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 episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge joins Cyprus High Seminary Principal Steve Rose to discuss Elder David A. Bednar’s talk, “They Are Their Own Judges.” They reflect on the changes and weaknesses we all experience in life and how those moments reveal our need for the Savior’s constant and continual help. Through Elder Bednar’s insights, they explore how Christ’s enabling power strengthens us to act in faith and grow despite life’s imperfections.
Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/51bednar?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!

4 days ago
4 days ago
In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with Murray High Seminary Principal Esther Hopkin to explore Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s talk, “The Family Proclamation — Words From God.” Together, they emphasize that the Family Proclamation serves as a map or guide for navigating life’s challenges, rather than a rigid mold everyone must fit. Esther shares her unique perspective as a single member of the Church, highlighting how its principles still offer direction, hope, and belonging without imposing unrealistic expectations.
Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/21rasband?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!

Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Ep 166 S6 Aiden Seifert "The Lord Is Hastening His Work" Quentin L. Cook
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
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 discussion offers practical ways to foster belonging and strengthen faith as the Lord’s work moves forward.
Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/27cook?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 Dec 01, 2025
Ep 165 S6 Lizzy McEvoy "The Good News Recipe" John D. Amos
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
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 your life through prayer, scripture study, and inviting His influence daily, reminding us that when life feels out of order, the answer is always Christ.
Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/56amos?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 Nov 24, 2025
Ep 164 S6 Cody Hancuff "Prophets of God" Andrea Muñoz Spannaus
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
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 practical ways to trust prophetic counsel and deepen discipleship.
Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/46spannaus?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 Nov 24, 2025
Ep 163 S6 Andrea Shelley "Lovest Thou Me?" Steven C. Barlow
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
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, prioritizing Him over worldly distractions, and expressing devotion through service, especially ministering and temple worship.
Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/33barlow?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 Nov 17, 2025
Ep 162 S6 Blake Dalton "And Now I See" Jeffrey R. Holland
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
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 the Restoration is real and that divine help often comes through ordinary instruments, inviting us to keep trying to live Christ’s gospel “no matter how much spit and clay it takes.”
Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/41holland?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 Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
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 General Conference and reflects on how sacred music has shaped his discipleship.
Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/13browning?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!









