Looking for a Christian mental health podcast that tackles anxiety, depression, and emotional resilience with raw honesty and biblical hope? Sunburnt Souls is where faith and mental health meet real life. I’m Pastor Dave Quak — an Aussie pastor living with bipolar disorder — and I know what it’s like to follow Jesus through the highs, lows, and everything in between. Each episode brings powerful stories, biblical encouragement, and practical tools for navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, ...
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Dave Quak Podcasts

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How to Support Others While Facing Mental Health Struggles- With Dave and Jess Quak
34:02
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34:02In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, host Dave Quak and his wife, Jess, dive into the vital topic of how individuals with mental health challenges can still be a source of support for their families. Focusing on faith, collaboration, and practical contributions, they explore five key areas—spiritual leadership, household help, financial management, p…
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Blended and Blessed: Faith, Family & Messy Parenting with Ash Morrison
41:52
41:52
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41:52Summary: In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, host Dave Quak sits down with Ash Morrison to discuss the complexities of parenting a child with disabilities, blending two families through faith, and navigating personal challenges like perfectionism and childhood trauma. Ash shares her journey of raising five children, including her youngest, Archer, w…
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Can AI Chatbots Boost Your Mental Health? A Christian Perspective on Technology and Faith
24:24
24:24
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24:24Host: Dave Quak Overview: In this solo episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave Quak explores the role of AI chatbots, like Wysa, in supporting mental wellbeing, particularly from a Christian perspective. He examines their benefits, limitations, and ethical considerations, drawing on Christian thinkers to provide a balanced view on integrating AI into faith…
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Surviving Depression, PTSD, Mania, Postpartum Depression, Epilepsy, Stroke & Brain Cancer! Tina's Story of Faith and Redemption
35:49
35:49
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35:49📝 Podcast Show Notes Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, we follow one woman’s raw and redemptive journey through decades of mental illness, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, postpartum depression, stage 3 brain cancer, epilepsy, and a massive stroke. From the depths of despair to the heights of hope, she shares how Jesus carried her through t…
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From Pigsties to Preachers: What Bacon, Spurgeon, and Mental Illness Teach Us About Grace
23:24
23:24
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23:24This week on Sunburnt Souls, Dave Quak is back with another raw, real, and at times ridiculous episode—recorded while on family holiday, but packed with depth. He reflects on how short radio soundbites have unexpectedly spread across 14+ stations in Australia, sharing stories that connect faith and mental health in bite-sized doses. In this episode…
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5 Real Stories of Faith and Mental Health: Mania, Grief, Anxiety, and Grace
23:26
23:26
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23:26Dave Quak shares five real-life stories pulled from our one-minute soundbites airing on 14 Christian radio stations around Australia. From impulsively buying a house during a manic episode to watching a pelican steal a puppy, these moments are strange, hilarious, painful, and deeply human. Topics we cover: 🏠 Mental illness & impulse control (bipola…
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Postpartum Psychosis & Fear in the Mania: Lydia’s Story of Faith in Chaos
40:55
40:55
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40:55What happens when postpartum joy collides with deep-seated fear? Lydia Farbach opens up about her raw and powerful journey through postpartum psychosis, growing up with a mum diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, and the fear that she might follow the same path. From sleepless nights and spiritual confusion to calling out to God in the back of a…
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Sex, Theology & Song of Songs: Meet Christian Sexologist Monica Cook
36:36
36:36
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36:36Dave Quak sits down with Christian sexologist Monica Cook for a raw and refreshing conversation about faith, sex, and the sacred wisdom of the Song of Songs. They unpack how theology and sexology can work together, challenge the silence around Christian intimacy, and explore how God’s design for desire is both holy and healing. Whether you’re marri…
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Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton: Surviving Injustice, Holding onto Faith & Finding Forgiveness
1:06:35
1:06:35
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1:06:35This week Dave Quak sits down with Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, the woman at the centre of one of Australia’s most infamous miscarriages of justice. Wrongfully convicted of her baby daughter’s murder, Lindy endured prison, public hatred, and unimaginable grief—but never let go of her faith. Hear her powerful reflections on: – Trusting God through p…
