In this special episode of Balkan Sis, I sit down with the brilliant and passionate Petrija, the founder of Studio Petrija a business creating beautiful, bilingual flashcards to help children connect with their cultural heritage through language.

Whether you’re a parent, aunty, educator, or just someone who lights up when your child says mama, dida, or volim te, this episode is a powerful reminder that language is legacy — and it starts at home.

• How Studio Petrija was born from love, culture, and a desire to keep our languages alive

• Why bilingual flashcards aren’t just educational tools — they’re a bridge between generations

• Hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from a creative Balkan mama running a small biz

• Simple, real-life ways to use flashcards beyond the classroom or fridge

• The emotional power of hearing your child speak the language of your childhood

• Encouragement for parents who may not be fluent themselves — it’s never too late to start

• 🌐 Website: www.studiopetrija.com.au

• 🛒 Shop Flashcards: Click here to browse

• 📸 Instagram: @studio.petrija

• 🎵 TikTok: @studio.petrija

🎁 SPECIAL OFFER: Use code BALKANSIS10 at checkout for 10% off — exclusive to Balkan Sis listeners.
(Note: Studio Petrija products are rarely discounted, so take advantage while it lasts!)

“If my kid can say ‘Bluey’ and ‘ćevapi’ in one sentence — I’m doing something right.”
— Petrija

“You don’t have to be fluent to plant the seed. Just start with ‘Bok!’ and build from there.”
— Studio Petrija’s message to all Balkan households

• 📸 Instagram: @ivanastrbacalfonso

• 🎵 TikTok: @ivanastrbacalfonso

• 📧 Email: [email protected]

Whether you're nurturing your children’s connection to their heritage, introducing language into everyday life, or simply seeking meaningful resources for your home, this is a wonderful opportunity to support a small business doing beautiful work for Balkan families everywhere.

And if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow me — Ivana Strbac Alfonso — on all the socials.
Like, share, subscribe, and if you feel called to, leave a rating or review — it truly helps this podcast reach more incredible people like you.

Until next time — doviđenja. 💛

U ovoj posebnoj epizodi Balkan Sis podcasta razgovaram s briljantnom i strastvenom Petrijom, osnivačicom Studio Petrija — brenda koji stvara predivne dvojezične edukativne kartice kako bi djeca mogla kroz igru i svakodnevne trenutke učiti jezik svojih korijena.

Bilo da ste roditelj, teta, odgojiteljica ili jednostavno netko kome srce zadrhti kada dijete kaže mama, dida ili volim te, ova epizoda podsjeća da je jezik naše nasljeđe — i sve počinje kod kuće.

• Kako je nastao Studio Petrija — uz puno ljubavi, kulture i kaosa 😄

• Zašto dvojezične kartice nisu samo edukativna pomagala, već most između generacija

• Smiješne i stvarne priče s Balkana dok pokušavaš voditi mali biznis s malom djecom uokolo

• Kreativni načini korištenja kartica kod kuće (nije samo za hladnjak!)

• Koliko je moćno kad tvoje dijete izgovori riječi koje su tebe oblikovale

• Osvježavajuće poruke o tome da ne moraš biti tečan govornik da bi svom djetetu prenio jezik i identitet

• 🌐 Web stranica: www.studiopetrija.com.au

• 🛒 Trgovina / Shop: Klikni ovdje

• 📸 Instagram: @studio.petrija

• 🎵 TikTok: @studio.petrija

🎁 POSEBAN POPUST: Iskoristi kod BALKANSIS10 za 10% popusta na sve narudžbe — samo za slušatelje Balkan Sis podcasta.
(Napomena: Studio Petrija proizvodi rijetko su na sniženju, zato iskoristi ovu priliku!)

“Ako moje dijete može reći ‘Bluey’ i ‘ćevapi’ u istoj rečenici — nešto radim kako treba.”
— Petrija

“Ne moraš biti fluentan da posadiš sjeme. Počni s ‘Bok!’ i gradi od tamo.”
— Poruka iz Studio Petrija za sve balkanske obitelji

• 📸 Instagram: @ivanastrbacalfonso

• 🎵 TikTok: @ivanastrbacalfonso

• 📧 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Episode: A Conversation with Special Guest Bella

In this heartwarming and lighthearted episode, I welcome my 12-year-old niece Bella as a special guest on the podcast. We chat about her plans for the future, what high school feels like, and what it’s been like growing up in a Croatian family. Bella shares her favourite Croatian foods, her thoughts on language, and what goes through her mind when she hears me, her mum, and her Baba speaking their native language around the house.

