On this powerful episode of Work, Time, and Effort, host Chris Markowski welcomes Dr. Scott Anderson of the Addiction Recovery Care Center of Tampa—a man whose extraordinary life story defies every defeatist narrative about the American dream.

Dr. Anderson’s journey begins in poverty on the south side of Chicago and unfolds through years of domestic violence, instability, hunger, and abandonment. As a teenager, he endured juvenile lockup, chronic depression, and academic failure. By his early 20s, he was homeless in Tampa—sleeping in his car, eating out of garbage bins, and moments away from ending his life.

But everything changed the night he paused before pulling the trigger.

That moment sparked an epiphany—one that pushed him to rebuild from nothing. With no support, no money, and no guidance, Dr. Anderson clawed his way back: returning to school, discovering undiagnosed learning disabilities, earning degrees all the way up to a PhD in psychology, and becoming a licensed mental health professional. Today, he runs one of Florida’s leading outpatient addiction and mental-health clinics, dedicating his life to helping others escape the same darkness he once lived in.

This episode is a raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring look at resilience, faith, personal responsibility, and the power of human potential. If you've ever doubted your ability to move forward, Dr. Anderson’s story is a reminder that adversity can be a launching pad—not a life sentence.

Watchdog on Wallstreet: https://watchdogonwallstreet.com/

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Brian Gordon’s life story is a powerful testament to resilience, purpose and unwavering commitment. A US Marine veteran, Brian is no stranger to smoke – both on the battlefield and in business. His motivation to start Tactical Society Gear & Security Inc was born from personal tragedy: the murder of his brother, Vernon Gordon. This devastating loss fueled his mission to ensure that no one else would have to endure the pain he felt. He became a strong advocate for responsible gun ownership, believing every American should be equipped and empowered to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.

Through his companies –Tactical Society and Guns & Gars – Brian has channeled that mission into action. Tactical society offers top-quality firearms and tactical gear to law-abiding citizens, while guns & gars represents his expansion into a different kind of smoke: premium cigars.

Guns & gars boldly entered the cigar industry with the 2nd amendment cigar collection, a distinctive line that fuses luxury with liberty. This unique brand and blend not only reflects Brian's bold personality, taste for refinement, and cool-under-fire demeanor, but also proudly celebrates the second amendment of the United States constitution.

Brian's ventures have brought him financial freedom, but more importantly, they’ve allowed him to honor his brother’s memory and advocate for the principles he holds dear – preparedness, patriotism, and personal responsibility.

Watchdog on Wallstreet: https://watchdogonwallstreet.com/

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His teacher once said, “Cosimo, being dyslexic and having learning disabilities, you can’t go that far, you have to adapt!”

Now a world-renowned expert in advanced learning techniques, memory improvement, brain optimization, and accelerated learning, Cosimo has proved that learning difficulties are no constraint to becoming successful and that his teacher needs to improve his motivational skills. He has used his expertise as a brain coach to students, seniors, entrepreneurs, and educators for over twelve years.

Born and bred in the south of Italy, he moved to the US with his wife and never looked back. In fact, within four weeks of migrating, he held his first course on the techniques he used to learn English in just two weeks, drawing on his studies concerning learning styles and techniques that consisted of 6,000 words and grammar rules.

He is considered a learning expert in his field with master-level qualifications in Mind Maps, Speed Reading, Micro-Facial Expressions, Team-building, Public Speaking, Effective Communication, Goal Setting, Decision-making, Personal Development, Time Management, and Memory Techniques.

Co-Creator of the Genius in 21 Days course, available in 50+ countries with over 520 face-to-face and 600 virtual classes delivered every year, his impact on the student community has reached epic proportions.

In his free time, he enjoys the simple things in life; reading, meditating, traveling, spending quality time with family and playing hide-and-seek with his wonderful two-year-old daughter, providing both stimulation and relaxation to the mind – the most powerful tool in the world.

Watchdog on Wallstreet: https://watchdogonwallstreet.com/

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In this episode of Work, Time & Effort, Chris welcomes back friend and guest Patrick Highland, who not only brings the energy from the sports world but also offers critical insights into something even more personal for many: navigating Medicare.

With Medicare enrollment season right around the corner, Patrick breaks down what most people find confusing — Medicare Supplements, Advantage Plans (HMO & PPO), Part B premiums, and how to truly tailor your healthcare coverage to your life and budget. Whether you’re turning 65 soon, helping a loved one enroll, or just want to save hundreds per month on your current plan, this conversation delivers real value.

