

Dating Beyond Borders
Marina Iakovleva
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 14min
Ep. 40 - The Truth About Italian Relationships (Gender Dynamics, Non-Monogamy, Cheating, LGBTQ+)
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 hypotheses shared by Donatella Fiacchino in this episode come from personal observations on society, from the scientific literature and her psychological knowledge, from data collected via surveys, and from social media content. Examples when talking about people, relationship dynamics and any psychological construct only have explanatory functions and they do not come from the stories of current or past clients of Donatella Fiacchino. There’s never specific reference to current or past clients of hers. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
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.com
Say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders
Dating Beyond Borders channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders

Jul 16, 2024 • 1h 17min
Ep. 39 - Brazilian Shocked at Dating in North America (Canada)
In this enlightening discussion, Alan, a São Paulo native who’s called Canada home for over a decade, shares his fascinating insights into the cultural shock of dating in North America. He highlights the emotional complexities and differing expectations around romance, underscoring the challenges Brazilians face in adapting. The conversation also touches on the socio-economic divide impacting dating practices and the contrasting social interactions post-pandemic. Alan's anecdotes provide a deep dive into the warmth and affection embedded in Brazilian culture, illuminating the balancing act between love and independence.

Jul 9, 2024 • 53min
Ep 38 - The Truth About Dating in Korea: Birthrates, Jealousy, Gender Dynamics (Feat. David Kim/Korean Pizza Club)
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 you.
Check out David's Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/ @koreanpizzaclub 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.com
Say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders
Dating Beyond Borders channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders

Jun 25, 2024 • 11min
"What I Miss about the US after living in the Netherlands"
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?David's contact: https://www.youtube.com/ @hidavidwen 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.com
Say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders
Dating Beyond Borders channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders

Jun 18, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep. 37 - The Hard Truth About Dating in Sweden
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!Cecilia's Contact: https://www.instagram.com/missgelinder/
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.com
Say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders
Dating Beyond Borders channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders

Jun 11, 2024 • 1h 11min
Ep. 36 - Biggest Culture Shock of a Ukrainian in Scandinavia (Norway)
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?Irena's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashforbates/Podcast: @breakfast.together.podcast
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.com
Say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders
Dating Beyond Borders channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders

Jun 4, 2024 • 43min
Ep. 35 - Arranged Marriage vs Endless Search: What's Better? (True Story)
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 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.com
Say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders
Dating Beyond Borders channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders

May 28, 2024 • 1h 6min
Ep. 34 - Living Between France and the US Made Me Realize THIS (feat. Lucile)
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/ @LucileHR
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.com
Say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders
Dating Beyond Borders channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders

May 21, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 33 - Biggest Culture Shocks of a Slovak in America (feat. Tatiana From Landing America Podcast)
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 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.com
Say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders
Dating Beyond Borders channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders

May 15, 2024 • 11min
Foreigner Reveals Why Dating in Norway is So DIFFICULT (feat. Lorelou Dejardins)
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.
Her socials: / afroginthefjord
Get her book: https://afroginthefjord.com/