We dive into how kids today handle screen time, phones, and social media, and Bella shares what she thinks is a good age to start using them. She talks about the challenges kids face today compared to before, and whether she sees any similarities between me and her mum.

Bella also has some heartfelt advice for parents raising teenage girls, plus a personal quote to inspire our listeners. We wrap things up with her thoughts on how artificial intelligence might shape her future.

✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends!

👉 Head over to my Instagram [@ivanastrbacalfonso](https://www.instagram.com/ivanastrbacalfonso) for more updates, behind-the-scenes, and community chats.

👉 Subscribe to my newsletter with your email to stay connected and get bonus content.

👉 You can also find me on Facebook under *Ivana Strbac Alfonso* and on YouTube for even more stories and episodes.

Thanks for tuning in, and see you next time on Balkan Sis!

🎙️ Generacija Z susreće tradiciju: Razgovor s Bellom

U ovoj toplo i iskreno vođenoj epizodi ugostila sam svoju 12-godišnju nećakinju Bellu. Razgovaramo o njezinim planovima za budućnost, kakav je osjećaj ići u srednju školu i kako je odrastati u hrvatskoj obitelji. Bella dijeli svoje najdraže hrvatske delicije, razmišlja o jeziku i govori što joj prolazi kroz glavu kad čuje mene, svoju mamu i svoju Babu kako pričamo hrvatski.

Dotaknuli smo se tema poput vremena provedenog pred ekranima, mobitela i društvenih mreža te što Bella misli kada bi djeca trebala početi koristiti tehnologiju. Govori o izazovima s kojima se djeca danas suočavaju u usporedbi s prijašnjim vremenima i prepoznaje li sličnosti između mene i njezine mame.

Bella daje iskrene savjete roditeljima koji odgajaju tinejdžerice, a dijeli i jednu svoju misao za naše slušatelje. Na kraju razgovaramo o tome kako bi umjetna inteligencija mogla utjecati na njezinu budućnost.

✨ Ako vam se svidjela epizoda, pretplatite se, ostavite recenziju i podijelite je s prijateljima!

👉 Posjetite moj Instagram [@ivanastrbacalfonso](https://www.instagram.com/ivanastrbacalfonso) za novosti i sadržaj iza kulisa.

👉 Pretplatite se na moj newsletter i ostanite u toku s dodatnim pričama.

👉 Pronađite me i na Facebooku (Ivana Strbac Alfonso) te na YouTubeu za još više sadržaja i epizoda.

Hvala što ste slušali i vidimo se u sljedećoj epizodi Balkan Sis!

Welcome back to the Balkan Sis Podcast — it’s been a minute, and a lot has happened. In this solo episode, I catch you up on all the beautiful, heartbreaking, and transformational moments that have shaped the past few months of my life.

In this episode, I share:
💫 Welcoming our daughter — and how our planned home birth turned into something completely unexpected.
💔 The passing of my auntie just before her birth — the contrast of life and loss in one season.
🎄 Christmas, school holidays, healing postpartum, and holding space for my family.
📞 A life-changing phone call — my nephew’s leukemia diagnosis in January.
🧠 The Gabor Maté event on the Gold Coast — and the powerful moment when he answered my question.
🎂 My birthday reflections — and a surprise DNA kit (yes, I’m 100% Balkan!).
💍 17 years with my husband — love, deep reflection, and future dreams.
🌪️ Cyclone Alfred — food shortages, no power, and a heavy wartime-like energ

Silver Linings & Shoutouts:
🌟 To our incredible community who showed up during the cyclone — thank you.
🕯️ Jasmina from JMD Scentsations & Rosa Dora Imports — support their family-owned biz in Kogarah!
📚 Studio Petrija — honouring culture with custom flashcards for our little ones.

https://www.instagram.com/studio_petrija/

https://www.facebook.com/StudioPetrija/

https://www.studiopetrija.com

Let’s connect & collaborate:
💌 Want to sponsor an episode, collaborate, or share your story? I'd love to hear from you. On relevant platforms type in Ivana Strbac Alfonso or ;

📲 Follow along:
Instagram — @ivanastrbacalfonso
Email — [email protected]

Thank you for being here — especially through the chaos.
🧡 Ivana

In this episode of Balkan Sis, I dive into a whirlwind of personal updates and reflections. I’m 38 weeks pregnant and preparing for a home birth, while also navigating changes in my life and home. I discuss:

- The journey of being so close to welcoming a new baby.

