Portolan is frequently invited as a panelist, moderator, or subject matter expert at documentary screenings and film festivals. Some of the best film events that have featured her insights include:
Dr. Lisa Portolan is not a "podcaster who used to be an academic" or a "film critic with a degree." She is a synthesis. Her PhD thesis provides the language to describe how we feel when we listen to a podcast in the dark. Her podcast provides the emotional proof of her theories. And her analysis of the film event reminds us that the best digital theories must always point back to the human, analog heart.
For media students seeking the best contemporary framework to understand 2020s culture, the keyword is simple: follow Lisa Portolan. In her work, the screen, the microphone, and the cinema seat finally speak to one another.
Are you interested in digital intimacy, film criticism, or academic podcasting? Dr. Portolan is currently a lecturer at the University of Notre Dame, Australia, and continues to release new episodes weekly. Search for her podcast wherever you get your audio, or look for her upcoming speaking engagements at your next local film event.
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
: Examined how digital platforms influence gender scripts and the "marketisation" of love. Key Finding
: Noted a "circular experience" where users feel trapped in a cycle of swiping and disenchantment. Book Publication : Her research culminated in the book
Love, Intimacy and Online Dating: How a Global Pandemic Redefined Romantic Relationships 🎙️ Podcast and Media Presence : Frequently discusses the intersection of infrastructure in online dating.
: Appears on various Australian and international media as a freelance journalist and academic commentator. Collaborations
: Worked with researchers like Jodi McAlister to study "Jagged Love" during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. 🎬 Film and Creative Work : Released a novel in August 2021 through Simon and Schuster
Dr. Lisa Portolan is a prominent researcher and author whose work focuses on the intersection of dating apps, intimacy, and gender. Her PhD research at the University of Western Sydney directly informed her widely recognized podcast and literary projects. PhD Thesis and Core Research lisa portolan phd thesis podcast film event best
Dr. Portolan’s PhD research examined how global events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, redefined romantic relationships and intimacy.
Key Concept: "Jagged Love": Her research introduced the theory of Jagged Love, which describes the cyclical and often disenchanting relationship users have with dating apps—repeatedly seeking security in romantic "masterplots" only to lose faith and return to the apps out of loneliness.
Impact of Digital Spaces: She explores how dating apps act as the "Uber Eats of relationships," fostering a sense of disposability and judgment due to their heavy visual focus. "Slow Love" Podcast
The Slow Love Podcast is a top-ten podcast documenting raw, authentic experiences of love and hook-ups during the pandemic.
Collaboration: It was co-created with filmmaker Ruth Borgobello after the two met at the Italian Film Festival.
Content: The series serves as a storytelling extension of Portolan's PhD field research, capturing the vulnerability of interviewees during lockdowns. Books and Media
Dr. Portolan has authored several books that translate her academic findings for a broader audience: " Love, Intimacy and Online Dating
": Published by Routledge, this book highlights the pandemic's role in modifying definitions of romance " 10 Ways to Find Love
": A practical guide reflecting her expertise as a dating app researcher.
Recent Appearances: She was featured on the Better Than Yesterday podcast with Osher Günsberg in March 2025 to discuss the cultural shifts caused by dating technology. The Shocking Truth About Dating Apps (with Lisa Portolan) Portolan is frequently invited as a panelist, moderator,
Dr Lisa Portolan is a researcher and author whose work focuses on digital intimacy
, love, and popular culture. While she has written extensively on these topics, her academic and public-facing work often intersects with media like podcasts and films to explore modern romance. Academic Background and Research Dr Portolan earned her PhD in Digital Intimacy Western Sydney University
. Her research often examines how technology, such as dating apps, reshapes human connection. Allen & Unwin - Australia Thesis Focus:
Her work investigates the intersection of narrative theory and digital humanities, particularly how digital platforms redefine social contexts and archetypes. Key Concepts:
She has explored tropes like the "Aussie bloke" and the "high maintenance woman" within the context of dating apps and COVID-19. ResearchGate Podcasts and Media Appearances
As a frequent commentator on love and sex, Portolan utilizes various media formats to disseminate her findings: Podcasting:
She frequently engages with digital media to discuss intimacy. Her books, such as Love, Intimacy and Online Dating
, often serve as the basis for discussions on podcasts and talk shows. TV & Commentary: She has appeared on major Australian programs like The Project show to share insights on digital-age romance. Allen & Unwin - Australia Film and Pop Culture Analysis
Portolan’s research extends into the analysis of reality television and film as modern "myths" of romance: Reality TV Research:
She has published academic work on the "heroine" archetype in shows like The Bachelor/ette Australia The Bachelorette New Zealand Are you interested in digital intimacy, film criticism,
, treating these televised events as significant cultural texts for studying modern intimacy. Literary Work: Her recent 2025 book,
(co-authored with Amanda Goff), continues this trend by exploring cultural perceptions and popular culture. Allen & Unwin - Australia How to Approach an Essay on Her Work
If you are writing an essay regarding her research or a related event, consider these pillars: The Shift in Intimacy:
How digital platforms act as the new "narrative" for finding love. Gender Archetypes:
Analyzing the evolution of tropes like the "cool girl" or "high maintenance" woman in modern media. Media as Research: How podcasts and reality TV (like The Bachelor ) provide real-world data for academic study. Allen & Unwin - Australia specific summary of one of her recent publications for your essay? Boobs - Lisa Portolan, Amanda Goff -- Bonnier Echo
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.
Title: Intimacy and the Algorithm: Digital Dating, Affective Labor, and the Construction of Romantic Selfhood (approx. 2019, University of Sydney/UTS – exact title may vary)
Core Arguments:
Key Findings:
Impact: Published as journal articles in New Media & Society, Media International Australia, and later expanded into her book Intimacy and the Algorithm (forthcoming/published by Palgrave).