When global lockdowns hit, Portolan was actively conducting interviews. The sudden forced isolation acted as a massive catalyst. Her subjects opened up with unexpected, raw vulnerability, exposing a deep-seated collective anxiety and a radical shift toward a slower, more intentional form of courtship. Recognizing that these real-time human stories deserved a broader platform than a library shelf, she chose to translate her data into immersive media. The Evolution: The Slow Love Podcast
At its core, the podcast film event is a live or recorded experience that combines elements of podcasting, filmmaking, and performance art. These events often feature a live audience, interactive elements, and a dynamic narrative that unfolds across multiple media platforms. By pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling, podcast film events offer a unique opportunity for creators to engage with their audiences and experiment with new forms of narrative expression.
She investigates how technology mediates autonomy and agency, particularly for women, and how digital interactions shape perceptions of consent. Podcast & Media Portolan hosted a top-ten podcast titled "Slow Love"
To truly understand her impact, one must look at the intellectual engine that drives her work: . But unlike most doctoral dissertations that gather dust on university library servers, Portolan’s research has found a vibrant second life in the mediums she studies—specifically, podcasts and film events . lisa portolan phd thesis podcast film event best
Perhaps the most exciting development in Dr. Portolan's career is the upcoming feature film adaptation of her visceral 2020 novel, . Co-authored with Samantha McDonald, the book is a powerful narrative of violence, trauma, and female resilience set against the politically charged backdrop of Redfern, Australia. The novel has been described as "ultimately a story of triumph," telling the journey of a woman, Evie, as she reclaims her story from a hellish past.
Lisa Portolan: Yes! The film, titled "In/Between", is a short narrative piece that follows a young protagonist as she navigates her mixed cultural heritage. Through her story, I aimed to illustrate the tensions and contradictions that can arise when negotiating multiple identities.
Many academic dissertations gather dust on library shelves, but Dr. Portolan chose to give her raw data a voice. She co-created and hosted the , an audio documentary series that quickly climbed to the top 10 charts in 2020 . When global lockdowns hit, Portolan was actively conducting
Portolan’s doctoral research explores how dating apps have reshaped modern intimacy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lisa Portolan is an expert on intimacy, dating apps, and digital culture, particularly known for her research on how technology reshapes romantic relationships 🎓 PhD Thesis and Academic Focus : Investigated and the impact of dating apps on the reproduction or subversion of heteronormativity. Core Research
Dr. Lisa Portolan’s PhD thesis tackles the complexities of human relationships, intimacy, and identity in the digital age. Moving beyond clinical data, her research explores how people navigate love, loneliness, and self-worth through screens and algorithmic matching. Key themes central to her academic work include: Recognizing that these real-time human stories deserved a
In her post-doctoral work, Portolan has turned a critical eye toward the . She argues that the communal act of watching a movie in a cinema (or a festival premiere) is a fundamentally different psychological phenomenon than streaming at home. For her, the film event is a ritual.
She has engaged with public figures to explore the complexities of romance in modern culture.
✨ Secure your seat to witness how the modern thesis moves beyond the page.