Balkan Sis

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

Hey, lovely listeners, and welcome back to another episode of Balkan Sis. I'm your host, Ivana, and today is a special episode, but not in the way you might expect. Today, I'm stepping out from behind the mic and into the guest seat on another fantastic podcast.

Meeting David Pejčinović-Bailey:

That's right, I had the incredible opportunity to be a guest on David Pejčinović-Bailey's podcast, "An Englishman in the Balkans." I mean, can we talk about David hyphenating his wife's last name, Pejcinovic, to his own? I immediately knew this guy was something special.

Discovery of David's Podcast:

And here's the amazing part—I discovered David's podcast by complete accident while searching for Balkan content on Apple Podcasts. Little did I know, he's been at this for over a decade, way before it became the "cool thing to do."

The Special Episode:

So, in this very special episode, I'm going to get a bit vulnerable and share my journey as a former refugee, battling through severe hardships in Germany and Australia. I want to open up and let you in on my struggles, my triumphs, and all the lessons I've learned along the way.

Title: "Forced Out" Explanation:

This episode is named "Forced Out" because, well, that's exactly what happened. I'll take you on a journey through my growth, the lessons I've learned, and how I'm applying those lessons to my business life, my role as a mom, and every other corner of my life.

Message to Listeners:

I hope this episode brings you comfort and peace, especially with all that's happening in the world. To our incredible community of listeners, I encourage you to connect with us online, reach out, and share this episode with anyone who might need it.

Support for David:

And, if you have a moment, please support us and fellow creatives like David by signing up for his Patreon and checking out his other links. David's on a mission to bring more people back to Bosnia, and I believe he's doing an amazing job.

Friendship with David:

It's safe to say that David and I have become close friends through this journey, and I can't wait to take my family to Banja Luka one day.

Thank you for being part of our incredible community, and let's dive into this special episode. But first, let's show some love to David and his podcast "An Englishman in the Balkans."

Support them here:

https://www.patreon.com/anenglishmaninthebalkans/posts

https://substack.com/@anenglishmaninthebalkans

https://www.youtube.com/c/anenglishmaninthebalkans

https://www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.info/

https://anenglishmaninthebalkanspodcast.com/

They also rent out their home as an Airbnb go & visit now! http://holidayinbosnia.com

Welcome to a special episode of Balkan Sis, where we celebrate talent, resilience, and the power of faith. In today's episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Laura Marin, a remarkable Galician singer, online sensation, and an emerging star in the Balkan music scene. With nearly 400,000 followers across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, Laura has captured the hearts of the diaspora and Balkan music enthusiasts worldwide.

*Defying Expectations and Naysayers

Laura's journey to stardom hasn't been without its challenges. She faced her fair share of naysayers and negative influences along the way. Despite the obstacles and doubters, Laura's unwavering faith in her talent and a higher power has been her driving force.

*A Divine Connection

One of the most inspiring aspects of Laura's journey is her deep connection to faith. She credits her spiritual beliefs as the foundation that's helped her stay resilient and push forward, even when the odds were stacked against her. Laura's story is a testament to the incredible things one can achieve with faith and determination.

*Captivating the Balkan Audience

Laura Marin's unique ability to sing Balkan songs has led to a remarkable achievement: an invitation from none other than Halid Beslic and his team to perform in Sarajevo. This opportunity has catapulted her career and opened the door to even more exciting prospects in the world of Balkan music.

*A Bright Future Ahead

Laura's aspirations know no bounds. She's set her sights on conquering the Balkan music scene, not only in Europe but also on a global scale. With her undeniable talent, work ethic, and unwavering faith, there's no doubt she's well on her way to realising her dreams.

*Overcoming Setbacks

Laura's journey hasn't been without its ups and downs. She candidly shares her experiences of recording videos for the past five years and sometimes receiving only a single 'like.' Her story is a testament to the tenacity and determination required to overcome hardships and setbacks, making her success all the more impressive.

*Balkan Sis: Unity, Love, Support, and Girl Power

Laura's story aligns perfectly with the values of "Balkan Sis" – a movement that stands for unity, love, support, and girl power. Her journey embodies these principles and is an inspiration to all aspiring artists, especially young women looking to break through in the music industry.

*A Global Journey Ahead

As we wrap up this episode, we want to express our heartfelt support for Laura Marin's future endeavours. With the right connections and support, there's no doubt that she has the potential to take her talent "down under" to Australia and many other places around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the global music scene.

https://www.youtube.com/@zovemselaura5/featured

https://www.instagram.com/zovemselaura/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbOI74hU1Qg

https://www.tiktok.com/@zovemselaura

In this episode of "Balkan Sis," we sit down with Cody McLain Brown, a multi-talented author, comedian, lecturer, and a man led by his heart on an extraordinary journey. Cody, the author of two bestselling books, including "Chasing a Croatian Girl," shares his unique insights. With a background in Political Science and as a professor at the University of Zagreb, he bridges cultural gaps between Croatia and America with humour and wisdom.

