Life Consultant / Spiritual Leader/ Crisis & Grief Counseling/' Russell Tomlinson Photo credit The Turners, Dr. Cherry DeVore Estelhomme, Screenshot From Russell Tomlinson Facebook
The Turners welcomed therapist Dr. Cherry and Bishop Russell Tomlinson to the show to discuss strategies for managing emotional triggers during the holiday season and to introduce a new ministry for men.
Dr. Cherry, the show’s resident therapist, provided insights into handling the complex emotions that often arise during family gatherings. She explained that holidays, while intended to be joyful, can trigger grief, tension, and anxiety. “Family members tend to activate old roles,” Dr. Cherry said. “Recognize the source helps you realize that the reaction didn’t just start today.”
She offered three practical steps for managing these triggers: recognizing the source, recognizing the story, and recognizing the strength in the shift. Recognizing the source involves identifying patterns or past experiences that influence current emotional reactions. Recognizing the story means understanding the internal narrative that can dictate behavior, such as feelings of being undervalued or needing to constantly prove oneself. Finally, recognizing the strength in the shift emphasizes choosing a different response, such as stepping away, changing the subject, or disengaging, to protect personal peace.
Dr. Cherry also addressed loneliness during the holiday season, encouraging listeners to express their needs. She said that reaching out to others and communicating the desire for connection can create new opportunities for companionship and support. “Loneliness breeds loneliness,” she said. “The story that loneliness tells itself is that nobody cares.”
The conversation then shifted to Bishop Russell Tomlinson, who introduced Caleb Circle, a ministry for men designed to promote growth, resilience, and leadership. Drawing inspiration from the biblical figure Caleb, Bishop Tomlinson emphasized the importance of overcoming challenges as part of personal and spiritual development. “Men are nourished by their ability to conquer and overcome things in life,” he said.
Caleb Circle is free and open to men from all walks of life, including athletes, coaches, and business professionals. The program offers mentorship, guidance, and a community for men to develop strength, character, and leadership skills. The ministry launches on Jan. 5, 2026, at 8 p.m. EST. Interested participants can register at russelltomlinson.com.
The Turners highlighted the importance of integrating spiritual and practical guidance, as demonstrated in both Dr. Cherry’s strategies for emotional wellness and Bishop Tomlinson’s mentorship approach. The combination of therapy-based insight and faith-driven guidance aims to help listeners navigate personal challenges, strengthen relationships, and cultivate growth during the holiday season and beyond.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.