Marina Iakovleva

Dating Beyond Borders

Society EN ↓ 129 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.

Author

Marina Iakovleva

Category

Society

Latest episode

May 21, 2026

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Episodes

Ep. 52 - The Truth About Relationships in Switzerland (Ft. Matchmaker Elena Sachs) 27.11.2024

In this episode, I sit down with Elena Sachs, the founder of Match Maison, a leading matchmaking agency in Switzerland, to dive into the unique aspects of Swiss dating culture. We explore what to expect when dating a Swiss man or woman, why your Swiss partner might wait before introducing you to their friends, and the often-overestimated qualities in attraction. Plus, we discuss whether matchmakin...

Ep. 51 - Truth About Dating as an Iranian-American in LA (Ft. Nazanin Nour) 19.11.2024

This week, I chat with Nazanin Nour, an Iranian-American actress, comedian, and podcast host. We discuss growing up Iranian in the U.S., dating in Los Angeles, and her insights into Iranian-American culture. Tune in for an engaging conversation on identity, relationships, and life in L.A. Say hi to Nazanin: https://www.instagram.com/iamnazaninnour/ Each week I will interview guests from all around...

Ep. 50 - From US to Argentina: I Moved Abroad for Love.. Did I Regret it? (Ft. Sarah Banoma) 12.11.2024

This week, I sit down with Sarah, an American who moved to Argentina for love. Now, seven years later, she reflects on her experience living in Argentina, sharing the challenges of adapting to a new culture and the life-changing lessons she’s learned along the way. Say hi to Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/ba.noma/ Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of cultu...

Ep. 49 - The Truth About Life in Switzerland: It’s Not the Fairytale You Think! 05.11.2024

This week, I sit down with Elza, a Ukrainian-born woman now living in Switzerland. We dive into her experience of assimilating into Swiss culture, the unique aspects of the Swiss mentality, and some surprising cultural shocks she encountered. We also explore how frequent travel and relocation can affect happiness, and more! Say hi to Elza:   / letitgo.elza   Each week I will interview guests from...

Ep. 48 - Biggest Culture Shocks of a Slavic Girl in the Netherlands (Ft. Alisa Law) 29.10.2024

This week, I sit down with Alisa, a Ukrainian-born, Kyrgyzstan-raised creator who shares content about Dutch culture. We dive into what it means to assimilate into Dutch society, making friends with Dutch people, and the unique aspects of Dutch dating and relationships, plus so much more! Say hi to Alisa: https://www.instagram.com/alisa_law Each week I will interview guests from all around the wor...

Ep. 47 - Why Icelandic People are Shockingly Different (Ft. Speak Viking) 22.10.2024

Try Icelandic classes here:   https://www.speakvikingcourses.com/Store-Marina  I sit down with Oskar from Iceland, to talk about Icelandic culture. Is it true that Icelanders are all practically cousins? Is being too polite rude in Iceland and how does Icelandic communication differs in general? What does Oskar think of traditional gender roles and more. Say hi to Oskar: https://www.instagram.com/...

Ep. 46 - She Ditched Her Comfortable Life in Europe for Cuba.. Did she Regret it? 15.10.2024

I sit down with Alissa, a German creator living in Havana Cuba since 2018. We talk about the hardest challenges that come with moving to Cuba, from lack of basic necessities to internet, and what should you expect if looking for a relationship with a Cuban as a foreigner. Get in touch with Alissa: www.instagram.com/ @absolutelyalissa Please support the Podcast (money will be used for operational b...

Ep. 45 - Unfiltered Truth About Living & Dating in Croatia (Expectations, Gender Roles, Family Values) 08.10.2024

This week I sit down with a stand up comedian and content creator Damjana Ellis to talk about the reverse culture shocks she has experienced since coming back to Croatia after living in Canada for years. We discuss the Croatian lifestyle, mentality and dating scene. Say hi to Damjana: https://www.tiktok.com/  @damjanaellis  Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics...

Ep. 44 - Why Eastern European Women Travel to Turkey for Love 02.09.2024

This week, I interviewed Anastasia, a Belarusian-born, Polish-raised blogger who splits her time between Istanbul and her home with her Turkish husband. We discussed why Eastern European women are often attracted to Turkish men, what it's like meeting them, and how relationships with Turkish men differ from those with Eastern European men. Say hi to Anastassia: https://www.instagram.com/belish...

Ep. 43 - Biggest Culture Shocks of a Brit in Brazil (Ft. Parada Inglesa) 27.08.2024

I sit down with Freddy, a Brit living in Brazil with his Brazilian wife, Gabi (who appeared in a previous episode), to discuss his experience. We explore the culture shocks he's encountered, the key differences between British and Brazilian communication, how Brazilians approach things differently, and how living in Brazil has changed him. Say hi to Freddy: https://www.instagram.com/parada1ngl...

Ep. 42 - Why it's So Hard Dating as a French-Japanese Man (Ft. Big Bong) 20.08.2024

In this episode, I interview Bong from the YouTube channel Big Bong about the challenges of growing up French-Japanese. We dive into Bong's childhood and his experiences trying to assimilate into French society. How were Asian guys perceived by girls back then, and has that perception changed? We also explore the difficulties of dating as an Asian man and the culture shocks Bong encountered af...

Ep. 41 - The Hard Reality of Not Belonging Anywhere (British Polyglot Shares) 06.08.2024

This week I talk to Alex Rawlings, Britain's most multilingual student about what it's like speaking 11+ languages, the feeling of never belonging anywhere, how different countries can spark different energy in you and why he didn't feel at home in Spain. Say hi to Alex: https://www.instagram.com/alex__rawlings/ Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics...

