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 heart soon transformed into a heart for ministry , leading DJ to channel his artistic gifts into shari...
Nov 17, 2024•41 min
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 enthusiasm , he never did things by halves , leaving an indelible impact on DJ’s worldview. Learning to See...
Nov 10, 2024•31 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , we welcome Dr. John Warlow , a Christian psychiatrist and member of the Living Wholeness Medical Team , to explore the intersection of faith and mental health . Dr. John’s work with Living Wholeness is dedicated to equipping Christian leaders, pastors, and mental health professionals with the tools they need to foster holistic transformation within their communities . His faith-integrated approach combines...
Nov 03, 2024•36 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide Today on Sunburnt Souls , we sit down with the one and only Tom Boyd to explore his personal journey through grief, suffering, ADHD, and restoration in Christ . Tom is a unique blend of depth and contradiction —a sci-fi nerd with a Black Belt in martial arts , making him just as comfortable discussing Dungeons & Dragons as he is navigating life’s toughest battles . Topics Covered in This Episode: Coping with ADHD and Mental Health – How ...
Oct 27, 2024•33 min
Amanda Barclay's story is one of resilience and faith, having navigated a long, complex journey with her own mental health, and that of her loved ones and friends. After several misdiagnoses and traumatic experiences within both public and private mental health systems, Amanda fought for her son, eventually seeing progress when he attended Teen Challenge, which provided a significant digital detox. Through this experience, her son found stability, started a lawn mowing business, and got his medi...
Oct 20, 2024•49 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , we dive deep into Sharayah’s powerful testimony of overcoming anxiety and depression through the transformative friendship of Jesus . Sharayah candidly shares her journey—from the weight of mental illness that left her feeling isolated and alone to the life-changing relationship with Christ that brought her healing and hope. Finding Jesus in the Darkest Moments Sharayah opens up about: The depth of her str...
Oct 13, 2024•47 min
Psalms of Lament: Praying Through Pain, Regret & Spiritual Darkness 🎧 Episode Description: On this episode of Sunburnt Souls , we dive into three raw and powerful Psalms—Psalm 51, Psalm 3, and Psalm 88—that reveal the honesty of mental anguish, spiritual despair, and the hope found in crying out to God. Three Types of Pain, One God Who Listens: Psalm 51 – When we’re crushed by guilt and our own failure. Psalm 3 – When betrayal or harm from others leaves us reeling. Psalm 88 – When even God ...
Oct 06, 2024•35 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this special episode of Sunburnt Souls, we bring you Pearls of Truth—a collection of ten powerful stories from 2024, filled with wisdom, resilience, and faith. From overcoming mental health challenges to navigating faith in uncertain times, these stories will inspire, uplift, and challenge your perspective. Each one is a testament to the intimacy with God that can emerge from brokenness, proving that even in life’s darkest seasons, hope i...
Sep 30, 2024•33 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide ⚠️ Trigger Warning: Sexual Abuse This episode discusses sensitive topics related to adult sexual abuse that may be triggering for some listeners . If you or someone you know is affected, please seek support from the following Australian resources: 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (24/7 support and information) Lifeline – 13 11 14 (Crisis support and suicide prevention) Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (Mental health support) In today’s episode of Sunbur...
Sep 22, 2024•38 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , Dave tackles a challenging but important topic : how to support a friend who may be struggling with mental illness but doesn’t believe they are . Many people fear judgment or don’t recognise their own struggles , making it difficult to help them. In this conversation, Dave shares seven practical steps to approach the situation with love, patience, and wisdom . Key Steps to Supporting a Friend with Mental I...
Sep 15, 2024•25 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , Dave sits down with Dr. Stephen Beaumont , an expert in counselling and pastoral supervision , to unpack the mystery of the midlife crisis . Is it a legitimate psychological phenomenon , or is it just a cultural myth ? Understanding the Midlife Transition For those in their 40s to 60s , life can bring significant transitions —career shifts, relationship changes, aging parents, and deep moments of self-refl...
