Spilling on Juneteenth, the Platner Controversy, “UFC Freedom 250,” and an LGBTQ+ Icon

Spilling on Juneteenth, the Platner Controversy, “UFC Freedom 250,” and an LGBTQ+ Icon

In this week’s episode, Dr. Long kicks things off with a call to action: vote like your life depends on it, because in 2026, it absolutely does. From the rising cost of living to the ongoing attacks on the Voting Rights Act, book bans, and the defunding of education, Dr. Long lays out exactly what’s at stake for everyday Americans. He breaks down how inflation is hitting the Midwest especially hard — with grocery prices up 3% and gas in Madison pushing $4.50 a gallon — and reminds listeners that political choices directly shape economic realities. This season is all about connecting the dots between policy and lived experience, and this episode wastes no time doing just that. The tea gets hotter as Dr. Long dives into the bizarre 250th‑anniversary “celebration” at the White House — which, instead of honoring American progress, has turned into a UFC‑themed birthday bash for the president. From the spectacle of a cage match on the South Lawn to the administration’s obsession with branding everything with Trump’s face, Dr. Long breaks down the grift, the disconnect, and the absurdity. He contrasts the spectacle with the real issues Americans face daily, calling out the administration’s misplaced priorities and lack of focus on affordability, wages, and economic stability. Shifting to national politics, Dr. Long unpacks the unfolding primary landscape, including the Graham Plattner controversy in Maine. Despite allegations involving extremist symbolism, misogyny, and a sexting scandal, Plattner still pulled 72% in the Democratic primary — a sign that voters in Maine may be responding differently than national pundits expect. Dr. Long explains why Senator Susan Collins is uniquely vulnerable this cycle and how Democrats see Maine as a key opportunity to retake the Senate. He also highlights broader primary shake‑ups across the country, emphasizing the importance of staying engaged, informed, and ready to vote problematic leaders out. The episode closes with a powerful, emotional deep dive into Juneteenth and Pride Month, honoring the resilience, brilliance, and legacy of Black and queer communities. Dr. Long traces the history of Juneteenth —the delayed freedom of enslaved Texans —and the ongoing fight for true equality, connecting it to modern struggles over voting rights and systemic injustice. He then uplifts the legacy of Bayard Rustin, the openly gay civil rights strategist erased from mainstream history, reminding listeners that queer Black leadership has always been central to liberation movements. The message is clear: our ancestors paved the way, and it’s on us to vote, organize, and live boldly in our truth. Visit www.drmarklong.com Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUNgD6OB7Y0Bv2ZJAN7u7dg Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ce102b4c-4321-4873-be03-e1bdd908f93f/clock-the-tea-with-dr-long Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clock-the-tea-with-dr-long/id1852896832 Visit https://redcircle.com/shows/c073929d-a568-44d6-b1a4-2ba85e235284 to learn more about the podcast. RSS feed link: https://feeds.redcircle.com/c073929d-a568-44d6-b1a4-2ba85e235284

Crowley, Hong, Midterms, & Mess: Happy Pride! Vote 2026

Clock the Tea with Dr. Long launches *Season 4: Vote 2026* with a sharp, timely, and unapologetically Wisconsin‑rooted deep dive into the political landscape shaping this year’s midterms. Dr. Long opens the season by grounding listeners in the realities of 2026: rising costs of living, shifting voting laws, and the national ripple effects of recent Supreme Court decisions. As he puts it, this is a year where “it’s important to start talking about current issues that are impacting us locally and nationally,” and the episode wastes no time breaking down what voters need to understand as primaries unfold across the country. From national redistricting battles to the dynamics shaping Wisconsin’s own gubernatorial field, Dr. Long walks listeners through the forces influencing the election cycle without predicting outcomes. He highlights reporting from outlets like CNN, ABC, and WISN to contextualize how gerrymandering, fundraising, and shifting party coalitions are shaping the political map. The episode also explores the contrasting profiles of local figures such as David Crowley and Francesca Hong, examining how their backgrounds, policy priorities, and community ties resonate with different parts of the state. As Dr. Long notes, Crowley’s emphasis on affordability and community trust-building reflects issues “every Wisconsinite cares about,” while Hong’s progressive platform aligns strongly with Dane County’s values. The episode then widens its lens to national tensions, including congressional debates over the SAVE Act and the growing fractures within the Republican Party. Dr. Long cites reporting that four GOP senators broke ranks on a key amendment, calling it “another example of Republicans breaking from Trump,” and uses this moment to discuss how federal policy battles intersect with everyday concerns like voting access, immigration, and economic stability. He also touches on international conflict and its domestic impact, noting that stalled negotiations abroad continue to influence gas prices and cost‑of‑living pressures at home. Balancing the political heaviness, Dr. Long celebrates Pride Month with intention and joy, reminding listeners that “you are who you are through and through 365 days of the year.” The episode spotlights Wisconsin’s Pride flag‑raising at the Capitol, local protections for gender‑affirming care, and a powerful profile of trailblazer Audre Lorde, whose words “became a rallying cry against injustice.” The show also highlights a major local victory: the release of 135 beagles from Ridgeland Farms after years of advocacy, underscoring the community’s commitment to compassion and accountability. Season 4 begins with clarity, heart, and a call to stay informed — because understanding the stakes is the first step toward shaping Wisconsin’s future. Visit www.drmarklong.com Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUNgD6OB7Y0Bv2ZJAN7u7dg Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ce102b4c-4321-4873-be03-e1bdd908f93f/clock-the-tea-with-dr-long Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clock-the-tea-with-dr-long/id1852896832 Visit https://redcircle.com/shows/c073929d-a568-44d6-b1a4-2ba85e235284 to learn more about the podcast. RSS feed link: https://feeds.redcircle.com/c073929d-a568-44d6-b1a4-2ba85e235284

