Redefining the Albanian American Perspective with Leonita Hoxhallari from BOTA Podcast

Redefining the Albanian American Perspective with Leonita Hoxhallari from BOTA Podcast

Author: Emina Pelja July 7, 2021 Duration: 1:04:12

While she was originally born in Croatia, Leonita's family roots are in Kline, Kosova. During the late 80s, her family moved to the United States and resettled in Detroit, Michigan to pursue the "American Dream" that everyone was after. Growing up with her cousins and extended family close by helped with the transition, not to mention she excelled in her studies and graduated as high school Salutatorian. After continuing her studies at University of Detroit Mercy and obtaining a degree in biochemistry, she decided to shift her focus and pursue a more fulfilling career path in Dietetics and Nutrition. Taking this leap of faith allowed her to tap into a more creative side that included content creation, social media, and blogging, ultimately paving the way for her to start BOTA Podcast. The word "Bota" in Albanian means "world" and the podcast has become a place to share world views, culture, careers, and all the above from an Albanian American perspective. Join us as we talk in-depth about the trials and tribulations of running a podcast and how our identity is constantly being shaped by the stories told within our communities.

Follow BOTA Podcast on Instagram: @botapodcast

Listen to Leonita's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6E515RS1Cd5xxkfOlVM6t0?si=HX0aV5FYSxi_W6cTQRw0Gw

Follow BOTA Network on Instagram: @botanetwork


Hosted by Emina Pelja, Balkan Bred is a conversation about the spaces between here and there, built from the voices of those who live in them. This isn't about nostalgia or simple definitions of home; it's about the complex, often unspoken realities of building a life across cultures. Each episode is built around a personal story from within the diaspora, exploring how heritage shapes identity in subtle and surprising ways-from the food we crave to the languages we dream in, the traditions we keep and those we quietly reshape. You'll hear about the challenges of belonging, the unexpected joys of a hybrid existence, and the quiet threads that connect people across miles and generations. It’s a raw and intimate look at the ongoing negotiation between the past we inherit and the future we create, offering a sense of community and understanding for anyone who has ever felt split between two worlds. Tune into this podcast for genuine narratives that move beyond stereotype, finding connection not in geography, but in shared human experience.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Balkan Bred
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