what you wear.Shop here 👉 https://www.wordofgodapparel.com/🤝 Sound Financial Advice Starts HereLooking to take control of your finances, pay down debt faster, and build real wealth? Book your FREE intro call with Trinity Advice today:👉 https://www.trinityadvice.com.au/🤝 Buying or Selling Property?Get real results with Aria Realty Co — a multi-award-winning boutique agency delivering honest appraisals, smart strategy, and strong negotiation.👉 https://www.ariarealtyco.com.au/⚖️ Employment Relations Made SimpleFrom unfair dismissal to workplace disputes and HR compliance — Clear-ER makes employment relations easier and stress-free.👉 https://www.clear-er.com.au/Monetization ID RCYMZYBTQWNZ9WRQLicence via shutterstock

    1h 60m
  2. FEB 24

    EP 23 | Ex Gambler of 20 Years Turned Missionary, “I Was Living a Triple Life” - Charlie Bakhos

    Charlie Bakhos spent 20 years deep in gambling addiction — blowing $60K weekends, living a triple life between the casino, nightclubs and strip clubs, and hiding it all from everyone around him. After losing his mum's savings, going bankrupt, losing his best friend, and planning to take his own life in a park, one phone call changed everything.Today Charlie is the founder of Christian Lives Matter, hasn't gambled or drunk in 10 years, and has raised millions for churches and charities. This is raw, real, and Christ-centred transformation.If this hits home, Like, Comment & Subscribe. Share it with someone who needs to hear that it's never too late to come to Christ. 🙏 🤝 Our Partners & Sponsors 🙏 Represent Christ in What You WearWe’re proudly collaborating with Word of God Apparel — a faith-basedbrand helping you boldly carry the message of Christ through what you wear.Shop here 👉 https://www.wordofgodapparel.com/ 💼 Sound Financial Advice Starts HereLooking to take control of your finances, pay down debt faster, and build realwealth? Book your FREE intro call with Trinity Advice today:👉https://www.trinityadvice.com.au/ 🏡 Buying or Selling Property?Get real results with Aria Realty Co — a multi-award-winning boutiqueagency delivering honest appraisals, smart strategy, and strong negotiation.👉https://www.ariarealtyco.com.au/ ⚖️ Employment Relations Made SimpleFrom unfair dismissal to workplace disputes and HR compliance — Clear-ERmakes employment relations easier and stress-free.👉https://www.clear-er.com.au/

    2h 5m
  3. FEB 17

    EP 22 | Transgender to Transformed: Diego’s Testimony

    Diego lost his father at 6, was exposed to childhood abuse, and spent years searching for identity and belonging — eventually living as a transgender woman for six years. Behind the hormones, surgeries, and social media highlight reel, he was battling depression, gender dysphoria, and suicidal thoughts. Everything changed when his sister shared her testimony and Diego had a supernatural encounter with Jesus that transformed his identity from the inside out. This raw, powerful conversation covers childhood trauma, the reality of gender dysphoria, the moment God shut the door on his old life, and the spiritual warfare he faced during detransition. *VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. If this story moves you, Like, Comment & Subscribe. Share it with someone who needs to hear that no one is too far gone. :pray: Chapters: 0:00 — Content warning & introduction 2:16 — Diego’s viral testimony clip: “This woman was me” 9:42 — The school incident that planted the seed of confusion 16:01 — “I used to pray to God to make me a girl” 34:19 — Mom discovers the truth: “I want to be a woman one day” 41:42 — What gender dysphoria really feels like behind closed doors 57:37 — Medical reality: hormones, surgeries & irreversible consequences 1:08:05 — Mushroom trip, seeing demons & his sister’s phone call 1:17:38 — Moving to Jacksonville & encountering Jesus for the first time 1:21:39 — The supernatural moment: “If you’re real, show me” 1:37:27 — Advice for anyone struggling with identity or same-sex attraction 1:42:08 — “Come to Christ as you are, not as you should be” 1:53:45 — Salty Segment: rapid fire on faith, grace & identity 2:00:00 — Final words: “No one is too far gone” Follow us: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaltpodcastlive/ Website: https://www.thesaltpodcastlive.com/ 🔗 Stay Connected With Us. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSaltPodcastLive/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaltpodcastlive/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesaltpodcastlive  Twitter (X): https://x.com/saltpodcastlive  📩 For business inquiries: George@thesaltpodcastlive.com  🤝 Our Partners & Sponsors 🤝 Sound Financial Advice Starts Here Looking to take control of your finances, pay down debt faster, and build real wealth? Book your FREE intro call with Trinity Advice today: 👉 https://www.trinityadvice.com.au/ 🤝 Buying or Selling Property? Get real results with Aria Realty Co — a multi-award-winning boutique agency delivering honest appraisals, smart strategy, and strong negotiation. 👉 https://www.ariarealtyco.com.au/ ⚖️ Employment Relations Made Simple From unfair dismissal to workplace disputes and HR compliance — Clear-ER makes employment relations easier and stress-free. 👉 https://www.clear-er.com.au/ Monetization ID RCYMZYBTQWNZ9WRQ Licence via shutterstock

