Embracing ‘Pleasure Activism’ this Valentine’s Day
It’s happening. The onslaught of pink and red in store displays... the candy hearts and chocolate sales... the pressure. Valentine’s Day is coming. Whether you love it or want to run screaming, we’ve got you.
This week, we’re honoring love in its many forms. We’ll offer you things to do, places to go, and advice on how to care for friends, lovers… and yourself.
Today, we’re talking about how taking time for your own pleasure can be an act of love.
We talk to Sami Schalk, UW Madison professor and columnist for Tone Madison, about why celebrating joy in daily life is essential for our well-being and how finding your ‘enthusiastic yes’ can help you set better boundaries in love and life.
📚 Sami’s ideas for sharing love and book recommendations: Pleasure Activism, Rest is Resistance, The Body is Not an Apology and Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
📸 Here Sami’s recommendation for a Madison photographer skilled at taking intimate photos
🦉 And check out date night ideas from the library (and not just books!)
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
Extreme Heat Hits Madison, Knowles-Nelson Gets Axed, and Farmers Market Bliss
Madison is under an extreme heat warning this week, with temperatures in the 90s and heat index values exceeding 100 degrees. City Ca...

Canoes Connect Madison’s Indigenous History To the Present
Last week, the Ho-Chunk Nation gifted Dane County Parks a hand-carved dugout canoe. Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Bill Quackenbush...

'Your City Could Be Better': How Denver Is Fixing Its Sidewalks — Presented By City Cast Madison
Just how good are the sidewalks in Madison? The state of a city’s sidewalks can be a good indicator of how healthy that city is — and ped...

No Phones in School, Lake Monona Stinks, and Food Delivery Bots Roll Away
This week, the Madison School Board approved a district-wide cell phone policy. Under the new rules, phones are banned all day for grades...

Pour One Out for Schlitz and a Weekend Events Roundup
Earlier this year, Pabst Brewing Company announced an indefinite hiatus of Schlitz beer. However, Verona-based Wisconsin Brewing Company...

Governor’s Race Shakeup, Giannis Trade Shock, and Madison’s Best Thrifts
In the latest on the race for Wisconsin governor, democratic candidate Missy Hughes dropped out of the primary Monday and endorsed Lt. Go...

MMSD’s Proposed Property Tax Hike, Concerts on the Square Kickoff, and a T-Ball Legend
The Madison school board is looking to increase property taxes by 8.5% for the upcoming school year. City Cast Madison Host Bianca Martin...

WI Governor Race Updates & Assembly District 76 Forum Takeaways
There are still seven candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the Wisconsin Governor’s race. With the August 11 primary less t...

The Ultimate Madison Ice Cream Showdown
There are so many great local spots in town to get ice cream. From Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream to Babcock Dairy Store, Madison is rich wit...

Police Monitor Blames MPD for Man’s Death, Plus Ridglan Farms To Close
Richard Lee Johnson died on Dec. 31, 2024, after being arrested the previous night. A new report by the Office of the Independent Polic...


