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

Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Ep136 S5: Dr. Kirk Burbidge "Compensating Blessings" Bishop Gérald Caussé
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
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 "Fathers" and the grace of the Atonements.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/44causse?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 REL 390RA today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
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!

Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Ep135 S5: Daryl Olschewski "Beware the Second Temptation" Scott D. Whiting
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
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 God and following the Savior instead.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/53whiting?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 REL 390RA today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
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!

Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Ep134 S5: Kirk & Shauni Burbidge "Right Before Our Eyes" Ronald A. Rasband
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
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 times.”
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/15rasband?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 REL 390RA today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
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 Jul 14, 2025
Ep133 S5: Stephanie Vandorfy "Harden Not Your Heart" Christopher H. Kim
Monday Jul 14, 2025
Monday Jul 14, 2025
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/study/general-conference/2025/04/54kim?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 REL 390RA today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
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 Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
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 see themselves in the unfolding Restoration.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/46mccune?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 REL 390RA today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
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 Jul 07, 2025
Ep131 S5: Maleek Kennedy "Joy Through Covenant Discipleship" John A. McCune
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
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 begin to see how God—despite our trials—maintains perfect joy through His divine plan.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/46mccune?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 REL 390RA today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
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 Jun 30, 2025
Ep130 S5: Jessie Barrus "Right Before Our Eyes" Ronald A. Rasband
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
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 find strength in steady discipleship.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/15rasband?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 REL 390RA today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
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 Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
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 G. Renlund’s April 2025 General Conference message, “Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior,” and what it means to be spiritually ready in our day.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/25renlund?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 REL 390RA today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick
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!