Thinking Celestial - A ”Follow The Prophet” Series Podcast

Ep 208 S8 Blake Dalton ‘All Who Have Endured Valiantly’ David A. Bednar:

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 both personal experiences and doctrinal insights, they discuss how enduring faithfully transforms the heart, deepens Christlike love, and aligns our desires with the Savior’s. Listeners are invited to consider how their own trials and commitments can become sanctifying opportunities to grow in genuine charity. Review general conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/16bednar?lang=eng [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/16bednar?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/institute/15280/classes/1735301 [https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301]   _______________ 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/1735301  [https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301]  We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ 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!

Ep 207 S8 Ben Price ‘Lost Luggage, Redeemed Souls’ Gary E. Stevenson

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, reach out, and act on promptings to serve. Their conversation encourages listeners to become more intentional in lifting others, reminding us that no one is insignificant and that each soul is precious in the sight of God. Review general conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/23stevenson?lang=eng [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/23stevenson?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/institute/15280/classes/1735301 [https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301]   _______________ 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/1735301  [https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301]  We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ 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!

Ep 206 S8 Lizzy McEvoy ‘About His Business’ Patrick Kearon

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, highlighting the joy and purpose that come from intentional discipleship, while their conversation invites listeners to consider how aligning priorities with Christ can bring clarity, direction, and a deeper sense of belonging in His work. Review general conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/13kearon?lang=eng [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/13kearon?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/institute/15280/classes/1735301 [https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301]   _______________ 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/1735301  [https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301]  We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ 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!

Ep 205 S8 Kyler Hamilton 'The Character of Christ’ D. Todd Christofferson

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Kyler Hamilton to explore Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s message on “The Character of Christ.” Together they reflect on what it means to truly develop Christlike attributes, focusing on humility, obedience, love, and a willingness to align our will with the Father’s. Their discussion highlights how the Savior’s character is revealed not only in His miracles but in His daily submission and compassion, inviting listeners to consider how small, consistent choices can shape their own discipleship and draw them closer to becoming like Him. Review general conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/51christofferson?lang=eng [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/51christofferson?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/institute/15280/classes/1735301 [https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301]   _______________ 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/1735301  [https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301]  We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ 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!

Ep 204 S8 Debra Blau ‘He Knows You by Name’ Clement M. Matswagothata

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge welcomes SLCC student Debra Blau for a heartfelt discussion on Elder Clement M. Matswagothata’s message and the power of coming unto Christ in every season of life. Together, they explore how the Savior invites us to stay rooted in faith, even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. Debra shares thoughtful insights on choosing discipleship daily, recognizing the Lord’s hand in both small and significant moments, and trusting that He will guide and sustain us. Their conversation reminds listeners that through Jesus Christ, we can find peace, direction, and strength to move forward with hope and confidence. Review general conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/29matswagothata?lang=eng [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/29matswagothata?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/institute/15280/classes/1735301 [https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301]  _______________ 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/1735301 [https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301]  We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ 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  [TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org]  If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it!