Thinking Celestial - A ”Follow The Prophet” Series Podcast

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and University of Utah Institute instructor Shawn Bills discuss Sister Kristin M. Yee’s April 2026 General Conference message, “Ministering — ‘That Ye Love One Another; as I Have Loved You.’” Together they explore what it means to truly minister as the Savior did by seeing people where they are, rather than where we think they should be. Th...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by young father Collin Henderson to discuss Elder Dale G. Renlund’s April 2026 general conference message, “Because of Jesus Christ.” Together they explore the transforming power of the Savior’s grace and how true hope is found not in instant change, but in faithfully trusting the process of growth and recovery through Jesus Christ. Drawing o...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by young mother Rachel Henderson to discuss Elder Jorge T. Becerra’s April 2026 General Conference message, “Tithing — Putting God First.” Together they explore how paying tithing is a powerful expression of faith, discipleship, and trust in the Lord, especially during times of financial uncertainty. Rachel shares insights from the perspectiv...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by frequent guest Dr. Matthew Merrill of the Taylorsville Institute faculty to discuss President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s inspiring April 2026 General Conference message, “Encounter at the Empty Tomb.” Together they explore the profound significance of the Savior’s Resurrection, the hope and joy found in the empty tomb, and how personal encounter...

Join Dr. Kirk Burbidge on this inspiring episode of Thinking Celestial as he revisits two of the most powerful and beloved messages ever delivered in General Conference. First, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s moving address, “Like a Broken Vessel,” offers hope, compassion, and healing for those struggling with emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges. Then, listeners are invited to hear Elder Bruce R. McConkie&rsquo...

Join Dr. Kirk Burbidge for this special re-release of Episode 100 of Thinking Celestial, where Dr. Burbidge is joined by Kevin Brown, Associate Administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, for a thoughtful discussion on gathering Israel and embracing the full view of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Brother Brown shares inspiring experiences from his upbringing in Jamaica, his journey of faith, and his insights on helping in...

Join Dr. Kirk Burbidge on this continuation of Thinking Celestial as he presents Part 2 of An Evening with Elder David A. Bednar, exploring the divine principles of teaching, hearing, and revelation. Building on the foundation established in Part 1, Elder Bednar offers deeper insights into how the Holy Ghost teaches truth to the heart, how spiritual preparedness enhances our ability to receive revelation, and how disciples can beco...

Join Dr. Kirk Burbidge on this special episode of Thinking Celestial as he introduces An Evening with Elder David A. Bednar, a powerful gathering focused on the divine principles of teaching, hearing, and revelation. In part 1 of this presentation, Elder Bednar helps us to discover practical ways to better recognize the voice of the Lord, deepen discipleship, and become both a more effective teacher and learner in the gospel of Jes...

Join Dr. Kirk Burbidge on this episode of Thinking Celestial as he examines two landmark messages from President Dallin H. Oaks delivered at pivotal moments in his life and ministry. Beginning with President Oaks’ first General Conference address as president of Brigham Young University in 1971 and continuing to his first conference talk as a newly called Apostle in 1984. Discover how these early messages foreshadowed decades...

Join Dr. Kirk Burbidge on this special episode of Thinking Celestial as he presents and reflects on the first recorded General Conference address from April 1936. Travel back nearly a century to hear the voice and testimony of a President Heber J. Grant, and counselors J. Reuben Clark, and David O. Mckay. This unique episode offers a powerful reminder that while times change, the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Lord’s guidance...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by his wife, Shauni Burbidge, for a heartfelt discussion on Elder Ulisses Soares’s message, “Jesus Christ — the True Vine.” Together, they explore what it truly means to stay connected to the Savior and how that spiritual connection nourishes, strengthens, and sustains disciples in everyday life. Drawing on personal experiences and gospel ins...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Deseret Peaks High Seminary teacher Denise McCubbins to explore Elder Gérald Caussé’s message “Love All, Love Each.” Together they discuss what it truly means to love as the Savior loves, both broadly and individually, and how discipleship is refined in everyday acts of compassion, inclusion, and intentional connection. Denise shares insightful ...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge explores Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong’s message “Remember, Remember,” focusing on how intentional remembrance deepens both discipleship and obedience. Dr. Burbidge highlights that remembering is not passive recall but an active spiritual discipline that shapes choices, strengthens covenant identity, and keeps Christ at the center of daily living. Drawing on the...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Sean Marsden to explore President Dallin H. Oaks’ message, “Alive in Christ.” Together, they discuss what it means to move beyond casual belief and truly come alive through the Savior by going all in as disciples of Jesus Christ. With thoughtful insights and personal application, they emphasize the power of trusting in the Lord, surrendering our...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by regular guest and Institute faculty member Blake Dalton to explore changing our nature, endurance, and charity through the lens of Elder David A. Bednar’s talk “All Who Have Endured Valiantly.” Together, they reflect on how charity is not a static trait but a refining process shaped by covenant keeping, discipleship, and endurance. Drawing on bo...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by return missionary and SLCC student Ben Price to explore Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s message, “Lost Luggage, Redeemed Souls,” with a focus on developing a Christlike desire to care for the one. Through thoughtful discussion and personal insights, they highlight how the Savior seeks out individuals with patience and love, inviting us to notice, reac...

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge welcomes back returning guest and future missionary to Brazil, Lizzy McEvoy, as they dive into Elder Patrick Kearon’s message, “About His Business.” Together they discuss what it means to center our lives on the Savior’s work and consciously choose to be engaged in His business each day. Lizzy shares insights from her missionary preparation, highlighti...