If you've been on Ralph Mayhew Photography, you know why I started like that. Where did you come up with the catchphrase, mate? You’re a photographer, you’re Aussie, you just have to say, "What's cracking?"

Ash Morrison (00:09:52 - 00:10:50):
I’d never say divorce is the answer. It’s a last resort. I’d never tell anyone to stay in an abusive marriage, though. Everyone’s story is unique, and I answer to God for my choices.

Ash Morrison (00:10:50 - 00:11:41):
I kissed Zac early, and I’ll explain that to my kids one day. But God showed me you can be blessed in brokenness. He used that time to grow me, challenging my belief that you can’t be blessed if you’ve done wrong.

Dave Quak (00:11:41 - 00:13:27):
It’s not transactional. God loves the broken.

Ash Morrison (00:13:27 - 00:14:12):
Exactly. Zac wasn’t a Christian when we met, but we connected over shared struggles during COVID. I told Dave I was hanging out with a non-Christian guy, and the more I liked Zac, the more I panicked about being unequally yoked.

Dave Quak (00:14:12 - 00:14:39):
But Zac got baptised soon after!

Ash Morrison (00:13:12 - 00:14:09):
God keeps showing up like that. I never dreamed of being a parent, but I love it now. God knew I needed it. My plans get bulldozed, but it’s made me surrender control, saying, “God, sort it out.” Co-parenting with different households is easier because I’ve learned to let go, especially with Archer’s health challenges.

Dave Quak (00:14:09 - 00:15:28):
That surrender is powerful.

Ash Morrison (00:15:28 - 00:16:10):
Co-parenting is tough when styles differ, but I’ve learned there’s no “wrong” way to parent—just different. Amazing parents can raise troubled kids, and vice versa. We get caught up in doing it “right,” but no one truly knows.

Dave Quak (00:16:10 - 00:16:52):
Absolutely. Different cultures parent differently, like in Scandinavia, where kids start school at seven and catch up by nine, versus our push at four. There’s no one-size-fits-all.

Monica Cook, a Christian sexologist with the Life to the Full team in Sydney discusses sex, mental health, their connections, and many other important topics.

Lydia joins us to discuss her experience with postpartum psychosis and growing up with a parent who has schizoaffective disorder. She’s seven months into her own mental health journey and shares valuable insights on what to do—and what not to do—when managing psychosis while caring for a newborn baby.

Welcome to Sunburnt Souls. I’m Dave Quak, and on this show, we explore life, faith, and mental well-being. Many of our episodes focus on supporting those with mental illness or mental health challenges. Today, we’re discussing how someone with mental health struggles can also be a source of support for their family.

In this special episode, Sunburnt Souls brings you Pearls of Truth:  ten powerful stories from 2024 that offer deep wisdom and insight. From overcoming mental health challenges to navigating faith in uncertain times, these ten individuals will inspire, uplift, and challenge your perspective. Whether you’re seeking encouragement, spiritual growth, or just a reminder of the intimacy with God that can emerge from brokenness, these ten stories will resonate with your soul, let these stories encourage you in your faith and mental well-being

Welcome to Sunburnt Souls, where we uncover stories of transformation, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of hope in Jesus. I'm your host Dave Quak and today, we have the privilege of delving into the inspiring journey of Anthony Top, a former ratbag that battled addiction, found redemption, and rebuilt his life from the ashes.

In this unforgettable episode of Sunburnt Souls, Andrew "Robbo" Robinson takes us on a raw and inspiring journey through his life, navigating ADHD, Asperger’s, and the profound intersection of faith and personal struggles. Robbo’s path, though marked with challenges, is illuminated by the incredible moment when he met Jesus! (Jonothan Roumie).

Robbo opens up about the moment he shared a funny conversation with the actor playing Christ on the set of The Chosen. His journey isn’t just one of diagnosis and resilience; it’s a story of encountering God in the midst of the messiness, of embracing the love that meets him just as he is. Get ready for a conversation that blends faith, raw honesty, and real transformation—one that might just shift how you see your own walk with Jesus

Week 2 of 2: Dave Quak and Dr. Ashleigh Moreland continue their exploration of 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 going through the motions, this conversation is for you.

Ash shares both personal experiences and professional expertise, shedding light on how the brain, body, and spirit work together. Discover how transformation begins when we align our thinking with God’s truth.

Dave Quak and Dr Ashleigh Moreland 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.

I'm here with Jen Jessop this morning—the better Jessop, the best Jessop, if you will. Some of you might know her husband, Wes. He was one of our first guests and currently holds the spot for the second most downloaded episode on ministry burnout. But today, we're aiming to knock him off his perch and put him in third place.

Life To The Full is based on the belief that each of us are a whole person – heart, soul, mind and strength. Our integrative approach and multi disciplined team of highly trained professionals are here to help you, or your organisation flourish in a truly holistic way.

Dave introduces today's guest, Amelia Rees, whose journey with faith and mental health has been profound and transformative. Amelia shares her backstory, highlighting her struggles with faith and mental health, which intersected with a traumatic event in her life.

Jess is the best! Being in ministry and life with her is the absolute best! In this episode, you will hear more about the way God has used us in ministry together, and what it's like to co-lead a church. 
 
We Spirit-Led segue into speaking about Jess' testimony, and the way God has set her free from depression and brokenness.... Although we didn't plan it, her story of restoration was the best part of this chat😀

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 extends a lifeline of hope, inviting listeners to embrace a future infused with gritty realism and unwavering faith.

This past week was one of those weeks where you just want to punch it in the face. It started frustrating, stayed frustrating, and ended with what felt like the most frustrating day I’ve had in ages. After a long day, I had to run to the shops to pick up some medication for a loved one who had been sick. It was a specific item, and I just wanted to get home, eat, and relax.

In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave discusses how to help a friend who might be struggling with mental illness but doesn't believe they are. He shares seven practical steps that can be taken to offer support with love, patience, and wisdom.

Today we sit down with Matt Prater, a man whose journey through life is marked by faith, excitement, and a deep passion for sharing the Gospel. Matt's story is one of early beginnings in radio, where he started as an announcer at just 15. Over the years, he has worn many hats, from youth pastor and DJ to children’s entertainer, while always maintaining a heart for ministry and evangelism.