This week on “Everything Is Up with Tammera,” Tammera Hollerich is joined by special guest TJ Ware for a spirited conversation about Congress, embracing change, and what the 24th means for us all. From headlines to heartfelt stories, this episode explores how significant decisions and national moments impact our everyday lives.

You’ll hear fresh insights, practical advice, and motivating takeaways—perfect for anyone navigating change in 2025. Get inspired, stay informed, and remember: everything is up for discussion!

Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that’s packed with relevance and heart.

Timestamps 

[00:00] – Intro – Welcome back to Marine veteran, entrepreneur, and father of 10, TJ Ware — the “Plot Twist Man of the Universe.”

[01:12] – Disaster Relief & Mental Health – TJ’s work with USDR and Dr. Amy on reducing PTSD in disaster survivors and first responders.

[04:18] – Running for Congress – The big reveal: TJ announces his campaign for Texas’ 24th Congressional District.

[06:45] – Political Polarization & Campaign Finance – How Citizens United changed politics and why TJ pushes for reform.

[10:22] – Building Relationships in Washington – TJ’s approach to influencing change: listening first, leading second.

[14:36] – Education & Equal Opportunity – Why restoring civics and fixing funding gaps between schools is key.

[19:50] – Bridging the Divide – On uniting Americans across party lines and protecting democracy.

[23:40] – Closing & Call to Action – How to connect with TJ and support his campaign.

Quotes

"I run businesses, and sometimes you have to run lean and mean. You think I’m not going to have sharp young people responding to my constituents? That’s my job." -TJ Ware 

"I think what we’re seeing is so many gaps... One key thing you said is that you’re going to listen. I don’t think politicians are listening at all." - Tammera Hollerich 

"Our civics education has fallen so short that people don’t understand how government works or recognize misinformation. We have to invest in education." - TJ Ware 

"History repeats because human nature is consistent. Societies rise and fall. One day America may fall, but hopefully we can delay that."- TJ Ware 

Social Media Links 

Tammera Hollerich 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammeraHollerich

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammerahollerich/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thollerich/

TJ Ware 

Email: [email protected]

TikTok: @tjwareforcongress (also mentioned: @tjware)

Instagram: @tjwareforcongress

ActBlue: Search for TJ Ware (used for campaign donations)

Note: All links can be found on his website ElectTJ.com

Websites 

Everything Is Up: https://everything-is-up.simplecast.com/

Tammera Hollerich: https://tammerahollerich.com/

TJ Ware Website:  ElectTJ.com

In episode 65 of Everything is Up, Tammera Hollerich interviews Regina Vereen, Senior VP of People and Support Services at the House of Cheatham, as she reflects on how her diverse upbringing shaped her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She also emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive workplace culture and the value of adaptation in both personal and professional settings.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about beauty, success, and the impact of community-focused brands.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:27] Beauty brands for curly-coily community.

[00:06:00] Dealing with diverse personalities.

[00:10:01] Diversity and inclusion experiences.

[00:12:45] Adaptation to inevitable change.

[00:19:30] Family experiences over material gifts.

[00:22:00] Importance of family connections.

[00:26:48] Importance of building a village.

[00:31:16] Importance of taking time for you.

[00:34:46] Diversity and inclusion in workplaces.

[00:37:06] Podcast subscription importance.

QUOTES

• "I really think that our company does a good job of trying to listen to the consumer. And if the consumer feels their best, then we're doing something right." - Regina Vereen
• "You treat everybody the janitor to the CEO, the same way, and I take that to heart because everyone does have a different experience, but they all deserve respect. And what's exciting about my job is that I do get to interact with so many different people and personalities, but I'm also engaging and learning about the world." - Regina Vereen
• "If I could teach one thing to people, it would be adaptation. Adapting to whatever is around you." - Tammera Hollerich
• "You can't be your best self if you don't take the time to choose yourself and look at what it is that you need to feel your best." - Regina Vereen

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Tammera Hollerich

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammeraHollerich

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammerahollerich/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thollerich/

Regina Vereen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginavereen/

WEBSITES

Everything Is Up: https://everything-is-up.simplecast.com/

Tammera Hollerich: https://tammerahollerich.com/

House of Cheatham, LLC: https://houseofcheatham.com/

In episode 64 of Everything is Up, Tammera Hollerich interviews Roy Rodriguez, CEO & Founder at Intercon Paper, the largest family-owned paper converter in Texas. Roy shares the story of how he and his father started the business, the challenges they faced, and the evolution of the company over the years.

Tune in to gain insights into the balancing act of being a successful business owner and a dedicated family man. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:06] Family business legacy in paper.

[00:08:23] Entrepreneurial journey and learning process.

