🎙️ EPISODE: The Artist Is the Child Who Survived
This episode of Balkan Sis goes deep — into life, loss, love, and the ways we stay connected when the world around us changes. I talk about the passing of the legendary Halid Bešlić, whose music has been the soundtrack to so many of our lives. As a tribute, I’ve included one of his songs at the end of the episode — a small way to honor his legacy and the emotion he poured into every lyric. 💔🎶
We also dive into Esther Perel’s reflections on loneliness — and what it means to be the one who’s always there for others. If that sounds like you, this episode is especially for you. I’ll share her video in the show notes below so you can watch it after listening.
I touch on the quote that moved me deeply:
“The artist is the child who survived.”
A reminder that no matter where we end up in the world, the little version of us — curious, creative, and sensitive — still shapes who we are today.
💬 Topics We Explore:
* Losing icons like Halid Bešlić and why his music feels like home
* Loneliness and emotional connection through Esther Perel’s lens
* What it’s like growing up in Australia as a Balkan girl
* The importance of your village — how we build and nurture community
* Parenting, resilience, and celebrating my daughter turning one (amid flu season and hospital visits!)
* Finding lightness and humor even when life gets heavy
💡 Links & Mentions:
* 🎥 Esther Perel video on loneliness → https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPSEYKJCOHN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
* 🎵 Halid Bešlić tribute song → included at the end of the episode
* 🎙️ YouTube Guest Appearance → Chat with Iggy from IC Media (coming soon!)
* 💌 Interested in sponsoring an episode or collaborating?
Email me at: ivana.alfonso@hotmail.com
💫 Closing Thoughts
This episode is about remembering who we are — even when life pulls us in every direction. About finding our people, honouring our stories, and building that sense of belonging wherever we are in the world.
Because home isn’t always where we were born.
Sometimes, it’s the people and moments that help us feel seen.
🔗 Connect with Me
📸 Instagram: @ivanastrbacalfonso (https://www.instagram.com/ivanastrbacalfonso)
🎵 TikTok: @ivanastrbacalfonso](https://www.tiktok.com/@ivanastrbacalfonso)
💌 Email: ivana.alfonso@hotmail.com
🎙️ EPIZODA: Umjetnik je dijete koje je preživjelo
Ova epizoda Balkan Sis govori o životu, gubitku, ljubavi i načinima na koje ostajemo povezani dok se svijet mijenja.
Prisjećam se legendarnog Halida Bešlića, čija je glazba dio naših života. Na kraju epizode čut ćete pjesmu u njegovu čast. 💔🎶
Dotaknula sam se i Esther Perel i njezinih razmišljanja o usamljenosti — o tome kako je biti onaj koji je uvijek tu za druge.
Citata koji me nadahnuo:
> “Umjetnik je dijete koje je preživjelo.”
Podsjetnik da mala, znatiželjna verzija nas još uvijek živi u nama.
💬 Teme:
* Halid Bešlić i nasljeđe glazbe
* Usamljenost i povezanost
* Odrastanje u Australiji kao Balkan girl
* Zajednica, roditeljstvo i podrška
🎥 [Esther Perel video](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPSEYKJCOHN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==)
💌 [ivana.alfonso@hotmail.com]
📸 [@ivanastrbacalfonso](https://www.instagram.com/ivanastrbacalfonso)
🎵 [@ivanastrbacalfonso](https://www.tiktok.com/@ivanastrbacalfonso)