

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 19, 2023 • 48min
Ep 16 - The Truth about Dating & Sex in Mexico (According to a Sexologist)
This week I sit down with Betsy Reuss, a psychologist and a sexologist from Mexico City to talk about the dynamics around dating a sex in Mexico. How does the dating scene in Mexico differ and is it quickly changing? What can cause low libido in the bedroom? And are we all becoming more commitment-phobic as a society?
Betsy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsyreuss/
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.
Make your Podcast with Streamyard and get $10 in credit: https://shorturl.at/knzA2
My Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders
Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders

Dec 12, 2023 • 1h 24min
Ep. 15 - Why Brazilian Women are Unhappy with the Dating Scene (Psychologist Explains)
This week I sit down with Gabriela, a psychologist from Sao Paulo specializing in relationships. We talk about her relationship with a British man, the loneliness epidemic in Brazil that no one speaks about, the effects of social media and religious background on Brazilian dating and why Brazilians socialize differently.
Gabriela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oigabipsi/
Her husband's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parada1nglesa
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.
Make your Podcast with Streamyard and get $10 in credit: https://shorturl.at/knzA2
My Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders
Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders

Dec 1, 2023 • 1h 30min
Ep. 14 - A Hilarious Guide to Surviving Finland (feat. VeryFinnishProblems)
I sit down with Joel from the page Very Finnish Problems to talk about his experience living in Finland. Originally from the UK, we discuss the differences between British and Finnish mentality, dive into dark Finnish winters, what Finns value and the biggest culture shocks that come with living in the Nordics.
Joel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veryfinnishproblems
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.
Make your Podcast with Streamyard and get $10 in credit: https://shorturl.at/knzA2
My Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders
Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders

Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 36min
Ep. 13 - Biggest Culture Shocks of a German in America (feat. Feli From Germany)
I sit down with Feli from the Youtube channel Feli From Germany to talk about the culture shocks she had experienced after having moved from Germany to America. From the differences between German and American mentality, to what she loves most and least about living in America, to why moving to America changed her life for the better and how the dating scene differs between the two cultures.
Feli's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felifromgermany/
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.
Make your Podcast with Streamyard and get $10 in credit: https://shorturl.at/knzA2
My Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders
Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders

Nov 14, 2023 • 1h 29min
Ep. 12 - Things Chinese Do That Europeans Find Weird (Dating in China, Feminism and Masculinity)
Alejandra, a Spaniard living in Shanghai, discusses culture shocks when moving to China, dating differences between Chinese and Europeans, the impact of feminism on dating, and the challenges of modern relationships. They also explore the portrayal of sex in Spanish movies, the lack of accountability in online dating, and the disposable nature of contemporary relationships. Living in China has influenced their personal growth, making them more open-minded.

Nov 8, 2023 • 49min
Ep. 11 - Is Leaving America for Europe Really Worth it? (Life & Dating in Croatia)
Sage, an American who left the US to live in Croatia, discusses the driving factors behind leaving America. They explore the differences between life in Europe and the US, including the Balkan mentality around dating and making friends. Topics covered include backpacking through Europe, cultural differences and perspectives, communication styles, living in Croatia, housing challenges, friendships and mentality in Croatia and the US, and the transition into adulthood and cost of living.

Nov 8, 2023 • 54min
Ep. 6 - We Date Our Cousins? What it's Like Living in Iceland (feat. Hrafna)
Hrafna, a Youtuber on Icelandic culture, talks about living in Iceland and the challenges of dating in a small country. They discuss the fascination with Iceland's nature, the truth behind dating app Easton Think, and the misconceptions and cultural norms of dating in Iceland. They also explore the relaxed mindset of Icelandic people and reflect on their experience discussing Iceland.

Nov 8, 2023 • 1h 11min
Ep. 3 - Why Finnish Dating Scene is Shockingly Different to American (Secret Behind Finnish "Happiness") feat. Varpu From Finland
In this podcast, the host interviews Varpu from Her Finland to explore the differences between Finnish and American perspectives on happiness and attitudes towards dating. They discuss cultural differences in Finland, work culture and happiness, dating experiences in Finland, and attitudes towards nudity. The podcast provides unique insights into Finnish culture and its impact on various aspects of life.

Nov 7, 2023 • 56min
Ep. 8 - Living and Dating in Poland as a Brazilian... with a Baby!
This week I sit down with Suzana from Brazil, who has reached out to me with an incredible story. She moved with her Brazilian husband and baby to Poland. They ended up divorcing and she was now all alone with a baby in new country having to navigate the Polish dating scene.
Suzana's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sucbraga/
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.
Make your Podcast with Streamyard and get $10 in credit: https://shorturl.at/knzA2
My Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders
Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders

Nov 4, 2023 • 1h 1min
Ep. 10 - Being Black in Korea (feat. K Explorer)
This week I sit down to chat to Jerry from the Youtube channel K Explorer to get a sense of what it's like moving from Nigeria to South Korea. Do black people get different treatment in Korea? What has his experience been like living and working in the country? Check out his channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KExplorerEach 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


