Eight years ago,  Antoine Roston Sr. survived a shooting that changed his life forever.

 In this powerful conversation, he shares his journey from pain to purpose—the nights of questioning, the sustaining power of faith, and the long road to recovery that led to renewed vision for life and hope.

Antoine describes life after a brachial plexus injury and the form of music therapy he created for himself. With his left arm barely responsive, he found a way to keep drumming—propping his arm on his leg and letting gravity guide the rhythm—until control slowly returned. That persistence not only restored his technique but also reclaimed his identity.

He opens up about faith that doesn’t hide behind clichés, forgiveness as a form of healing, and the weight of survival guilt after losing those he once mentored. Antoine also challenges assumptions about invisible disabilities and shares his simple mantra for dark days: “Live to get to tomorrow.”

If you’ve ever struggled to hold on to hope while carrying your scars, this episode offers real insight, raw honesty, and a reminder that healing is a journey—one day, one choice, and one act of faith at a time.

If this conversation moves you, share it with someone who needs strength for their next step, subscribe for future episodes, and leave a review to help others find The SALT Talk with Jermine Alberty.

The SALT Talk with Rev. Jermine Alberty
Service. Affirmation. Love. Transformation.

Thank you for tuning in to The SALT Talk, where we inspire transformation through honest conversations about faith, healing, and purpose.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

To learn more about the SALT Initiative or to book Rev. Alberty for training or speaking engagements, visit www.jerminealberty.com.

Until next time, remember:

One mentor can reset a life’s direction—and sometimes an entire community’s. We celebrate Make a Difference Day 2025 by telling the story of Rosemary Davis Kelly, the woman who turned teen volunteers into leaders and taught us to live service as identity, not a task. With my brother-in-purpose, Houston educator Dr. Bryan Williams, we revisit the Octagon Club years where food drives, senior visits, and real leadership training formed a blueprint for adulthood rooted in empathy, presence, and courage.

You’ll hear how Ms. Kelly’s “role motor” philosophy demanded motion, not perfection. She put us in rooms that stretched us—running meetings with Robert’s Rules, taking minutes, chairing committees, and mentoring middle schoolers. We explore unlikely growth engines like NYPUM mini-bikes, where adult riders taught us mechanics, discipline, and pride as we rolled through city parades. We also unpack Natural Helpers, the peer-led program that used skits, raps, and poetry to confront drugs and alcohol, pulling shy kids to the mic and turning them into confident communicators.

Our civic awakening arrived when she pulled us from school to walk with Jesse Jackson’s get-out-the-vote tour, proving that democracy is a classroom too. That day knit together service, citizenship, and the belief that youth deserve proximity to power and a reason to use it. Through laughter, gratitude, and honest reflection, we trace how a surrogate mom filled gaps with love and high expectations, then stood close while we failed forward. The throughline is clear: mentorship multiplies impact, and service becomes who you are.

Stay for the preview of part two, where we bring the SALT model into action and show practical ways to mentor, organize, and lead with heart. If this story sparks a memory of your own role motor, share it with someone who needs the nudge. Subscribe, leave a review, and pass this along to a friend who’s ready to make a difference today.

The SALT Talk with Rev. Jermine Alberty
Service. Affirmation. Love. Transformation.

Thank you for tuning in to The SALT Talk, where we inspire transformation through honest conversations about faith, healing, and purpose.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

To learn more about the SALT Initiative or to book Rev. Alberty for training or speaking engagements, visit www.jerminealberty.com.

Until next time, remember:

Welcome back to The SALT Talk with Rev. Jermine Alberty. In Part I of this special Make A Difference Day 2025 edition, we celebrated the life and legacy of our beloved mentor, Rosemary Davis Kelly—a woman whose compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service have shaped generations of changemakers. Her example reminds us that making a difference begins with seeing the divine potential in others and nurturing it through love and action.

In Part II, we continue that celebration by shining a light on those who are carrying that same torch forward. Joining us is Dr. Bryan Williams from Houston, Texas—an educator  whose life’s work embodies the very essence of the SALT Model: Service, Affirmation, Love, and Transformation.

Together, we’ll explore how Make A Difference Day 2025 is more than a moment—it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that service transforms both the giver and the receiver, and that small acts of kindness can ripple outward to heal hearts, strengthen communities, and restore hope.

So, take a moment to breathe in the spirit of purpose, and join us as we continue this meaningful conversation with Dr. Bryan Williams on The SALT Talk.

The SALT Talk with Rev. Jermine Alberty
Service. Affirmation. Love. Transformation.