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From Darkness to Deliverance: Noriko Reid’s Story of Healing and Hope
37:49
37:49
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37:49In this powerful episode, Dave sits down with Pastor Noriko Reid, one of the senior pastors at Hope Church on the Gold Coast, to share her raw and redemptive journey through anxiety, depression, and into freedom through Jesus. Through God’s faithfulness, the power of His Word, and the support of faith-filled community, Noriko experienced healing. T…
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Neuro Self-Care & Havening: A New Way to Heal with Elle McBride
41:30
41:30
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41:30Today, we sits down with Elle McBride— a leading voice in trauma recovery and one of the first 150 globally trained Certified Havening Techniques Practitioners and Trainers. Elle introduces us to Neuro Self-Care — a practical, neuroscience-based approach that helps people manage stress, regulate emotions, and build resilience by tapping into the br…
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Gut Health and Mental Well-Being: Naturopath Esther Thomas Explains the Connection
39:24
39:24
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39:24In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave sits down with Esther Thomas, Clinical Naturopath and owner of Olea Health, to explore the powerful connection between gut health and mental well-being. With her extensive background in holistic healthcare, Esther dives into how imbalances in digestive health can contribute to stress, anxiety, poor sleep, and…
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Saved at 60: Scott Cunningham Faith & Finding Jesus Late in Life
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36:36
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36:36In this powerful episode, Dave Quak sits down with Scott Cunningham, a self-proclaimed late bloomer who met Jesus at the age of 60. Scott shares his raw, redemptive journey through addiction, brokenness, recovery, and the relentless love of God. 💥 The Turning Point at 60 Scott opens up about: His early years of pain, self-sabotage, and addiction Th…
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Faith, Autism, and Radio Ministry: Robbo’s Story of Broadcasting with Purpose
39:36
39:36
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39:36In this episode, Dave sits down with Andrew ‘Robbo’ Robinson — beloved Christian radio host and long-time voice of the Rise & Shine breakfast show on Vision Christian Radio. For over 17 years, Robbo has brought joy, encouragement, and truth to the airwaves — all while navigating life on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Robbo opens up about the unique cha…
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Renew Your Mind with Dr Ashleigh Moreland – Part 2 of 2: Where Science Meets Spirit
34:51
34:51
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34:51In this second part of the conversation, Dr Ashleigh unpacks how true transformation isn’t just about changing thoughts, but about healing the nervous system, renewing the mind, and living in alignment with who God created us to be. If you're a leader, a parent, or simply someone longing to live from a place of peace rather than pressure—this episo…
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Renew Your Mind with Dr Ashleigh Moreland – Part 1 of 2: Where Science Meets Spirit
37:55
37:55
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37:55In this episode, Dave sits down with Dr Ashleigh Moreland to 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 …
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God, Me, or Mental Illness? How to Know Who’s Really Talking
38:14
38:14
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38:14This week I sit down with Rev Dr Tania Harris — pastor, theologian, and founder of God Conversations — to explore what it really looks like to recognise and respond to God’s voice. We talk about: Why God still speaks today — and how He does it The difference between hearing God and just hearing your own thoughts How to test what you’re hearing (wit…
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Walk for a Bloke – Let’s Talk About Men's suicide prevention. Part 2 of 2
40:44
40:44
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40:44In Part 2 of our Walk for a Bloke special, Dave, Zac, Jared, and Brad go deeper. If Part 1 was about the event, Part 2 is about the men behind it — their stories, their struggles, and the hope they’re clinging to. We talk about what it’s like to feel completely lost as a man, how faith intersects with mental illness, and why these chat might be unc…
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Walk for a Bloke – Let’s Talk About Men's suicide prevention. Part 1 of 2
35:10
35:10
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35:10Join Dave Quak as he sits down with Zac, Jared, and Brad for a raw and real chat about men’s suicide prevention. This one’s personal, powerful, and packed with purpose. The crew chats about the Walk for a Bloke event on the Gold Coast (25km from Surfers to Cooly), and why initiatives like this are more important than ever. We’re not here to sugar-c…
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10 Animal Personalities of Mental Health: Which One Are You?
