
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep. 66 - Truth About Living in Greece: Chaos, Cheating, and Commitment Issues
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://www.instagram.com/xloh_/Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture, connection and of course, dating. The goal is to go as deep as possible and to really understand where we all come from and how much culture influences our life.Want to join the mailing list? https://www.dating-beyond-borders.comSay hi on Instagram: / datingbeyondborders Dating Beyond Borders channel: / datingbeyondborders

Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 11min
Ep. 65 - Spaniard in the U.S.: Dating, Motherhood & Culture Clashes (Feat. Ana Gildersleeve)
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 lonelier—and why.Say hi to Ana: https://www.instagram.com/_anagildersleeve/Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture, connection and of course, dating. The goal is to go as deep as possible and to really understand where we all come from and how much culture influences our life.Want to join the mailing list? https://www.dating-beyond-borders.comSay hi on Instagram: / datingbeyondborders Dating Beyond Borders channel: / datingbeyondborders

Apr 1, 2025 • 11min
The Truth About Dating a Finnish Man (That No One Tells You)
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/miikka_martikainen/Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture, connection and of course, dating. The goal is to go as deep as possible and to really understand where we all come from and how much culture influences our life.Want to join the mailing list? https://www.dating-beyond-borders.comSay hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbeyondbordersDating Beyond Borders channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders

Mar 25, 2025 • 42min
Ep. 64 - The Struggle of Dating as an Asian-American (& Do Asian Men Have It Harder?)
In this discussion, Cassindy Chao, a professional matchmaker and author specializing in Asian-American dating, sheds light on the unique challenges faced by this community. She delves into cultural pressures and the skewed dynamics in dating apps, particularly the hurdles Asian men encounter. The conversation navigates the clash of traditional family expectations and the quest for personal happiness. Chao also emphasizes the importance of emotional connections and the shift towards professional matchmaking as a response to modern dating dilemmas.

Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 19min
Ep. 63 - Why Dating in London is a Disaster (& Is it too Late to Move Countries at 40?)
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/_ipromiseitwontbeboring_/Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture, connection and of course, dating. The goal is to go as deep as possible and to really understand where we all come from and how much culture influences our life.Want to join the mailing list? https://www.dating-beyond-borders.comSay hi on Instagram: / datingbeyondborders Dating Beyond Borders channel: / datingbeyondborders

Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ep. 62 - A Swedish-American in Mexico: The Struggle of Being Between Cultures
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-migration.com/Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture, connection and of course, dating. The goal is to go as deep as possible and to really understand where we all come from and how much culture influences our life.Want to join the mailing list? https://www.dating-beyond-borders.comSay hi on Instagram: @datingbeyondborders Dating Beyond Borders channel: @DatingBeyondBorders Podcast Production by Podders: https://Podders.io🎙️ Want to be a guest on the Podcast? https://forms.gle/J7CjyY1s7jKkLDEa9Support the Podcast (money will be used for operational budget/equipment) https://tr.ee/0SzhdgntdCMake your Podcast with Streamyard and get $10 in credit: https://shorturl.at/knzA2

Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 16min
Ep. 61 - How to Be Truly Happy: Top Lessons from Around the World (Feat. Gillian Mandich)
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, connection and of course, dating. The goal is to go as deep as possible and to really understand where we all come from and how much culture influences our life.Want to join the mailing list? https://www.dating-beyond-borders.comSay hi on Instagram: @datingbeyondborders Dating Beyond Borders channel: @DatingBeyondBorders Podcast Production by Podders: https://Podders.io🎙️ Want to be a guest on the Podcast? https://forms.gle/J7CjyY1s7jKkLDEa9Support the Podcast (money will be used for operational budget/equipment) https://tr.ee/0SzhdgntdCMake your Podcast with Streamyard and get $10 in credit: https://shorturl.at/knzA2

Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 25min
Ep. 60 - The Truth About Korea: Etiquette, Old Virgins & Child Export (Feat. Kaheva)
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 interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture, connection and of course, dating. The goal is to go as deep as possible and to really understand where we all come from and how much culture influences our life.Want to join the mailing list? https://www.dating-beyond-borders.comSay hi on Instagram: / datingbeyondborders Dating Beyond Borders channel: / datingbeyondborders Podcast Production by Podders: https://Podders.io🎙️ Want to be a guest on the Podcast? https://forms.gle/J7CjyY1s7jKkLDEa9Support the Podcast (money will be used for operational budget/equipment) https://tr.ee/0SzhdgntdCMake your Podcast with Streamyard and get $10 in credit: https://shorturl.at/knzA2Youtube Channel: @DatingBeyondBorders / datingbeyondborders / datingbeyondborders

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep. 59 - From LA to Paris: Why I Moved Abroad to Find Love (Feat. Ursulline)
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 away and start fresh in a new country?Say hi to Ursulline: https://www.instagram.com/ursullinetv/Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture, connection and of course, dating. The goal is to go as deep as possible and to really understand where we all come from and how much culture influences our life.Want to join the mailing list? https://www.dating-beyond-borders.comSay hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbeyondbordersDating Beyond Borders channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders

Feb 4, 2025 • 53min
Ep. 58 -Korean-Brazilian Couple Reveals Their Biggest Culture Shocks (Feat. Ana e Wan)
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 an international relationship.
If you're curious about cross-cultural relationships, dating customs in Brazil and Korea, or navigating cultural differences in love, this episode is for you!
Say hi to Ana and Wan: https://www.instagram.com/_wana218/
Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture, connection and of course, dating. The goal is to go as deep as possible and to really understand where we all come from and how much culture influences our life.
Podcast Production by Podders: https://Podders.io
🎙️ Want to be a guest on the Podcast? https://forms.gle/J7CjyY1s7jKkLDEa9
Support the Podcast (money will be used for operational budget/equipment) https://tr.ee/0SzhdgntdC
Make your Podcast with Streamyard and get $10 in credit: https://shorturl.at/knzA2
Youtube Channel: @DatingBeyondBorders
/ datingbeyondborders
/ datingbeyondborders