Marina Iakovleva
Dating Beyond Borders
Welcome to the Dating Beyond Borders Podcast! I’m Marina, the creator behind the Dating Beyond Borders YouTube channel, where I’ve spent the past 10 years exploring how culture shapes love and connection. Now, I’m bringing that same passion to the podcast world! Each week, I sit down with guests from around the globe to dive into the ways culture influences relationships, identity, and the way we connect. From dating norms to cross-cultural misunderstandings, no topic is off-limits. Let’s break down barriers. One culture at a time.
Author
Marina Iakovleva
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
May 21, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Ep. 90 - Turkish Relationships Hit Different ... And Here's Why (Ft. Turkish on Board) 19.12.2025 52:03
This week I’m chatting with Jülide, a Turkish content creator who now lives in Belgium and is in a relationship with a Belgian partner. We dive into Turkish relationships — how space and individuality are viewed (and why “me time” basically doesn’t exist), what makes Turkish women different in relationships, and why family approval can make or break everything. https://www.instagram.com/turkishonb...
Ep. 89 - The Truth About Being in a Relationship With a French Man (Ft. Multilingual Nest) 12.12.2025 1:06:06
I chat with Alisa, an American content creator married to a French man who also teaches French pronunciation. We dive into the key differences between French and American relationships, the mentality gap between the two cultures, and even how parenting styles compare. Say hi to Alisa: https://www.instagram.com/multilingual_nest/ Her course: https://soundfrench.learnworlds.com/ Each week I will int...
Ep. 88 - These are the WORST cities to find love in 2025? (Ft. Alex Limanówka) 05.12.2025 1:24:49
In this episode, I sit down with psychologist and psychotherapist Alex Limanówka to break down the best and worst cities to find love in 2025. We go through each “worst” city on the list, talk about what the dating scene is actually like there, debate whether it deserves its spot, and even add a few of our own. Got thoughts or experiences to share? We’d love to hear what you think! Say hi to Alex:...
Ep. 87 - He Left Switzerland for Latin America (Does it Make Him a Passport Bro?!) 28.11.2025 1:16:00
In this episode, I chat with Robin, a Swiss guy who grew tired of Switzerland’s predictable, perfection-driven routine and decided to move to Latin America. We dive into the passport bro movement, explore gender dynamics across both cultures, talk about how compatible Swiss and Latin people really are, and share insights on dating abroad you won’t want to miss. Say hi to Robin: https://www.instagr...
Culture Shocks of a Brit in Brazil Ft. Parada Inglesa (Mini Pod) 18.11.2025 12:30
I chat to Freddy, a Brit from London who has been living in São Paulo, Brazil for many years with his Brazilian wife Gabi. We get into lifestyle differences, how Brits vs Brazilians different in communication styles, and what surprised Freddy the most about Brazil. Say hi to Freddy: https://www.instagram.com/parada1nglesa/ Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics o...
Ep. 86 - From Nigeria to the Netherlands: Dating, Identity, and Finding Home (Ft. Travel Journalist Rosie Bell) 12.11.2025 1:05:07
This week I chat with Rosie, a Nigerian-British travel journalist raised in the Netherlands. We dive into what it’s like to grow up with a complicated identity, travel for a living, and navigate the messy, unpredictable world of finding love on the road. Rosie Bell is a travel journalist who has written for over 30 publications, including BBC Travel, Forbes, WIRED, and Condé Nast Traveler. She has...
Ep. 85 - Switzerland: Bünzli Mentality, Rules, and the Price of Perfection (Ft. Mike Casa) 06.11.2025 1:01:49
This week I chat with Mike, a Swiss-Italian stand-up comedian, about life in Switzerland: the good, the bad, and the perfectly organized. We dive into the Swiss mentality, what it’s like trying to make friends and date in such a reserved culture, the country’s love of rules (and when it goes too far), and whether Switzerland is a place he truly loves… or one that sometimes feels a bit too confinin...
