This week on Sunburnt Souls , Dave Quak is back with another raw, real, and at times ridiculous episode—recorded while on family holiday, but packed with depth. He reflects on how short radio soundbites have unexpectedly spread across 14+ stations in Australia, sharing stories that connect faith and mental health in bite-sized doses. In this episode, Dave takes us on a journey that includes: Singing the Home and Away theme in Thailand—and what it taught him about embarrassment and boldness Bipol...
Jun 29, 2025•23 min
Dave Quak shares five real-life stories pulled from our one-minute soundbites airing on 14 Christian radio stations around Australia. From impulsively buying a house during a manic episode to watching a pelican steal a puppy, these moments are strange, hilarious, painful, and deeply human. Topics we cover: 🏠 Mental illness & impulse control (bipolar mania and regret) 🐭 Carrying invisible burdens (the mouse on Mum’s shoulder) 🧠 Responding to criticism and trolls with God’s truth 🐦 Coping ...
Jun 22, 2025•23 min
What happens when postpartum joy collides with deep-seated fear? Lydia Farbach opens up about her raw and powerful journey through postpartum psychosis, growing up with a mum diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, and the fear that she might follow the same path. From sleepless nights and spiritual confusion to calling out to God in the back of an ambulance, Lydia shares what it’s like to lose grip on reality—while holding onto Jesus. This conversation is honest, intense, and full of grace. Wh...
Jun 16, 2025•41 min
Dave Quak sits down with Christian sexologist Monica Cook for a raw and refreshing conversation about faith, sex, and the sacred wisdom of the Song of Songs . They unpack how theology and sexology can work together, challenge the silence around Christian intimacy, and explore how God’s design for desire is both holy and healing. Whether you’re married, single, or somewhere in between, this episode brings grace, wisdom, and real talk to the table. Contact Monica for more info or a consultation Ch...
Jun 08, 2025•37 min
This week Dave Quak sits down with Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, the woman at the centre of one of Australia’s most infamous miscarriages of justice. Wrongfully convicted of her baby daughter’s murder, Lindy endured prison, public hatred, and unimaginable grief—but never let go of her faith. Hear her powerful reflections on: – Trusting God through pain and injustice – Finding peace in prison – The choice to forgive – Rebuilding life after devastation 🎧 A story of faith under fire you’ll never fo...
May 31, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this powerful episode, Dave sits down with Pastor Noriko Reid, one of the senior pastors at Hope Church on the Gold Coast, to share her raw and redemptive journey through anxiety, depression, and into freedom through Jesus. Through God’s faithfulness, the power of His Word, and the support of faith-filled community, Noriko experienced healing. Today, she leads with compassion, offering hope to those still in the fight. Her story is not just about survival—it’s about God’s power to redeem, res...
May 23, 2025•38 min
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, cutting-edge techniques, and a faith-filled, laid-back coaching style, Elle offers “therapy withou...
May 18, 2025•42 min
In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave sits down with Esther Thomas, Clinical Naturopath and owner of Olea Health, to explore the powerful connection between gut health and mental well-being. With her extensive background in holistic healthcare, Esther dives into how imbalances in digestive health can contribute to stress, anxiety, poor sleep, and fatigue. She shares practical insights on how addressing these imbalances can support mental wellness. Passionate about natural healing, Esther also ...
May 11, 2025•39 min
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 Why healing doesn’t always come quickly — but it comes deeply 💬 Real Talk on Faith, Recovery, and ...
May 04, 2025•37 min
In this episode, Dave sits down with Andrew ‘Robbo’ Robinson — 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 navigating life on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Robbo opens up about the unique challenges and surprising strengths that come with being neurodivergent in a public ministry role. From overcoming early struggles to embracing his G...
Apr 27, 2025•40 min
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 to miss. 🔗 Connect with Ash and Re-MIND: www.re-mind.institute 📩 Email: [email protected] 📱 Instagram...
Apr 20, 2025•35 min
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—and how transformation begins when we align our thinking with God’s truth. This is part one of a two...
Apr 13, 2025•38 min
This week I sit down with Rev Dr Tania Harris — pastor, theologian, and founder of God Conversations — to explore what it really looks like to recognise and respond to God’s voice. We talk about: Why God still speaks today — and how He does it The difference between hearing God and just hearing your own thoughts How to test what you’re hearing (without spiralling into doubt) The role mental health plays in the conversation — and why it doesn’t disqualify you Whether it’s still safe to say “God t...
Apr 06, 2025•38 min
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 ever thought “I’m not okay,” or you’ve watched a mate fall apart and not known what to say — this is th...
