About Sunburnt Souls: A Christian Podcast for Mental Health and Hope

Family holding hands on a beach facing the ocean.

Sunburnt Souls is a Christian mental health podcast and faith-informed wellbeing initiative founded by Pastor Dave Quak on the Gold Coast, Australia. Through conversations, education, and storytelling, it helps people integrate faith and mental health with honesty, hope, and practical wisdom.

Key Facts

  • Location: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

  • Founder: Pastor Dave Quak

  • Focus: Faith-informed mental health education

  • Type: Health Promotion Charity (in process)

  • Medium: Podcast, courses, community resources

  • Absolutely. Faith and mental illness are not opposites — they often coexist. Many biblical figures like David, Elijah, and Job struggled deeply, yet God met them in the middle of it. Mental illness doesn’t cancel out faith; it reminds us of our need for grace and community.

  • The Bible is full of honest emotion. The Psalms express fear, grief, and hope all in one breath. Philippians 4:6-7 calls us to bring our worries to God, and Psalm 34:18 promises He’s close to the brokenhearted. Scripture doesn’t shame sadness — it invites us to meet God there.

  • Yes. Medication can be part of God’s provision for healing, just like surgery or insulin. Taking medication isn’t a lack of faith — it’s good stewardship of your body and mind. Prayer, therapy, community, and medical care can all work together toward recovery.

  • Faith offers more than comfort — it gives context and hope. Prayer, worship, and community connect us to something bigger than our pain. When faith is integrated with therapy and social support, it becomes a source of resilience and peace in the chaos.

  • Yes. Pastors are human, too. Struggling with mental illness doesn’t disqualify someone from leadership — it can actually deepen empathy and authenticity. God often works powerfully through leaders who are honest about their own weakness

  • Not at all. Mental illness reflects human vulnerability, not spiritual failure. Faith isn’t measured by emotion — it’s trust in God even when feelings fall apart. God’s love for you is steady, no matter your mental state.

  • Faith and psychology aren’t enemies — they complete each other. Faith brings meaning and spiritual direction; psychology brings evidence-based tools and self-understanding. Together, they support whole-person healing of body, mind, and soul.

  • Christian self-care means honouring God by caring for the life He gave you. Rest, prayer, healthy boundaries, exercise, therapy, and time in community all count. It’s not selfish — it’s stewardship that allows you to love others well.

  • Start with compassion and patience. Share trusted resources, start small group discussions, and model openness yourself. Change often begins with one person’s courage to speak kindly and honestly. If needed, seek parallel support from faith-friendly counsellors or ministries.

  • The gospel says you are loved, seen, and not alone. Jesus came for the broken — not the perfect. His grace meets us in our pain and walks with us through recovery. That message of redemption and resilience is the heartbeat of Sunburnt Souls.

Contact Sunburnt Souls

Phone: 0427 578 146

Email: davequak1@gmail.com

Location: Gold coast, Queensland. Australia