Sunburnt Souls

Looking for a Christian mental health podcast that tackles anxiety, depression, and emotional resilience with raw honesty and biblical hope?

Sunburnt Souls is where faith and mental health meet real life.

I’m Pastor Dave Quak — an Aussie pastor living with bipolar disorder — and I know what it’s like to follow Jesus through the highs, lows, and everything in between. Each episode brings powerful stories, biblical encouragement, and practical tools for navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, and Christian mental wellness.

Whether you’re battling darkness, searching for joy, or just trying to make sense of it all, you’re not alone. Sunburnt Souls is a safe, unfiltered space for faith-filled conversations and honest connection.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

🌐 Visit sunburntsouls.com for more.

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Episodes

Depression, Anorexia, Dreaming Brave and Changing Lives- Dr Wai Jia Tam

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide Welcome to another episode of Sunburnt Souls , where we explore faith, mental health, and resilience through powerful stories. Today, we have the privilege of sitting down with Wai Jia Tam , a woman whose life is a testament to God’s provision, courage, and unwavering faith . A Life of Impact: Kitesong and a Calling to Serve At just 18 years old , Wai Jia published her first book, Kitesong , raising over $100,000 for a children’s home in Nep...

Apr 18, 2024•45 min

An Amazing Author with ADHD and Dyslexia- W.R Gingell

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this fun and insightful episode of Sunburnt Souls , we sit down with W.R. Gingell , a prolific author and all-around legend. With nearly 30 books to her name , Wendee shares her journey of writing, faith, and navigating life with ADHD and dyslexia . The Writing Journey: Inspiration and Challenges Wendee takes us behind the scenes of her creative process, sharing: Unexpected sources of inspiration that fuel her storytelling. How faith shap...

Apr 14, 2024•1 hr 8 min

Navigating the Wilderness with Jesus- Bronwen Healy

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide Today, we welcome Bronwen , a woman whose life reflects the grace and kindness of Jesus through every trial and triumph. As an author, motivational speaker, charity director, social enterprise founder, mum, and professional counsellor , Bronwen’s journey is a testament to God’s faithfulness in every season . Navigating the Wilderness with Jesus For the past few years, Bronwen found herself in a wilderness season , marked by pain, uncertainty...

Apr 07, 2024•50 min

Misuse of Spiritual Leadership- Karl Faase

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this raw and real conversation, host Dave Quak sits down with Karl Faase to tackle one of the most unsettling realities in Christian communities— spiritual abuse within faith organisations . When Leadership Fails: Reckoning with Spiritual Abuse How do influential organisations like Mars Hill, Willow Creek, Hillsong, and RZIM handle the fallout of leadership failure ? What happens when the institutions meant to guide and uplift instead bec...

Mar 31, 2024•54 min

Radical Compassion with Jon Owen- Wayside Chapel

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide Welcome back to Sunburnt Souls , the podcast where we explore the intersection of faith and mental health through real stories of transformation. Today, we sit down with Jon Owen , a man who traded a promising career in computer science for a life dedicated to serving the broken and forgotten . Opening Doors and Changing Lives Jon and his wife, Lisa , made a radical decision—to open their home in Mount Druitt, Sydney to those struggling with...

Mar 24, 2024•52 min

How to Support Someone with Mental Illness: Jess Quak’s Pastoral Guide

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, we welcome Jess Quak as she shares her journey of living with a spouse with mental illness. Through honesty, faith, and resilience, Jess offers a unique perspective on the challenges and victories of walking this road together. Getting to Know Jess Jess shares her background and personal experiences, offering insight into the realities of navigating mental illness within marriage. She reflects on how faith ...

Mar 10, 2024•38 min

"Down, Not Out" - Chris Cipollone

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide Welcome to Sunburnt Souls , the podcast dedicated to finding hope amidst life’s challenges. Today, we sit down with Chris Cipollone , author of Down, Not Out , to explore the journey of discovering hope in brokenness. Gospel Identity and Overcoming Adversity Chris introduces the concept of gospel identity and its role in shaping how we navigate adversity. Understanding who we are in Christ provides strength and resilience , allowing us to fa...

Mar 03, 2024•43 min

Murder, Trauma and Overcoming Pain - Amelia Rees

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about trauma, violence, grief, and addiction , which may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know needs support, please seek professional help. In this deeply moving episode of Sunburnt Souls , Amelia Rees shares her powerful story of faith, trauma, healing, and purpose . From losing a close friend to murder to battling mental health struggles, opioid addiction, and p...

Feb 25, 2024•49 min

Tattoos, Anxiety and Intimacy with Jesus - Zac Morrison

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , we dive into the inspiring transformation of Zac Morrison , a man who battled crippling anxiety, wrestled with his identity, and found profound healing in the embrace of God’s love . Zac’s story is a raw and honest look at what it means to struggle with unworthiness, face life’s setbacks, and ultimately discover a renewed sense of identity in Christ . If you’ve ever felt anxious, disconnected, or unsure of...

Feb 18, 2024•49 min•Ep. 4

From Heroin to Restoration - Anthony Top

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide Welcome to Sunburnt Souls , the podcast that uncovers stories of transformation, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of hope in Jesus. I’m your host, Dave Quak , and today’s guest is Anthony Top —a man who went from the depths of addiction and destruction to a life of purpose, faith, and restoration . Anthony’s story is raw, real, and a testament to the power of grace . Once a self-described “ratbag,” caught in the grip of heroin addictio...

Feb 11, 2024•52 min

Spiritual Burnout and Recovery - Wes Jessop

Overcoming Burnout & Embracing Grace with Wes Jessop Welcome to Sunburnt Souls , the podcast where faith and mental health meet in raw, unfiltered conversations. I’m Dave Quak , and today’s guest is Wes Jessop —a minister, evangelist, and former Christian Surfers leader who has experienced both the highs and lows of ministry. If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, spiritual exhaustion, or mental health battles, this episode is for you. Wes opens up about the hidden struggles of pastoral life...

Feb 11, 2024•51 min

The Pastor with Bipolar - Introducing Dave Quak, Host of Sunburnt Souls.

Faith, Mental Health, and a Mission to Make a Difference In this special episode of Sunburnt Souls , we flip the script and put Dave Quak —pastor, mental health advocate, and podcast founder—on the other side of the mic. Sunburnt Souls is more than just a podcast; it's a movement dedicated to honest conversations at the intersection of faith and mental health , breaking the stigma around mental illness in the church. Who is Dave Quak? Pastor, Podcast Host, and Mental Health Advocate For over 20 ...

Feb 11, 2024•45 min

Sunburnt Souls

Here at Sunburnt Souls, we dive into the messiness of faith and mental ill-health. I'm Dave Quak, a pastor who's been at it for over two decades, and guess what? I'm dealing with my own mental health stuff too. I'm fully alive in Christ, and fully on a journey with my mental well being . It's for people like us that this podcast exists. We're here to keep it real and encourage those who are navigating the ups and downs of following Jesus, while wrestling with mental illness. Join me and some fri...

Feb 02, 2024•43 sec

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