Sunburnt Souls | Faith, Mental Health & Mayhem

Today, we sits down with Elle McBride— a leading voice in trauma recovery and one of the first 150 globally trained Certified Havening Techniques Practitioners and Trainers. Elle introduces us to Neuro Self-Care — a practical, neuroscience-based approach that helps people manage stress, regulate emotions, and build resilience by tapping into the brain’s natural healing abilities. Blending Havening...

In this episode of Sunburnt Souls: A Christian Mental Health Podcast , Pastor Dave Quak sits down with Esther Thomas , Clinical Naturopath and owner of Olea Health, to explore the powerful, holistic connection between gut health and mental well-being . With her extensive background in natural and holistic healthcare , Esther dives into the science of how imbalances in digestive health can directly...

In this powerful episode, Dave Quak sits down with Scott Cunningham , a self-proclaimed late bloomer who met Jesus at the age of 60. Scott shares his raw, redemptive journey through addiction, brokenness, recovery, and the relentless love of God. 💥 The Turning Point at 60 Scott opens up about: His early years of pain, self-sabotage, and addiction The turning point that led him to cry out to Jesus...

In this inspiring episode of Sunburnt Souls: A Christian Mental Health Podcast , Pastor Dave Quak sits down with Andrew ‘Robbo’ Robinson —the beloved Christian radio host and long-time voice of the Rise & Shine breakfast show on Vision Christian Radio. For over 17 years, Robbo has brought joy, encouragement, and truth to the airwaves, all while openly navigating life on the Autism Spectrum (AS...

In this second part of the conversation, Dr Ashleigh unpacks how true transformation isn’t just about changing thoughts, but about healing the nervous system, renewing the mind, and living in alignment with who God created us to be. If you're a leader, a parent, or simply someone longing to live from a place of peace rather than pressure—this episode is packed with wisdom you won't want...

In this episode, Dave sits down with Dr Ashleigh Moreland to explore the intersection of science, spirit, and the renewing of the mind. If you’ve ever felt stuck in survival mode or like you’re just getting through the day, this conversation is for you. Ash brings both personal insight and professional expertise to the table, helping us understand how the brain, body, and spirit all work together—...

This week on Sunburnt Souls: A Christian Mental Health Podcast , Pastor Dave Quak sits down with Rev Dr Tania Harris —pastor, theologian, and founder of God Conversations —to explore the crucial skill of recognizing and responding to God’s voice when your thoughts feel chaotic. This conversation provides essential clarity for anyone who has ever asked, “Was that really you, Lord?” or wrestled with...

In Part 2 of our Walk for a Bloke special, Dave, Zac, Jared, and Brad go deeper. If Part 1 was about the event, Part 2 is about the men behind it — their stories, their struggles, and the hope they’re clinging to. We talk about what it’s like to feel completely lost as a man, how faith intersects with mental illness, and why these chat might be uncomfortable… but they’re also vital . If you’ve eve...

Join Dave Quak as he sits down with Zac, Jared, and Brad for a raw and real chat about men’s suicide prevention . This one’s personal, powerful, and packed with purpose. The crew chats about the Walk for a Bloke event on the Gold Coast (25km from Surfers to Cooly), and why initiatives like this are more important than ever. We’re not here to sugar-coat anything — this is about showing up for your...

Ever feel like your approach to mental health is totally different from the people around you? You may be The Owl , overthinking every decision, or The Goldfish , moving on before fully processing your emotions. In this engaging episode of Sunburnt Souls: A Christian Mental Health Podcast , Pastor Dave Quak dives into The 10 Animal Personalities of Mental Health —a fun yet insightful framework for...

In this powerful and essential episode of Sunburnt Souls: A Christian Mental Health Podcast , Pastor Dave Quak sits down with minister Jennifer Jessop to explore the depths of spiritual warfare , deliverance , and the transformative power of the Love of Jesus in the context of mental health. Jennifer, a minister with a deep passion for setting captives free , shares her biblical approach to prayer...

Join us for a refreshing and insightful conversation on Sunburnt Souls: A Christian Mental Health Podcast with Chris Cipollone , one year after his first appearance. Chris reflects on how the vision of embracing life to the full —heart, soul, mind, and strength—has shaped his work and his personal journey over the past year. With a practical and faith-filled approach , Chris explores the crucial t...

