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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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.

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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.

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