Marina Iakovleva

Dating Beyond Borders

Society EN ↓ 139 episodes

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.

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.dating-beyond-borders.com

Author

Marina Iakovleva

Category

Society

Latest episode

Nov 7, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android almost 10M downloads · 4.7+ rating iOS soon

Episodes

Ep. 81 - From Austria to Australia: When Love Doesn't Translate (TED Magdalena Hoeller) 18.09.2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

Ep. 75 - Why THIS is The Hardest City to Find Love I EXPLICIT (Feat. Lulu Johnson) 18.06.2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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-...

Listen to the Dating Beyond Borders podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.