Thank you for tuning in to The SALT Talk, where we inspire transformation through honest conversations about faith, healing, and purpose.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

To learn more about the SALT Initiative or to book Rev. Alberty for training or speaking engagements, visit www.jerminealberty.com.

Until next time, remember:

Have you ever felt like you were drowning—not in water, but in life's overwhelming challenges? That suffocating feeling when bills, expectations, grief, or addiction seems to pull you under?

Swimming becomes the perfect metaphor for life's journey in this deeply personal exploration of recovery and healing. From childhood trauma at the hands of a well-meaning uncle to the symbolic power of shallow versus deep waters, we dive into what it truly means to stay afloat when life feels overwhelming. The SWIM method—Surrender, Watch, Inquire, Move—offers a practical framework for navigating those moments when you feel like you're going under, transforming this acronym into a life preserver that keeps you from drowning.

We explore how trauma teaches us avoidance rather than resilience, keeping us in life's shallow end—those predictable, comfortable spaces where we feel safe but cannot grow. While shallow waters may temporarily protect us, life inevitably pushes us into deeper currents through unexpected diagnoses, relapses, or loss. It's in these depths where we discover our true strength through courage, community, and consistency. For BIPOC communities, the swimming metaphor extends further into generational patterns that echo through families and cultures, requiring intentional healing in spaces characterized by honesty and compassion.

Recovery isn't about erasing deep-end moments but developing tools to face them with confidence. Through deep breathing exercises, body scanning, and visualization, we can find calm even in chaos. Whether you're personally struggling or supporting someone who is, remember that recovery isn't a sprint—it's a swim. And no one should have to swim alone. Share your story of finding your lifeline when life's waters pulled you under. Your experience could become the encouragement someone else needs to keep swimming.

Share your story with us at [email protected] 

If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. Here are some resources that can help right now:

• SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Free, 24/7 confidential support for individuals and families.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial or text 988 for immediate connection to trained counselors.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine – 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HELPLINE” to 62640.
• Celebrate Recovery – A faith-based, 12-step recovery community available in many local churches nationwide.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) / Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Peer support groups that remind us: one day at a time is enough.

The SALT Talk with Rev. Jermine Alberty
Service. Affirmation. Love. Transformation.

Thank you for tuning in to The SALT Talk, where we inspire transformation through honest conversations about faith, healing, and purpose.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

To learn more about the SALT Initiative or to book Rev. Alberty for training or speaking engagements, visit www.jerminealberty.com.

Until next time, remember:

Fifty years of life brings with it a tapestry of memories, lessons, and moments that shape who we become. In this deeply personal episode, I open my heart to share the journey that has brought me to this milestone birthday and the vision that pulls me forward into the decades ahead.

My path has taken unexpected turns as I've served as pastor, mental health advocate, author, trainer, and founder of the SALT Initiative. The acronym SALT – Serve, Affirm, Love, Transform – has become more than just a framework; it's become my identity as "Mr. Saltman." This philosophy extends beyond serving others to embrace self-care, creating balance that allows authentic living of the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.

Whether you're new to The Salt Talk or have been with me from the beginning, I invite you to wake up, own your purpose, and remember that your best days are always ahead when you choose to live with intention. Join our growing community as we continue this journey together!

The SALT Talk with Rev. Jermine Alberty
Service. Affirmation. Love. Transformation.

Thank you for tuning in to The SALT Talk, where we inspire transformation through honest conversations about faith, healing, and purpose.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

To learn more about the SALT Initiative or to book Rev. Alberty for training or speaking engagements, visit www.jerminealberty.com.

Until next time, remember:

World Friendship Day (International Day of Friendship), celebrated on July 30th, is a reminder of the power of genuine connection in addressing today’s loneliness epidemic. In this episode, we’ll explore the Four A’s model for building authentic friendships: Accessibility, Assurance, Affection, and Accountability.

True friendship means more than casual connection—it’s about carrying one another’s burdens, loving deeply, and sharpening each other to grow. As you listen, I invite you to take on this challenge: choose one step from the Four A’s model and intentionally practice it with a specific friend.

Even small, deliberate acts can spark profound change—both in your relationships and in the lives of those around you.

The SALT Talk with Rev. Jermine Alberty
Service. Affirmation. Love. Transformation.

Thank you for tuning in to The SALT Talk, where we inspire transformation through honest conversations about faith, healing, and purpose.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

To learn more about the SALT Initiative or to book Rev. Alberty for training or speaking engagements, visit www.jerminealberty.com.

