

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

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

Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep. 57 - Iranian Woman on Culture Shocks and Dating in Germany
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-cultural dating or just learning about Iranian traditions, this Podcast is for you.
Say hi to Melica: https://www.instagram.com/melicasha/
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/0SzhdgntdCMake your Podcast with Streamyard and get $10 in credit: https://shorturl.at/knzA2
Youtube Channel: @DatingBeyondBorders /
Tune in on other Podcast Platforms
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dating-beyond-borders/id1718400067

Jan 21, 2025 • 52min
Ep. 56 - Why German Men Flock to Latin America for Love (Ft. SoyChrisRo)
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, or what makes German men venture abroad for relationships, this episode is for you.Say hi to Chris: https://www.instagram.com/soychrisro/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/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 / datingbeyondbordersTune in on other Podcast Platforms 🎧Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aoPPtJxxcP974vv0Ly95gApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dating-beyond-borders/id1718400067

Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep. 55 - Truth About Finnish Relationships: Self Sufficiency, Silence and Sisu (Feat. Miikka Martinkainen)
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.
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.com
Say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders
Dating Beyond Borders channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders

Jan 7, 2025 • 58min
Ep. 54 - Stop Making These Cross-Cultural Communication Mistakes! (Feat. TEDx Speaker Pellegrino Riccardi)
Join TEDx speaker and cultural coach Pellegrino Riccardi, originally from the UK and now living in Norway, as he unpacks the fascinating world of cross-cultural communication. He explores the differences in expressiveness between Scandinavians and Italians, and how humor plays a crucial role in bridging gaps. Pellegrino sheds light on the cultural nuances around complaining, and shares personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of curiosity in navigating diverse societal norms. His insights offer practical tips for enhancing connections across cultures.