[00:11:16] Family business dynamics.

[00:14:16] Losing both parents to COVID.

[00:19:50] Overcoming family tragedy in business.

[00:22:40] Paper conversion process explained.

[00:25:37] Paper manufacturing process.

[00:33:11] Balancing work and family.

[00:35:23] Paper production insights.

QUOTES

• "In any downturn, there's always an opportunity. So regardless of whether or not these companies were not able to pivot, or they weren't progressive enough, or they were kind of stuck because I think that happens a lot." - Tammera Hollerich
• "So we figured out a way to get a lot more organized to get a lot more, be more efficient, hold people a lot more accountable and responsible, and hold ourselves accountable also for what happens in the factory." - Roy Rodriguez
• “What I like to tell people, if you ever see any kind of paper, any paper that you see anywhere, unless it's like really thick, and we don't even have to get into that, it always starts with a roll. Doesn't matter. It always starts with a roll.” - Roy Rodriguez

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Tammera Hollerich

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammeraHollerich

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammerahollerich/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thollerich/

Roy Rodriguez

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roy.rodriguez.5203/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogelio-rodriguez-74799123/

WEBSITES

Everything Is Up: https://everything-is-up.simplecast.com/

Tammera Hollerich: https://tammerahollerich.com/

Intercon Paper Solutions: https://www.interconpapersolutions.com/

In episode 63 of Everything is Up, Tammera Hollerich interviews Michelle Jaeger, the President and CEO of Das Health, to discuss the company's mission to revolutionize the healthcare industry. Michelle shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare landscape, especially focusing on senior care and technology advancements.

Tune in as they delve into the importance of self-care, the impact of technology in healthcare, and the value of having a personal board of directors. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:03] Changing the Healthcare Landscape.

[00:08:04] Advancement in AI in healthcare.

[00:11:20] Slow payment issues in healthcare.

[00:13:41] Book club discussion on deception.

[00:17:20] Self-care and career growth.

[00:22:24] Pushing boundaries for growth.

[00:27:30] Personal board of directors.

[00:30:27] Passion for Changing Healthcare Systems.

QUOTES

• "It's important for anyone, but it's really important when you're wired like me to really like jump all in, to have those honest advisors around you that will tell you the hard stuff. " - Michelle Jaeger
• “The impact it has on your life, on your career, on your relationships, like whatever, are always the things that are hard and you don't want to do. They bring the most growth typically almost all the time.” - Tammera Hollerich
• "You have to have some trusted people that you have met along the way in your business that you have consciously cultivated a relationship with right that you've made sure that you're bringing value to them and they're bringing value to you but that they will be honest with you and you know, give you good sage advice when you need it, or at least help you think about it differently through a different lens." - Michelle Jaeger

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Tammera Hollerich

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammeraHollerich

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammerahollerich/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thollerich/

Michelle Jaeger

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-jaeger-185a472/

WEBSITES

Everything Is Up: https://everything-is-up.simplecast.com/

Tammera Hollerich: https://tammerahollerich.com/

DAS Health: https://dashealth.com/

In episode 62 of Everything is Up, Tammera Hollerich interviews Charles Fry, founder of CODE Éxitos, a company with a unique approach to building digital products and fostering a positive work environment. Charles shares insights into the company's dual purpose of commercial success and social impact.

Tune in to learn more about their journey and the impact they're making in the tech industry.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:04:35] AI-powered game for children.

[00:04:46] Puppet robot teaching kids creativity.

[00:09:43] Social impact.

[00:15:39] The power of in-person interaction.

[00:21:04] Companies as commercial communities.

[00:23:24] Work Motivation

[00:29:03] Teaching younger workers post-pandemic.

[00:34:35] Remote work challenges and solutions.

[00:36:01] Building a company for longevity.

[00:40:56] Reaching out to Charles Fry.

QUOTES

• “We're also shaping our business so that we maximize the public benefit and the benefit to our employees as well. So that encompasses treating our workers well, having a positive environmental impact, and then having a positive impact on the communities where we work. So those are what, that's what we do.” - Charles Fry
• “It's hard and I notice that it gets harder as I get older to be open to change. I sometimes frequently tell the team here that my belief is that the single hardest thing for any person to do is change.” - Charles Fry
• “That's hard for employees to do to go. You're stalling us because you are not as open to it as you said. The older you get, you know, the less risk I want to take necessarily.” - Tammera Hollerich

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Tammera Hollerich

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammeraHollerich

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammerahollerich/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thollerich/

Charles Fry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-c-fry/

Email: [email protected]

WEBSITES

Everything Is Up: https://everything-is-up.simplecast.com/

Tammera Hollerich: https://tammerahollerich.com/

CODE Éxitos: https://codexitos.com/

In episode 61 of Everything is Up, Tammera Hollerich interviews Danny Hagen, the Chief Revenue Officer of Wallboard, based in Carrollton, Texas. Danny shares his journey in the tech industry, his perspective on integrity, and the impact of technology on society.

