In this episode of Clock the Tea with Dr. Long, Mark opens with a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Dolly Parton, who passed away at age 80. He reflects on her decades‑long impact as a musician, philanthropist, queer icon, and cultural force whose kindness shaped generations. Dolly’s legacy — from her chart‑topping hits to her Imagination Library that touched families right here in Madison — serves as the emotional anchor of the episode, reminding listeners how one life can ripple through communities.

From there, Mark shifts into the latest political pulse in Wisconsin, where new polling shows David Crowley edging ahead of Tom Tiffany among likely voters. He breaks down what the numbers mean, how Democrats and Republicans differ in enthusiasm versus certainty of turnout, and why independents remain the unpredictable center of this race. The episode teases deeper insights into voter behavior, data center backlash, and how shifting primary dynamics continue to reshape the statewide conversation.

Mark then zooms out to the national stage, where the Trump administration has secured a temporary legal win in its push to restrict mail‑in voting. He explores the Supreme Court’s procedural ruling, the confusion it creates across states, and the broader implications for voter access heading into the midterms. The episode raises questions about constitutional boundaries, election logistics, and the political motivations behind last‑minute voting restrictions — all unpacked further inside the show.

Listeners also get Mark’s take on the high‑profile Lindsay Clancy trial, where questions of mental health, criminal responsibility, and justice collide. He offers a candid perspective on how the legal system treats defendants differently depending on race, class, and circumstance, while leaving the full courtroom breakdown for the episode itself. It’s a heavy segment, but one that speaks to the broader themes of accountability and equity that run through the season.

To close, Mark brings the conversation back to Dolly Parton — this time through a surprising legal victory in Texas, where a federal judge cited Dolly while striking down the state’s drag ban. It’s a moment that blends culture, law, and Dolly’s enduring influence, reminding listeners why her legacy matters far beyond music. The episode ends with a call to stay engaged, stay loud, and stay ready as Wisconsin heads toward a defining election season.

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Season 4!!! VOTE 2026. Episode 8

In this episode of Clock the Tea with Dr. Long, Mark kicks things off with Francesca Hong’s blistering “Pulling the Plug” ad — a statewide callout aimed at the AI data center boom and the political déjà vu of Foxconn‑style promises. Hong’s message sets the tone: Wisconsin is at a crossroads, and voters are waking up to the stakes. Mark leans into the urgency, the energy, and the growing coalition behind Hong as the primary tightens.

From there, Mark digs into Hong’s broader vision for Wisconsin — affordability, working‑class power, and reclaiming the state’s progressive roots. He explores how Hong frames Democratic socialism in a Wisconsin context, why her message resonates across rural and urban communities, and what it means to campaign in a state where people are tired of being told their struggles are imaginary. Listeners get a taste of Hong’s platform, but the deeper details unfold inside the episode.

The conversation then shifts to Madison’s political tension following the killing of Corey Ruiz and the clearing of the Willy Street encampment. Mark doesn’t hold back on his critique of Mayor Satya Rhodes‑Conway’s response, raising questions about leadership, community trust, and what “public safety” actually means when grieving residents are met with heavy machinery and arrests. The episode dives into the emotional and political fallout — but the full story is one you’ll want to hear directly.

Mark also zooms out to the national stage, where MAGA lawmakers are escalating their attacks on Dr. Anthony Fauci. He breaks down the contempt vote, the political theater, and the broader pattern of science denial shaping the far‑right agenda. It’s sharp, it’s pointed, and it’s classic Clock the Tea — but the episode itself goes deeper into the implications and the historical echoes behind these moves.

Finally, Mark closes with the latest drama inside the Trump administration — a chaotic feud over the damaged reflecting pool in Washington, D.C. Yes, really. Janine Pirro, Doug Burgum, boxes of evidence, Oval Office tension — it’s political absurdity at its finest. Mark ties it all together with a call to action: vote, stay loud, and stay locked in as Wisconsin heads toward a defining primary.

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Welcome to episode 7 of season 4!

This week’s episode of Clock the Tea with Dr. Long opens with the heartbreaking killing of 38‑year‑old Corey Ruiz, whose death at the hands of Madison police has shaken the community and reignited conversations about policing, racism, and accountability. As Ruiz’s mother said through tears, “They took my baby from me… He did not deserve to be taken out like that.” Dr. Long centers Ruiz’s humanity, reminding listeners that mental health struggles or substance use do not justify a death sentence — and that Black lives must be protected, not policed into extinction.

Dr. Long then breaks down the multiple investigations now underway — from the Independent Police Monitor to the DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation — and why the process itself exposes long‑standing inequities. He highlights concerns raised by legal experts about officers receiving delayed interviews and the absence of body cameras, noting that “someone was murdered by someone who reacted off impulse,” and that better training and accountability are overdue. The episode stresses that community vigilance, allyship, and sustained pressure are essential as the case moves forward.

