The Salt Podcast

EP 9 | Fr. Lazarus Yassa: LA Riots, Dealing with Despair, Loving God & Finding Christ in Pain

🎙️ In this vulnerable and deeply honest episode of The Salt Podcast, Fr. Lazarus Yassa shares what most won’t: the cost of obedience, the spiritual danger of praise, and why true priesthood is often a quiet crucifixion ✝️.
We dive into the internal battles of leadership 🧠, the loneliness that comes with spiritual responsibility 🕊️, and the mystery of how God uses pain to purify the soul 🔥. Fr. Lazarus doesn’t offer cliché answers—but raw wisdom forged through fire.
Whether you’re in ministry, seeking purpose, or wrestling with God’s silence 🤲—this episode will speak straight to your soul 💔❤️‍🔥.
👉 Topics We Cover:
🔥 The LA riots and where God was in the chaos
🌑 When obedience feels like walking in the dark
⚠️ Why early praise can destroy future priests
💭 The ego, pride, and the hidden struggle of leadership
🙏 Finding God in suffering, silence, and surrender
🥣 Serving the homeless and the forgotten
🧎‍♂️ A message to the young, the wounded, and the called
 
🎧 Also follow MIKE MAC on The Orthodox Spirit Podcast for more powerful reflections.
 
#TheSaltPodcast #OrthodoxChristian #FrLazarusYassa #CopticOrthodox #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualWarfare #Obedience #Priesthood #ChristianLeadership #FaithThroughSuffering #EgoAndHumility #ChristianQuotes #OrthodoxWisdom #ChurchLeaders #TheOrthodoxSpirit

EP 8 | Veronica B: Choosing Christ Over Clout—Faith, Fame, OnlyFans & Not Compromising for Clicks

In this powerful episode of The Salt Podcast, George Iskander and Simon Thomas Gilto sit down with the hilarious and inspiring Veronica B—comedian, content creator, and devoted Christian—for a raw, unfiltered conversation about faith, fame, and the fight to stay true to Christ in a world obsessed with image.
Veronica opens up about her journey to online fame, the intense pressures of social media, and how her relationship with God has transformed her life both on and off the screen. Together, we dive into the rise of OnlyFans culture and the growing pressure young women face to compromise their morals for quick money, fame, and approval. We explore how to navigate the spotlight without losing your soul—and why sometimes following Christ means giving up the world's applause.
👉 Topics We Cover:
How Veronica B’s faith shapes her comedy and content
The tension between chasing clout and chasing Christ
The pressures young women face from the rise of OnlyFans and “get rich quick” culture
The importance of humility, grace, and authentic community
Encouraging Christians to stand firm, even when it costs fame, followers, or success
Whether you're wrestling with the spotlight, your faith, or the pressures of modern culture, this episode will leave you encouraged, challenged, and inspired to live boldly for Christ.
#TheSaltPodcast #VeronicaB #FaithOverFame #OnlyFansCulture #ChristianInfluencers #JesusOverEverything #LivingForChrist #ChristianPodcast #NavigatingFame #NoCompromise #BoldFaith #ChristianCreators #KingdomOverClout #WomenOfFaith #StandFirm #SocialMediaPressure

EP 7 | Alex Jurado AKA Voice of Reason: Faith, Fame, and Finding Truth in a World of Chaos

In this powerful episode of The Salt Podcast, George Iskander and Simon sit down with Alex Jurado, better known as Voice of Reason, for an honest and inspiring conversation about faith, culture, and the challenges of living for Christ in today’s world.
From his unexpected journey through acting and sales to becoming a Catholic theologian and viral content creator, Alex shares how God led him to use his unique voice to bring others back to faith. The discussion covers hot-button topics like the Israel-Iran conflict, Christian Zionism, Jordan Peterson’s faith struggles, and the role of the Church in modern society.
We also dive into personal stories of spiritual highs and lows, lessons from parents, the pressures of social media ministry, and why humility and forgiveness are at the heart of the Christian walk.
👉 Topics We Cover:
Is blind support of Israel biblical?
Why Jordan Peterson won’t openly say he’s Christian
The dark side of Hollywood and why Alex walked away
How Alex’s faith was shaped through failure and forgiveness
The mission behind Voice of Reason and reaching millions for Christ
Don’t miss this raw and uplifting episode—one of our most heartfelt yet.
🙏 Like, comment, and subscribe to support faith-based content.📱 Follow us on Instagram: @thesaltpodcastlive🎙️ Listen to The Salt Podcast on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
#VoiceOfReason #TheSaltPodcast #Christianity #FaithJourney #CatholicFaith #JordanPeterson #IsraelIran #HollywoodToFaith
 
🎥 Watch the Jordan Peterson video we discuss here:https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLhVqC3SAnG/?igsh=NDZyZnc3cmViNnZs

