In this episode of Balkan Sis, I sit down with Karolina Drakovac psychologist, artist, mother, and former refugee for an honest and heartfelt conversation about identity, healing, motherhood, and navigating life between cultures.

Karolina and I connected through our shared Balkan roots, and this episode explores her journey from her upbringing and migration experience to building a life and career in the Netherlands. We talk about what shaped her path into psychology and art, and how lived experience continues to influence the work she does today.

Together we explore:

• Growing up Balkan and integrating into a new culture

• Identity, belonging, and cultural differences

• Relationships and raising children across cultures

• How childhood experiences and generational trauma influence parenting

• Motherhood, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum realities

• The emotional load and guilt many mothers carry

• Balancing career, creativity, family, and personal wellbeing

• Insights from Karolina’s work as a psychologist

• Using art as expression, grounding, and healing

• Supporting mental health while maintaining boundaries

• Giving back through charity work supporting children in Bosnia

This conversation is reflective, vulnerable, and grounded in shared experience highlighting the resilience of women navigating multiple roles, identities, and responsibilities while staying connected to their roots.

Support Charity Bosnian Kids

https://charitybosniankids.org/

Karolina’s Art (Instagram)

https://www.instagram.com/karolina_draws_/

Karolina’s Psychology Practice

https://psychologiepraktijkdrakovac.nl/home-en

Podcast Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/balkansispodcast/

Ivana

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

Thank you for listening, sharing, and supporting this growing global community.

Balkan Sis continues to bring stories of courage, resilience, identity, and connection from voices across the world.