Sep 08, 2024•30 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this powerful episode of Sunburnt Souls , we sit down with Dani B , a voice of faith, resilience, and healing in the world of Christian Hip Hop . For the past six years, Dani has been boldly sharing her testimony through her podcast, poetry, and digital gospel radio station, Crowned Radio , spreading hope and love to listeners around the world . Grief, Healing, and Purpose Dani’s journey has been deeply shaped by the loss of her husband t...
Sep 01, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide Today on Sunburnt Souls , we explore one of the most complex and deeply personal questions for Christians struggling with mental illness: If God can renew our minds, why do we still battle negative thought patterns? Even with faith, the Holy Spirit, and divine intervention , the weight of mental illness can often feel at odds with the joy and freedom promised in Christ . This episode delves into the tension between spiritual transformation a...
Aug 25, 2024•52 min
In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, we sit down with Mark McCrindle, a leading social researcher and futurist, to explore mental health trends with a special focus on Generation Alpha. As the man who coined the term ‘Generation Alpha’, Mark brings unique insights into the youngest generation growing up in a hyper-digital world. How Technology and Social Media Are Shaping Mental Health Gen Alpha is the first generation to be fully immersed in digital technology from birth, and this radical shift i...
Aug 18, 2024•40 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide Welcome back to Sunburnt Souls . In today’s episode, we’re tackling a tough but necessary conversation : why church can be a difficult place for those struggling with mental illness . While churches are meant to be places of healing and community , they can sometimes become spaces of discomfort and exclusion for those battling anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health challenges . It’s time to have an honest conversation...
Aug 11, 2024•31 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , we sit down with Matt Prater , a man whose life has been shaped by faith, passion, and a deep love for sharing the Gospel . From his early start in radio at just 15 to his many roles as a youth pastor, DJ, and children’s entertainer , Matt’s journey has always been marked by ministry and evangelism . Overcoming Burnout and Battling Still’s Disease In his 30s, Matt faced one of the most challenging seasons ...
Aug 04, 2024•46 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , Amelia Rees sits down with her best friend and born-again Christian, Emma Moffat , for a deep and transformative conversation about faith, mental health, and identity . A Journey of Healing and Faith Emma opens up about: Her personal mental health journey and how faith has played a profound role in her healing. The power of language and how the words we use about ourselves shape our identity and well-being...
Jul 28, 2024•54 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , we welcome Michael , a Eunuch who shares his remarkable journey of faith, identity, and restoration in Christ . Together, we explore: The biology and history of being a eunuch , from ancient times to modern perspectives. Biblical references that highlight God’s love, purpose, and inclusion for all people. Michael’s personal experiences with bullying , its impact on his mental health, and how he found heali...
Jul 21, 2024•1 hr
In this special episode, Dave and Amelia step back to reflect on the Sunburnt Souls journey so far — the breakthroughs, battles, and beautiful moments that have shaped the podcast and their own lives. 💬 Real Talk on Faith, Mental Health & Growth In this raw and unfiltered conversation, they share: How God has been working behind the scenes Honest lessons from walking through mental health struggles and spiritual stretching What they’ve learned about grace, identity, and staying faithful in ...
Jul 14, 2024•46 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide This week on Sunburnt Souls , we sit down for an inspiring and uplifting conversation with Joanne Hilder . Diagnosed with dyslexia in Year 2 , Jo was expected to follow a traditional path as a farmer’s wife —but she defied the odds . Through resilience, determination, and faith , she pursued a PhD , now lectures at universities, and works in hospitals , making a significant impact in the academic and healthcare fields . Faith, Strength, and ...
Jul 07, 2024•50 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , we sit down with Dr. Rob Waller , a seasoned Consultant Psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience . From his medical studies at the University of Cambridge to his work across the UK and New Zealand , Dr. Waller brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the discussion of faith, mental health, and the integration of spirituality in professional mental health care . Faith and Mental Health: Understandin...