39:26
39:26
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39:26Ever feel like your approach to mental health is totally different from the people around you? Maybe you're The Owl, overthinking every decision, or The Goldfish, moving on before fully processing your emotions. In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, we dive into The 10 Animal Personalities of Mental Health—from The Dog (the support-seeking connector) …
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Spiritual Warfare & Deliverance: Jesus’ Ministry of Love and Authority with Jennifer Jessop
46:00
46:00
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46:00In this powerful episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave Quak sits down with Jennifer Jessop to explore the depths of spiritual warfare, deliverance, and the transformative power of the Love of Jesus. As a minister with a deep passion for setting captives free, Jennifer shares her experiences in prayer, spiritual discernment, and the authority believers ha…
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Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide Join us for a refreshing and insightful conversation with Chris Cipollone, one year after his first appearance on Sunburnt Souls. In this episode, Chris reflects on how the vision of embracing life in its entirety—heart, soul, mind, and strength—has taken shape over the past year. Integrating F…
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Faith When You’re Frustrated: How to Live for Jesus When You Feel Like Exploding
29:55
29:55
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29:55Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this insightful and relatable episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave Quak takes a deep dive into the reality of frustration—whether it’s caused by difficult people, unexpected life challenges, or the struggles of mental health. Using a personal story about an incredibly frustrating encounter at the…
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Tomorrow is Not Today with Kingsley Colley
30:41
30:41
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30:41Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide What if the worst moments in your life could become your greatest superpower? In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave Quak sits down with Kingsley Colley—a global speaker, radio host, podcaster, business owner, coach, musician, and all-around powerhouse of inspiration. Your Past Doesn’t Define …
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Loving Jesus with Schizophrenia: Tom's Brilliantly Complicated Life in Christ
37:47
37:47
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37:47Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this raw and real episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave Quak sits down with Tomas Heligr-Pyke—a charismatic introvert with a brilliantly complicated journey of faith and mental illness. Tom shares his experience of loving Jesus while living with schizophrenia, opening up about: The ups and downs o…
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Addiction, Recovery & Following Jesus: Mat Smith’s First Year of Freedom
32:46
32:46
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32:46What happens when a life ruled by addiction, confusion, and emptiness is interrupted by Jesus? In this episode, Dave Quak sits down with Mat Smith, who shares his raw, honest story of meeting Christ—and what one year of following Jesus has done to his heart, habits, and healing. 🔥 From Chaos to Clarity Mat opens up about: His life before faith: add…
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I Can’t Pray the Bipolar Away – Dissecting John MacArthur’s Crazy Views on Mental Illness
30:47
30:47
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30:47Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave Quak takes on John MacArthur’s controversial claims that psychiatry is a scam and mental illness isn’t real. Faith and Mental Health: Can They Coexist? Speaking not as an expert but from lived experience, Dave unpacks: Why dismissing mental illness is har…
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The Pastor with Bipolar: Reintroducing Dave Quak and Sunburnt Souls – One Year On
40:01
40:01
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40:01Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this special episode of Sunburnt Souls, Amelia takes over as host and sits down with the man behind the mic—Dave Quak. Stepping into the guest seat for the first time, Dave opens up about: His journey as a pastor living with bipolar disorder. The highs and lows of navigating faith and mental…
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Faith, Psychedelics & Mental Health: The Christian Use of Magic Mushrooms
41:29
41:29
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41:29Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this bold and eye-opening episode, I sit 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 questions: Can substances like magic mushrooms (psilocybin) play a role in he…
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Mania, Marriage and Mental Well-Being. Reflections on a Crazy Year with Jess Quak
43:35
43:35
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43:35Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this raw and honest episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave and Jess Quak sit down for a candid conversation about the highs and lows of the past year. From navigating the whirlwind of mania to the realities of marriage and the pursuit of mental well-being, they open up about faith, resilience, and …
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Faith, Calling & the Mic: Peter Cunningham on Mental Health and the Power of Christian Media
41:33
41:33
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41:33In 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 hop…
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'Tetelestai' - It Is Finished with Ken Legg
38:12
38:12
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38:12Sunburnt 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 belie…
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Grief, Bereavement, and Loss: Continuing Through the Pain with Merryn Gray
35:48
35:48
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35:48Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, I had the privilege of sitting down with Merryn Gray, a dedicated social worker who integrates her faith with a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to mental well-being. As a Christian woman, Merryn shared how her belief in God shapes her work, giving he…
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Mayor Tom Tate. Faith, Family, Mental Well-being and Jesus.