    2h 4m
  4. FEB 10

    EP 21 | Christian Woman Loses Her Hearing, Her Father & Her Health - But Never Her Faith

    McKinnon was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 at 16 after a routine concussion scan revealed brain tumours. Since then, she's endured four brain surgeries, 30 rounds of radiation, a grand mal seizure, complete hearing loss, facial paralysis, a cerebral stroke, and the devastating loss of her father to suicide. Through it all, she went from "I can't do this" to "I'll figure it out." In this powerful conversation, McKinnon opens up about her anger toward God, the miracle moments that rebuilt her faith, navigating love and career while deaf, and why a meaningful life matters more than a pain-free one. This is faith that endures and joy that survives suffering. If this episode moves you, Like, Comment & Subscribe - 97% of our viewers aren't subscribed yet! Share this with someone who needs it. 🙏 Chapters:0:00 — Introduction 2:29 — The viral clip that stopped George mid-scroll 7:34 — McKinnon joins & how she communicates while 100% deaf 16:16 — Diagnosed at 16: a volleyball concussion reveals brain tumours 26:24 — The full medical timeline: 4 surgeries, seizures & experimental trials 32:48 — Her father's suicide & the grief that nearly broke her 41:34 — "Why won't You heal me?" — confronting God in Jerusalem 53:16 — Engaged after 11 years & the hilarious "I love you" cruise story 68:53 — Salty Segment: rapid fire questions on faith, healing & resilience 78:08 — The power of words: from "I can't do this" to "you got this"  80:03 — "It's not about a pain-free life, it's about a meaningful one" Follow us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaltpodcastlive/ Website: https://www.thesaltpodcastlive.com/🔗 Stay Connected With Us. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSaltPodcastLive/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaltpodcastlive/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesaltpodcastlive  Twitter (X): https://x.com/saltpodcastlive  📩 For business inquiries: George@thesaltpodcastlive.com 🤝 Our Partners & Sponsors 🤝 Represent Christ in What You Wear We’re proudly collaborating with Word of God Apparel — a faith-based brand helping you boldly carry the message of Christ through what you wear. Shop here 👉 https://www.wordofgodapparel.com/ 🤝 Sound Financial Advice Starts Here Looking to take control of your finances, pay down debt faster, and build real wealth? Book your FREE intro call with Trinity Advice today: 👉 https://www.trinityadvice.com.au/ 🤝 Buying or Selling Property? Get real results with Aria Realty Co — a multi-award-winning boutique agency delivering honest appraisals, smart strategy, and strong negotiation. 👉 https://www.ariarealtyco.com.au/ Monetization ID RCYMZYBTQWNZ9WRQ Licence via shutterstock

    1h 25m
  5. 12/18/2025

    EP 20 | “I Was Not Prepared for Priesthood" — Purity, Identity & the Glory of God | Fr Jacob Magdy

