

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

Nov 14, 2023 • 1h 29min
Ep. 12 - Truth About Living in China from a European (Dating, 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 .. & Dating in Iceland (Ft.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" (Ft. Her 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 - I was left alone in Poland.. with a baby on my hands!
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. Say hi to Suzana: 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.Wanna join the mailing list? https://datingbeyondborders.eo.page/newsletterMy Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondbordersConnect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders

Nov 4, 2023 • 1h 1min
Ep. 10 - The Truth About Living in South Korea.. as an African Man (Ft. 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.Wanna join the mailing list? https://datingbeyondborders.eo.page/newsletterSay hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbeyondbordersDating Beyond Borders channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders

Oct 29, 2023 • 60min
Ep. 9 - Dating in Spain is Very Different to North America (& Is Barcelona Still Worth Moving to?)
Irina, a Barcelona native, discusses the cultural differences between Spanish and Canadian mentalities, including dating and connection differences. They explore why living in Barcelona may be exciting but leave you feeling empty in the long run. They also discuss the rise in crime rates targeting tourists in Barcelona and the experience of being a foreigner in the city.

Oct 10, 2023 • 1h 42min
Ep. 7 - Why Acting "Alpha" Won't Score you Points in Norway (& All About Norwegian Mentality!)
The podcast explores Norwegian culture and how it influences connections and dating. Topics discussed include the 'tall poppy syndrome' and its impact on society, changing teenage confidence, friendship and loneliness in Scandinavia, unexpected connections through disagreement, dating culture and expectations in Norway, attitudes towards sex and dating, and communication styles and values in relationships.

Sep 26, 2023 • 49min
Ep. 5 - The Toxic Side of the Irish Mentality (& The Truth About Dating in Ireland)
This week I sit down with my friend and co-writer Clara White to chat about the Irish mentality and the Irish dating scene. We talk about growing up in the drinking & party culture and how it really hinder self growth and expression. How does the Irish dating scene play out, and what are the differences between dating in Ireland and North America?Say hi to Clara: https://www.instagram.com/c1arawhite/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.Wanna join the mailing list? https://datingbeyondborders.eo.page/newsletterMy Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondbordersConnect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders

Sep 19, 2023 • 58min
Ep. 4 - The Japanese Fetish Culture & Loneliness in Japan (Ft. That Yuta)
Yuta, a Japanese communication and dating expert, joins the podcast to discuss Japanese communication, love languages, and the unique aspect of Japanese fetish culture. They explore topics such as indirect communication in dating, positive aspects of Japanese culture, the preference for being alone among career-oriented Japanese friends, and the popularity of cuddle and conversation cafes for emotional support.