Tune in as they discuss topics ranging from the importance of giving back, and the influence of technology on mental health, to the current state of society and politics. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:05:06] The birth of digital signage.

[00:10:36] Living with integrity.

[00:13:40] Integrity in challenging times.

[00:18:49] Immigration and border control.

[00:19:33] Defending the free world.

[00:26:05] Privacy and data integration.

[00:29:02] Technology and societal impact.

[00:31:19] Effects of digital overload.

[00:36:49] Overcoming life challenges with positivity.

[00:41:04] Hope, positivity, gratitude in society.

QUOTES

• "There's nothing more important than your name, and your name is directly related to your brand, and your brand is directly related to your integrity." - Danny Hagen
• "Live every day to the fullest. Be grateful for everything you have. And you're going to mess up all the time. Try not to be resentful. Be positive and kind to everybody.  Give more than you get every day, period, full stop." - Danny Hagen
• "And even if it's just out of me and my heart or my knowledge or my connections or whatever the case may be, like, ‘I'm in.’ Somebody asked that favor. I'm in. I'm doing it. ‘Can you come and help?’ I will." - Danny Hagen

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Tammera Hollerich

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammeraHollerich

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammerahollerich/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thollerich/

Danny Hagen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hagendaniel/

WEBSITES

Everything Is Up: https://everything-is-up.simplecast.com/

Tammera Hollerich: https://tammerahollerich.com/

Wallboard: https://www.wallboard.us/team-members/danny-hagen

In episode 60 of Everything is Up, Tammera Hollerich interviews Rick Melero, CEO of HIS Capital Group, to discuss his journey from adversity to success in the real estate investment industry. Rick also shares insights on time management, personal growth, and the current state of the housing market.

Tune in to learn how to leverage opportunities and navigate economic challenges in the market.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:27] Diversifying business ventures.

[00:05:13] Weekly rhythm for success.

[00:08:40] Time management and productivity.

[00:11:55] Overcoming adversity and gratitude.

[00:14:23] Personal growth and mindset shift.

[00:19:43] Chasing personal growth and balance.

[00:20:35] Transformative life goals.

[00:24:45] Developing team through book series.

[00:27:40] Real estate investment trends.

[00:30:52] Becoming an investor or bank.

QUOTES

• "So part of that whole business day to day is managing the combination of the two to make sure that we're being good stewards with the projects that we're specifically investing in. But then also that we're empowering our clients who are looking for funding so that we can meet deadlines and make sure that we're able to fund those millions of dollars that we get requested on a regular basis." - Rick Melero
• "I'm indebted to some of the challenges that I've had to face over the years because they've actually refined me, sharpened me, strengthened me. And not only that, you know, when God blesses you, he doesn't bless you just for you. He blesses you because he has somebody else in mind as well. And so I've learned that over the years, those struggles then became a blessing for somebody else to be able to avoid those same hurts." - Rick Melero
• “I can see how those two can tie together with the discipline and the purpose and intention and, you know, staying focused. I mean, it's so easy to be distracted in our society with all of the social media influence and things that are pummeling you. It is very difficult to stay focused and keep that purpose and intention on the front end.” - Tammera Hollerich

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Tammera Hollerich

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammeraHollerich

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammerahollerich/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thollerich/

Rick Melero

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickmelero/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickmelero/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickmelero/

WEBSITES

Everything Is Up: https://everything-is-up.simplecast.com/

Tammera Hollerich: https://tammerahollerich.com/

Rick Melero: https://www.rickmelero.com/

HIS Capital Group: https://hiscapitalgroup.com/

In episode 59 of Everything is Up, Tammera Hollerich interviews Jig Pandya, the Chief Strategy Officer at Apsilon Hotels, as they discuss Jig's role in leading the digital division and his background in sports and competitive nature. Jig also shares a memorable experience from his childhood and the importance of continuous improvement.

Tune in to learn more about the importance of continuous improvement and learning.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:34] Atlanta's Busy Airport Insights.

[00:06:05] Leading the digital division.

[00:12:09] Pickleball obsession.

[00:15:55] Meeting Indian celebrity Amitabh Bachchan.

[00:17:37] Indian culture and adapting in America.

[00:23:32] The biggest room for improvement.

[00:24:35] Lifelong learning and growth.

