Hosted by writer, filmmaker, and creative strategist Dan Portnoy, Portnoy Media Lab is a podcast for makers and marketers trying to turn real creative work into communication that actually connects. Through honest conversations with writers, filmmakers, designers, producers, and creative leaders—and occasional solo episodes from Dan—the show explores how meaningful work gets made, how it breaks, and how it survives the marketing process. No hype. No busywork. Just field-tested thinking for…
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Before I touched a campaign, I ran them through the first two lenses of a framework I built called Core4: what do they actually have, and who actually donates to them. This is the real footage of what I found. Episode 3 of a behind-the-scenes series on the whole campaign. Learn more about Alabaster: https://www.alabasterinternational.org/groundbreakers Instagram - / alabaster_international YouTube…
This is Episode 2 of a behind-the-scenes series on raising $200,000 in 90 days for Alabaster. The honest stuff: what's hard, what's working, what's at stake. Learn more about Alabaster: https://www.alabasterinternational.org/groundbreakers Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alabaster_international/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AlabasterInternational #nonprofit #fundraising #socialimpact…
I knew Shannon and Ash from church. I had no idea they were quietly running world-class work in South Sudan, schools, kids, in one of the hardest places on earth to do any of it. Legit, and badly underfunded. So they hired me. We have until August 1 to raise $200,000, and hitting it unlocks grant money that changes what they can do. This is Episode 1 of a behind-the-scenes series on the whole…
What This Episode Covers The hidden reason nonprofit content underperforms Why “Sorry it’s been a while…” is a trust killer The inbox is a value exchange , not a favor Why most organizations send updates instead of insights Key Concept: The Expertise Gap The gap between: What your organization knows deeply What you’re actually sharing publicly Most teams protect their expertise rather than use it.…
What This Episode Covers The “paint job vs engine” framework Why polished content often fails How AI is making shallow content easier (and worse) The difference between clever and clear The Core Problem: The Paint Job Trap Content that sounds smart but says nothing Strong visuals, weak thinking Packaging without substance Why This Happens Early marketers chase cleverness Pressure to produce → skip…
Story isn't something you add at the end of your marketing process. It's the structure that makes your message work in the first place. In Episode 4, Dan Portnoy breaks down what story actually is at its most fundamental level — not long-form content, not guilt-trip videos with soft music — but a three-part structure that your audience's brain is already wired to follow: Want → Obstacle → Change .…
In today's fast-paced business environment, defining success is crucial for any marketing strategy to yield the desired results. Many teams focus on developing a growth strategy that emphasizes marketing tactics and ROI, but often overlook a critical question that can make or break their marketing planning efforts. To achieve compounding growth and sustainable marketing, it's essential to have a…
Key Ideas Most marketing advice conflicts because it’s designed to sell products, not solve your problem Strategy defines the goal; tactics support it—not the other way around Algorithms change constantly; your story is the only stable asset There are no shortcuts—momentum comes from sustained effort Constantly switching tactics creates opportunity cost, morale loss, and confusion Practical…
Episode Notes: This is Episode 1 of the Portnoy Media Lab Podcast New episodes explore clarity, systems, and creative work that actually moves the needle Resources and tools mentioned are available at danportnoy.com/resources Blog posts publish Tuesdays; personal reflections on Substack publish Thursdays www.danportnoy.substack.com www.PortnoyMedia.com/Blog www.DanPortnoy.com
The Portnoy Media Lab Podcast is for makers and marketers trying to turn real creative work into communication that actually connects. Hosted by writer, filmmaker, and creative strategist Dan Portnoy, the show features honest conversations with writers, filmmakers, designers, producers, and creative leaders—along with occasional solo episodes unpacking the communication and strategy problems that…
