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

4 days ago
4 days ago
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!

4 days ago
4 days ago
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!

Monday Jun 23, 2025
Monday Jun 23, 2025
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 daily efforts in love for Jesus Christ brings clarity, motivation, and enduring spiritual strength.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/17gimenez?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 23, 2025
Ep127 S5: Ethan Baggley "Satan—The Great Deceiver" Marion G. Romney
Monday Jun 23, 2025
Monday Jun 23, 2025
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—and share the empowering hope that comes from understanding our divine identity and choosing to follow Christ.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1971/04/satan-the-great-deceiver?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 Jun 18, 2025
Ep126 S5: Matt Merrill "Draw Near Unto Me" President Henry B. Eyring
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
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 2025 general conference talk, Draw Near Unto Me, where they examine his inspired counsel on seeking divine closeness, trusting in the Lord’s timing, and recognizing His influence in both ordinary and extraordinary moments. Through thoughtful insights and personal reflections, Dr. Merrill and Dr. Burbidge illuminate how discipleship is not just an act of belief but a lifelong journey of drawing nearer to the Savior through faith, obedience, and spiritual awareness.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/18eyring?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!

Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Ep125 S5: Blake Dalton "As a Little Child" Jeffrey R. Holland
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
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 pure-hearted enthusiasm strengthens our relationship with the Savior. Their conversation underscored the importance of fostering a sense of wonder and trust in the Lord, drawing parallels between the attributes of a child and the principles of faithful discipleship.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/13holland?lang=eng
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! 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!

Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Ep124 S5: Breanna Simms "Divine Helps for Mortality" Dallin H. Oaks
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
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 receiving God's assistance.
You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/47oaks?lang=eng
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it!
_______________
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 09, 2025
Monday Jun 09, 2025
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.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/16cook?lang=eng
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it!
_______________
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!