Ep. 40 - The Truth About Italian Relationships: Gender Dynamics, Non-Monogamy, LGBTQ+ (Ft. Donatella Fiacchino) 30.07.2024

This week I talk to Donatella, who is a clinical psychologist and sex therapist from Rome, Italy and who has lived and worked in the Netherlands and Spain. We dive into Italian gender dynamics, non-monogamous and LGBTQ+ relationships, discuss cheating in Italy and lots more. Get in touch with Donatella: https://www.donatellafiacchino.com/ Disclaimer: The opinions, facts, examples, stories and hypo...

Ep. 39 -The Brazilian Shock: Why Dating in Canada Feels Impossible 16.07.2024

This week I talk to Alan, who is from Sao Paolo, Brazil and has moved to Canada over 10 years ago. We talk about the differences in culture, why it can be hard as a Brazilian to live and date in Canada, why dates in Brazil are seen differently and what happens when you get into a relationship with a Brazilian. Alan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealanbug/ Each week I will interview g...

Ep 38 - The Truth About Dating in Korea: Birthrates, Jealousy, Gender Dynamics (Ft. David Kim/Korean Pizza Club) 09.07.2024

This week, I interview David Kim from the podcast channel Korean Pizza Club. We delve into the Korean dating scene, discussing why Korea now has the lowest birthrate in the world, the differences between K-dramas and real-life dating, why you should be prepared to be love bombed, the meaning of "skinship," and finally, the one quality about Koreans in relationships that might frustrate y...

(Mini Pod) What I Miss Most About the US after Living in the Netherlands (Ft. David Wen) 25.06.2024

David, an American living in the Netherlands for 6 years shares some of the things he now misses about the American culture. Are the Americans more friendly and optimistic? How does the customer service compare between the US and the Netherlands? How does the hospitality compare? Say hi to David: https://www.youtube.com/  @hidavidwen  Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on...

Ep. 37 - Why Dating in Sweden Feels Impossible (Swedish Woman Shares) 18.06.2024

This week I talk to Cecilia, a Swedish-Finnish woman who has resigned on dating in Sweden. She shares her own, very personal experiences with dating in Sweden. Are Swedish men as passive as they say? Why is gender equality not always positive? What does she miss in Swedish relationships?... And more much more! Say hi to Cecilia: https://www.instagram.com/missgelinder/ Each week I will interview gu...

Ep. 36 - Truth About Living.. & Dating in Norway (as a Slavic Girl) 11.06.2024

I talk to Irena, a Ukrainian living in Norway about her experience in moving to Scandinavia. What has been the one thing she still can't get used about living in Norway? How is the communication between Eastern Europeans and Scandinavians different? What has the Norwegian dating scene been like? Say hi to Irena: https://www.instagram.com/lashforbates/ Podcast: @breakfast.together.podcast Each week...

Ep. 35 - She was arranged to be married by her Indian parents.. 04.06.2024

This week I talk with Kanushree, an India-American who has been arranged to be married at twenty-four years old. We talk about whether arranged marriages are worth it? How is it dating nowadays? And which is better: to have someone chosen for you or to be on dating apps in an endless search for love? Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture, connection a...

Ep. 34 - Living Between France & the US Made Me Realize THIS! (Ft. Lucile) 28.05.2024

This week, join us for an engaging conversation with Lucile as we dive into the biggest differences between French and American mentalities. Discover if the French are really as critical as they are often portrayed. Explore how the dating scene varies between France and the US, and uncover what the French can learn from Americans and vice versa. Lucile's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/  @Luc...

Ep. 33 - Truth About Living in Miami as a Slovak Girl (Ft. Tatiana/Landing America Podcast) 21.05.2024

This week I chat to Tatiana from the Landing America Podcast where we talk about the struggles of moving from Europe to the US (namely Slovakia to Miami). How is the dating scene different? Is Miami the ultimate dream? Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/landingamericapodcast/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCvIJjUQucOy99J_X4XPni8Q Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics...

(Mini Pod) Why Dating in Norway is So Difficult (Ft. Lorelou Dejardins) 15.05.2024

Lorelou, a French writer, has been living in Norway for many years and she has even published a book about her experiences living and dating in the country. She shares her personal experience dating in Norway and why it's been so difficult to navigate. Say hi to Lorelou:   / afroginthefjord   Get her book: https://afroginthefjord.com/ Wanna join the mailing list? https://datingbeyondborders.eo...

Ep. 32 - These Cultural Differences Will End Your Relationship (Ft. Therapist Alex Limanowka) 07.05.2024

This week I sit down with Alex Limanowka, a relationship expert who works with cross-cultural couples. We chat about the most and least compatible cultures in a relationship, the biggest struggles cross-cultural couples face, and how to deal with those struggles. Alex's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlimanowka/Her website: https://relationshiptherapist.com/ Do the core values quiz: h...

Ep. 31 - Culture Shocks of an American Living in Denmark (Ft. Kay Xander Mellish) 30.04.2024

This week I sit down with a professional speaker, coach, author and Podcast host Kay Xander Mellish to talk about living in Denmark, from work culture, to communication, to making friends, to dating .. and everything in between. Check out Kay's work: https://www.instagram.com/how2liveindk/https://www.howtoliveindenmark.com https://www.youtube.com/@how2liveindenmark Each week I will interview g...

Ep. 30 - She's Dated Across the World and This is What She Discovered... (Ft. Marina Khorosh) 23.04.2024

This week, I interview Marina Khorosh, a Russian-born, American-raised Vogue writer. Marina has extensively chronicled her global dating adventures in her blog DBag Dating. I delve into her insights on dating across Russia, the US, France, and Scandinavia, exploring the valuable lessons she's learned from her international dating experiences. Say hi to Marina: https://www.instagram.com/marinakhoro...

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