Lisa Portolan Phd Thesis Podcast Film Event Best May 2026
To explore her full body of work:
In a noisy digital world, Portolan’s voice is a signal of clarity. Her journey from doctoral researcher to multimedia public intellectual proves that the best ideas are not meant to be locked away—they are meant to be swiped, streamed, and screened.
This article was written for readers seeking comprehensive information on Dr. Lisa Portolan’s interdisciplinary work, from her foundational PhD thesis to her engaging podcast and influential film events. For the latest updates on her projects, visit her official university profile or social media channels.
Lisa Portolan is an author, researcher, and PhD candidate at Western Sydney University
whose work explores the intersection of dating apps, gender, and intimacy. Her research gained significant attention for its focus on how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped romantic narratives, leading to the publication of her book and associated media projects. PhD Thesis & Research Focus Her doctoral research examines
how dating apps have changed the ways we find love and intimacy . Key concepts from her work include: "Jagged Love":
A term she coined to describe the cyclical, often frustrating relationship users have with dating apps, characterized by a gap between the desire for traditional romantic "master plots" and the app's inability to deliver them. Digital Intimacy:
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"
, which documented the realities of dating and love during the pandemic. The podcast served as a narrative companion to her research, exploring themes of loneliness and the "liquification" of modern love. Related Works & Events She authored
Love, Intimacy and Online Dating: How a Global Pandemic Redefined Romantic Relationships
(2022), which synthesises her research into a scholarly yet accessible format. Screenwriting: lisa portolan phd thesis podcast film event best
Beyond academia, she is a screenwriter and has written for various Australian media outlets like The Conversation
Portolan frequently presents her findings at academic and public events, including appearances on Australian programmes like The Today Show to discuss the evolution of modern romance. theory or a list of her specific podcast episodes High Maintenance Women - dokumen.pub
This event is designed as a multimedia salon that bridges the gap between academic findings and human experience, centering on the themes of her PhD thesis regarding dating apps and digital intimacy. The PhD Core: "Jagged Love" Keynote
Concept: A live presentation of Portolan's research from the University of Western Sydney.
Focus: How dating apps have shifted from tools for connection to performance-based platforms, exploring the "psychology behind the swipe".
Highlight: Revealing how global crises (like the pandemic) redefined our need for "Slow Love" versus "Jagged Love". The Podcast Stage: "Slow Love" Live
Concept: A live recording session of the Slow Love podcast, co-created with filmmaker Ruth Borgobello.
Best Feature: An "Open Mic" segment where attendees can share short, raw stories of intimacy, echoing the vulnerability found in Portolan's original PhD field interviews. The Film Integration: Cinematic Intimacy
Concept: A screening of films that capture the essence of modern connection, such as "The Space Between," which inspired the podcast's creative partnership.
Panel Discussion: A post-screening talk with Lisa Portolan and local filmmakers on how digital dating translates to the "big screen" versus reality. "The Best" Interactive Workshop: Reclaiming Connection To explore her full body of work:
Goal: Moving beyond the "sensational gloss" of media portrayals of dating.
Action: A guided workshop on "Slow Love" practices—techniques for intentional dating that counteract the burnout of infinite scrolling. Event Summary Description Theme Redefining Intimacy in the Digital Age Research Anchor "Jagged Love" narratives on dating apps Media Format Podcast interviews + cinematic screenings Key Takeaway Reclaiming power and authenticity in digital relationships The Shocking Truth About Dating Apps (with Lisa Portolan)
| Medium | Title / Project | Key Theme | Audience | |--------|----------------|-----------|----------| | PhD Thesis | Intimacy & dating apps | Affective proximity vs. swiping fatigue | Academic | | Podcast | The Intimacy Explorers | Modern intimacy in digital culture | Public / Commuters | | Film (Consultant) | Swiped: The Future of Love | App-based dating & self-esteem | Documentary viewers | | Best Event | The Dating App Diaries workshop | Interactive intimacy literacy | Young adults & practitioners |
If you need a specific dataset from her thesis, a full transcript of a podcast episode, or details on upcoming events where she is speaking, let me know.
Dr. Lisa Portolan is a Sydney-based academic and author whose PhD research at Western Sydney University explores how dating apps and digital technologies have redefined intimacy and romantic relationships. PhD Thesis & Research
Her doctoral work focuses on "Jagged Love"—the concept that dating app interactions are often fragmented and dissatisfying rather than fluid.
Core Findings: She examines how digital platforms have shifted dominant romantic paradigms and how users negotiate intimacy during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Publications: Her research is compiled in her book, Love, Intimacy and Online Dating: How a Global Pandemic Redefined Intimacy (Routledge, 2023). Podcasts
Portolan frequently shares her insights on digital dating culture through various audio platforms:
The Slow Love Podcast: She hosts this series, which discusses moving away from "fast" dating app culture toward more meaningful connections. In a noisy digital world, Portolan’s voice is
Guest Appearances: She has appeared on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to discuss the "shocking truth" about dating apps and their psychological impact. Film & Media Events
As a screenwriter and regular media commentator, Portolan bridges the gap between academic research and popular culture:
Raising the Bar: She has been a featured speaker at the Raising the Bar event, where she translated her PhD findings into public talks about the future of love.
Film Projects: Her work often touches on screenwriting and the intersection of visual narratives with her research on romance scripts. Notable Books High Maintenance Women - dokumen.pub
This is a great query. It sounds like you're looking for Dr. Lisa Portolan’s PhD thesis and its connection to a podcast, film, or event, likely seeking a "deep piece" of journalism or analysis that ties them all together.
Here is the direct answer and the key resource you need.
The most likely "deep piece" that connects her PhD, podcast, and a film event is an article or interview about her concept of "Intimacy and Solo Dining."
Dr. Lisa Portolan (University of Technology Sydney) earned her PhD for research into intimacy, loneliness, and digital connection — specifically how people form emotional bonds in modern contexts (dating apps, social media, solo activities).
The Key Connection Points: