Thinking Celestial - A ”Follow The Prophet” Series Podcast
This podcast series is produced at the Taylorsville Utah Institute of Religion at Salt Lake Community College Redwood Campus. Student-hosted podcasts include various guests exploring a variety of gospel topics. Each episode seeks to help listeners find ways to fulfill President Russell M. Nelson’s October 2023 charge to ”Think Celestial.”
Episodes
In part two of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge returns with his wife Shauni and friends Amy and Alan Sackett to reflect on the Saturday evening and Sunday sessions of the October 2025 General Conference. The group shares heartfelt impressions of Elder Patrick Kearon’s powerful message on “new beginnings” through Christ’s infinite mercy, and Sister J. Anette Dennis’ uplifting call to “cheer each other on.” They discuss the...
In this, part one of a two part episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by his wife Shauni and friends Amy and Alan Sackett for a heartfelt discussion on the October 2025 General Conference. Together, they reflect on the first two sessions, highlighting messages of spiritual anchoring, family-centered faith, and personal discipleship. The group explores Elder Uchtdorf’s call to wholehearted service, Sister Br...
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Zaylun Fenn dive into Sister Amy A. Wright’s April 2025 General Conference talk, “Thou Art the Christ.” They explore how belief in Jesus Christ, belonging to His Church, and striving to become like Him form the foundation of lifelong discipleship. Zaylun shares how faith shapes his identity both on and off the field and especially as a missionary in Africa. Together, they testify...
In this tribute episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge honors the prophetic legacy of President Russell M. Nelson by reviewing four transformative General Conference talks: “Joy and Spiritual Survival” (Oct 2016, link), “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives” (Apr 2018, link), “Let God Prevail” (Oct 2020, link), “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains” (Apr 2021, link), and “Focus on the Temp...
In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge a teacher at the Taytorsville Institue of Religions and current SLCC student, Jesse Roberts,reflect on Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai’s General Conference talk, “The Love of God.” They explore how divine love is both a gift and a “burden of grace” or a sacred invitation to carry one another through Christlike compassion. With insights from scripture and personal experience, they...
In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and SLCC student Sarah Nelson discuss Elder James R. Rasband’s talk “The Plan of Mercy,” from the April 2025 General Confernece. They explore how God’s justice and mercy work together to heal, empower, and guide us through the Savior’s redeeming love. They reflect on how mercy isn’t just a principle—it’s a personal gift that invites us to trust the plan and draw closer t...
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge welcomes Salt Lake Community College students Megan Rowan and Cameron Lee to explore the theme of trusting in the Lord through the lens of By Elder Sandino Roman’s April 2025 General Conference talk, "Faith: A Bond of Trust and Loyalty". Together, they reflect on how divine trust shapes their decisions as young adults.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesusc...
In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Kolby Hales explore Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s April 2025 General Conference talk, “And We Talk of Christ,” focusing on how Christ-centered living can bring healing in the wake of recent violence. They reflect on Elder Stevenson’s message of hope, emphasizing the power of speaking of Christ and sharing His light to soften hearts and unify communities.
In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Dr. Matt Merrill to discuss Elder Michael B. Strong’s April 2025 talk, “Charity: A Sign of True Discipleship.” Together, they explore how charity is more than kindness—it's the essence of becoming a deliberate disciple of Jesus Christ. The conversation highlights how intentional acts of love, patience, and forgiveness shape our spiritual identity.
In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge welcomes guest Chris Nordfelt to explore Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s powerful April 2025 General Conference address, “Eternity’s Greatest Gifts.” Together, they reflect on the eternal blessings of identity, covenant belonging, and divine potential. The conversation also dives into the reality of unmet expectations—how faith can flourish even when life doesn’t unfold as hoped. With...
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Taylorsville Institute of Religion teacher Blake Dalton dive deep into Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s April 2025 General Conference talk, “By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples.” Together, they explore what it truly means to follow Christ in today’s world, especially as young Latter-day Saints navigating school, sports, and spiritual growth.
You can find the original address h...
In this episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Bishop David Greenman dive into Elder Sergio R. Vargas’s talk, Our Heavenly Guidance System. They explore how God lovingly redirects us like a spiritual GPS. With stories from his life and and insights from the challenges he has face, Bishop Greenman highlights how listening to and sometimes not listening to promptings allow God to bless us in unique ways that peace, purpose, and connection.
In this episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Institute Teacher Matt Zito unpack Elder Ulisses Soares’ April 2025 message, “Reverence for Sacred Things.” Together, they explore how cultivating reverence deepens our connection to God, transforms our worship, and invites holiness into everyday life. It’s a thoughtful conversation on standing with awe before the divine—and learning to recognize sacredness all around us.
In this episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Gary Nelson, Taylorsville Institute Director, reflect on the inspiring message from Steven D. Shumway titled “Participate to Prepare for Christ’s Return.” Together, they discuss how active participation in gospel living strengthens our spiritual readiness for the Savior’s Second Coming. Through thoughtful insights and scriptural connections, they invite listeners to consider how daily disciple...
In this episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Shaylie Huntington sit down to reflect on President Henry B. Eyring’s tender General Conference message, Draw Near Unto Me. Together, they explore how simple acts like prayer, scripture study, and cheerful service, can deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ, especially during life’s most uncertain seasons. It’s a heartfelt conversation about spiritual closeness, covenant connection, and th...
In this, the first episode of season 6, Dr. Kirk Burbidge of the Taylorsville Institute and Evan Egan, a recently returned missionary, unpack Elder Hans T. Boom’s inspiring General Conference talk, True to the Faith That Our Parents Have Cherished. Kirk and Evan explore how young adults today can honor past generations by living with purpose and faith. It’s a moving discussion about legacy, identity, and the power of simple devoti...
Dr. Kirk Burbidge of the Taylorsville Institute of Religion goes solo to end season 5 and shares a tender reflection on Bishop Gérald Caussé’s April 2025 General Conference talk, “Compensating Blessings.” As he discusses the Savior’s power to meet us in our unmet needs, he opens up about losing his father young and how God has filled that void through loving relationships, a multiplicity of "Fathers" and the grace of the Atonement...
In this episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Brother Daryl Olschewski of Hunter High Seminary unpack Elder Scott D. Whiting’s April 2025 General Conference talk, “Beware the Second Temptation.” They explore how the urge to spiritually “hide” after making mistakes can deepen shame and hinder healing. Drawing on scriptural insights Brother Olschewski's personal experiences, they emphasize turning toward God and following the Savior instea...
In this episode, Dr. Kirk and Shauni Burbidge reflect on Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s April 2025 General Conference address, "Right Before our Eyes," sharing their joy in seeing their children worship in the temple. Through tender stories and spiritual insights, they highlight how temple worship deepens family bonds, invites heaven’s perspective, and inspires a commitment to be “temple-worthy at all times.”
In this thoughtful and refreshingly honest episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge of the Taylorsville Institute of Religion sits down with institute student and vibrant YSA, Stephanie Vandorfy, to explore the powerful General Conference message “Harden Not Your Heart” by Elder Christopher H. Kim from the April, 2025 General Conference.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/54kim...
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