Jun 30, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Jess is the best! Doing life and ministry alongside her has been one of the greatest gifts of my life — and in this episode, you’ll hear why. Together, we reflect on what it’s like to co-lead a church, raise a family, and follow the Spirit together in the messiness of real life. From leadership lessons to behind-the-scenes stories, this is a vulnerable and joy-filled look at what it means to do ministry as a team. 💬 Unexpected Grace: Jess’s Story While we didn’t plan it, this conversation took ...
Jun 23, 2024•42 min
This week we dive into a candid conversation with Sarah Sibi Thomas. Sarah Sibi is a legend! She shares with such wisdom and love and genuineness, we couldn’t help but go for longer than usual :)... We tackle love, faith, grief, loss, healing, restoration and most importantly, Jesus! This episode is a straight-up exploration of human challenges, offering insights and encouragement for listeners on their own life journeys. If you’re looking for a counsellor that loves Jesus and is super qualified...
Jun 16, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Today we have best-selling author T.I. Lowe on Sunburnt Souls. As we explore her novel, "Under the Magnolias". Lowe, renowned for her talent in weaving remarkable narratives from everyday life, invites us to explore the intricate blend of faith, family, and mental health portrayed in her characters' journeys of struggle and triumph. Within the pages of "Under the Magnolias", we encounter Austin Foster, a young woman thrust into the role of caregiver for her siblings following her mother's tragic...
Jun 09, 2024•34 min
We are blessed to have Paul Grimmond as our guest this week. At the core of our discussion lies Paul Grimmond's book on Christian Anxiety, "When the Noise Won’t Stop," a helpful Christian resource that seamlessly intertwines personal narratives with theological musings. With a blend of raw vulnerability and scholarly expertise, Grimmond encourages listeners toward restoration in Jesus, unveiling the gospel's relevance for those ensnared in the grip of anxiety. Through his reflections, Paul exten...
May 31, 2024•41 min
This week on Sunburnt Souls , we welcome a very special guest—my daughter- for a heartfelt conversation about what it's like to grow up with a parent navigating mental illness. From her perspective as a teen and daughter, she opens up about the emotional, spiritual, and relational challenges that come with having a parent with bipolar disorder—and how faith gives her strength and perspective. In this honest and hope-filled episode, we discuss: What it’s like for a child when a parent struggles w...
May 26, 2024•24 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses themes that may be distressing to some listeners, including childhood trauma and mental illness. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to a trusted friend, pastor, or mental health professional. In this powerful episode of Sunburnt Souls , host Dave Quak sits down with Brad Johnson for an honest and heartfelt conversation about faith, mental health, and the beauty of diversity ....
May 19, 2024•47 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , host Dave Quak sits down with Todd Miles , theology professor and author of Cannabis and the Christian: What the Bible Says about Marijuana . Together, they explore the complex and evolving conversation around marijuana from a Christian perspective . How Should Christians Approach Marijuana? With legalisation changing cultural attitudes , many Christians are re-evaluating their stance on both recreational ...
May 12, 2024•41 min
Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls , host Dave Quak sits down with Andrew McLennan from Into All the World Ministry (i2aw.org) for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about mental health, faith, and ministry . Navigating Mental Health Without Conventional Treatment Andrew opens up about his personal journey with mental health , sharing: How his mental well-being has evolved over time. The challenges he has faced and overcome. His deci...
May 05, 2024•48 min
In today’s episode, we’re honoured to sit down with Stu Cameron, CEO and Superintendent of Wesley Mission—one of Australia’s most influential faith-based organisations. From simple beginnings in Naracoorte (with bakery treats and young love) to leading mental health innovation on a national scale, Stu shares his journey of faith, leadership, and compassion. 🧠 Inside This Episode: The legacy of Wesley Mission in providing mental health care for over 60 years How stigma around mental illness stil...
Apr 28, 2024•37 min
