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

3 days ago
3 days ago
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 multicultural choir’s inspiring music and the tender leadership of President Dallin H. Oaks during this historic conference following President Nelson’s passing. Sunday’s sessions brought themes of hope, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal, with talks emphasizing personal revelation, temple worship, and the Savior’s central role in our lives. Together, the hosts explore how these messages offer strength and clarity for disciples navigating today’s challenges.Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10?lang=eng
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1672352
We invite you to visit https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280 and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it!

3 days ago
3 days ago
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 Browning’s testimony of sacred music, and Elder Rasband’s reaffirmation of the divine origin of the Family Proclamation. They also share impressions of President Dallin H. Oaks’ emotional leadership following President Nelson’s passing, and how the talks inspired deeper commitment to Christ in a changing world. Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10?lang=eng
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1672352
We invite you to visit https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280 and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it!

Monday Oct 06, 2025
Monday Oct 06, 2025
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 Temple” (Oct 2022, link). With warmth and doctrinal depth, Dr. Burbidge invites listeners to “think celestial” by embracing joy, revelation, faith, and temple-centered discipleship.
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1672352
We invite you to visit https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280 and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it!

Monday Oct 06, 2025
Ep 149 S6 Zaylun Fenn "Thou Art the Christ" Amy A. Wright
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Monday Oct 06, 2025
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 that knowing who Christ is helps us know who we are and who we’re meant to become.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/32wright?lang=eng
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1672352
We invite you to visit https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280 and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it!

Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Ep 148 S6 Sarah Nelson "The Plan of Mercy" James R. Rasband
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
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 to Christ.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/33rasband?lang=eng
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1672352
We invite you to visit https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280 and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it!

Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Ep 147 S6 Jesse Roberts "The Love of God" Benjamin M.Z. Tai
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
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 discuss how God’s love transforms trials into growth and invites us to become more like the Savior.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/56tai?lang=eng
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1672352
We invite you to visit https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280 and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it!

Monday Sep 22, 2025
Monday Sep 22, 2025
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.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/24roman?lang=eng
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1672352
We invite you to visit https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280 and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it!

Monday Sep 22, 2025
Ep 145 S6 Kolby Hales "And We Talk of Christ" Gary E. Stevenson
Monday Sep 22, 2025
Monday Sep 22, 2025
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.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/31stevenson?lang=eng
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1672352
We invite you to visit https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280 and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it!

Thinking Celestial - A "Follow the Prophet" Series Podcast
The Thinking Celestial is a “Follow the Prophet” podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
Episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute during the Spring 2024 Semester. If you’d like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for REL 390RA today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1472984
We invite you to visit https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280 and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
IF you liked our podcast, please share it!