Comey, Kimmel, the FCC, and the Supreme Court’s Attack on Voting Rights Ep. 15

Comey, Kimmel, the FCC, and the Supreme Court’s Attack on Voting Rights Ep. 15 Tonight on Clock the Tea with Dr. Long, Mark dives straight into the chaos: James Comey’s new indictment, Jimmy Kimmel being targeted by the FCC, and an administration that seems more focused on punishing critics than addressing the cost‑of‑living crisis. As Mark puts it, “Why aren’t we focused on affordability? So we’re going after Jimmy Kimmel and James Comey now?” We break down the legal absurdity of the Comey case — including the seashell “86‑47” Instagram post — and why even conservative commentators are calling it a “vindictive prosecution.” Then we shift to the White House’s outrage at a harmless Jimmy Kimmel joke and the FCC’s sudden interest in policing comedy. Mark calls out the hypocrisy: “You can’t joke anymore. You can’t be a comedian.” But the biggest story of the night is the Supreme Court’s devastating blow to the Voting Rights Act. Mark walks listeners through the history, the stakes, and why this ruling is a direct attack on minority representation. As the transcript notes, “The Supreme Court hollowed out the landmark Civil Rights Era law by striking down a majority‑Black congressional district in Louisiana.” We close with a cultural reality check: the right‑wing outrage over “whiteface,” the historical weight of Blackface, and why false equivalencies are dangerous. Mark reminds listeners that context matters — and history matters. Grab your mugs. This episode is full of receipts, clarity, and the kind of truth‑telling you won’t hear anywhere else. Visit www.drmarklong.com Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUNgD6OB7Y0Bv2ZJAN7u7dg Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ce102b4c-4321-4873-be03-e1bdd908f93f/clock-the-tea-with-dr-long Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clock-the-tea-with-dr-long/id1852896832 Visit https://redcircle.com/shows/c073929d-a568-44d6-b1a4-2ba85e235284 to learn more about the podcast. RSS feed link: https://feeds.redcircle.com/c073929d-a568-44d6-b1a4-2ba85e235284

Wisconsin's Governor's Race, Travel Chaos Nationwide, & Wildfires in the South Ep. 14

CLOCK THE TEA WITH DR. LONG SEASON 3 EP. 14 In this week’s episode of Clock the Tea with Dr. Long, we’re pouring a fresh mug and diving straight into the heart of Wisconsin politics. Dr. Long kicks things off by grounding the conversation where it belongs — right here at home — exploring the candidates vying to become the next governor of the Badger State. With the cost of living climbing and families feeling the squeeze, he’s ready to put his money where his mouth is and start supporting leaders who actually show up for working people. The episode opens with conversations from the campaign trail, starting with State Representative Francesca Hong, a Madisonian through and through. Hong brings her lived experience as a single mom, chef, service‑industry worker, and community organizer into the race. She talks about running in a moment of “crisis and chaos,” but also a moment of movement — a chance to fight alongside working‑class Wisconsinites demanding real change. Dr. Long digs deeper into her background, highlighting her roots as the daughter of immigrants, her commitment to racial and economic justice, and her push for marijuana legalization — a policy supported by a majority of Wisconsinites. Next up is Lieutenant Governor Sarah Rodriguez, who brings a healthcare lens to the race. A nurse by training who has worked every shift imaginable, Rodriguez has traveled to all 72 counties and hears the same concerns everywhere: rising costs, strained childcare, unaffordable housing, and families doing everything right but still falling behind. Her platform centers on lowering healthcare costs, cutting property taxes, expanding childcare access, and defending reproductive rights — including her firm stance that abortion is healthcare and that Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban has no place in modern law. Dr. Long then shifts to two additional candidates: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes. Crowley shares his story of growing up in Milwaukee in a family battling addiction and financial instability — a background that shaped his commitment to affordability, housing reform, and clean energy access. As the youngest and first Black Milwaukee County Executive, he’s focused on zoning flexibility, rapid rehousing, and cutting energy costs while strengthening environmental protections. Barnes, meanwhile, frames his run around economic relief and bold leadership. With parents who worked in manufacturing and public education, he understands firsthand the pressures Wisconsin families face. He emphasizes the need to reject the status quo, lower costs, and invest in public schools — pointing to his record of violence‑prevention funding and historic education investments during the Evers‑Barnes administration. His campaign is backed by a wide coalition of local leaders, educators, and national organizations. After unpacking the candidates, Dr. Long widens the lens to national issues shaping everyday life — including skyrocketing jet fuel prices, flight cancellations, and global travel disruptions tied to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He breaks down NBC News reporting on airlines slashing routes, rising baggage fees, and the ripple effects hitting American travelers just as spring break and summer travel ramp up. The episode closes with a sobering look at the fast‑moving wildfires devastating parts of Georgia and Florida. With homes destroyed, thousands under evacuation orders, and firefighters battling dangerous conditions, Dr. Long highlights how Midwestern listeners can support relief efforts through donations, supplies, and community‑led drives. By the end of the episode, one thing is clear: Wisconsin’s governor’s race isn’t just about politics — it’s about the future of affordability, justice, and community in a state where people deserve leaders who understand their lives. Dr. Long leaves listeners with a reminder that staying informed, engaged, and ready to act is the first step toward shaping the Wisconsin we want to live in. Visit www.drmarklong.com Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUNgD6OB7Y0Bv2ZJAN7u7dg Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ce102b4c-4321-4873-be03-e1bdd908f93f/clock-the-tea-with-dr-long Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clock-the-tea-with-dr-long/id1852896832 Visit https://redcircle.com/shows/c073929d-a568-44d6-b1a4-2ba85e235284 to learn more about the podcast. RSS feed link: https://feeds.redcircle.com/c073929d-a568-44d6-b1a4-2ba85e235284

