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.
Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.dating-beyond-borders.com
Author
Marina Iakovleva
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Nov 7, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
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...
Ep. 52 - The Truth About Relationships in Switzerland (Ft. Matchmaker Elena Sachs) 27.11.2024 57:43
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 1:09:17
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 1:09:24
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 1:15:33
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 1:17:22
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 1:11:46
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 1:06:47
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 56:21
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 1:03:08
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 1:04:03
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 1:06:22
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 1:04:14
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 1:14:03
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 1:17:15
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 53:19
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...
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