EP 6 | Race Tracks to Redemption: Champion Driver Andrew Varona on Fame, Faith & Finding Purpose

In this powerful episode of The Salt Podcast, we sit down with 6-time racing champion, entrepreneur, and preacher Andrew Varona.
From speeding across finish lines to standing behind pulpits, Andrew shares his incredible journey — the glory of professional racing, the hidden struggles that came with fame and fortune, and the divine calling that pulled him toward preaching the Gospel.
We talk about:
His career as a professional race car driver
The spiritual emptiness behind the spotlight
How God called him out of the fast lane and into ministry
The battle to stay grounded in faith amidst success
Lessons on identity, purpose, and surrender
This is a raw and inspiring conversation about what truly matters when the race is over.
📌 Subscribe for more real, faith-filled conversations.#AndrewVarona #FaithAndFame #TheSaltPodcast #ChristianTestimony #RacingChampion #GodIsGreater
 

EP 5 | From Corporate Life to Priesthood: Fr Mark Basily on Faith, Family & Purity

🔔 In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of The Salt Podcast, we sit down with Fr Mark Basily—a husband, father of four, former IBM and PwC consultant, and priest at St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Sydney.
We explore Fr Mark’s life journey:✅ Growing up as an Egyptian migrant in Australia✅ His career in the corporate world before priesthood✅ Navigating marriage, fatherhood, and spiritual struggles✅ Advice on purity, dating, and finding the right partner✅ How to protect your faith in today’s culture✅ What to do when your marriage is on the brink
Whether you're single, married, or seeking clarity in your spiritual life, this episode is packed with raw wisdom, laughs, and spiritual depth.
🙏 "Nothing is sweeter than consecrating your life to Jesus." – Fr Mark

EP 4 | 2 Orthodox Priests on Gender Identity, Abortion, IVF & George Janko

In this thought-provoking episode of The Salt Podcast, we sit down with two young Orthodox priests, Fr. Anthony and Fr. Elijah, both former medical professionals now serving at St. Mark's Orthodox Church in Arncliffe.
Join us as we explore pressing contemporary issues through the lens of faith, including:
Gender identity and the Orthodox perspective
The sanctity of life and the Church’s stance on abortion
Ethical considerations surrounding IVF and medical intervention
George Janko’s spiritual journey and what we can learn from his story
With their unique backgrounds in medicine and ministry, Fr. Anthony and Fr. Elijah provide valuable insights on how to navigate these complex topics while remaining rooted in Orthodox Christian teachings.
Tune in for a compelling conversation that challenges societal norms and encourages deeper spiritual reflection.
🔔 Subscribe for more faith-driven discussions and interviews👍 Like, comment, and share to support our mission.
#OrthodoxChristianity #FaithAndMedicine #GenderIdentity #Abortion #IVF #GeorgeJanko #TheSaltPodcast #SpiritualJourney #StMarksArncliffe #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLife

S1 E3 - Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel – Forgiveness, God’s Love, Pope Kyrollos & Candace Owens

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Salt Podcast! In this deeply moving and insightful conversation, hosts George Iskander and Simon Thomas-Gilto are joined by the beloved Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel. Known for his bold faith and powerful messages, Bishop Mar Mari opens up about his childhood, spiritual journey, miraculous moments, and the challenges of staying true to Christ in a modern world.
 
This episode is filled with wisdom, raw honesty, and deep theological reflection. Bishop Mar Mari shares personal stories—from a near-death experience at age three to moments of divine guidance and forgiveness. We also explore critical topics such as forgiveness, Candace Owens, same sex marriage, prayer, evangelism, the role of men in today’s society, and the importance of holding firm to the apostolic faith.
 
We dive into key theological questions like:
 
•How should we pray?
•What is Christian view on same sex marriage?
•How do we balance ambition and faith in today’s world?
•Are current events pointing to the end times?
 
You’ll also hear his thoughts on St Mary, discernment, and what it means to be the salt of the earth.
 
This is an episode packed with powerful truths and heartfelt testimony—you don’t want to miss it.

Ep 2 | Fr Bishoy El Antony: 47 Years as a Monk – Armed Robbery, the Devil & Divine Miracles

In this episode, we are honoured to have Fr. Bishoy El Antony join us for an inspiring conversation about faith, spiritual growth, and the power of evangelism in today’s world. Together, we discuss the challenges and blessings of living out the Gospel, the role of the Church in modern society, and how we can strengthen our relationship with Christ.

Ep 1 | Fr Jacob Magdy: God’s Grace, Divine Provision & Relationship Wisdom

In this episode, Fr. Jacob Magdy from St. Mark’s shares his journey of faith—from his childhood and upbringing to witnessing miracles and the growth of the church. He reflects on his path to God and the experiences that shaped his calling.