Until next time, remember:

Pain isn't always a crucible for growth; sometimes it's an unbearable prison from which people desperately need escape. During National PTSD Awareness Month, we confront both the value and burden of suffering, especially the kind of trauma that makes people just want it to stop.

• Approximately 20% of adults globally live with persistent pain
• PTSD affects 6-8% of U.S. adults during their lifetime, impacting about 12 million Americans
• Women, veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors carry heavier burdens of PTSD
• Historical trauma shows how unbearable pain can drive people to desperate measures
• Four evidence-based approaches to healing: validation, professional treatment, mind-body interventions, and community connection
• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 support for anyone in crisis
• Let pain refine you, not define you
• Recovery is possible—you are not alone

If you're in crisis or know someone who is, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to chat with a trained counselor. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

The SALT Talk with Rev. Jermine Alberty
Service. Affirmation. Love. Transformation.

Thank you for tuning in to The SALT Talk, where we inspire transformation through honest conversations about faith, healing, and purpose.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

To learn more about the SALT Initiative or to book Rev. Alberty for training or speaking engagements, visit www.jerminealberty.com.

Until next time, remember:

In this episode of The SALT Talk, host Jermine Alberty and co-author Rose Jackson-Beavers delve into the critical issue of depression among African American teens, drawing insights from their book, Bottled Up Inside: African American Teens and Depression. Together, they illuminate the unique challenges faced by Black youth, aiming to dismantle stigma and foster understanding within families and communities.

Content Advisory: This episode discusses topics related to depression and suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7. Call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. You are not alone.

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that seeks to bring light, healing, and awareness to families, communities, and especially our youth.

 Get your copy of Bottled Up Inside: African American Teens and Depression by Rose Jackson-Beavers and Rev. Jermine Alberty today. 

Available in both paperback and Kindle formats, you can purchase your copy on Amazon:

• Paperback Edition
• Kindle Edition

By reading this book, you'll be better equipped to support young people navigating mental health challenges and contribute to breaking the stigma surrounding depression in the African American community.

The SALT Talk with Rev. Jermine Alberty
Service. Affirmation. Love. Transformation.

Thank you for tuning in to The SALT Talk, where we inspire transformation through honest conversations about faith, healing, and purpose.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

To learn more about the SALT Initiative or to book Rev. Alberty for training or speaking engagements, visit www.jerminealberty.com.

Until next time, remember:

In this powerful episode of The SALT Talk with Jermine Alberty, we explore what it means to truly release the emotional weight we carry. Jermine breaks down S.T.U.F.F.—Stress, Trauma, Unrest, Fear, and Frustration—those invisible burdens that silently hold us back from living with purpose and peace.

Timed perfectly with National Stress Awareness Month, this episode invites listeners to reflect, reset, and let go of what no longer serves them. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply tired, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a gentle nudge toward freedom and healing.

Take a deep breath… tune in… and let that S.T.U.F.F. go.

The SALT Talk with Rev. Jermine Alberty
Service. Affirmation. Love. Transformation.

Thank you for tuning in to The SALT Talk, where we inspire transformation through honest conversations about faith, healing, and purpose.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

To learn more about the SALT Initiative or to book Rev. Alberty for training or speaking engagements, visit www.jerminealberty.com.

Until next time, remember:

Welcome to another episode of The SALT Talk with Jermine Alberty!  We are thrilled you have joined us for this special episode on International Happiness Day! 

Today, we’re talking about something that touches all of us—happiness. But more than just feeling good, we’re diving deep into the idea of having power over your happiness—how to attain it, sustain it, and protect it from the pressures of life and the expectations of others.

Happiness isn’t just about fleeting joy or temporary satisfaction—it’s about cultivating a deep sense of contentment and peace. But here’s the challenge: how often do we allow other people, secrets, or even the pressure to imitate others steal our happiness?

We are excited to explore this with two incredible friends and  guests today:

• Rev. Janice Green, who will share profound insights about the emotional and spiritual burden of keeping secrets—and how that burden can weigh down our happiness.
• Rev. Antoine Roston Sr., who will speak to the importance of authenticity and how the temptation to imitate others can rob us of true joy and peace.

The SALT Talk with Rev. Jermine Alberty
Service. Affirmation. Love. Transformation.

Thank you for tuning in to The SALT Talk, where we inspire transformation through honest conversations about faith, healing, and purpose.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

To learn more about the SALT Initiative or to book Rev. Alberty for training or speaking engagements, visit www.jerminealberty.com.

Until next time, remember: