<p>This week on the Long Island Tea Podcast, Sharon and Stacy are recapping a jam-packed week across the Island. They dive into organization updates and happenings at Discover Long Island, plus a full recap of the Tourism Awards Gala — an incredible night celebrating the hard work of the Discover Long Island team and our amazing partners who help make Long Island shine.</p><br><p>Plus, the ladies are spilling the tea on our Spotify Wrapped, sharing an 18% rise in followers, a 999% increase in new listeners, a 66% growth in total audience, and a look at our top episode and top five listening countries — all thanks to our loyal Hot Tea listeners! ✨</p><br><p>#ShowUsYourLongIslander</p><p>This week’s spotlight is on Long Island native Josh Shapiro, founder of Baseball Lifestyle 101 — a brand he launched at just 16 years old that has grown into a $150 million baseball apparel powerhouse. With new stores at Roosevelt Field and Tanger Outlets Riverhead, products sold in 750 Dick’s Sporting Goods locations nationwide, and fan-favorite weekly drops like the Ice Cream Collection, Josh’s journey from teen entrepreneur to nine-figure founder is a true Long Island success story.</p><br><p>Know someone making waves? DM us or email [email protected]</p><br><p>#LongIslandLife</p><p>Four Long Island Hospitals Ranked Among New York’s Best for Maternity Care 2026</p><p>U.S. News &amp; World Report named four Long Island hospitals among New York’s best for maternity care in 2026, recognizing standout maternal health outcomes, breastfeeding support, and patient-centered programs like TeamBirth.</p><br><p>LIRR Unveils New High-Tech Ticket Machines Across Long Island</p><p>Upgraded ticket vending machines are rolling out to all 126 LIRR stations by summer, offering faster service, paper ticket sales, bill-change returns, reprints, and support in 10 languages.</p><br><p>Iconic Mister Softee Coming to Miller Place</p><p>A new Mister Softee location is opening in the Aliano Shopping Center on Route 25A, joining East Islip and Center Moriches for year-round sweet treats.</p><br><p>NEW BLOG: Gift a Taste of Long Island This Holiday Season</p><p>From North Fork Potato Chips and artisan chocolates to award-winning East End wines, nautical art from Gallery North, and official Discover Long Island merch, these local favorites make perfect holiday gifts. Shop at shop.discoverlongisland.com.</p><br><p>Suffolk County 250th Passport Book Now Available</p><p>The Suffolk County 250th Passport Book is available on Amazon for $8.32 and as a free download at suffolk250.org, featuring historic sites, an interactive events map, and future audio-guide updates.</p><br><p>Long Island Families Spread Holiday Cheer to Troops</p><p>Through the Christmas Trees for Troops program, Long Islanders are sending trees, menorahs, care packages, and letters overseas — with more than 14,000 trees delivered over the years.</p><br><p>#ThisWeekendOnLongIsland</p><p>Sponsored by East End Getaway — your go-to resource for all things happening on the East End.</p><br><p>Friday, December 19</p><p>• 2nd Annual Greenport Holiday Stroll &amp; Night Market</p><p>• Rockabilly Christmas at The Suffolk</p><br><p>Saturday, December 20</p><p>• Holiday Crafts &amp; Letters to Santa in Greenport</p><p>• Guided Tour at the Parrish Art Museum</p><br><p>Plan your weekend at eastendgetaway.com.</p><br><p>#CelebriTEA</p><p>Netflix Hit The Beast Within Set on Long Island</p><p>The chart-topping thriller is set in Oyster Bay, spotlighting Long Island as a suspense-filled backdrop.</p><br><p>Prime Series Gravesend Films on Long Island</p><p>Scenes filmed in Woodbury highlight Long Island’s versatility as a go-to filming location.</p><br><p>#TEAsers</p><p>Tune in NEXT WEEK for our Holiday Episode at the Northport Hotel! 🎄✨</p><br><p>#ConnectWithUs</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longislandteapodcast</p><p>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiscoverLongIslandNY</p><p>TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@longislandteapodcast</p><p>X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/liteapodcast</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/longislandteapodcast</p><p>Email: [email protected]</p><p>Shop: https://shop.discoverlongisland.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>