Across the Map: Wisconsin’s Election, Severe Midwest Storms, GLP-1s, The Strait of Hormuz, and 2028 Signals Ep. 13

In this Wisconsin‑focused episode, Dr. Long opens with the major political shift unfolding in the state. Following the recent election, NBC News projected that Chris Taylor has won a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, flipping a conservative‑held seat and expanding the court’s liberal majority. Dr. Long walks listeners through what this means for the state’s political landscape — from the newly secured majority through 2030 to the policy areas likely to be shaped by the court’s direction. Redistricting, abortion rights, labor issues, and voting access all stand to be influenced by this long‑term ideological shift. Drawing from statewide turnout and early projections, Dr. Long reflects on how this election signals changing priorities among Wisconsin voters. The episode then turns to the severe weather events that have battered Wisconsin in recent days. With hailstorms, flooding, and tornado activity affecting Dane, Milwaukee, Waukesha, and surrounding counties, Dr. Long highlights the widespread damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. He shares firsthand observations from Madison — dented cars, damaged roofs, overwhelmed insurance systems — and emphasizes the importance of safety, preparedness, and checking in on loved ones across the Midwest. The segment also touches on broader climate concerns as extreme weather becomes increasingly common in the region. Staying local, Dr. Long revisits the beagle rescue operation in Blue Mounds, where activists broke into a breeding facility accused of keeping dogs in inhumane conditions. Drawing from recent news coverage and community reactions, he discusses the tension between the facility’s claims and the activists’ accounts of neglect. Dr. Long frames the event as part of a larger conversation about animal welfare, accountability, and the role of community action in confronting unethical practices. The episode then shifts to international news with domestic implications. Dr. Long covers CNN’s confirmation that Iran has opened the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels during the current ceasefire period — a development with immediate global economic impact. He explains how the reopening affects oil flow, fuel prices, inflation, and market stability, noting the rapid drop in crude prices following the announcement. The segment also touches on ongoing U.S.–Iran negotiations, regional power dynamics, and the broader importance of avoiding further escalation in the Middle East. From there, Dr. Long moves into a discussion of GLP‑1 medications, including the newly announced oral versions of Wegovy and other emerging treatments. He explains why GLP‑1 hormones are medically significant, how these drugs support weight loss and metabolic health, and why access remains a major equity issue. Drawing from personal experience managing diabetes and weight, he underscores the importance of expanding insurance coverage and ensuring that life‑changing medications are available to the communities that need them most. To close the episode, Dr. Long turns to the evolving 2028 presidential landscape, highlighting recent comments from Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg about potential runs. He reflects on Harris’s past leadership, her message about progress over process, and the political challenges facing Democratic candidates in the current climate. The segment emphasizes the importance of voter engagement, accountability in government, and the need for leaders who can address affordability, foreign policy, and public trust Visit www.drmarklong.com Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music.  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUNgD6OB7Y0Bv2ZJAN7u7dg Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ce102b4c-4321-4873-be03-e1bdd908f93f/clock-the-tea-with-dr-long Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clock-the-tea-with-dr-long/id1852896832 Visit https://redcircle.com/shows/c073929d-a568-44d6-b1a4-2ba85e235284 to learn more about the podcast. RSS feed link: https://feeds.redcircle.com/c073929d-a568-44d6-b1a4-2ba85e235284