Mar 30, 2025•41 min
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 mates , starting real conversations, and walking side by side through the heaviness men often carry ...
Mar 23, 2025•35 min
Ever feel like your approach to mental health is totally different from the people around you? Maybe you're The Owl, overthinking every decision, or The Goldfish, moving on before fully processing your emotions. In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , we dive into The 10 Animal Personalities of Mental Health —from The Dog (the support-seeking connector) to The Elephant (the deep feeler). Each personality type has unique strengths and struggles, shaping the way we navigate healing, relationships, and...
Mar 16, 2025•39 min
In this powerful episode of Sunburnt Souls , Dave Quak sits down with Jennifer Jessop to explore the depths of spiritual warfare, deliverance, and the transformative power of the Love of Jesus . As a minister with a deep passion for setting captives free, Jennifer shares her experiences in prayer, spiritual discernment, and the authority believers have in Christ to overcome darkness. We dive into questions like: 🔥 What is spiritual warfare , and how does it impact our daily lives? 🔥 How does d...
Mar 09, 2025•46 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide Join us for a refreshing and insightful conversation with Chris Cipollone , one year after his first appearance on Sunburnt Souls . In this episode, Chris reflects on how the vision of embracing life in its entirety—heart, soul, mind, and strength—has taken shape over the past year . Integrating Faith, Mental Health, and Everyday Life With a practical and faith-filled approach , Chris explores: How clinical and spiritual care can work togeth...
Mar 02, 2025•39 min
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 with our everyday frustrations . Life can be overwhelming, and even Jesus faced frustrating situations ...
Feb 23, 2025•30 min
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 future isn’t determined by your past , but by: Your mindset and how you view challenges. The daily ...
Feb 16, 2025•31 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide 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 middle of life’s mess. What an unshakeable faith looks like, even when reality feels uncertain. God’...
Feb 02, 2025•38 min
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 moment Jesus broke through his darkness How daily trust in Christ is reshaping his mind, emotions, and...
Jan 26, 2025•33 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , Dave Quak takes on John MacArthur’s controversial claims that psychiatry is a scam and mental illness isn’t real . Faith and Mental Health: Can They Coexist? Speaking not as an expert but from lived experience , Dave unpacks: Why dismissing mental illness is harmful and can push people further into isolation. How faith, therapy, and medication can work together in God’s healing process . Why seeking help f...
Jan 19, 2025•31 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this special episode of Sunburnt Souls , Amelia takes over as host and sits down with the man behind the mic— Dave Quak . Stepping into the guest seat for the first time , Dave opens up about: His journey as a pastor living with bipolar disorder. The highs and lows of navigating faith and mental health. What it’s been like hosting Sunburnt Souls for the past year. Faith, Mental Health, and the Power of Honest Conversations Amelia dives de...
Jan 12, 2025•40 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this bold and eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dr. Brian Macallan to explore a controversial and increasingly relevant topic: the intersection of Christian faith, mental health, and psychedelics. We ask the big questions: Can substances like magic mushrooms (psilocybin) play a role in healing? Do psychedelics have any place in the life of a believer? How should Christians approach this complex and evolving conversation? From theology ...
Jan 05, 2025•41 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this raw and honest episode of Sunburnt Souls , Dave and Jess Quak sit down for a candid conversation about the highs and lows of the past year . From navigating the whirlwind of mania to the realities of marriage and the pursuit of mental well-being , they open up about faith, resilience, and the messy beauty of life together . A Year of Challenges and Growth In this heartfelt discussion, Dave and Jess reflect on: The unpredictability of...
Dec 30, 2024•44 min
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 between. 🎙️ The Vision: Fishers of Men via the Airwaves Inspired by Matthew 4:19 , Peter shares: How LLR...
Dec 15, 2024•42 min
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 practical faith . Tetelestai – “It Is Finished” At the center of this conversation is Jesus’ powerful...
Dec 08, 2024•38 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , I had the privilege of sitting down with Merryn Gray , a dedicated social worker who integrates her faith with a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to mental well-being . As a Christian woman , Merryn shared how her belief in God shapes her work , giving her the strength and wisdom to support individuals through life’s toughest challenges. Navigating Grief and Bereavement Through Faith A significant...
Dec 01, 2024•36 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this special episode of Sunburnt Souls , we sit down with Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate to explore the intersection of faith, family, mental well-being, and leadership . As a man of deep Christian conviction , Mayor Tate shares how his faith in Jesus has been his anchor in public life , helping him navigate the pressures of political leadership while balancing his responsibilities as a husband and father . Faith in Leadership: Navigating Pres...
Nov 23, 2024•31 min
