Sunburnt Souls | Faith, Mental Health & Mayhem

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 lows of navigating Christian faith and mental health on a daily basis.
• What it's truly been like hosting Sunburnt Souls for the past year and building a stigma-breaking ministry.

Faith, Mental Health, and the Power of Honest Conversations

Amelia dives deep into Dave’s story, exploring:

• The significant challenges of balancing full-time ministry and managing a mental health condition like bipolar disorder.
• Crucial lessons learned from a year of podcasting and advocacy.
• The original passion and vision behind creating a space for raw, unfiltered conversations about life’s messiness within the Church.

This episode offers a raw and refreshing glimpse into the heart and mind of Dave Quak—a pastor, husband, dad, podcaster, and advocate for faith-driven mental health conversations.

Sunburnt Souls Unhinged is here! 

Join Dave for a fun night of comedy, stories, raw conversations and much more. Come connect, laugh, and experience life, faith and mental health in a whole new way.  For more info and tickets, click here

🙏 IF YOU WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT THE MISSION

Help us keep producing Christian mental health podcasts and resources that bring hope to listeners around the world and breaks the stigma in the Church. 👉 Donate to Sunburnt Souls. ALL DONATIONS OVER $2 ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

🧠 NEW ONLINE COURSE: Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health

A 28-day, FREE journey to help you:

• Embrace your identity in Jesus
• Build life-giving spiritual rhythms
• Navigate anxiety, depression, and burnout with honesty and grace

👉 Start your 28-day journey today

📩 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Get weekly encouragement, bonus podcast clips, and faith-informed mental health resources in your inbox. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter

⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW

Love this episode? Your review helps others discover faith-based mental health resources and find hope for their journey.

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In this eye-opening episode of Sunburnt Souls: A Christian Mental Health Podcast, Pastor Dave Quak sits 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, important questions facing believers today:

• Can substances like magic mushrooms (psilocybin) play a legitimate, clinical role in healing trauma and severe depression?
• Do psychedelics have any place in the life of a believer, considering a Biblical worldview?
• How should Christians responsibly approach this complex and evolving spiritual and scientific frontier?

From theology to therapy, ancient traditions to modern clinical trials, Dr. Macallan shares his research, reflections, and personal insights on navigating this difficult conversation.

🔍 What You'll Learn:

• The history of psychedelics in healing and spiritual exploration.
• Why some Christian mental health experts are rethinking their stance on these substances.
• How to apply theological discernment to altered states of consciousness and potential encounters with God.
• An honest look at the truth, danger, and mystery in the unknown therapeutic use of psychedelics.

If you're curious, cautious, or wrestling with how faith fits into unconventional paths to mental healing—this episode is a vital resource for you.

🙏 IF YOU WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT THE MISSION

Help us keep producing Christian mental health podcasts and resources that bring hope to listeners around the world and breaks the stigma in the Church. 👉 Donate to Sunburnt Souls

🧠 NEW ONLINE COURSE: Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health

A 28-day, FREE journey to help you:

• Embrace your identity in Jesus
• Build life-giving spiritual rhythms
• Navigate anxiety, depression, and burnout with honesty and grace

👉 Start your 28-day journey today

📩 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Get weekly encouragement, bonus podcast clips, and faith-informed mental health resources in your inbox. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter

⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW

Love this episode? Your review helps others discover faith-based mental health resources and find hope for their journey.

• Listen and Rate on Apple Podcasts
• Listen & Rate on Spotify

Sunburnt Souls is produced by Pretty Podcasts — a Christian mental health production where faith meets real life through stories that heal the soul.

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 challenges of navigating the whirlwind of mania alongside the daily realities of family life and the pursuit of mental well-being within their Christian marriage.

A Year of Challenges and Growth

In this heartfelt reflection, Dave and Jess offer honest insights into:

• The unpredictability of bipolar mania and its practical impact on their daily life and roles as husband and wife.
• The realities of marriage when one partner is walking through intense mental health struggles, including communication and boundary-setting.
• Moments of spiritual breakthrough, healing, and leaning completely on faith as their anchor.

Faith, Resilience, and the Journey Forward

This episode offers:

• Honest insights into managing mental health and marriage simultaneously.
• Practical encouragement for Christian couples navigating their own challenges.
• A reminder that even in the hardest seasons, God’s grace sustains the relationship and the individual.