From there, the episode shifts to the Democratic primary debate, where candidates were pressed on policing, public safety, and the recent shooting. Dr. Long recaps the standout performances, praising Francesca Hong’s clarity and conviction, David Crowley’s grounded responses, and Kelda Roys’ sharp policy framing. He also breaks down fresh polling from the Marquette Law School survey showing Hong leading at 26 percent, with Barnes trailing at 15 percent, and explains how Rodriguez’s exit reshapes the race. The debate’s affordability segment becomes a focal point, with candidates clashing over tax relief, deficits, and long‑term investment.

Dr. Long expands the conversation on affordability by connecting statewide concerns to national trends: rising fuel costs, grocery inflation, transportation expenses, and the ripple effects of energy instability. He argues that Wisconsinites are feeling the squeeze more than ever and need leadership that speaks directly to their lived reality. The episode emphasizes that affordability — not slogans, not culture wars — will decide the election and urges listeners to vote for candidates who prioritize working families over wealthy donors or political gimmicks.

To close, Dr. Long spotlights Francesca Hong’s newly released “Tax the Rich” plan, which proposes shifting tax burdens away from low‑income households and toward millionaires and large corporations. He quotes Hong’s core message, “Working families keep Wisconsin running,” and breaks down her proposals to close loopholes, invest in infrastructure, and redirect billions from AI data center tax breaks to schools, housing, and clean energy. The episode ends with a call to action — to vote, to stay informed, and to keep saying Corey Ruiz’s name — because change only happens when communities refuse to look away.

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This week’s episode opens with a breaking public‑health scare: a fast‑spreading Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms in Mexico. Dr. Long breaks down the FDA’s traceback investigation, Taco Bell’s voluntary removal of impacted lettuce, and why rinsing produce isn’t enough to eliminate the parasite.

“In Michigan… they usually see around 50 cases annually. There have now been more than 4,000 reported cases in less than a month.”

Dr. Long urges listeners to stay cautious, stay hydrated, and maybe stick to frozen veggies until the chaos settles.

The episode then pivots to major Wisconsin political news: Lieutenant Governor Sarah Rodriguez has officially dropped out of the governor’s race. Dr. Long shares her emotional statement, the financial issues behind her decision, and how her exit reshapes the Democratic primary field.

“This race is too important to let that happen… Wisconsin deserves better than that.”

With Rodriguez out, the remaining contenders — Mandela Barnes, Joel Brennan, Kel Deroy, Francesca Hong, and possibly David Crawley — create a new dynamic that Dr. Long unpacks with clarity and honesty.

Next, Dr. Long tackles ICE’s plummeting favorability, especially among independents, after multiple deaths in ICE custody and rising concerns about excessive force.

“Among independents… ICE’s net favorability was minus three. Now it’s negative forty‑two.”

He highlights the names of those who died, the lack of body cameras, and the growing public frustration with the agency’s actions.

From there, the episode shifts to Pete Hegseth’s push for mandatory testosterone screening for service members over 30 — a proposal Dr. Long calls misguided, medically inaccurate, and suspiciously obsessed with masculinity.

He breaks down actual medical research on testosterone decline, the real causes of deficiency, and why Hegseth’s framing doesn’t match science or military reality.

The local tea continues with Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes‑Conway announcing her run for a third term. Dr. Long reviews her record — BRT expansion, tripling the Affordable Housing Fund, opening the city’s first purpose‑built homeless shelter — while also sharing community reactions and his own early impressions as a newer Madison resident.

He raises questions about priorities, housing affordability, and whether the city needs more youth services and community spaces.

To close the episode, Dr. Long brings the energy back up with a message from Bernie Sanders, emphasizing grassroots power, voter turnout, and the fight against billionaire‑funded political influence.

“The only way we take on that money is through an unprecedented, strong grassroots movement.”

Dr. Long reflects on morality, character, and the importance of voting — especially in Wisconsin’s upcoming elections.

This episode blends public health, state politics, national controversy, local leadership, and a dose of Bernie‑style hope. As always, Dr. Long keeps it real, keeps it sharp, and keeps you informed.

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Special Episode (Season 4; Ep. 5):

Dr. Long opens this episode of Clock the Tea by launching The Conversation, a mini‑series exploring interracial love through both history and lived experience. He grounds the discussion in the story of Richard and Mildred Loving, whose 1967 Supreme Court case dismantled centuries of anti‑miscegenation laws that criminalized interracial relationships. By tracing laws from the 1600s through Jim Crow and early Supreme Court rulings like Pace v. Alabama, he shows how the policing of love shaped American identity, citizenship, and racial hierarchy long before the Lovings ever stepped into a courtroom.

