Portnoy Media Lab

Dan Portnoy
  • 4.8 (18)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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 people chasing meaning and impact.

  1. FEB 27

    Story is the Strategy

    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 this episode you'll learn: Why most marketing fails (it's skipping one of the three story elements) How your brain processes narrative differently than information — and why that matters for every campaign you run The difference between alignment (your North Star) and amplification (your story) — and why you need both The three-question test you can run on any post, pitch, email, or campaign to find out if it's actually ready Why nonprofits especially need to understand the exchange happening in every donor relationship If you can answer all three questions clearly, you have the architecture for a story. If you can't, the piece isn't done yet. The Three-Question Test: What does my audience want? (Not what you want to tell them) What's in the way? (The real obstacle — fear, confusion, bad past experience) What changes if they engage with you? (A shift, not a feature list) Resources mentioned: Story frameworks on the Portnoy Media Lab YouTube channel The Nonprofit Narrative by Dan Portnoy Questions or stuck? Email Dan: dan@portnoymedia.com     www.PortnoyMedia.com www.DanPortnoy.com

    15 min

  2. FEB 12

    Before You Post Anything, Answer This Question

    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 clear marketing framework that guides your team's marketing focus and helps you avoid common marketing mistakes. By understanding what defines success for your business and establishing a well-structured marketing framework, you can create a strategic marketing approach that drives business growth and ensures a strong marketing ROI. In this video, we'll explore the often-missed question that can transform your marketing goals and help you develop a more effective marketing strategy. www.PortnoyMedia.com www.DanPortnoy.com

    12 min

  3. FEB 4

    Most Marketing Advice Is Noise

    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 Takeaways Define a clear outcome before choosing platforms or tactics Commit to one direction for at least 90 days (six months is better) Treat your brand as the mentor, not the hero Focus on relationship-building, not follower counts Consistency beats cleverness   Referenced Resources Storytelling training (linked in-video) Fix Your Funnel Fast – Leak Funnel Tool ($17) Available at: https://portnoymedia.com/resources   www.PortnoyMedia.com www.DanPortnoy.com

    20 min

  4. JAN 28

    The Trap That’s Killing Your Team’s Creativity

    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.PortnoyMedia.com www.DanPortnoy.com

    27 min
  5. Trailer — Portnoy Media Lab Podcast

    SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Trailer — Portnoy Media Lab Podcast

    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 keep teams stuck. No hype. No busywork. Just field-tested thinking for people chasing meaning and impact. New episodes every Wednesday. www.PortnoyMedia.com www.DanPortnoy.com

    1 min
  6. The Core of Strategic Planning: Where Are We Now?

    01/24/2025

    The Core of Strategic Planning: Where Are We Now?

    Introduction: Reflecting on last week's episode and transitioning to the present.Assessing Your Current Position:Checking in with yourself and your morale.Identifying areas of dissatisfaction and improvement.Aligning with mission statements and values.Gathering feedback from colleagues.Celebrating Small Wins:Recognizing everyday achievements to build morale.Encouraging teams to acknowledge progress.Identifying Current Challenges:Understanding obstacles and external factors.Controlling what can be managed now.Staying Present:Avoiding the rush to future goals.Evaluating systems and ensuring they align with goals.Closing Thoughts:Encouragement to be kind to oneself.A preview of next week's focus: planning for the future.Call to action: subscribe, like, and leave a review. www.PortnoyMedia.com www.DanPortnoy.com

    8 min
  7. The Core of Strategic Planning: Building a Stronger Year

    01/16/2025

    The Core of Strategic Planning: Building a Stronger Year

    Welcome to the Nonprofit Narrative Podcast, where we discuss marketing, storytelling, and systems to help your business or nonprofit thrive. In this episode, we cover: The importance of taking your time with strategic planning.How to reflect on the past year and set meaningful goals for the future.Conducting a business audit to analyze key performance indicators (KPIs).Insights from the Ink + Volt planner to structure your planning process.An introduction to the Portnoy Media 1-Day Intensive, a transformative day to solve key challenges.The Portnoy Media Video Pitch Deck, showcasing how video storytelling can amplify your mission.Links mentioned in this episode: Portnoy Media Website - https://www.portnoymedia.comInk + Volt Planning Resources: https://inkandvolt.com/pages/yearly-planning-worksheetsPortnoy Media 1-Day Intensive: https://www.portnoymedia.com/store/p/the-action-blueprintVideo Pitch Deck: https://www.portnoymedia.com/blog/sjxgb9wgj89jph99yurluwc6fkoxel www.PortnoyMedia.com www.DanPortnoy.com

    19 min
  8. The Importance of Design with Ryan Portnoy

    07/24/2024

    The Importance of Design with Ryan Portnoy

    Join me on the latest episode of the Nonprofit Narrative Podcast as I chat with my brother, Ryan Portnoy, a design wizard who helps small nonprofits tell their stories through stunning design. We dive deep into the world of nonprofit design, sharing insights on how great design can enhance storytelling and drive engagement. 👉 Episode Highlights: Ryan’s journey and expertise in nonprofit designThe importance of design in storytellingPractical tips for nonprofits to improve their visual communicationThe concept of a website "realignment" vs. redesign🔗 Check out the full episode now Don't forget to visit Ryan’s website at thegoodstory.com for more on his amazing work! 👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more insights on nonprofit storytelling and strategy! #NonprofitPodcast #NonprofitDesign #Storytelling #PodcastEpisode #DesignTips #NonprofitMarketing www.PortnoyMedia.com www.DanPortnoy.com

    47 min
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4.8
out of 5
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About

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 people chasing meaning and impact.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Portnoy
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2018-2026 Sky Lantern Books, LLC.
  • Show Website
    Portnoy Media Lab