Ep. 84 - From Russia to Portugal: Is Lisbon Still Worth it in 2025? (Ft. Gala Daily) 31.10.2025 1:11:36
In this episode, I chat with Galina, a Russian content creator who moved to Portugal seven years ago — from Bragança to Lisbon. We dive into what it was like growing up and dating in Russia, how the Russian and Portuguese mentalities differ, and whether Lisbon is still worth living in as prices continue to rise. Say hi to Galina: https://www.instagram.com/gala__daily/ Each week I will interview gu...
(Mini Pod) Why Swedish Dating is so Different.. and Frustrating! 28.10.2025 12:41
Get our FREE guide to dating in 6 European countries HERE: https://tinyurl.com/2rp2tt6u I talk to Cecilia, a Swedish-Finnish woman who has had enough of the Swedish dating scene. We dive into the Swedish approach. Why Swedish men are famously passive in their approach, why Swedes expect to hook up sooner rather than later, and the laziness that has ensued from this. Say hi to Cecilia: / missgeli...
Ep. 83 -She Left Canada for Bulgaria... was it WORTH IT?! (Ft. Alina Macleod) 21.10.2025 58:23
I chat with Alina, a Ukrainian-Canadian travel creator, who recently made a bold move: relocating from Canada to Bulgaria. A few years ago, she told me she wanted to move to Sofia, and now she’s done it! We talk about what it’s really like to start over abroad, whether moving to Bulgaria was worth it, the biggest challenges of expat life, and if she misses Canada.🎙️ Tune in for an honest look at l...
(Mini Pod) How is Polish and American Mentality Different!? 09.10.2025 9:47
In this snippet, Edward, an American who has moved to Poland for love, and I chat about his experience with Polish people: from American vs Polish customer service, to the difference in hospitality, to the way Polish people make friends, to one of the things he really appreciates about living in Krakow. Say hi to Edward: https://www.instagram.com/xofyls/ Wanna join the mailing list? https://dating...
Ep. 82 - From Brazil to Sweden: She Moved Abroad for Love (& Does she Regret it?) 02.10.2025 1:29:09
In this episode, I talk with Ana, a Brazilian who moved to Sweden for love. We dive into her story of meeting her partner on Tinder, navigating a long-distance relationship, and what she’s learned about herself since moving abroad. Ana also shares the cultural differences she’s experienced in Sweden and offers tips for anyone feeling stuck in their dating life back home—especially if you want to a...
(Mini Pod) Why is South Korea's Birthrate the LOWEST in the World? (Ft. Korean Pizza Club) 29.09.2025 8:57
In this snippet I chat to David, the host of the Korean Pizza Club podcast about the scary phenomenon taking over Korea -- the incredibly low birthrate which is highly impacting the country. We dive into this, and the changing dating scene in the Korea. Check out David's Podcast about Korea: https://www.instagram.com/koreanpizzaclub/ Each week I will interview guests from all around the world...
Dating in the US vs. Europe: The Unspoken Differences (Spain, Germany, France, Belgium) 24.09.2025 39:35
How is dating in Europe and the US different? In this episode, I have 3 creators from different parts of Europe who are living in the US, and one American who is living in Europe talk about the biggest differences, from the commitment to the gender roles -- and everything in between. Say hi to Ana: https://www.instagram.com/_anagildersleeve/ Say hi to Feli: https://www.instagram.com/felifromgerman...
(Mini Pod) Three Truths about Iceland that ONLY Locals Know! 18.09.2025 8:10
In this snippet, I chat with Oskar, a hilarious Icelander, about the unique and surprising habits of Icelanders. From what they do on first dates, to their famously grumpy-but-casual personalities, and the two phrases they always use (and that sum up their take on life). Say hi to Oskar: https://www.instagram.com/speakviking/ Try Icelandic classes with Oskar here: https://www.speakvikingcourses.co...
Ep. 81 - From Austria to Australia: When Love Doesn't Translate (TED Magdalena Hoeller) 18.09.2025 56:10
In this episode I talk to Magdalena, a TED speaker from Austria who has moved to Australia for her partner. She is a linguist and studies how language affects everything from expression of emotion, to conflict to the sense of humour. TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_3KmTevD5o&t=256s Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture, connection and...
