We have a winner! Clue #1 referenced Trip's (and sort of Archer's too) hero worship for Emory Clue #2 referred to the dimness on the ship resulting from the power drain by Emory's equipment The baton is yours, Discofan.
You got it! 1) Having to tell the same stories, again and again, hundreds of times. 2) That's what T'Pol did. Your turn.
I feel like the clue is regarding an episode that is a real snoozefest. "PRECIOUS CARGO"? It always puts me to sleep.