For anyone facing mental health battles, marriage struggles, or simply searching for hope and real-life examples of faith in action, this episode is a must-listen.

Sunburnt Souls Unhinged is here! 

Join Dave for a fun night of comedy, stories, raw conversations and much more. Come connect, laugh, and experience life, faith and mental health in a whole new way.  For more info and tickets, click here

🙏 IF YOU WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT THE MISSION

Help us keep producing Christian mental health podcasts and resources that bring hope to listeners around the world and breaks the stigma in the Church. 👉 Donate to Sunburnt Souls. ALL DONATIONS OVER $2 ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

🧠 NEW ONLINE COURSE: Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health

A 28-day, FREE journey to help you:

• Embrace your identity in Jesus
• Build life-giving spiritual rhythms
• Navigate anxiety, depression, and burnout with honesty and grace

👉 Start your 28-day journey today

📩 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Get weekly encouragement, bonus podcast clips, and faith-informed mental health resources in your inbox. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter

⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW

Love this episode? Your review helps others discover faith-based mental health resources and find hope for their journey.

• Listen and Rate on ...

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide

The Christmas season is often filled with joy, celebration, and connection, but for many, it also brings unique challenges. From financial stress and family tensions to loneliness and burnout, it’s easy to let our mental well-being take a backseat during the holidays.

Prioritising Mental Health During the Festive Season

In this episode, we explore simple and practical ways to keep our mental well-being a priority, including:

• Setting healthy boundaries to protect your emotional space.
• Managing expectations—letting go of pressure and perfection.
• Coping with loneliness or family stress during holiday gatherings.
• Reconnecting with the true meaning of Christmas to find peace in Christ.

Listen Now: A Season of Celebration Without the Stress

This episode is for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the Christmas season and looking for ways to balance faith, joy, and self-care.

• Subscribe to Sunburnt Souls for more honest conversations about faith and mental health.
• Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform.

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PARTNERS

Podcast Produced by Pretty Podcasts

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 uses chat, music, poetry, and testimonies to share the Gospel
• Why radio is still a powerful tool for reaching hearts in a digital age
• How storytelling and creativity can change lives around the world

🌍 A Global Movement with Local Impact

With a team of passionate volunteers and a worldwide audience, Peter reflects on:

• Miraculous stories of faith and transformation from LLR listeners
• What it means to obey God’s call—despite fear, doubt, or limits
• How ordinary people can be part of something extraordinary

🎧 Who This Episode Is For

This is a must-listen if you:

• Love faith-filled stories about media and mission
• Have a heart for global evangelism or creative outreach
• Need encouragement that your small steps of obedience matter

Sunburnt Souls Unhinged is here! 

Join Dave for a fun night of comedy, stories, raw conversations and much more. Come connect, laugh, and experience life, faith and mental health in a whole new way.  For more info and tickets, click here

🙏 IF YOU WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT THE MISSION

Help us keep producing Christian mental health podcasts and resources that bring hope to listeners around the world and breaks the stigma in the Church. 👉 Donate to Sunburnt Souls. ALL DONATIONS OVER $2 ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

🧠 NEW ONLINE COURSE: Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health

A 28-day, FREE journey to help you:

• Embrace your identity in Jesus
• Build life-giving spiritual rhythms
• Navigate anxiety, depression, and burnout with honesty and grace

👉 Start your 28-day journey today

📩 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Get weekly encouragement, bonus podcast clips, and faith-informed mental health resources in your inbox. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter

⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW

Love this episode? Your review helps others discover faith-based mental health resources and find hope for their journey.

• Listen and Rate on ...

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 declaration on the cross: "Tetelestai" – "It Is Finished." Ken unpacks:

• What Christ’s finished work truly means for believers.
• How it frees us from striving and performance-based faith.
• Why understanding grace is essential for assurance of salvation.
• How living in grace transforms our relationship with God and others.

A Message of Freedom and Rest

Whether you’re new to faith or seeking refreshment in your Christian walk, this episode is an invitation to:

• Let go of religious striving and rest in God’s grace.
• Embrace the full assurance of salvation through Christ.
• Live with confidence, knowing that Jesus has already accomplished it all.

