Thinking Celestial - A ”Follow The Prophet” Series Podcast

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 tha...

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 a...

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 liste...

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 clos...

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, identi...

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 "Fathe...

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 G...

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...

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/stu...

In this episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Maleek Kennedy dive into missions, the power of institute, and the message behind Elder John A. McCune’s talk, "Joy Through Covenant Discipleship." They discuss how making and keeping sacred covenants strengthens our relationship with God, deepens our joy, and broadens our eternal perspective. As we embrace covenant discipleship, we access spiritual power and...

Dr. Kirk Burbidge and LDSSA Council member Ryan Hougaard discuss Elder David A. Bednar’s powerful message, “The Times of Restitution of All Things” . They explore how the Restoration is an ongoing miracle that empowers covenant disciples to move God’s work forward today. With insights on priesthood keys, the Book of Mormon, and our role in this dispensation, this episode invites every listener to...

In this episode, LDSSA President Bailey Mortensen sits down with Dr. Kirk Burbidge for a heartfelt conversation on preparing for the Second Coming—not with fear, but with faith and confidence. She reflects on how the gospel provides deep and lasting peace, even for a young single adult navigating the uncertainties of life while striving to honor her discipleship. Together, they explore Elder Dale...

In this uplifting episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge welcomes Jessie Barrus, SLCC student and LDSSA student council member, to discuss the hope and understanding that come as we grow together, both as individuals and as a Church. Drawing on Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s April 2025 General Conference talk, “Right Before Our Eyes,” they explore how we can better recognize the Lord’s hand in everyday life and fi...

Ethan Baggley joins Dr. Kirk Burbidge to explore the cunning tactics of the adversary, drawing insights from Elder Marion G. Romney’s 1971 talk, “Satan—The Great Deceiver.” Together, they unpack the contrast between inward-facing lives marked by pride and self-focus, and outward-facing discipleship rooted in humility and service. They highlight the fatal flaw in Satan’s plan—its denial of agency—a...

At the Taylorsville Institute, Brother Kadin Pully joins Dr. Kirk Burbidge for a thoughtful discussion on the transformative power of making the Savior our "why." Together, they explore the inspired counsel shared in Elder Ricardo P. Giménez’s April 2025 general conference address, “My Love for the Savior Is My 'Why.'” Their conversation centers on how anchoring our decisions, discipleship, and da...

Dr. Matt Merrill joins Dr. Kirk Burbidge in an enriching discussion about what it truly means to draw near unto the Savior and recognize His guiding hand in our daily lives. Together, they delve into the principles of discipleship, exploring how intentional faith and personal revelation can deepen our relationship with Christ. Their conversation is anchored in President Henry B. Eyring’s April 202...

Brother Blake Dalton, the newest addition to the Taylorsville Institute faculty, joins Dr. Kirk Burbidge for a thoughtful discussion on the childlike joy that should accompany our discipleship in Christ. Together, they explored the profound insights shared in President Jeffrey R. Holland’s April 2025 general conference address, As a Little Child, reflecting on how embracing humility, faith, and pu...

In this episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Taylorsville Institute student Breanna Simms explore the divine help available in life's challenges and how our Heavenly Father often places solutions within the very trials we face. Their discussion centers on President Dallin H. Oaks' April 2025 general conference talk, Divine Helps for Mortality, uncovering its profound insights on recognizing and receivin...

In this episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Jamie Gandy explore the profound impact of Pioneer Trek, sharing inspiring examples of faith and resilience. They discuss how the Savior stands as the ultimate rescuer, drawing from insights in Elder Quentin L. Cook's April 2025 address, The Atonement of Jesus Christ Provides the Ultimate Rescue. You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschri...

In this episode, Cody Hancuff, principal of Kearns High Seminary, joins Dr. Kirk Burbidge for a meaningful discussion on strengthening our connection with Heavenly Father. They explore how fostering that relationship brings peace and spiritual growth, drawing insights from Elder Mark S. Palmer’s April 2025 general conference address, Return unto Me … That I May Heal You. You can find the original...

Brothers Brayden and Cameron Lee join Dr. Kirk Burbidge in the studio for a thoughtful discussion on the significance of holding the priesthood, both in their personal lives and for the rising generation. Drawing inspiration from Young Men General President Steven J. Lund’s April 2025 general conference address, Divine Authority, Sublime Young Men, they explore its teachings and relevance today. Y...

In this episode, Aidan Davis, LDSSA Council member and student, joins Dr. Kirk Burbidge to explore Elder Neil L. Andersen's General Conference address, Cherishing Life (April 2025). They discuss the power of perspective and how understanding the Lord’s view of each of us can shape our faith and daily lives. See the original address here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference...

In this episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Denise McCubbins to explore the profound parable of the quilt and its connection to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Together, they discuss how embracing the Savior's gift is an expression of gratitude rather than a burden. Their conversation is inspired by Sister Tamara W. Runia's powerful April 2025 General Conference address, "Your Repentance Doesn’...

Jacob Cox is excited to join Dr. Kirk Burbidge for a heartfelt discussion about the incredible ways and the power that comes from focused worship. They dive into Elder D. Todd Christofferson's insightful address, "Worship" from the April 2025 General Conference, exploring its wonderful teachings together. See the original address here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2...

Welcome to Season 5! (Summer Semester 2025 at SLCC). In this episode, Kirstin Butler returns to explore a thought-provoking topic from Elder Neil L. Anderson's address, "Cherishing Life" from the April 2025 General Conference. Together with Dr. Kirk Burbidge, she delves into perceptions, values, and shares her own heartfelt experiences. See the original address here: https://www.churchofjesuschris...