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