We explore the essence of his book, "Chasing a Croatian Girl," a hilarious tale of an American man falling in love with a Croatian woman. Our conversation delves into parenthood, cultural quirks, the joy of laughter, and terms like "papuče," "promaja," and "Punica" that hold a special place in Balkan culture.

We discuss the uniqueness and challenges of the Balkan region, touching on themes of identity and belonging, revealing intriguing parallels between Australia and America. Cody's book is on its way to becoming a show, and he's living the Croatian dream, creating a beautiful life with his family.

Join us in this "Balkan Sis" episode for a journey into the vibrant world of Croatia through Cody McLain Brown's unique perspective.

- Cody's Instagram: [Link](https://www.instagram.com/codymcclainbrown/)

- Cody's book "Chasing a Croatian Girl": [Link](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-e&q=chasing+a+croatian+girl)

U ovoj epizodi "Balkan Sis" razgovaramo s Codyjem McLain Brownom, višestruko nadarenim autorom, komičarem, predavačem i čovjekom čije ga srce vodi na izvanredno putovanje. Cody, autor dviju bestselera, uključujući "Chasing a Croatian Girl," dijeli svoje jedinstvene spoznaje. S diplomom iz političkih znanosti i kao profesorom na Sveučilištu u Zagrebu, premošćuje kulturne jazove između Hrvatske i Amerike humorom i mudrošću.

Istražujemo bit njegove knjige "Chasing a Croatian Girl," urnebesnu priču o američkom muškarcu zaljubljenom u Hrvaticu. Naš razgovor dublje istražuje roditeljstvo, kulturne osobine, radost smijeha i pojmove poput "papuče," "promaja" i "Punica" koji imaju posebno mjesto u balkanskoj kulturi.

Razgovaramo o jedinstvenosti i izazovima Balkanskog područja, dotičući teme identiteta i pripadnosti, otkrivajući intrigantne paralele između Australije i Amerike. Codyeva knjiga uskoro postaje i show, a on živi hrvatski san, stvarajući predivan život sa svojom obitelji.

Pridružite nam se u ovoj epizodi "Balkan Sis" za putovanje u živahni svijet Hrvatske kroz jedinstvenu perspektivu Codyja McLaina Browna.

- Codyjev Instagram: [Link](https://www.instagram.com/codymcclainbrown/)

- Codyjeva knjiga "Chasing a Croatian Girl": [Link](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-e&q=chasing+a+croatian+girl)

Welcome to Balkan Sis - a heartfelt podcast where we share the most intimate details of our journey together as a couple. In this special episode, "15 Years, 15 Lessons," we delve deep into the essence of being in a relationship, as we celebrate the milestones and lessons that have shaped our love over the past decade and a half.

Join us as we take you on a candid and heartwarming exploration of the 15 things that have profoundly changed and bettered our relationship. From the challenges we faced to the triumphs we celebrated, we open up about how each experience has shaped us into the couple we are today.

In a world filled with constant noise and unsolicited advice, we talk about the importance of filtering out the wrong guidance, especially from those who haven't experienced the depths of a true relationship themselves. Our journey taught us that genuine connection lies in understanding and staying true to ourselves.

Becoming parents was a significant turning point for us, and we share how this incredible phase stretched us beyond our limits, leading us to reinvent the way we approached life and love. The experiences we've had as parents have truly transformed us, teaching us the beauty of resilience and unconditional love.

As we recount our personal anecdotes, we aim to provide valuable tips and guidance on navigating relationships, whether they be romantic or otherwise. Our hope is that this episode will resonate with you and offer insights that inspire a deeper connection with your loved ones.

Prepare for real, raw, and honest conversations filled with love, connection, and humor. We invite you to tune in and join us on this beautiful journey of love, growth, and self-discovery. Together, let's embrace the essence of being in a relationship and celebrate the magic of love's enduring power. 🎂🎉💑🎙️

Connect with me here - https://www.instagram.com/ivanastrbacalfonso/

Dobro došli u Balkan Sis - iskreni podcast u kojem dijelimo najintimnije detalje našeg zajedničkog putovanja kao para. U ovoj posebnoj epizodi, "15 godina, 15 lekcija," ulazimo duboko u bit veze, dok slavimo prekretnice i lekcije koje su oblikovale našu ljubav u posljednjih desetljeće i pol.

Sa Ljubav - With Love XX Ivana

Join us on a deeply moving and enlightening journey with our guest,

As a nurse during the turbulent times of the former Yugoslav war,

But Jelena's story doesn't end there. From surviving the war to

From her home in Sydney, Australia, Jelena not only shares her

This episode is an extraordinary blend of vulnerability, resilience,

[Links to Jelena's personal and virtual connections]

https://www.healinglite.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/jelenavukalovic

https://www.facebook.com/jelena.kalamir

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2312071768893423

https://www.youtube.com/@jelenavukalovic

https://www.instagram.com/ivanastrbacalfonso/

Pridružite nam se na duboko dirljivom i prosvjetljujućem putovanju s

Enjoy xox Ivana!