What is Sunburnt Souls?

Sunburnt Souls is a Christian mental health podcast and ministry that creates honest, hope-filled conversations about faith and the messiness of real life. Each episode explores what it means to follow Jesus while navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar, burnout, trauma, and the everyday ups and downs of the human soul.

Who hosts Sunburnt Souls?

Sunburnt Souls is hosted by Pastor Dave Quak, a husband, dad, and church planter on the Gold Coast. Dave lives with bipolar disorder and speaks openly about how faith, community, and grace have carried him through seasons of darkness and recovery. His lived experience shapes every story shared on the podcast.

What makes this podcast different from other Christian shows?

Most podcasts talk about mental health from the outside; Sunburnt Souls speaks from within it. Each story comes from lived experience, not theory. Guests include pastors, artists, business people, parents, and everyday believers who have wrestled with pain and found Jesus in the middle of the mess.

Is Sunburnt Souls a counselling service?

No. Sunburnt Souls doesn’t replace professional help, but it complements it with faith-informed storytelling and spiritual encouragement. We believe God works through prayer, people, and practical wisdom. If you’re in crisis, we encourage you to reach out for professional or pastoral support.

What kinds of topics do you cover?

We explore real stories of faith and mental health — from bipolar and burnout to marriage, leadership, and loss. Episodes often include:

• Living with faith through depression, anxiety, or mania

• Marriage, ministry, and honesty in leadership

• Grief, forgiveness, and finding purpose again

• Neurodivergence, creativity, and calling

• Faith after trauma or church hurt

• How Jesus met people in their mess — and still does

Why talk so openly about mental illness in the church?

Because silence helps no one. For too long, people have felt pressure to appear “spiritually strong” while they’re falling apart inside. Sunburnt Souls exists to end that stigma — to remind believers that faith and mental illness aren’t mutually exclusive. God’s grace meets us where we are, not where we pretend to be.

How can I help?

You can make a real difference by helping spread the message of Sunburnt Souls. Share the podcast with friends, churches, and community groups. Contribute financially to help us keep creating faith-informed conversations that break stigma and bring hope. You can also get involved by completing our courses and raising awareness about mental health and faith in your own circles — every small act helps more people find light in the mess.

How do I start the 30-Day Faith & Mental Health Journey?

You can start for free by signing up here. Each day offers short reflections, stories, and practices to help you reconnect with God, care for your soul, and build resilience through faith.