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. 75 - Why THIS is The Hardest City to Find Love I EXPLICIT (Feat. Lulu Johnson) 18.06.2025 1:09:05
This week on the podcast, I sit down with Lulu Johnson — author of Dating in Berlin: Tales of Modern Love and Relationships and host of the podcast Dating, Laughter and Disasters. We dive into the realities of dating in Berlin: Why is it so hard to find a serious, monogamous relationship in a city known for its endless options, vibrant party scene, and strong resistance to settling down? From ghos...
Ep. 74 - From the US to Italy: What It’s REALLY Like to Date an Italian Man (Feat. Ingles With Annie) 11.06.2025 55:48
This week, I chat with Annie from the page Ingles With Annie about her journey moving to Europe—first to Spain, then Italy—and her experience dating an Italian man. We dive into cultural differences, covering everything from communication to digestion and everything in between. Say hi to Annie: https://www.instagram.com/ingles_with_annie/ Each week I will interview guests from all around the world...
Ep. 73 - From US to Poland: How Moving To Europe Transformed His Dating Life (Ft. Where's Wes) 03.06.2025 56:57
This week, I chat with Wes from the YouTube channel Where's Wes about why he left the U.S. to start a new life in Poland. We dive into the differences between dating in the U.S. vs. Poland, and why the American dating scene can be so frustrating—especially for men. Wes shares his experience dating around the world as an Asian man, which countries felt more open or difficult, what different cul...
Ep. 72 - Denmark Unfiltered: Social Codes, Friendship Struggles & Dating Scene (Ft. Derek Hartman) 28.05.2025 1:24:42
This week, I chat with Derek — an American who moved to Denmark eight years ago and now hosts a podcast where he interviews foreigners and expats about all things Danish. We dive into Danish culture: from communication and hospitality to the American perspective on convenience culture. We also explore why Denmark is one of the hardest places to make friends — and how Danish relationships stand apa...
Ep. 71 - Biggest Culture Shocks of an American in Poland 26.05.2025 1:07:46
This week, I sit down with Edward, an American from Tennessee, to talk about the biggest culture shocks he’s experienced since moving to Poland. From communication styles and hospitality to customer service, we dive into the key differences between American and Polish lifestyles. Say hi to Edward: https://www.instagram.com/xofyls/ Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the...
Ep. 70 - Truth About Dating in Indonesia: Tinder, Ta'aruf and Taboos (Ft. Coach Anez) 13.05.2025 50:55
This week, I chat with Anez from Ranum, a premarital service provider, about the complex world of dating and relationships in Indonesia. From secret dating and intense family pressures, to meeting her husband on Tinder, Anez shares her personal story alongside insight into Indonesia’s unique mix of modern and traditional dating practices. We dive into the growing popularity of Taaruf (Islamic cour...
Ep. 69 - Truth About Living in Sicily: Monogamy, Bella Figura and the Mamma's Boy 06.05.2025 57:24
In this episode, I chat with Irene, an Argentinian content creator who moved to Sicily. We dive into the Sicilian mentality around relationships, lifestyle priorities, and cultural differences—especially when it comes to dating. From mammoni (mamma’s boys) to the prevalence of cheating, why Sicilians are smoother talkers than Argentinians, and how the concept of bella figura shapes the Italian dat...
Ep. 68 - Brazilian Woman Exposes the Hard Truth About Dating in Sweden 29.04.2025 1:14:59
In this episode I chat to Julianna, a Brazilian living in Sweden. You might remember her from a recent episode we filmed in Stockholm. Today we're dividing deeper into Swedish social culture, and the dating scene. What is it like dating as a Brazilian woman in Sweden? Stuff no one tells you about Swedish relationships and a lot more! Say hi to Julianna: https://www.instagram.com/juliannatardel...
