Dating Beyond Borders

Marina Iakovleva
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May 28, 2025 • 1h 25min

Ep. 72 - Denmark Unfiltered: Social Codes, Friendship Struggles & Dating Scene (Feat. Derek Hartman)

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 apart from the rest.Say hi to Derek: https://www.instagram.com/robetrotting/Check out his Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/waydidpod/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
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May 26, 2025 • 1h 8min

Ep. 71 - Biggest Culture Shocks of an American in Poland

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 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
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May 13, 2025 • 51min

Ep. 70 - Truth About Dating in Indonesia: Tinder, Ta'aruf and Taboos (ft. Coach Anez)

Delve into the unique dating landscape of Indonesia, where modern apps like Tinder meet traditional values. Discover the complexities of ta'aruf, the Islamic courtship practice gaining popularity, and the taboo topics that often remain unspoken. Hear personal anecdotes that reveal the clash between cultural expectations and individual desires. Explore how online dating is evolving from casual hookups to serious relationships, and understand the societal pressures young Indonesians face while navigating love.
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May 6, 2025 • 57min

Ep. 69 - Truth About Living in Sicily: Monogamy, Bella Figura and the Mamma's Boy

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 dating scene, this conversation offers an honest and eye-opening look at love in Sicily.Say hi to Irene: https://www.instagram.com/ireneinsicily/Check out Calia Farm: https://www.instagram.com/caliafarm/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
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Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 15min

Ep. 68 -Brazilian Woman Exposes the HARD TRUTH About Dating in Sweden

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/juliannatardelli/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
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Apr 22, 2025 • 51min

Ep. 67 -British-Russian Travel Couple Reveals BIGGEST Cultural Differences (ft. Matt & Julia)

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/@MattandJuliaDo a tour with them: https://www.humankindexpeditions.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: https://www.instagram.com/datingbeyondbordersDating Beyond Borders channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders
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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  
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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  
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Apr 1, 2025 • 11min

(Mini Pod) 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
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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.

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