The episode then shifts to the present, connecting historical oppression to modern political and social dynamics. Dr. Long explains how discrimination, voting rights conflicts, and racial resentment still influence how interracial couples navigate civic life and community spaces. He reflects on his own interracial relationship, emphasizing that love is both deeply personal and inevitably shaped by the political environment around us. Research, lived experience, and cultural commentary all come together to illustrate how interracial families continue to face bias, misunderstanding, and outdated narratives — even as acceptance grows.

To round out the conversation, Dr. Long highlights the everyday realities of interracial relationships, from cultural learning curves to family reactions to the occasional ignorance that still surfaces. Clips from public conversations and couples’ stories underscore how love across racial lines requires empathy, exposure, and unlearning — but also brings joy, growth, and connection. With humor and heart, he notes how interracial marriage has risen dramatically since the 1970s, reshaping the country’s emotional IQ around love. He closes by reminding listeners that love isn’t a group project, nor does it require public permission — it’s a human right worth embracing boldly and without apology.

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This episode of Clock the Tea with Dr. Long opens with the chaos surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where former Olympian David Hearn now faces felony charges for allegedly ripping up part of the newly installed liner. Dr. Long breaks down the contradictions in the administration’s narrative — from claims of “350‑foot gashes” to accusations that Hearn used only his bare hands — and questions why a poorly executed $16 million renovation is being pinned on a single civilian. As Dr. Long puts it, “You don’t need an attorney… to see that these people are lying right to our face.”

The episode then shifts to Pete Buttigieg’s emotional account of a false CPS report that led to his children being interviewed by authorities and temporarily removed from his care. Dr. Long calls the incident what it is — a hateful, politically motivated attack — and highlights Buttigieg’s reminder that families should be off‑limits in political warfare. The transcript captures Buttigieg’s distress: “They didn’t know why they were being brought to a room to have a conversation with somebody they’ve never met.”

From there, Dr. Long dives into the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming birthright citizenship, pushing back against the administration’s attempt to reinterpret the 14th Amendment. Using commentary from Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway, the episode underscores how deeply embedded birthright citizenship is in American history and how dangerous it is when leaders selectively weaponize constitutional language. Dr. Long stresses that immigration policy should not be twisted into a tool for exclusion or fearmongering.

The episode closes with a conversation about democratic socialism, featuring insights from Zoran Mamdani and Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong. Dr. Long explains how democratic socialism centers working‑class power, affordable living, and government accountability — a stark contrast to the current administration’s priorities. Hong’s message is clear: “Everyone deserves to have housing, health care, education, and food.” Dr. Long frames this as a call to action for Wisconsin voters and a reminder that building a more equitable America starts with showing up at the ballot box.

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Hong is popular, Trump is NOT, Furry friends, & Happy Pride!

In this week’s episode, Dr. Long dives straight into the heat of Wisconsin’s primary season, where Francesca Hong is shaking up the race with a surge that no one saw coming. Mark breaks down why Hong’s working‑class story, progressive platform, and unapologetic advocacy for marginalized communities are resonating statewide. From universal childcare to freezing new AI and crypto data centers, Hong’s agenda is bold — and Dr. Long explains why voters across rural, suburban, and urban Wisconsin are paying attention.

“Many working-class people have felt left behind… and it’s resonating with folks all across the state.”

The episode then pivots to national politics, where President Trump’s refusal to sign a bipartisan housing bill becomes the latest example of political chaos. Dr. Long breaks down what the bill would have delivered — increased housing supply, lower costs, solutions to homelessness, rural housing support, and protections against corporate home‑buying — and why blocking it harms Americans across the board.

“This housing bill was intended to actually help increase U.S. housing supply… lowering housing costs for renters and buyers.”

From there, Dr. Long shifts gears to something every pet parent needs during the summer: keeping your fur babies safe in the heat. He shares practical tips like cooling towels, frozen dog‑safe treats, paw protection, backyard play alternatives, and hydration strategies to keep pets happy and healthy.

“Pets can feel that heat long before we do… look out for signs of overheating like excessive panting or drooling.”

To close out the episode, Dr. Long celebrates Pride Month by honoring LGBTQ+ trailblazer William Dorsey Swann — the first known drag queen in America and a pioneer who fought for queer people’s right to gather. His story is a reminder of the resilience, courage, and legacy that shape today’s LGBTQ+ community.

“Swan was one of the first people known to refer to himself as a queen of drag… and fought for the right of the queer community to gather.”

This episode blends politics, pets, and Pride — all with Dr. Long’s signature clarity, humor, and heart. Tune in, stay informed, and as always: vote like your life depends on it.

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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.

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