

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

Dec 10, 2024 • 9min
(Mini Pod) The Truth About Dating Turkish Men: Love Bombing, Cheating and Family Ties
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.Get in touch with Anastasia: / belish.travel 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 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 Editing by Ivan Popovic: https://shorturl.at/rOsC5Instagram: @i__popi__

Dec 4, 2024 • 1h
Ep. 53 - The Truth About Living (& Dating) as an American in Brazil (Feat. Tim Explica)
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.
Tim shares his story, along with some tips for anyone curious about dating in Brazil or navigating cross-cultural relationships. From the dos and don’ts to what makes Brazilian dating so unique, this episode has you covered.
Say hi to Tim: https://www.instagram.com/timexplica/
Tim's channel: https://www.youtube.com/ @TimExplica
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

Nov 27, 2024 • 58min
Ep. 52 - Dating in Switzerland: The TRUTH About First Dates & Matchmaking (Feat. Elena Sachs)
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 matchmaking is becoming the go-to alternative to dating apps. Say hi to Elena: https://www.instagram.com/elenasachsofficial/Check out Match Maison: https://matchmaison.com/This conversation is a must-watch for anyone curious about Swiss romance and the evolving world of relationships. 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 / datingbeyondborders

Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 9min
Ep. 51 - Truth About Dating as an Iranian-American in LA (Ft. Nazanin Nour)
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 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 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

Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 9min
Ep. 50 - From US to Argentina: I Moved Abroad for Love (Did I Regret it?)
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 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 be a guest on the Podcast? https://forms.gle/J7CjyY1s7jKkLDEa9Support 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

Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 16min
Ep. 49 - Truth About Switzerland: It’s Not the Fairytale You Think!
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 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 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

Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 17min
Ep. 48 - Biggest Culture Shocks of a Slavic Girl in the Netherlands
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 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 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
Main Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DatingBeyondBorders
Editing by Ivan Popovic: https://shorturl.at/rOsC5Instagram: @i__popi__

Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 12min
Ep. 47 - Why Icelandic People are Shockingly Different (Ft. Speak Viking)
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.Get in touch with Oskar: https://www.instagram.com/speakviking/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 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 Editing by Ivan Popovic: https://shorturl.at/rOsC5Instagram: @i__popi__

Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 7min
Ep. 46 - She Ditched Her Comfortable Life in EUROPE for CUBA
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/ @absolutelyalissaPlease support the Podcast (money will be used for operational budget and equipment) https://tr.ee/0SzhdgntdCMake your Podcast with Streamyard and get $10 in credit: https://shorturl.at/knzA2Main Youtube Channel: /datingbeyondborders Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/datingbeyondbordersEach 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.

Oct 8, 2024 • 56min
Ep. 45 - Unfiltered Truth About Living & Dating in Croatia (Expectations, Gender Roles, Family Values)
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.
Check her out: https://www.tiktok.com/ @damjanaellis
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


