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.

Visit www.drmarklong.com

Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music.

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clock-the-tea-with-dr-long/id1852896832

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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