Dave is a pastor, speaker, and mental health advocate living with bipolar disorder. He co-leads Living Temple Christian Church on the Gold Coast with his wife, Jess. Dave doesn't just talk about mental health—he lives it. His openness has become the heartbeat of Sunburnt Souls, showing that following Jesus doesn't mean life is perfect.

Why should I listen to Sunburnt Souls instead of other Christian podcasts?

Sunburnt Souls is different because it's hosted by someone with lived experience (Dave has bipolar disorder ), integrates faith and mental health together, offers an Australian perspective, provides resources for churches, and focuses on practical strategies rather than theory. Most Christian podcasts either ignore mental health or treat it like a lack of faith.

Is it normal to struggle with mental health as a Christian?

Yes. Absolutely. The Bible is full of people who struggled—King David with depression, Elijah with burnout, Paul with challenges. Mental health struggles aren't a sign of weak faith or lack of prayer. They're part of being human. God's love doesn't change when you're struggling.

Can I have bipolar disorder or depression and be a pastor or church leader?

Yes. Dave Quak is living proof. You can have a mental health diagnosis and lead a church, pastor a congregation, or serve in ministry. Your lived experience makes you a better leader because you understand what people are going through. Your struggle isn't disqualifying—it's equipping.

How does faith help with mental health?

Faith can provide community, purpose, hope grounded in Jesus, spiritual practices like prayer and worship, and an identity beyond your diagnosis. But faith isn't a cure-all. You might need therapy, medication, and professional help—and that's okay. God works through all of it.

Can I read transcripts of episodes?

Yes! All episodes have transcripts available. Browse episode transcripts at https://www.sunburntsouls.com/christian-mental-health

Can I be a guest on Sunburnt Souls?

We'd love to hear your story! If you have lived experience with mental health and faith, or expertise to share, contact us at davequak1@gmail.com or through https://www.sunburntsouls.com/contact

Do you have a free course?

Yes! 'Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health' is a 28-day online course to deepen your faith and strengthen your mental wellbeing. Enrol at https://www.sunburntsouls.com/course

Where can I get help with mental health?

Australia has excellent mental health services. Visit https://www.sunburntsouls.com/get-help for resources. If you're in crisis: Call 000, Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.

How do I contact Sunburnt Souls?

Phone: 0427 578 146 | Email: davequak1@gmail.com | Contact form: https://www.sunburntsouls.com/contact

FAQ’S

SECTION 1: ABOUT SUNBURNT SOULS

Q1: What is Sunburnt Souls?

A: Sunburnt Souls is a Christian mental health podcast founded by Dave Quak on the Gold Coast, Australia. Through honest conversations, education, and storytelling, we help people integrate faith and mental health with honesty, hope, and practical wisdom. We explore topics like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, burnout, and more—always grounded in faith and lived experience.

Q2: Who is Dave Quak?

A: Dave Quak is a pastor, speaker, and mental health advocate living with bipolar disorder. He co-leads Living Temple Christian Church on the Gold Coast with his wife, Jess. Dave founded Sunburnt Souls to break stigma around mental health in Christian communities and show that following Jesus doesn't mean life is perfect. His openness about his own mental health journey is the heartbeat of the ministry.

Q3: What makes Sunburnt Souls different from other Christian podcasts?

A: We're raw, real, and unpolished. Dave doesn't pretend to be a mental health professional—he's a pastor with lived experience. We cover the intersection of faith and mental health in ways that feel honest and practical, not theoretical. We feature interviews with experts, everyday people, and leaders navigating mental illness while following Jesus. And we're Australian, which means we get the cultural context of faith and mental health in Australia.

SECTION 2: MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH

Q4: Do I need to have a mental illness to listen to Sunburnt Souls?

A: No. Our podcast is for anyone interested in the intersection of faith and mental health. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar, burnout, or you're just curious about how faith and mental health connect—you'll find something valuable here. We also have content for people who support others (parents, pastors, friends, employers ).

Q5: Is Sunburnt Souls a substitute for therapy or professional help?

A: No. Sunburnt Souls is a complement to professional help, not a replacement. If you're struggling with mental health, please reach out to a mental health professional. We provide faith-based encouragement, practical tools, and community—but we're not a substitute for therapy, medication, or professional support. Get Help

Q6: How do you approach mental health from a Christian perspective?

A: We believe God meets us in our mental health struggles, not outside of them. We don't believe mental illness is a sin or a lack of faith. We explore how Scripture speaks to pain, how spiritual practices support mental wellbeing, and how community and professional help are part of God's design for healing. We're honest about the hard questions and the messy middle of faith and mental illness.

SECTION 3: LISTENING & EPISODES

Q7: Where can I listen to Sunburnt Souls?

A: You can listen on:

•Spotify

•Apple Podcasts

•YouTube

Q8: How often do you release new episodes?

A: We typically release new episodes weekly. However, we occasionally take breaks for rest and renewal (like we did recently). Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on new releases.

Q9: Can I read the podcast transcripts?

A: Yes! We provide transcripts for most episodes. You can find them on our Stories page.

Q10: How long are the episodes?

A: Episodes typically range from 30-45 this whole thing hours, depending on the guest and topic. We go deep, so bring time to listen and reflect.

SECTION 4: GETTING INVOLVED

Q11: Can Dave speak at my church or event?

A: Yes! Dave is available for speaking engagements, workshops, and training. Book Dave to Speak

Q13: How can I support Sunburnt Souls?

A: You can support us by:

•Sharing episodes with friends and family

•Leaving reviews on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

•Donating (FULLY TAX DEDUCTIBLE)

•Taking our 28-day online course

SECTION 5: RESOURCES & COURSES

Q14: What is the 28-day online course?

A: Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health is a 4-week online course designed to help you integrate faith and mental health. It includes teaching from Dave, downloadable guides, journaling prompts, and practical tools. It's for anyone navigating mental health, supporting others, or wanting to deepen their faith and wellbeing.

Q15: What is the 30-day devotional?

A: 30 Days of Faith & Mental Health is a free daily devotional to help you slow down, breathe, and walk with Jesus through anxiety, depression, and the everyday mess of life. It's Scripture-based, practical, and honest.

Q16: Where can I get help if I'm struggling with mental health?

A: Visit our Get Help page for a comprehensive list of Australian mental health resources, helplines, and support services. You can also Ask for Prayer or Ask a Question.