In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Jesse Roberts dive into Elder Kevin G. Brown’s October 2025 General Conference address, “The Eternal Gift of Testimony.” Together, they explore the profound idea that a testimony is not a fleeting moment but a constant companion—an eternal gift that can be remembered, rekindled, and relied upon throughout life’s journey. Whether in times of clarity or struggle, our testimony remains accessible, inviting us to return to the spiritual truths we’ve once felt and known. Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/24brown?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!

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge from the Taylorsville Institute and Brother Kolby Hales of Copper Hills High School Seminary reflect on Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s October 2025 General Conference talk, “No One Sits Alone.” They discuss the Christlike call to truly see others, not just with our eyes, but through the lens of Jesus Christ. They emphasize the power of presence, inclusion, and reaching out so that no one feels forgotten or alone. Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/25gong?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!

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge (Taylorsville Institute) and Brother Ben Hemming (Jordan Institute) reflect on Bishop L. Todd Budge’s October 2024 General Conference talk, Seek Him with All Your Heart. They highlight the power of slowing down, savoring spiritual moments, and recognizing God’s desire to reveal His will to us—not through haste, but through heartfelt, patient seeking. Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/10/45budge?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!

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge, Taylorsville Institute teacher, and SLCC student Aleyah Lubbers reflect on Elder James E. Evanson’s General Conference talk, “Go and Do Likewise,” emphasizing the divine power and legitimacy of service missions. They explore how Christlike service—especially through service missionaries—is a vital part of gathering Israel, showing that every act of love and ministering is sacred and impactful in the Lord’s work. Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/42evanson?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!

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Taylorsville Institute teachers Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Blake Dalton unpack Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s October 2025 General Conference talk, “Do Your Part With All Your Heart.” They reflect on Elder Uchtdorf’s message that discipleship requires consistent self-discipline, mindful prayer, and intentional action. Drawing from his flight simulator experience, Elder Uchtdorf teaches that spiritual growth, like any skill, demands daily effort and trust in the Savior. Kirk and Blake discuss how recognizing our divine gifts and engaging fully in our faith journey can lead to lasting joy and deeper purpose. Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/16uchtdorf?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!

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge, Taylorsville Institute teacher, and SLCC student Sam Young reflect on Elder Brik V. Eyre’s General Conference talk, “Know Who You Really Are.” They explore how embracing our divine identity leads to mindful prayer, intentional action, and deeper discipleship. Through personal insights and highlights from the talk, they discuss how seeing ourselves through God’s eyes empowers us to live with purpose, serve with love, and rise above worldly pressures. Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/15eyre?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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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! 

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!

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Dr. Matt Merrill to discuss Elder Michael B. Strong’s April 2025 talk, “Charity: A Sign of True Discipleship.” Together, they explore how charity is more than kindness—it’s the essence of becoming a deliberate disciple of Jesus Christ. The conversation highlights how intentional acts of love, patience, and forgiveness shape our spiritual identity.  You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/52strong?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!

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge welcomes guest Chris Nordfelt to explore Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s powerful April 2025 General Conference address, “Eternity’s Greatest Gifts.” Together, they reflect on the eternal blessings of identity, covenant belonging, and divine potential. The conversation also dives into the reality of unmet expectations—how faith can flourish even when life doesn’t unfold as hoped. With personal insights and scriptural grounding, this episode invites listeners to see beyond the present and trust in God’s perfect timing. You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/45gong?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!

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Taylorsville Institute of Religion teacher Blake Dalton dive deep into Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s April 2025 General Conference talk, “By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples.” Together, they explore what it truly means to follow Christ in today’s world, especially as young Latter-day Saints navigating school, sports, and spiritual growth.  You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/27uchtdorf?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!

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 that peace, purpose, and connection. You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/34vargas?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!

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 all around us. You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/51soares?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!

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 listeners to consider how daily discipleship can become a meaningful preparation for eternal promises. You can find the original address https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/42shumway?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!