Ep. 67 - British-Russian Travel Couple Reveals BIGGEST Cultural Differences (Ft. Matt & Julia) 22.04.2025 51:11
This week I talk to Matt and Julia, a British-Russian content creator duo who have traveled the world recording videos. Today we're diving into British vs Russian culture: from communication, to culture shocks, to all the nuances you have to know when dating someone from abroad. Say hi to Matt and Julia: https://www.youtube.com/@MattandJulia Do a tour with them: https://www.humankindexpedition...
Ep. 66 - Truth About Living in Greece: Chaos, Cheating, and Commitment Issues 15.04.2025 1:11:42
This week I chat with Chloe: Greek-born, Aussie-raised — who made the bold move back to Athens at 30. We dive into all the cultural shocks she's faced since returning: from the Greek mentality to the (lack of) personal space, the "who you know" work culture, and of course... dating and relationships. Think: momma’s boys, cheating, and everything in between. Say hi to Chloe: https://w...
Ep. 65 - Spaniard in the US: Dating, Motherhood & Culture Clashes (Ft. Ana Gildersleeve) 09.04.2025 1:10:59
This week, I chat with Ana, a content creator from Valencia, Spain, who's now living in Kansas with her American husband and two kids. We dive into the biggest cultural clashes she's faced—like the competitive lifestyle and the U.S. "winner" mentality. We also compare dating Spanish vs. American men (who's the real gentleman?), and explore which country makes motherhood feel...
(Mini Pod) The Truth About Dating a Finnish Man: That No One Tells You (Ft. Mikka Martikainen) 01.04.2025 11:13
I sit down with Miikka, a Finnish creator to talk about what it's really like dating a Finnish man. Why Finnish men devoid of traditional romance and how they show love instead. Why most Finnish men don't get jealousy and why you may really need to get a room if you're dating a Finnish man (cause you ain't gonna be kissing in public!) Say hi to Miikka: https://www.instagram.com/mii...
Ep. 64 - The Struggle of Dating as an Asian-American (& Do Asian Men Have It Harder?) (Ft. Matchmaker Cassindy) 25.03.2025 42:08
This week, I sit down with Cassindy Chao, a professional matchmaker specializing in Asian-American dating, to dive deep into the unique challenges of finding love as an Asian in the U.S. We discuss cultural pressures, family expectations, and dating app biases—plus, why Asian men often face more hurdles in getting matches. Say hi to Cassindy: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakercassindy Each week...
Ep. 63 - Why Dating in London is a DISASTER! (& Is it too Late to Move Countries at 40?) 19.03.2025 1:19:28
This week, I chat with Anne, an Australian who moved to London years ago, about her experiences in the city's dating scene. We compare dating in London, Australia, and the US, discussing cultural differences, challenges, and the realities of dating in your late 30s and early 40s as a woman. Is it ever too late to change your life at 40? Say hi to Anne: https://www.instagram.com/_ipromiseitwont...
Ep. 62 - A Swedish-American in Mexico: The Struggle of Being Between Cultures 11.03.2025 1:10:10
In today's episode I chat to Lea, a Swedish-American clinical psychologist, who has moved to Mexico with her Mexican boyfriend. Being born into a bi-cultural family, Lea always felt like a bit of an outsider, and moving to Mexico comes with its own struggles. Lea now lives in Mexico City helping foreigners navigate their own struggles. Are you an expat or immigrant abroad? https://www.mindful-...
Ep. 61 - How to Be Truly Happy: Top Lessons from Around the World (Ft. Gillian Mandich) 04.03.2025 1:16:10
This week, I talk to Gillian Mandich, a PhD in happiness research and a two-time TEDx speaker on the topic. We explore global lessons on happiness, why so many of us feel miserable today, and whether true happiness is possible without a relationship. Say hi to Gillian: https://www.instagram.com/drgillianmandich/ Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture,...
Ep. 60 - The Truth About Korea: Etiquette, Old Virgins & Child Export (Ft. Kaheva) 26.02.2025 1:24:49
In today’s episode, I sit down with Kaheva, a Korean content creator, to explore all things Korean culture. We dive into what’s considered rude in Korea, the quirky and unexpected things Koreans love, and why relationships in Korea differ so much from those in the Western world. Tune in for fascinating insights! Say hi to Kaheva: https://www.instagram.com/kaheva_official/ Each week I will intervie...