Listen Now: A Conversation on Grace and the Gospel

This episode offers hope, clarity, and practical wisdom for anyone longing to experience the freedom found in the finished work of Jesus.

• Connect with Ken Legg.
• Listen to the Set Free Podcast.
• Subscribe to Sunburnt Souls for more deep conversations on faith and mental health.
• Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform.

Sunburnt Souls Unhinged is here! 

Join Dave for a fun night of comedy, stories, raw conversations and much more. Come connect, laugh, and experience life, faith and mental health in a whole new way.  For more info and tickets, click here

🙏 IF YOU WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT THE MISSION

Help us keep producing Christian mental health podcasts and resources that bring hope to listeners around the world and breaks the stigma in the Church. 👉 Donate to Sunburnt Souls. ALL DONATIONS OVER $2 ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

🧠 NEW ONLINE COURSE: Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health

A 28-day, FREE journey to help you:

• Embrace your identity in Jesus
• Build life-giving spiritual rhythms
• Navigate anxiety, depression, and burnout with honesty and grace

👉 Start your 28-day journey today

📩 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Get weekly encouragement, bonus podcast clips, and faith-informed mental health resources in your inbox. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter

⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW

Love this episode? Your review helps others discover faith-based mental health resources and find hope for their journey.

• Listen and Rate on ...

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 challenges, particularly the devastation of loss.

Navigating Grief and Bereavement Through Faith

A significant part of our conversation centers on grief and bereavement, providing a biblical and therapeutic framework for coping with loss. We explore:

• How Christian faith provides genuine comfort and healing in the deepest seasons of loss.
• Spiritual practices that believers can use to process grief with hope and honesty.
• The truth of God’s unwavering love as the foundation for resilience and restoration after trauma.

Finding Strength in Faith-Based Mental Health Care

Merryn’s insights offer practical encouragement for anyone struggling with a recent loss, persistent grief, or the emotional weight of life’s hardships. Her holistic and compassionate perspective reminds us that grief is a journey, not a destination, and that God walks with us through every stage of the pain.

This episode is for anyone seeking hope, healing, and practical wisdom for navigating grief and mental well-being with faith at the center.

Sunburnt Souls Unhinged is here! 

Join Dave for a fun night of comedy, stories, raw conversations and much more. Come connect, laugh, and experience life, faith and mental health in a whole new way.  For more info and tickets, click here

🙏 IF YOU WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT THE MISSION

Help us keep producing Christian mental health podcasts and resources that bring hope to listeners around the world and breaks the stigma in the Church. 👉 Donate to Sunburnt Souls. ALL DONATIONS OVER $2 ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

🧠 NEW ONLINE COURSE: Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health

A 28-day, FREE journey to help you:

• Embrace your identity in Jesus
• Build life-giving spiritual rhythms
• Navigate anxiety, depression, and burnout with honesty and grace

👉 Start your 28-day journey today

📩 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Get weekly encouragement, bonus podcast clips, and faith-informed mental health resources in your inbox. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter

⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW

Love this episode? Your review helps others discover faith-based mental health resources and find hope for their journey.

• Listen and Rate on ...

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 in public life, providing the mental resilience needed to navigate the challenges of his role while balancing his responsibilities as a husband and father.

Faith in Leadership: Navigating Pressure with Purpose

Mayor Tate offers candid insight into:

• How his Christian faith shapes his leadership decisions and public service philosophy.
• The reality of mental stress in political life and the need for emotional boundaries.
• Practical strategies for balancing the demands of public office, family time, and personal spiritual disciplines.

Building a More Supportive Gold Coast

We also discuss the broader impact of faith-driven leadership on community health:

• The importance of the public sector fostering mental well-being initiatives in our communities.
• How faith communities and churches can play a central role in mental health advocacy.
• Mayor Tate’s vision for creating a more compassionate, connected, and mentally healthy Gold Coast.

This episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement for leaders, believers, and anyone seeking hope and effective strategies for navigating life’s most intense challenges.

Sunburnt Souls Unhinged is here! 

