Thinking Celestial - A ”Follow The Prophet” Series Podcast

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge joins SLCC Institute student Aiden Seifert to explore Elder Quentin L. Cook’s talk, “The Lord Is Hastening His Work.” Together, they highlight the sacred responsibility of welcoming new members and the importance of understanding the challenges and excitement that come with joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their discu...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and SLCC student Lizzy McEvoy dive into Elder John D. Amos’s October 2025 address, “The Good News Recipe.” Elder Amos compares living the gospel to following a recipe where the scriptures provide the directions and Jesus Christ is the “secret ingredient” that makes everything come together. They discuss what it means to “add more Savior” to...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with Brother Cody Hancuff, Principal of Kearns Seminary, to discuss Andrea Muñoz Spannaus’s General Conference talk, “Prophets of God.” Together they explore how choosing to follow the Lord brings lasting peace and how gaining a testimony of living prophets strengthens faith and direction in life. This conversation highlights pract...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and SLCC student Andrea Shelley explore Elder Steven C. Barlow’s October 2025 General Conference address, “Lovest Thou Me?” This heartfelt discussion centers on finding peace amid tragedy by serving in the temple and embracing the Savior’s invitation to love Him above all else. Key themes include recognizing God’s love through the Atonement,...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Taylorsville Institute teacher Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with Travis Fullerton to explore Sister Tracy Y. Browning’s October 2025 General Conference talk, “Tune Your Heart to Jesus Christ: The Sacred Gift of Primary Music.” Together, they discuss how music can testify of the Savior and strengthen faith. Travis shares his personal experience singing in Gener...

In this episode, Taylorsville Institute instructors Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Blake Dalton dive into Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s October 2025 General Conference address, “And Now I See.” They discuss how the works of God are often manifest through simple, even unexpected means, like spit and clay. They also highlight Elder Holland’s touching tribute to faith, and his heartfelt testimony affirming that...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and institute student, Emma Fisher takes a closer look at Elder Carlos A. Godoy’s October 2025 General Conference talk, “Smiling Faces and Grateful Hearts.” In this uplifting conversation, they highlight the power of gratitude and the importance of seeing life through an eternal lens, keeping the big picture and the end goal in mind, even wh...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Hiram Bertoch explores President Dallin H. Oaks’ October 2025 General Conference talk, “The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Together, they discuss what it means to not fit the traditional mold and how The Family: A Proclamation to the World serves not as a rigid template, but as a divine map guiding individuals and families towa...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Jesse Roberts dive into Elder Kevin G. Brown’s October 2025 General Conference address, “The Eternal Gift of Testimony.” Together, they explore the profound idea that a testimony is not a fleeting moment but a constant companion—an eternal gift that can be remembered, rekindled, and relied upon throughout life’s journey. Whether in times...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge from the Taylorsville Institute and Brother Kolby Hales of Copper Hills High School Seminary reflect on Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s October 2025 General Conference talk, “No One Sits Alone.” They discuss the Christlike call to truly see others, not just with our eyes, but through the lens of Jesus Christ. They emphasize the power of presence, inc...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge (Taylorsville Institute) and Brother Ben Hemming (Jordan Institute) reflect on Bishop L. Todd Budge’s October 2024 General Conference talk, Seek Him with All Your Heart. They highlight the power of slowing down, savoring spiritual moments, and recognizing God’s desire to reveal His will to us—not through haste, but through heartfelt, patient...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge, Taylorsville Institute teacher, and SLCC student Aleyah Lubbers reflect on Elder James E. Evanson’s General Conference talk, “Go and Do Likewise,” emphasizing the divine power and legitimacy of service missions. They explore how Christlike service—especially through service missionaries—is a vital part of gathering Israel, showing that ever...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Taylorsville Institute teachers Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Blake Dalton unpack Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s October 2025 General Conference talk, “Do Your Part With All Your Heart.” They reflect on Elder Uchtdorf’s message that discipleship requires consistent self-discipline, mindful prayer, and intentional action. Drawing from his flight simulator experience, Elde...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge, Taylorsville Institute teacher, and SLCC student Sam Young reflect on Elder Brik V. Eyre’s General Conference talk, “Know Who You Really Are.” They explore how embracing our divine identity leads to mindful prayer, intentional action, and deeper discipleship. Through personal insights and highlights from the talk, they discuss how seeing ou...

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 e...

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...

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...

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 20...

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 scriptur...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...