Ep. 59 - From LA to Paris: Why I Moved Abroad to Find Love (Ft. Ursulline) 12.02.2025 1:11:39
This week, I sit down with Ursulline, who reached a breaking point with the LA dating scene. Frustrated and out of options, she made a life-changing decision: to leave it all behind and try her luck abroad. We dive into what led her to move, how dating in LA compares to Paris, and the realities of dating in your late 30s. Plus, we explore the big question—how do you know when it’s time to walk awa...
Ep. 58 - Korean-Brazilian Couple Reveals Their Biggest Culture Shocks (Ft. Ana e Wan) 04.02.2025 52:31
I interview Ana, a Brazilian, and Wan, a Korean, who had a long-distance relationship for years before getting married and settling in Minas, Brazil. We dive into the biggest cultural differences between Korean and Brazilian mindsets—as well as in dating. Ana shares why she struggles to relate to certain aspects of Brazilian culture, and we explore the unexpected challenges and nuances of being in...
Ep. 57 - Iranian Woman on Culture Shocks and Dating in Germany 28.01.2025 1:11:59
Curious about dating an Iranian woman and how it compares to dating in other cultures? In this post, we dive into Iranian culture, explore the dating scene, and compare it to Germany, where Melica, our guest, currently resides. Discover the unique aspects of Iranian hospitality, the nuances of communication, and the cultural dynamics that shape relationships. Whether you're interested in cross...
Ep. 56 - Why German Men Flock to Latin America for Love (Ft. SoyChrisRo) 21.01.2025 51:35
This week, I sit down with Chris, a German content creator, to dive into his unique experiences dating in Latin America. We discuss the key differences between Latinas and German women, debunk common German stereotypes, and uncover the reasons why so many German men are drawn to Latin America in search of love. If you're curious about cross-cultural dating, the allure of Latin American romance...
Ep. 55 - Truth About Finnish Relationships: Self Sufficiency, Silence and Sisu (Ft. Miikka Martinkainen) 14.01.2025 1:06:25
This week, I talk to Miikka, a Finnish content creator known for his videos on Finnish culture. We dive into everything from saunas to small talk, with a special focus on Finnish relationships. Miikka shares insights on gender equality, the lack of PDAs, and what he wouldn't tolerate on a date. Tune in for a candid look at dating in Finland and the cultural nuances that shape relationships. Sa...
Ep. 54 - Stop Making These Cross-Cultural Communication Mistakes! (Ft. TEDx Speaker Pellegrino Riccardi) 07.01.2025 58:22
🎉 Welcome to 2025! 🎉 Kicking off the year, I'm joined by TED speaker and cultural coach Pellegrino Riccardi. Originally from the UK and now based in Norway, Pellegrino shares insights on cross-cultural communication—from the “economy of words” to “complaining cultures.” We explore global expressiveness and the cultural contrasts between Italy, the UK, and Scandinavia. Each week I will interv...
(Mini Pod) The Truth About Dating Turkish Men: Love Bombing, Cheating and Family Ties 10.12.2024 8:34
What are Turkish men like in relationships? This Podcast I talk to Anastasia, a Belarusian born woman who lives in Istanbul with her Turkish husband about all the truth in dating Turkish men. From their strong family ties, to courtship, to the negative side that comes with passion. Say hi to Anastasia: / belish.travel Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of cul...
Ep. 53 - The Truth About Living (& Dating) as an American in Brazil (Ft. Tim Explica) 04.12.2024 1:00:05
This week, I chat with Tim, a content creator from the US who’s been diving deep into Brazilian culture, lifestyle, and the dating scene. We talk about his experience as a foreigner living in Brazil, what it’s really like to date there, and how he ended up meeting his now-Brazilian wife. Say hi to Tim: https://www.instagram.com/timexplica/ Tim shares his story, along with some tips for anyone curi...
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