Join Dave for a fun night of comedy, stories, raw conversations and much more. Come connect, laugh, and experience life, faith and mental health in a whole new way.  For more info and tickets, click here

🙏 IF YOU WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT THE MISSION

Help us keep producing Christian mental health podcasts and resources that bring hope to listeners around the world and breaks the stigma in the Church. 👉 Donate to Sunburnt Souls. ALL DONATIONS OVER $2 ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

🧠 NEW ONLINE COURSE: Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health

A 28-day, FREE journey to help you:

• Embrace your identity in Jesus
• Build life-giving spiritual rhythms
• Navigate anxiety, depression, and burnout with honesty and grace

👉 Start your 28-day journey today

📩 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Get weekly encouragement, bonus podcast clips, and faith-informed mental health resources in your inbox. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter

⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW

Love this episode? Your review helps others discover faith-based mental health resources and find hope for their journey.

• Listen and Rate on ...

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 sharing God’s love with the world.

Creativity as a Platform for the Gospel

Now known as an “Amateur Bible Nerd” and a committed follower of Jesus, DJ embraces every opportunity to:

• Use storytelling and creativity to bring faith to life.
• Speak, podcast, and engage with audiences in fresh, impactful ways.
• Inspire others through his work as a Radio Host and communicator of the Gospel.

A Message of Hope and Purpose

DJ’s journey is a powerful reminder that faith and creativity are deeply connected. Whether through media, music, or ministry, his life is a testament to the truth that God can use our unique gifts to bring light and hope to others.

Listen Now: A Story of Faith, Creativity, and Calling

Join us for this uplifting and thought-provoking episode, exploring how God shapes our passions into purpose.

• Check out Streetlights Bible – Visit Here
• Subscribe to Sunburnt Souls for more stories on faith, creativity, and calling.
• Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform.

Sunburnt Souls Unhinged is here! 

Join Dave for a fun night of comedy, stories, raw conversations and much more. Come connect, laugh, and experience life, faith and mental health in a whole new way.  For more info and tickets, click here

🙏 IF YOU WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT THE MISSION

Help us keep producing Christian mental health podcasts and resources that bring hope to listeners around the world and breaks the stigma in the Church. 👉 Donate to Sunburnt Souls. ALL DONATIONS OVER $2 ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

🧠 NEW ONLINE COURSE: Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health

A 28-day, FREE journey to help you:

• Embrace your identity in Jesus
• Build life-giving spiritual rhythms
• Navigate anxiety, depression, and burnout with honesty and grace

👉 Start your 28-day journey today

📩 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Get weekly encouragement, bonus podcast clips, and faith-informed mental health resources in your inbox. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter

⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW

Love this episode? Your review helps others discover faith-based mental health resources and find hope for their journey.

• Listen and Rate on ...

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 the World Differently

Through his father’s boundless imagination, DJ discovered:

• The power of creativity in shaping identity and faith.
• How to embrace life with a sense of playfulness and wonder.
• The lasting legacy of love and inspiration, even in the midst of struggle.

A Tribute to a Father’s Influence

Despite his challenges with mental illness, DJ’s dad left behind more than just memories—he left a legacy of joy, creativity, and heart. This episode is a tribute to a man who shaped DJ’s faith and artistry, proving that even in brokenness, beauty remains.

Listen Now: A Story of Inspiration and Faith

This episode is a must-listen for those who have been shaped by complex but deeply meaningful relationships.

• Check out Streetlights Bible – Visit Here
• Subscribe to Sunburnt Souls for more stories on faith, creativity, and mental health.
• Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred platform

Sunburnt Souls Unhinged is here! 

Join Dave for a fun night of comedy, stories, raw conversations and much more. Come connect, laugh, and experience life, faith and mental health in a whole new way.  For more info and tickets, click here

🙏 IF YOU WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT THE MISSION

Help us keep producing Christian mental health podcasts and resources that bring hope to listeners around the world and breaks the stigma in the Church. 👉 Donate to Sunburnt Souls. ALL DONATIONS OVER $2 ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

🧠 NEW ONLINE COURSE: Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health

A 28-day, FREE journey to help you:

• Embrace your identity in Jesus
• Build life-giving spiritual rhythms
• Navigate anxiety, depression, and burnout with honesty and grace

👉 Start your 28-day journey today

📩 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Get weekly encouragement, bonus podcast clips, and faith-informed mental health resources in your inbox. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter

⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW

Love this episode? Your review helps others discover faith-based mental health resources and find hope for their journey.

• Listen and Rate on ...