You’ll hear:

• The three tiers of Medicare coverage — from “Cadillac” plans to value-focused options

• Why choosing the right doctor network matters more than perks like free gym memberships

• How Patrick saved one client $100/month with a better-fit plan

• Why October 15 – December 7 is your golden window to make changes

• The risks of going uninsured — and why some decisions can cost you thousands

• Tips for staying healthy in retirement and how your plan can help

It’s an informative, eye-opening, and surprisingly entertaining look at the real cost of healthcare — and how to take control of it.

📌 Whether you’re in Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa or anywhere in Florida — this episode is for you.

Watchdog on Wallstreet: https://watchdogonwallstreet.com/

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Kevin St. John is the founder of BOOMIN business solutions and brings over a decade of experience in consulting for the trades industry, with a strong passion for driving meaningful change. He is committed to helping business owners in the trades unlock their full potential and thrive in today’s dynamic economic landscape.

BOOMIN business solutions provides premier consulting services tailored to the unique needs of trade professionals – including HVAC specialists, electricians, plumbers, landscapers, contractors, roofers, and more. the company’s mission is to empower leaders in the trades by aligning people, priorities, and processes to achieve operational excellence.

It's comprehensive suite of services includes strategy facilitation, quality improvement programs, project management, and data analysis. every engagement begins with a deep understanding of the client’s goals and challenges, followed by a customized plan to drive sustainable growth and measurable results.

With a client-centric approach and proven industry expertise, BOOMIN business solutions delivers tangible value and lasting success.

Watchdog on Wallstreet: https://watchdogonwallstreet.com/

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Ray Hall is the President and Chief Appraiser of Ray Hall Appraisals, a residential and commercial real estate appraisal and consulting firm. He is a Certified General Appraiser in the state of Florida. He also performs court testimony as an expert witness in various local courts.

Ray began his appraisal career in 2004 after spending several years as a financial advisor, following his graduation from the University of South Florida. He began his career with one of the largest residential appraisal firms on the west coast of Florida. After several years of residential appraising, Ray decided it was time to broaden his knowledge base of the appraisal profession and accepted a position with a commercial appraisal firm. It was there that Ray was fortunate to work on various property types such as retail, industrial, and agricultural properties, as well as more unique assignments including easements and conservation lands.

In 2011, Ray was offered a position as a Review Appraiser with JP Morgan Chase. The position provided Ray with experience in completing national reviews as well as working directly with FNMA in discussions regarding appraisal issues.

In 2017, Ray decided once again to return to field appraising and start his own company. His goal with Ray Hall Appraisals is not only to provide lenders with quality appraisals and competitive turn times, but also to educate people on real estate valuation and how an appraiser can help them make decisions when buying real estate or renovating their homes and investments.

Ray’s fast turnaround times and in-depth knowledge of the real estate market have made him one of Tampa Bay’s leading experts in real estate. He quickly became known as “Ray the Appraiser” and has thousands of followers across multiple social media channels.

In 2018, he began working on “Ask #RayTheAppraiser,” an online advice Q&A show. This led to the development of “Driving with #RayTheAppraiser,” which documents his life on the road while performing work as an appraiser.

When not on the road, Ray spends his time with his two daughters at his home in New Tampa.

Watchdog on Wallstreet: https://watchdogonwallstreet.com/

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Valerie graduated from the University of Akron School of Law where she enjoyed writing cartoons and crossword puzzles for the school’s newspaper, The Sidebar.

She began her undergraduate studies as a music major at Baldwin Wallace University and eventually graduated from Ashland University with a Public Communication degree.

Valerie began her legal career in 2005 and owned the Ohio-based Law Office of Valerie A. Lang, LLC before relocating to Florida in 2016. She continues to serve clients in Ohio as well as in Florida.

When she is not serving law clients, Valerie stays busy as a soccer mom, kazoo player, certified life coach, and wildly curious researcher of all things.

Watchdog on Wallstreet: https://watchdogonwallstreet.com/

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David Dahmer is a licensed Chiropractor serving the Brooksville community.Dr. David Dahmer has been freeing people from pain in the clinic in Brooksville, FL. As a Chiropractor with experience, Dr. Dahmer is committed to promoting optimal health and well being of patients.

Dr. Dahmer uses a "whole person approach". This approach to wellness means looking for underlying causes of any disturbance or disruption (which may or may not be causing symptoms at the time) and make whatever interventions and lifestyle adjustments that would optimize the conditions for normal function. Using this unique approach, Dr. Dahmer is able to help you to accelerate and/or maintain your journey to good health.

Watchdog on Wallstreet: https://watchdogonwallstreet.com/

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