31:19
31:19
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31:19Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this special episode of Sunburnt Souls, we sit down with Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate to explore the intersection of faith, family, mental well-being, and leadership. As a man of deep Christian conviction, Mayor Tate shares how his faith in Jesus has been his anchor in public life, helping him …
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Mental Illness, Creative Energy, and Life with a Brilliant Bipolar Dad – DJ Paine (Part 2 of 2)
41:28
41:28
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41:28Sunburnt 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 Crea…
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Mental Illness, Creative Energy, and Life with a Brilliant Bipolar Dad – DJ Paine (Part 1 of 2)
31:08
31:08
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31:08Sunburnt 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. Whethe…
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Faith, Mental Health, and Community Transformation: Dr. John Warlow's Vision for Holistic Christian Care
35:48
35:48
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35:48Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, we welcome Dr. John Warlow, a Christian psychiatrist and member of the Living Wholeness Medical Team, to explore the intersection of faith and mental health. Dr. John’s work with Living Wholeness is dedicated to equipping Christian leaders, pastors, and mental…
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Grief, Suffering, ADHD and Dungeons and Dragons. The Enigma that is Tom Boyd
32:43
32:43
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32:43Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide Today on Sunburnt Souls, we sit down with the one and only Tom Boyd to explore his personal journey through grief, suffering, ADHD, and restoration in Christ. Tom is a unique blend of depth and contradiction—a sci-fi nerd with a Black Belt in martial arts, making him just as comfortable discuss…
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Faith in the Fight: Amanda Barclay’s Journey with Mental Health and Jesus
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49:26Amanda Barclay's story is one of resilience and faith, having navigated a long, complex journey with her own mental health, and that of her loved ones and friends. After several misdiagnoses and traumatic experiences within both public and private mental health systems, Amanda fought for her son, eventually seeing progress when he attended Teen Cha…
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Anxiety, Depression, and Friendship with Jesus: Sharayah’s Testimony of Restoration
46:32
46:32
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46:32Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, we dive deep into Sharayah’s powerful testimony of overcoming anxiety and depression through the transformative friendship of Jesus. Sharayah candidly shares her journey—from the weight of mental illness that left her feeling isolated and alone to the life-cha…
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Finding God in Darkness: 3 Psalms of Lament for Mental Suffering
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34:32Psalms of Lament: Praying Through Pain, Regret & Spiritual Darkness 🎧 Episode Description: On this episode of Sunburnt Souls, we dive into three raw and powerful Psalms—Psalm 51, Psalm 3, and Psalm 88—that reveal the honesty of mental anguish, spiritual despair, and the hope found in crying out to God. Three Types of Pain, One God Who Listens: Psal…
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Top 10 Faith & Mental Health Lessons from Sunburnt Souls (2024 Recap)
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32:50Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this special episode of Sunburnt Souls, we bring you Pearls of Truth—a collection of ten powerful stories from 2024, filled with wisdom, resilience, and faith. From overcoming mental health challenges to navigating faith in uncertain times, these stories will inspire, uplift, and challenge y…
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Healing Over Time: Isaac’s Battle with Mental Health and Surviving Sexual Abuse
38:13
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38:13Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide ⚠️ Trigger Warning: Sexual Abuse This episode discusses sensitive topics related to adult sexual abuse that may be triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know is affected, please seek support from the following Australian resources: 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (24/7 support and inf…
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How to Help Someone with Undiagnosed Mental Illness
24:53
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24:53Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave tackles a challenging but important topic: how to support a friend who may be struggling with mental illness but doesn’t believe they are. Many people fear judgment or don’t recognise their own struggles, making it difficult to help them. In this conversa…
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What the Heck? Is Midlife Crisis Really a Thing?
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30:29Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave sits down with Dr. Stephen Beaumont, an expert in counselling and pastoral supervision, to unpack the mystery of the midlife crisis. Is it a legitimate psychological phenomenon, or is it just a cultural myth? Understanding the Midlife Transition For those…
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Christian Hip Hop and Mental Health with Dani B, Crowned Radio
1:04:28
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1:04:28Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this powerful episode of Sunburnt Souls, we sit down with Dani B, a voice of faith, resilience, and healing in the world of Christian Hip Hop. For the past six years, Dani has been boldly sharing her testimony through her podcast, poetry, and digital gospel radio station, Crowned Radio, spre…
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Exploring OCD, Anxiety, and Creative Brilliance with Taneesha Luv!
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52:27
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52:27Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide Today on Sunburnt Souls, we explore one of the most complex and deeply personal questions for Christians struggling with mental illness: If God can renew our minds, why do we still battle negative thought patterns? Even with faith, the Holy Spirit, and divine intervention, the weight of mental …
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Mark McCrindle on Gen Alpha, Mental Health & the Future of Christian Faith
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40:25In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, we sit down with Mark McCrindle, a leading social researcher and futurist, to explore mental health trends with a special focus on Generation Alpha. As the man who coined the term ‘Generation Alpha’, Mark brings unique insights into the youngest generation growing up in a hyper-digital world. How Technology and So…
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Why Church Can Be Horrible For The Mentally Ill- Dave Quak
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31:13Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide Welcome back to Sunburnt Souls. In today’s episode, we’re tackling a tough but necessary conversation: why church can be a difficult place for those struggling with mental illness. While churches are meant to be places of healing and community, they can sometimes become spaces of discomfort and…
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Matt Prater: From Radio Waves to Life’s Highs and Lows—A Journey of Faith and Surprises
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46:06Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, we sit down with Matt Prater, a man whose life has been shaped by faith, passion, and a deep love for sharing the Gospel. From his early start in radio at just 15 to his many roles as a youth pastor, DJ, and children’s entertainer, Matt’s journey has always be…
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