Thinking Celestial - A ”Follow The Prophet” Series Podcast

Join Dr. Kirk Burbidge on this continuation of Thinking Celestial as he presents Part 2 of An Evening with Elder David A. Bednar, exploring the divine principles of teaching, hearing, and revelation. Building on the foundation established in Part 1, Elder Bednar offers deeper insights into how the Holy Ghost teaches truth to the heart, how spiritual preparedness enhances our ability to receive rev...

Join Dr. Kirk Burbidge on this special episode of Thinking Celestial as he introduces An Evening with Elder David A. Bednar, a powerful gathering focused on the divine principles of teaching, hearing, and revelation. In part 1 of this presentation, Elder Bednar helps us to discover practical ways to better recognize the voice of the Lord, deepen discipleship, and become both a more effective teach...

Join Dr. Kirk Burbidge on this episode of Thinking Celestial as he examines two landmark messages from President Dallin H. Oaks delivered at pivotal moments in his life and ministry. Beginning with President Oaks’ first General Conference address as president of Brigham Young University in 1971 and continuing to his first conference talk as a newly called Apostle in 1984. Discover how these early...

Join Dr. Kirk Burbidge on this special episode of Thinking Celestial as he presents and reflects on the first recorded General Conference address from April 1936. Travel back nearly a century to hear the voice and testimony of a President Heber J. Grant, and counselors J. Reuben Clark, and David O. Mckay. This unique episode offers a powerful reminder that while times change, the gospel of Jesus C...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by his wife, Shauni Burbidge, for a heartfelt discussion on Elder Ulisses Soares’s message, “Jesus Christ — the True Vine.” Together, they explore what it truly means to stay connected to the Savior and how that spiritual connection nourishes, strengthens, and sustains disciples in everyday life. Drawing on personal experiences and...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Deseret Peaks High Seminary teacher Denise McCubbins to explore Elder Gérald Caussé’s message “Love All, Love Each.” Together they discuss what it truly means to love as the Savior loves, both broadly and individually, and how discipleship is refined in everyday acts of compassion, inclusion, and intentional connection. Denise s...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge explores Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong’s message “Remember, Remember,” focusing on how intentional remembrance deepens both discipleship and obedience. Dr. Burbidge highlights that remembering is not passive recall but an active spiritual discipline that shapes choices, strengthens covenant identity, and keeps Christ at the center of daily livin...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Sean Marsden to explore President Dallin H. Oaks’ message, “Alive in Christ.” Together, they discuss what it means to move beyond casual belief and truly come alive through the Savior by going all in as disciples of Jesus Christ. With thoughtful insights and personal application, they emphasize the power of trusting in the Lord,...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by regular guest and Institute faculty member Blake Dalton to explore changing our nature, endurance, and charity through the lens of Elder David A. Bednar’s talk “All Who Have Endured Valiantly.” Together, they reflect on how charity is not a static trait but a refining process shaped by covenant keeping, discipleship, and enduran...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by return missionary and SLCC student Ben Price to explore Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s message, “Lost Luggage, Redeemed Souls,” with a focus on developing a Christlike desire to care for the one. Through thoughtful discussion and personal insights, they highlight how the Savior seeks out individuals with patience and love, inviting u...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge welcomes back returning guest and future missionary to Brazil, Lizzy McEvoy, as they dive into Elder Patrick Kearon’s message, “About His Business.” Together they discuss what it means to center our lives on the Savior’s work and consciously choose to be engaged in His business each day. Lizzy shares insights from her missionary preparation,...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Kyler Hamilton to explore Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s message on “The Character of Christ.” Together they reflect on what it means to truly develop Christlike attributes, focusing on humility, obedience, love, and a willingness to align our will with the Father’s. Their discussion highlights how the Savior’s character is reve...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge welcomes SLCC student Debra Blau for a heartfelt discussion on Elder Clement M. Matswagothata’s message and the power of coming unto Christ in every season of life. Together, they explore how the Savior invites us to stay rooted in faith, even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. Debra shares thoughtful insights on choosing discipleshi...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Perry Montoya to explore President Emily Belle Freeman’s message “Best Days and Worst Days” and how the Savior meets us in both. Together, they reflect on the reality that life includes moments of joy and hardship, yet through Jesus Christ, even our worst days can become sacred opportunities for growth, healing, and connection....

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by SLCC student Andrea Shelly to explore Elder Clark G. Gilbert’s April 2026 General Conference message, “Come Home.” Together they reflect on the powerful invitation to return to the Savior and the sense of belonging that comes through active participation in Young Single Adult wards. Andrea shares personal insights about her unfu...

In this, the first episode of the new Season 8 of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Celeste Dailey for a thoughtful and uplifting conversation on trusting in God, centered on Brother David J. Wunderli’s talk, “Jesus Christ Is Not Our Burden; He Is Our Relief.” Together, they explore how discipleship becomes lighter, not heavier, as we turn to Christ, and how real trust in Him tran...

In part 2 of Episode 200 of Thinking Celestial, Brad Wilcox invites us behind the scenes of General Conference to explore what it is really like to prepare, speak, and rely completely on the Lord in those sacred moments. He shares personal insights that reveal the sincerity, humility, and authenticity of the leaders of the Church, reminding us that their messages come from real disciples striving...

In this 200th two part episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Brad Wilcox revisit "And Now I See," the final address given in by then President Jeffrey R. Holland During the OCtober 2025 General Conference. Brad shares some sacred experiences in Chile where miracles were real, faith was tested, and the Lord’s hand was unmistakable. Brad also talks of personal experiences working clos...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge leads a thoughtful review exploring the meaning and significance of solemn assemblies within Christianity and early Church history. Drawing on scripture, historical accounts, and prophetic patterns, he shares fresh discoveries and spiritual insights that help listeners see how solemn assemblies function as moments of covenant renewal, divine...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Alan Sackett and Blake Dalton as they reflect on impressions, themes, and personal takeaways from the April 2026 General Conference. Together they discuss how prophetic teachings invite greater discipleship, deeper trust in Christ, and more intentional daily living. The conversation is thoughtful, practical, and hopeful, offerin...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and SLCC Institute teacher Alan Sackett explore the February 22 BYU–Idaho devotional, “President Dallin H. Oaks and the Law of Witnesses,” shared by Elder Neil L. Andersen. They discuss how Elder Andersen intentionally shifted his message after the President Oaks fireside, tailoring it to a rising generation. The conversation highlights Elde...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Copper Hills High Seminary teacher Brother Kolby Hales revisit the conference classic “Love and Law” by then Elder Dallin H. Oaks. Together they explore why God’s love is both perfect and constant, while His blessings are often connected to laws He invites us to live. The discussion highlights how understanding this divine balance deepen...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by SLCC students Breanna Simms and Britton Groebs as they revisit Elder Ulisses Soares’s talk “Adorned with the Virtue of Temperance.” Their conversation explores how temperance is more than restraint; it is a Christ-centered discipline that fuels steady self-improvement, emotional maturity, and spiritual confidence. They reflect o...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Institute student Lily Brammer to revisit President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s General Conference classic, “Things That Matter Most” (October 2010). Together they reflect on the spiritual cost of busyness and the invitation to slow down, simplify, and refocus on what the Lord values most. Their discussion emphasizes learning to listen...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and his wife, Shauni Burbidge, reflect on the meaning of Easter through the lens of prophetic counsel from Elder Gerrit W. Gong, President Russell M. Nelson, and other modern prophets and apostles. Together, they explore how Easter is more than a seasonal tradition, it is a sacred invitation to place Jesus Christ firmly at the center of our...