- The process of changing my son’s school and renovating our home.

- The profound experience of losing my aunt at 63 and writing her eulogy.

- The contrast between life and death and the shared human experience.

- The power of kindness and how we can support each other through tough times.

I also give a special shout-out to some incredible Balkan women making a significant impact around the world. Tune in to hear their names, learn about their amazing contributions, and get a glimpse of what’s next for Balkan Sis.

I’d love to connect with you! If you’re interested in collaborations, sponsorships, or sharing your own stories, please reach out to me through

this link (https://linktr.ee/ivanaalfonso)

Let’s work together and make great things happen!

All my love and more Ivana XOX

Welcome to Balkanina Unplugged: Life, Love, Therapy, and Creativity (Part 2)!

Hey there, friend! Join us for some real talk and genuine connections. In our cozy corner of the internet, we're diving deep into the stuff that matters – life, love, therapy, and creativity.

We're not holding back. We're covering everything from sharing our experiences of breaking those old family habits to navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, fashion, and the digital creator life.

But this isn't just about us. It's about you too. We're here to share heartfelt stories, have some honest chats, and empower each other. Because we believe every woman deserves to feel heard, understood and inspired.

And hey, we're not just talking about the serious stuff. We'll also be chatting about the fun things – like fashion, style, travel, and the wild ride of being refugee children. We'll share how we survived the war and how therapy changed our lives.

So grab your favourite cozy blanket, pour yourself a cup of tea, and let's hang out. We're all in this together, and we can't wait to share this journey with you.

*To get in touch with Nina & listen to her podcast or follow her online click below

⁠https://www.balkanina.com/?fbclid=PAAabWm0xhkBIq_Wtac6Z_pPt9VIFWvb82TjptsIhEerkf1tjpwhoax8C2-O4_aem_AW0Sm152oLKboDfgtB3AtoEcbmz4so1017l95gbDhqBEyGTrz9jtPAxdNnMJcrxVtkY⁠

*⁠https://www.instagram.com/balkanina/⁠

*⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6bLuB2zmWAnGNiMBLAqYOa?si=99229c71ae144173&nd=1&dlsi=3bdddfd9108148d3⁠

Welcome to Balkanina Unplugged: Life, Love, Therapy, and Creativity (Part 1)!

Hey there, friend! Join us for some real talk and genuine connections. In our cozy corner of the internet, we're diving deep into the stuff that matters – life, love, therapy, and creativity.

We're not holding back. We're covering everything from sharing our experiences of breaking those old family habits to navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, fashion, and the digital creator life.

But this isn't just about us. It's about you too. We're here to share heartfelt stories, have some honest chats, and empower each other. Because we believe every woman deserves to feel heard, understood and inspired.

And hey, we're not just talking about the serious stuff. We'll also be chatting about the fun things – like fashion, style, travel, and the wild ride of being refugee children. We'll share how we survived the war and how therapy changed our lives.

So grab your favourite cozy blanket, pour yourself a cup of tea, and let's hang out. We're all in this together, and we can't wait to share this journey with you.

*To get in touch with Nina & listen to her podcast or follow her online click below

https://www.balkanina.com/?fbclid=PAAabWm0xhkBIq_Wtac6Z_pPt9VIFWvb82TjptsIhEerkf1tjpwhoax8C2-O4_aem_AW0Sm152oLKboDfgtB3AtoEcbmz4so1017l95gbDhqBEyGTrz9jtPAxdNnMJcrxVtkY

*https://www.instagram.com/balkanina/

*https://open.spotify.com/show/6bLuB2zmWAnGNiMBLAqYOa?si=99229c71ae144173&nd=1&dlsi=3bdddfd9108148d3

Episode Title: SUPRISE! Catch-Up Episode: Where Am I Now & What to Do When You Feel Stuck

In this episode, I have some exciting news to share - tune in to find out if it's a boy or a girl! But that's not all; I'll be catching you up on everything that's been happening lately in my life. From personal updates to professional endeavors, we're diving deep into it all.

Feeling stuck sucks, right? Don't worry; I've got your back. I'll be sharing my insights on navigating those moments when you feel like you're going nowhere fast. We'll explore the power of self-enquiry and how it can help you find your direction again.