    The Daily Wisdom Well 25% off Book: https://www.thedailywisdomwell.com/?ref=SALTPODCASTEnter Code at check out: SALTPODCAST Hallow App 3 Months Free: https://hallow.com/SALTPODCAST🔥 EPISODE 20 – SEASON 1 FINALE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL | Fr Jacob Magdy Returns | The Salt Podcast For our Season 1 Finale, we bring things full circle.In Episode 20 of The Salt Podcast, we are honoured to welcome back Fr Jacob Magdy — the very first guest we ever had on the podcast in Episode 1. To close out Season 1, it felt only right to return to where it all began.This episode is a powerful and heartfelt conversation about faith, growth, struggle, and walking with God in a world full of noise. Fr Jacob shares deep spiritual insights, reflections on life and ministry, and wisdom that speaks directly to the challenges many people are facing today.This is more than an interview — it’s a reminder of why The Salt Podcast exists: 👉 To have real conversations that lead people closer to God. 🙏 If this episode helps even one person strengthen their faith or rediscover hope, then the mission is accomplished. 📌 In this episode, we discuss: • Returning to God in every season of life • Faith through hardship and uncertainty • Spiritual growth, humility, and surrender • Lessons from ministry and lived experience • Why Christ must remain at the centre of everything 📊 From Episode 1 to Episode 20, The Salt Podcast has grown to over 40 MILLION views across all platforms — all glory to God.Thank you to everyone who supported, watched, shared, and prayed for this podcast throughout Season 1. We couldn’t have done this without you. 👇 Let us know in the comments how this episode impacted you.👍 Like, share, and subscribe as we prepare for Season 2. 🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. https://www.youtube.com/@thesaltpodcastlive?sub_confirmation=1 Website: https://www.thesaltpodcastlive.com/ ⭐⭐⭐Audio Podcast is currently on your favourite platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3f0Dz67f6AGtIJn6z7nJUi?si=8IWeEYUiR7-FpaJJQmlbCg&nd=1&dlsi=481c69cd800245c4 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-salt-podcast/id1798334463 PodBean: https://thesaltpodcastlive.podbean.com/Follow 🔗 Linktree https://app.assistproviders.com.au/v2/preview/UsUR9msIUDwfaiU5M08Y 🔗 Stay Connected With Us.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSaltPodcastLive/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaltpodcastlive/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesaltpodcastlive Twitter (X): https://x.com/saltpodcastlive 📩 For business inquiries: George@thesaltpodcastlive.com Monetization ID RCYMZYBTQWNZ9WRQ Licence via shutterstock

    2h 9m
  6. 11/13/2025

    EP 18 | Former OnlyFans Star Dies and Sees Hell — "Jesus Pulled Me Out" Karina Graham's Testimony

    The Daily Wisdom Well 25% off Book: ⁠https://www.thedailywisdomwell.com/?r...⁠ Enter Code at check out: SALTPODCAST Hallow App 3 Months Free: ⁠https://hallow.com/SALTPODCAST⁠ Trafficked for a bag of crack. Addicted to cocaine. Lost in the darkness of OnlyFans and addiction — until Jesus stepped in. In this raw and redemptive conversation, Karina Graham opens up to George Iskander and Simon Thomas-Gilto about her journey through drugs, abuse, and the adult industry, and how an encounter with Christ completely transformed her life. This episode dives deep into: Life before faith and the desperate search for validationThe seductive trap of OnlyFans and the lies behind “easy money”Addiction, relapse, and demonic bondageThe supernatural encounter that brought her freedomHow God is now using Karina to reach others trapped in darkness ⚠️ Viewer discretion is advised. This episode discusses topics such as addiction, sexual sin, and trauma — but it’s ultimately a story of healing, grace, and the unstoppable power of Jesus to redeem any life. ✝️ “I'd rather be poor for Christ, than rich with Satan” — Karina Graham 🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. ⁠   / @thesaltpodcastlive  ⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.thesaltpodcastlive.com/⁠ ⭐⭐⭐Audio Podcast is currently on your favourite platforms:Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3f0Dz67...⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...⁠ PodBean: ⁠https://thesaltpodcastlive.podbean.com/⁠ Follow 🔗 Linktree ⁠https://app.assistproviders.com.au/v2...⁠🔗 Stay Connected With UsFacebook: ⁠  / thesaltpodcastlive  ⁠Instagram: ⁠  / thesaltpodcastlive  ⁠TikTok: ⁠  / thesaltpodcastlive  ⁠Twitter (X): ⁠https://x.com/saltpodcastlive⁠ 📩 For business inquiries: George@thesaltpodcastlive.com Monetization ID RCYMZYBTQWNZ9WRQLicence via shutterstock

    2h 12m
  7. 10/26/2025

    EP 17 | Faith in a Fallen World: Archbishop Angaelos of London on Truth, Suffering & Standing Firm

