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.

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

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