QUOTES

• "Learning is never ending and it should be that way, and you need to learn to be able to evolve and adapt and continue to grow regardless of how much experience you've gained or how much knowledge you think you have. There's still room for improvement and to get wiser and better and stronger as well." - Jig Pandya
• “So having that knowledge role models and mentors during those years, I've literally learned everything I need to be successful in life through sports. And I'm very blessed and fortunate to have gone through that experience because it's immensely proven time and time again, as a lot of my success stories are related to what I've learned in sports.” - Jig Pandya
• "Whether some, I jokingly say, whether you're a millennial or not, you really don't know it all. And the day that we start thinking that we do is the day that you are going to start moving backward instead of forwards." - Tammera Hollerich

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Tammera Hollerich

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammeraHollerich

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammerahollerich/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thollerich/

Jig Pandya

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jigpandya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jigpandya/

WEBSITES

Everything Is Up: https://everything-is-up.simplecast.com/

Tammera Hollerich: https://tammerahollerich.com/

In episode 58 of Everything is Up, Tammera Hollerich interviews Carol Klocek, CEO of the Center for Transforming Lives in Fort Worth, Texas, as she shares insights into the organization's mission to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and trauma, particularly focusing on women and children in need.

Tune in as they delve into the challenges faced by single mothers and families in crisis, and the vital role of community support in breaking the cycle of poverty.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:31] Single moms facing financial challenges.

[00:07:09] Overcoming challenging family situations.

[00:12:39] Impact of COVID on workforce.

[00:15:35] Effects of chronic stress.

[00:19:37] Gardening and unusual weather patterns.

[00:25:16] Impact of working with children.

[00:29:57] Breaking the cycle of poverty.

[00:32:49] The importance of the primary family.

QUOTES

• "Intimate partner violence is one of the most common reasons a woman becomes homeless. So we can help them navigate that. But right now, that's only open to the people who are already involved in one of our other programs." - Carol Klocek
• “So it really all started back with what I saw at Catholic charities and, you know, understanding poverty and I think, though, that what we've done to at Transforming Lives is really hone in on that particular vulnerability to both poverty and trauma that women, single moms with a child under the age of five have, and then building an organization that works to solve that problem in particular.” - Carol Klocek
• “So often I think we turn a blind eye because we don't want to be involved. And. you guys, we are going to have to do something as a society. And it starts with the primary family.” - Tammera Hollerich

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Tammera Hollerich

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammeraHollerich

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammerahollerich/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thollerich/

Carol Klocek

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carol.klocek.5/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-hunter-klocek-2126584/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transforminglivesfw/

WEBSITES

Everything Is Up: https://everything-is-up.simplecast.com/

Tammera Hollerich: https://tammerahollerich.com/

Center for Transforming Lives: https://transforminglives.org/

In episode 57 of Everything is Up, Tammera Hollerich interviews Jacky Fischer, the CEO of 3 Men Movers and author of "The Growth Paradox." Jacky shares her journey of taking over the family business and growing it from $3 million to $40 million annually. They discuss the importance of trust in team dynamics, the challenges of scaling a business, and the impact of effective communication in the workplace.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration for your own business journey!

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:18] Taking Over the Family Business.

[00:04:51] The Importance of Trust.

[00:09:15] The Growth Paradox.

[00:12:29] Listening and Leadership Skills.

[00:19:23] Balancing Work and Family Life.

[00:23:41] Fun Trivia about Clowns.

QUOTES

• "I think, and I hate to be cliche about it, but I think it's really about getting the right people on board because, I mean, I don't think I'm that great of a CEO. I mean, I'm good at what I do, but it's not me. It's not all me. It's building the right people around you that are experts in their fields." - Jacky Fischer
• "There's a lot of people out there that say they want to grow their company, but they're not willing to let go of that control and power, and that creates a bottleneck and stifles their growth." - Jacky Fischer
• “I tell my team fairly regularly. I'm not going to hold you hostage. If you are not happy, we need to fix it before you're ready to leave, not as you are leaving, because I don't want you to feel like you're being held hostage to the paycheck or to the money." - Tammera Hollerich

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Tammera Hollerich

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammeraHollerich

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammerahollerich/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thollerich/

Jacky Fischer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacky.noons

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackynoons/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3menmovers/

Email: [email protected]

WEBSITES

Everything Is Up: https://everything-is-up.simplecast.com/

Tammera Hollerich: https://tammerahollerich.com/

3 Men Movers: https://www.3menmovers.com/

AVAIL THE BOOK HERE!

The Growth Paradox

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Growth-Paradox-Rethinking-Accountability-Business/dp/1637744080

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Growth-Paradox-Audiobook/B0CM4J1VTT