Thinking Celestial - A ”Follow The Prophet” Series Podcast

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Dr. Matt Merrill dive into Elder Ozani Farias’s talk “The Book of Mormon — An Immeasurable Treasure on Our Journey.” Together they explore how the Book of Mormon anchors us to Christ, offering clarity, hope, and direction as we navigate life’s challenges. Their discussion highlights the pattern Elder Farias teaches, seeking truth, receiv...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Blake Dalton sit down for a open hearted discussion on Elder Neil L. Andersen’s “The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ.” Together they explore how the Savior’s infinite love reaches into the real details of our lives, strengthening us in weakness, refining our desires, and anchoring our hope in Him. They reflect on personal experiences, favor...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge explores Elder Kelly R. Johnson’s message, Be Reconciled to God, reflecting on the spiritual rhythm Elder Johnson describes. The discussion centers on the powerful cycle of repenting, receiving renewed faith, feeling the joy that follows, and then turning again to repentance as we grow. Bro. Burbidge highlights how this pattern is not a sign...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge meets with the Deseret Peak High Seminary Council to discuss Elder William K. Jackson’s October 2025 General Conference message about what he truly meant by "Remembering the Sheep." Together, they explore how simple acts like learning names, noticing who is missing, and reaching out with real intent can break through the loneliness so many y...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with Institute Director Gary Nelson to explore President Dallin H. Oaks’ recent BYU devotional address, "Coming Closer to Jesus Christ." Together, they reflect on President Oaks’ clear and steady voice as a prophet, especially in a time when well meaning but mistaken ideas sometimes circulate among Church members. The discussion hi...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with Taylorsville Institute student Jesika Woodall to reflect on Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s message, “Look to God and Live.” Their conversation highlights how turning to the Savior brings clarity, peace, and spiritual strength, and they explore practical ways disciples can look to God in everyday challenges while trusting His p...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with Aidan Davis, LDSSA president at the Taylorsville Institute, to explore Elder Ronald M. Barcellos’s talk “The Lord Looketh on the Heart.” Together they discuss why the Savior cares far more about sincere intent than outward perfection, and how our discipleship efforts, however small, carry real power when centered on Christ. Re...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, host Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with newlyweds and Taylorsville Institute students Megan and Cameron Lee to explore Elder Brik V. Eyre’s talk, “Know Who You Really Are.” Together they reflect on the power of divine identity, how seeing ourselves as beloved children of God reshapes choices, relationships, and discipleship, and why this doctrine feels especial...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, host Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with return missionary, U of U hockey hopeful, and SLCC student Lauren Fetzer to explore Elder Bruce C. Hafen’s powerful message, “The Atonement: All for All.” Together they unpack what it means to offer the Lord every bit of effort we have—however imperfect—and trust that He sees all sincere striving as good, real, and redemp...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge, Taylorsville Institute teacher, joins Sister Ashley Laneri of the Taylorsville Institute of Religion for a thoughtful discussion on Elder Peter M. Johnson’s message, “The Power of Ministering to the One.” Together they explore how Christlike ministering begins with seeing individual worth, slowing down enough to notice who needs help, and t...

In this special episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with his daughter, Sister Ella Burbidge—soon to begin her service in the Tennessee Nashville Mission—to discuss Elder B. Corey Cuvelier’s inspiring message, “The Name by Which Ye Are Called.” Together they explore what it means to wear the Savior’s name as a full‑time missionary, including the responsibility to reflect His...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with SLCC student Andrea Shelly to discuss Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s timely message “Blessed Are the Peacemakers.” Their conversation reflects on how the counsel to create peace feels especially urgent amid the turmoil and tension in today’s world. Andrea shares touching insights about the quiet power of children and the way their...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, host Dr. Kirk Burbidge and fellow Taylorsville Institute teacher and choir director Alan Sackett explore Elder Ulisses Soares’s message “Adorned With the Virtue of Temperance.” Taking a fun and unconventional approach, Alan brings a bowl of numbered prompts, drawing topics at random to spark fresh discussion about how temperance shapes discipleship. Their con...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Anita Longhurst, seminary teacher at Bingham High Seminary, for a heartfelt discussion on Elder Patrick Kearon’s powerful message, “Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning.” Together they explore why seeking new beginnings, and surrounding ourselves with places and people where the gospel is uplifting and edifying, matters so deeply...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Matt, Blake, and Kirk sit down together at the Taylorsville Institute of Religion to discuss Elder Matthew S. Holland’s powerful message, “Forsake Not Your Own Mercy.” Their conversation explores the heart of Elder Holland’s teaching of how sincere repentance and Christlike forgiveness open the way for real spiritual change. Drawing on the story of Jonah, the...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with Christ Nordfelt, director of the Jordan Institute of Religion, to discuss Chad H. Webb’s powerful message, “That All May Be Edified.” Together they explore how deep, lasting strength comes from learning and teaching pure doctrine, the kind of Christ‑centered truth that lifts, unifies, and steadily transforms disciples from the...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with Emily Wolfley—a new mom navigating life near the North Pole in Alaska—to explore Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi’s message, “Humble Souls at Altars Kneel.” Together they reflect on the quiet, healing power found in simple gospel observances like taking the sacrament and engaging in consistent scripture study. Emily shares tender insight...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge revisits President Boyd K. Packer’s 1987 General Conference address, “Balm of Gilead,” exploring how its time tested teachings offer a steadying antidote to the more modern frustration and fear so often fueled by today’s social‑media climate. Drawing on this talk and several related messages, Dr. Burbidge invites listeners to view the turmoi...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with SLCC student Debra Blau to explore Sister Tracy Y. Browning’s message, “Tune Your Heart to Jesus Christ.” Together they discuss how music becomes a sacred tool for discipleship—lifting our hearts, strengthening testimony, and helping us navigate emotional and mental challenges with greater peace. Debra shares personal experien...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, host Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by fellow Taylorsville Institute instructor Dr. Matt Merrill as they unpack Elder Dale G. Renlund’s profound message, “Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ.” Their conversation centers on what it means to adopt not just the name of the Savior, but His ethos—His healing, lifting, and covenant‑keeping character. They also reflect...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Institute Teacher/Coordinator Shaylie Huntington dive into Sister J. Anette Dennis’s powerful message, “Cheering Each Other On.” Together, they explore what it truly means to go and find those who feel unseen, discouraged, or left behind, and how disciples of Christ can reflect the Savior by extending sincere encouragement, compassion, a...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with Erika Johnson, a young single adult and collegiate hockey player, to unpack Elder Michael Cziesla’s inspiring talk, “Simplicity in Christ.” Their discussion highlights why the gospel doesn’t need to be complicated, and that its power lies in its pure simplicity. They emphasize that at the heart of everything is the Savior’s lo...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Riverston Seminary teacher Brother Spencer Larsen dive into Elder Henry B. Eyring’s powerful message, “Proved and Strengthened in Christ.” Together, they explore how the process of proving ourselves is really a journey of self-discovery. One that often stretches us beyond comfort and reveals who we truly are.  Review the original talk he...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge joins Cyprus High Seminary Principal Steve Rose to discuss Elder David A. Bednar’s talk, “They Are Their Own Judges.” They reflect on the changes and weaknesses we all experience in life and how those moments reveal our need for the Savior’s constant and continual help. Through Elder Bednar’s insights, they explore how Christ’s enabling powe...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with Murray High Seminary Principal Esther Hopkin to explore Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s talk, “The Family Proclamation — Words From God.” Together, they emphasize that the Family Proclamation serves as a map or guide for navigating life’s challenges, rather than a rigid mold everyone must fit. Esther shares her unique perspective as...