Lisa Portolan Slow Love Podcast Co-host Film Event

“I watched how someone handled a small inconvenience... Dating patterns don't turn off when the app closes. They show up everywhere.” Instagram Overall Impression

The connection between Portolan and Borgobello was forged at the Italian Film Festival in Canberra , where Ruth’s film, The Space Between , was being showcased. This initial meeting sparked a creative partnership that would later evolve into the podcast during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Portolan, who holds a PhD in dating apps and intimacy, saw a need to document the raw, authentic experiences of vulnerability she was uncovering in her research. Borgobello, drawn to the power of shared human narratives, joined as co-host to help conceptualise and produce the series. Slow Love: Reimagining Intimacy lisa portolan slow love podcast co-host film event

Furthermore, Portolan’s role at these events highlights the importance of discourse in an isolated society. In the past, dating and romance were community affairs; families and neighbors played a role in the courtship process. Digital dating has privatized this, trapping individuals in silos of isolation. The "Slow Love" film event reverses this trend. It creates a public square where strangers can gather to discuss love, loss, and connection. Portolan’s expertise allows her to facilitate these conversations with empathy and intellect, creating a safe space for vulnerability. She transforms a passive viewing experience into an active workshop on emotional intelligence. “I watched how someone handled a small inconvenience

: Examining how global shifts redefined how we facilitate and navigate relationships. Recent and Upcoming Engagements (2025-2026) This initial meeting sparked a creative partnership that

: A term coined by Portolan to describe the anxiety and "product-like" feel of modern dating apps.