    In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, we are joined by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, for a deep and raw discussion about faith, suffering, truth, love, leadership, and finding purpose in a broken world.From choosing a life of monasticism to becoming a global spiritual leader, Archbishop Angaelos shares wisdom from decades of prayer, service and ministry. We speak honestly about spiritual battles, loneliness, forgiveness, relationships, calling, and staying close to God in a world full of distraction and deception.This episode will challenge you spiritually and emotionally — and may just reignite your faith.🔥 Topics in this episode:Why faith still matters in today’s worldDoes God allow suffering — and why?How to stay spiritually strong under pressureMarriage, purity, temptation & emotional woundsThe rise of anxiety and identity confusionThe purpose of pain and spiritual growthTruth vs. love – how to balance bothHow to deal with betrayal, church hurt & rumoursThe discipline behind prayer and spiritual lifeWhat God is calling this generation to doHis personal message to young men and women today✝️ About Archbishop AngaelosArchbishop Angaelos is the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and an international advocate for religious freedom, justice, human rights, and spiritual formation. Known for his pastoral heart and message of hope, he has been a spiritual father to thousands around the world.👀 Watch until the end — his closing message to the world is powerful.👇 If you want Part 2, comment “PART 2” below!🔗 Connect With UsSubscribe for more faith-filled conversations every week.✅ Mandatory Information🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. https://www.youtube.com/@thesaltpodcastlive?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.thesaltpodcastlive.com/⭐⭐⭐Audio Podcast is currently on your favourite platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3f0Dz67f6AGtIJn6z7nJUi?si=8IWeEYUiR7-FpaJJQmlbCg&nd=1&dlsi=481c69cd800245c4Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-salt-podcast/id1798334463PodBean: https://thesaltpodcastlive.podbean.com/Follow 🔗 Linktree https://app.assistproviders.com.au/v2/preview/UsUR9msIUDwfaiU5M08Y🔗 Stay Connected With Us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSaltPodcastLive/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaltpodcastlive/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesaltpodcastliveTwitter (X): https://x.com/saltpodcastlive📩 For business inquiries: George@thesaltpodcastlive.com#ArchbishopAngaelos #CopticOrthodox #ChristianPodcast #FaithTalk #Spirituality #JesusChrist #Christianity #Hope #Truth #Prayer #OrthodoxChurch #Testimony #GodIsGood #Motivation #thesaltpodcast Monetization ID RCYMZYBTQWNZ9WRQLicence via shutterstock

    2h 6m
  8. 10/11/2025

    EP 16 | RIMA YUSSEF — Faith Over Fame: The Lebanese Pop Star Who Chose Christ 🇱🇧✨

    From chart-topping success to surrendering it all for her faith, Rima Yussef shares her remarkable story of conviction, sacrifice, and spiritual transformation.In this heartfelt interview, Rima opens up about: • Growing up in Lebanon and discovering her gift for music 🎵 • Breaking into the pop scene and the pressures that came with fame • The defining moment she chose Christ over the industry’s expectations ✝️ • The personal cost of standing for her faith — and the peace that followed • How her relationship with God now shapes her music, identity, and missionA powerful testimony that reminds us that no amount of fame or success can compare to the joy of walking with Christ.⸻🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.https://www.youtube.com/@thesaltpodcastlive?sub_confirmation=1Website: https://www.thesaltpodcastlive.com/⭐⭐⭐ Audio Podcast is currently on your favourite platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3f0Dz67f6AGtIJn6z7nJUi?si=8IWeEYUiR7-FpaJJQmlbCg&nd=1&dlsi=481c69cd800245c4Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-salt-podcast/id1798334463PodBean: https://thesaltpodcastlive.podbean.com/Follow 🔗 Linktree https://app.assistproviders.com.au/v2/preview/UsUR9msIUDwfaiU5M08Y🔗 Stay Connected With UsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSaltPodcastLive/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaltpodcastlive/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesaltpodcastliveTwitter (X): https://x.com/saltpodcastlive📩 For business inquiries: George@thesaltpodcastlive.com

    1h 1m

About

The Salt Podcast is where real faith meets raw stories 🎙️✝️. Hosted by George Iskander & Simon Thomas-Gilto, we dive deep into unfiltered conversations with world-class guests—clergy, influencers, authors, and everyday people with extraordinary testimonies. From miraculous encounters to life lessons forged in hardship, every episode inspires, challenges, and points back to Jesus. 🌍🙌 Whether you’re seeking truth, hope, or courage, this is where bold conversations ignite lasting faith. #StaySalty