(Mini Pod) The BIGGEST Difference Between Argentinians and Americans (Ft. Sarah Banoma) 13.09.2025 10:38
In this snippet, I chat to Sarah who has been living in Argentina for 7 years. (She has since moved back to the US for family reasons). We talk about her biggest culture shocks assimilating into Argentinian lifestyle, from the late night culture, to the more relaxed and spontaneous way of life, and prioritizing being over doing. Say hi to Sarah: / ba.noma 👉 Full Episode Here: https://open.spo...
Ep. 80 - What No One Tells you About Being a "Third Culture Kid" (Feat. TED speaker Maria Rincon) 10.09.2025 57:30
This week I chat to Maria Rincon, a professional speaking coach who is also a third culture kid, brought up in a Colombian-Chinese household, having moved to Canada, then Sweden, and married to a German man. We will dive into the challenges and best parts of being a third culture kid, the search for home and the concept of identity. Say hi to Maria: https://www.instagram.com/publicspeakingwithmari...
(Mini Pod) "Doe Normaal": The Surprising Way Dutch and Slavic Culture Differs (Ft. Alisa Law) 05.09.2025 11:06
In this podcast snippet, I chat with Alisa, a Slavic content creator who has made the Netherlands her home. We dive into Dutch lifestyle and mentality, from their rule-and-planning culture, to why conversations often stick to “safe” topics, to how bragging looks completely different from the Slavic kind, and why Dutch directness can sometimes feel a little too direct. Say hi to Alisa: https://www....
Ep. 79 - Dating as a Gay American in Belgium: Love, Grindr & Stereotypes 03.09.2025 1:00:59
This week I sit down with Colby, an American journalist living in Belgium, to talk about what it’s really like dating European men, especially Belgians and the Dutch. We dive into the realities of gay identity in Europe vs the US, covering everything from Pride parades and stereotypes to the challenges of Grindr culture, and why finding love beyond hookups can be so difficult. Each week I will int...
Ep. 78 - From the US to Norway: Why Moving Abroad Has Completely Changed My Life! (Feat. Hendo) 26.08.2025 1:06:43
This week I sit down with Hendo, from the channel Hendo in Norway, to chat about her experience leaving LA for Oslo. We talk about her biggest reasons for leaving the US, what has been the biggest struggle of life in Norway, and how her life has changed since the move to Scandinavia. Say hi to Hendo: https://www.instagram.com/hendoinnorway/ Why she moved from the US: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
Ep. 77 - Truth About Brazilian Sexuality: Pick-Me Culture, Youth Obsession & Double Standards 21.08.2025 1:20:31
This week, I talk to Fernanda, a Brazilian sexologist, about how dating, relationships, and sexuality play out in Brazilian culture. Is Brazil really a highly sexualized society—and how does that impact women and men? What are the expectations around desirability? Are Brazilians truly “great in bed,” and where does that stereotype come from? We also dive into PDA, infidelity, and much more. Say hi...
(Mini Pod) No Sex Before Marriage? Why Korean Relationships are Shockingly Different! 09.07.2025 10:31
I chat to Kaheva, a content creator from South Korea about the Korean dating scene: what does it mean "to cause an accident", "Gold Miss" and why there are so many "old virgins" in Korea. Say hi to Kaheva: https://www.instagram.com/kaheva_official/ Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture, connection and of course, dating. T...
(Mini Pod) This Is Normal in the States... and WEIRD in Denmark 03.07.2025 11:07
Curious about the culture shock Americans face in Denmark? In this episode, I talk to Derek from the Robe Trotting Podcast about the biggest U.S. vs Danish cultural differences — from openness vs silence to convenience, partying, and hospitality. Say hi to Derek: https://www.instagram.com/robetrotting/ Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture, connection...
Ep. 76 - Hate Where You Live? How to Find the Place You TRULY Belong 25.06.2025 1:05:37
If you're curious about moving abroad and want more support, Leah created Fearless Abroad — a step-by-step path with structure, clarity, and real guidance to help you make it happen. You can check it out here: https://theculturepreneur.co/fearless-abroad-course This week I chat with Leah, an American who’s lived in over five countries and created a course all about moving abroad. We talk abou...
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