Ever heard of the 5 W's? Well, if not, you're in for a treat! I'll be breaking down what they are and how you can use them to shake off that feeling of being stuck and move forward with purpose.

Plus, I'll be giving you a sneak peek into what's next in my life and on the podcast. Trust me; you won't want to miss it!

If you're craving more thought-provoking episodes, don't forget to check out our past episodes. And hey, if you want to join me as a guest or become a sponsor, or if you have topics you'd like me to explore, hit me up on the links below!

Thanks for tuning in and for being a part of this journey with me. Your support means the world.

Catch you in the next episode! <3 Ivana

https://linktr.ee/ivanaalfonso

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Balkan Sis! In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with the fabulous Balkan baba who brought her love and culture to Australia many years ago. Join us as we delve into her journey, dedicated to the memory of her late husband Kojo, and celebrate overcoming hardships with a virtual shot of rakija.

We explore the spiritual messages from loved ones who have passed away and the importance of finding purpose and giving back to the community. From parenting and assimilating to Aussie culture to donning her colourful blazers, we cover it all.

Tune in as we uncover the secrets to a long, happy marriage and navigate the big fashion "No-No's" of today's world. This episode is packed with heart, humour, and wisdom you won't want to miss!

Follow along with Lepa's and Baba's journey with Burek on Wheels via the links below, and don't forget to rate, share, and spread the love!

Enjoy the episode as much as we enjoyed recording it!

With love,

Ivana

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/burek_on_wheels/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076282327760

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076282327760

https://www.instagram.com/bekindfriday/

Dobrodošli u posebnu bonus epizodu Balkan Sis! U ovoj epizodi imamo zadovoljstvo razgovarati s fantastičnom balkanskom babom koja je svoju ljubav i kulturu donijela u Australiju prije mnogo godina. Pridružite nam se dok ulazimo u njezino putovanje, posvećeno uspomeni na njenog pokojnog supruga Koju, i uz virtualnu čašicu rakije proslavimo prevladane nedaće.

Istražujemo duhovne poruke voljenih osoba koje su preminule i važnost pronalaženja svrhe i vraćanja zajednici. Od roditeljstva i asimilacije s australskom kulturom do oblačenja njezinih šarenih sakoa, pokrivamo sve.

Uključite se dok otkrivamo tajne dugog, sretnog braka i upravljamo velikim modnim "ne-ne" današnjeg svijeta. Ova je epizoda prepuna srca, humora i mudrosti koju ne želite propustiti!

Pratite Lepino i Babino putovanje s Burekom na kotačima putem poveznica ispod, i ne zaboravite ocijeniti, podijeliti i širiti ljubav!

Uživajte u epizodi kao što smo mi uživali snimajući je!

Sa ljubavlji,

Ivana

Title: Balkan Sis Recap 2023: A Journey Through the Unexpected

Hey there, my wonderful Balkan Sis family! As we wrap up the wild ride that was 2023, I'm sitting down to chat about it all—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

**In Our Household:**

From the daily adventures in our home to the unexpected twists that kept us on our toes, our family story in 2023 is one for the books. Join me as we laugh, cry, and reminisce about the moments that defined our year.

**Our Suburb's Tale:**

Guess what? Our little corner of the world had its own share of excitement. Remember that tornado? Yep, it touched down in our suburb, and I've got some incredible stories of resilience, community spirit, and how we weathered the storm together.

**Family and Business Chronicles:**

We've had some exciting developments on the family and business front. From new chapters to facing challenges head-on, I'll spill the beans on what kept us busy and inspired throughout the year.

**Motherhood Musings:**

To all the moms out there, let's take a moment to reflect on the beautiful chaos that is motherhood. I'll share the highs, the hilarious moments, and maybe a few tears shed in the name of parenting.

**Looking Ahead to 2024:**

As we wave goodbye to 2023 and dive into the holiday season, I'm peering into the future and sharing my hopes, dreams, and maybe a resolution or two for the coming year. Here's to embracing the unknown and stepping into 2024 with open arms.

**A Big Thank You:**

Before we wrap things up, I want to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Your love and support throughout the year mean the world. Thank you for being a part of the Balkan Sis family, for sharing your stories, and for being there through it all.

So, here's to a fantastic 2023, with all its quirks and surprises. I'll see you on the other side, ready to tackle whatever 2024 throws our way. Stay safe, stay connected, and sending heaps of love your way!

<3 Ivana