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this insightful and relatable episode of Sunburnt Souls , Dave Quak takes a deep dive into the reality of frustration —whether it’s caused by difficult people, unexpected life challenges, or the struggles of mental health . Using a personal story about an incredibly frustrating encounter at the shops , Dave explores how faith intersects wit...

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide What if the worst moments in your life could become your greatest superpower? In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , Dave Quak sits down with Kingsley Colley —a global speaker, radio host, podcaster, business owner, coach, musician, and all-around powerhouse of inspiration . Your Past Doesn’t Define You—Your Choices Do Kingsley believes that your...

Sunburnt Souls – A Christian Mental Health Podcast In this raw and real episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave Quak sits down with Tomas Heligr-Pyke—a charismatic introvert with a brilliantly complicated journey of faith and mental illness. Tom shares his experience of loving Jesus while living with schizophrenia, opening up about: The ups and downs of mental illness. How God’s grace meets us in the midd...

What happens when a life ruled by addiction, confusion, and emptiness is interrupted by Jesus? In this episode, Dave Quak sits down with Mat Smith, who shares his raw, honest story of meeting Christ—and what one year of following Jesus has done to his heart, habits, and healing. 🔥 From Chaos to Clarity Mat opens up about: His life before faith: addiction, anxiety, and searching for purpose The mo...

On Sunburnt Souls, a Christian mental health podcast, host Dave Quak tackles the episode I Can’t Pray the Bipolar Away – Dissecting John MacArthur’s Views on Mental Illness. This raw and honest conversation confronts the harmful idea that mental illness isn’t real and that psychiatry or medication show a lack of faith. As a pastor living with bipolar disorder, Dave brings personal insight and theo...

In this special anniversary episode of Sunburnt Souls: A Christian Mental Health Podcast , the roles are reversed! Host Amelia steps in to interview the man behind the microphone—Pastor Dave Quak , the founder of the Sunburnt Souls ministry. Stepping into the guest seat for the first time, Dave opens up about: His deeply personal journey as a pastor living with bipolar disorder . The highs and low...

In this raw and deeply honest episode of Sunburnt Souls: A Christian Mental Health Podcast , Dave Quak (who lives with bipolar disorder) and his wife, Jess Quak , sit down for a candid conversation about the highs and lows of the past year together. They open up about faith, resilience, and the messy beauty of marriage when one partner faces mental illness. This discussion covers the real challeng...

In this episode, Dave Quak sits down with Peter Cunningham , founder of Lancashire’s Lighthouse Radio (LLR) , to unpack the remarkable story behind a global Christian media movement. What began with a divine vision in 2016 has now grown into a worldwide broadcast ministry reaching over 200 nations . But more than a radio station, LLR is a voice of hope for believers, seekers, and everyone in betwe...

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , Dave Quak sits down with Ken Legg , teaching pastor at New Beginnings Christian Church on the Gold Coast, Australia . With over 50 years of ministry experience across the UK, New Zealand, and Australia , Ken has been a pastor, teacher, and author , equipping believers with a deep understanding of grace and p...

In this episode of Sunburnt Souls: A Christian Mental Health Podcast , Pastor Dave Quak sits down with Merryn Gray , a dedicated Christian social worker who integrates her faith with a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to mental well-being. Merryn shares how her belief in God is the bedrock of her work, giving her the strength and wisdom to support individuals through life’s toughest chall...

In this special episode of Sunburnt Souls: A Christian Mental Health Podcast , Pastor Dave Quak sits down with Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate to explore the intersection of Christian faith , family commitment , and mental well-being while under the immense pressure of political leadership . As a man of deep Christian conviction , Mayor Tate shares how his faith in Jesus has been his unwavering anchor i...

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In the second part of our series , we turn our focus to DJ himself —a man whose joyful, creative upbringing shaped his faith and ministry . Inspired by the boundless imagination and passion of his father , DJ developed a deep appreciation for life’s beauty and an insatiable curiosity about the Creator behind it all . What began as a playful he...

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this first part of our series, we dive into DJ’s early years and his relationship with his father—a man of extraordinary creativity and energy . DJ’s dad, who lived with bipolar disorder , was a whirlwind of inspiration —a showman who brought every moment to life with passion and colour . Whether through music, storytelling, or pure enthusi...