This week on Everything Is Up, Donovan Pyle breaks down the flaws in the U.S. employer-sponsored healthcare system and how legacy brokers profit when costs rise. He makes the case for fiduciary consultants—paid directly by employers—to bring transparency, accountability, and real value. Donovan shares why managing the healthcare supply chain, demanding data access, and engaging the C-suite are key to cutting costs and improving benefits. Plus, a preview of his upcoming book, Fixing Healthcare, a roadmap for reform that calls for transparency, fiduciary responsibility, and smarter consulting models to reduce waste and deliver better care.

Time Stamps

00:00 – Introduction
Welcome to Everything Is Up and introduction of Donovan Pyle.

06:40 – Legacy Brokers & Misaligned Incentives
Why brokers profit when healthcare costs rise.

11:20 – The Case for Fiduciary Consultants
How being paid directly by employers ensures transparency and value.

21:10 – Data Access Challenges
Why employers struggle to get claims data and why it matters.

27:45 – Engaging the C-Suite
Why executive involvement is crucial for cutting costs and improving benefits.

33:30 – Fixing Healthcare: The Book
A sneak peek at Donovan Pyle’s roadmap for healthcare reform.

38:00 – Closing Thoughts
Final takeaways on transparency, fiduciary responsibility, and new consulting models.

Quotes

"Most people realize the healthcare system is broken - I don't think they realize how broken it really is." -Tammera Hollerich

"We're on a mission to clarify what agent, broker, and consultant actually mean, and how they aren't the same." -Tammera Hollerich

"The moment I realized it was time to make a big change was when I got fired from a national brokerage firm for advocating on behalf of my clients." -Donovan Pyle

"Independent brokers were still getting paid by the carriers- they make more money when the employer's costs go up, not down." -Donovan Pyle

Websites

Tammera Hollerich

https://everything-is-up.simplecast.com/

https://tammerahollerich.com/

Donovan Pyle

https://fixinghealthcare.com/

https://donovanpyle.com/

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: tj@electtj.com

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: carlos@codexitos.com

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