By Despina Karpathiou
Fresh talent abounds on social media’s comic scene, and one page that is causing a stir is Are You Even Greek? Kristina Liotis is the face behind the page and has been making people of all ages laugh, a lot!
Kristina has a devoted fan base on social media because of her amusing observations about growing up Greek in Australia. She discusses the sources of her comedy with The Greek Herald and how her cultural background influences her sense of humour.
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a Melbourne-born mother-of-two, proud of my Greek heritage (my parents are both born in Greece). My father is from Kerkyra and my mother is from Lesvos (with Asia Minor roots). My love for Greece is deeply rooted, and I was thrilled to have a destination wedding there with my husband.
Tell us about your childhood. What do you remember the most fondly?
Growing up in Melbourne as a child of Greek parents was a vibrant and rich experience. My childhood was filled with the warmth of tradition, family, and community. One of my fondest memories is falling asleep on chairs at dances, exhausted from dancing and laughing with cousins and friends. Those moments, surrounded by loved ones and Greek culture, shaped my identity and created lifelong memories.
My childhood was a beautiful blend of Greek heritage and Australian upbringing, and I feel grateful for the traditions and values passed down to me.
You make a lot of people laugh! What inspired you to create Greek comedy content?
Thank you! I’m thrilled to have brought laughter to so many. For me, creating Greek comedy content was a labour of love. Growing up Greek Australian, I was surrounded by rich cultural nuances that were both relatable and ridiculous. I wanted to celebrate those quirks in a humorous way.
My inspiration came from everyday experiences: family gatherings, traditional celebrations, and the hilarious clashes between Greek and Australian cultures. I saw comedy gold in the eccentricities of Greek aunties, the passion of Greek dads, and the antics of Greek cousins.
By sharing these laugh-out-loud moments, I hoped to: (1) make Greeks feel seen and proud of their heritage, (2) introduce non-Greeks to our vibrant culture, and (3) show that even in our differences, we’re all connected through laughter.
It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to spread joy and Greek laughter worldwide!
How did you get started on social media and what made you start?
It all began during my maternity leave, when boredom met creativity. In a friends’ group chat, I started sharing celebrity trending photos and adding my own twist – witty Greek-related jokes. The feedback was instant: “You need to start an Instagram page!”
Encouraged by their enthusiasm, I took the leap. My page was born, blending Greek humour, pop culture, and relatable moments. Initial posts were just for fun, but the engagement was overwhelming. People connected with my light-hearted take on Greek culture, traditions, and quirks.
The turning point came when Angelo Tsarouchas, renowned comedian and podcast host, invited me to join his show. As my page was anonymous, I was faced with a difficult decision. I gave in and chose to reveal my identity.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting and dining with renowned Greek singer Anna Vissi, a childhood idol of mine.
What’s something no one knows about you that you would like people to know?
I’ve researched our family tree and traced one branch back to the 1700s, discovering fascinating stories and connections.
What are some goals you are working on and where would you like to be in five years?
- Building on the success of ‘Greek Eats’.
- Develop a comprehensive guide to Greek cuisine in Melbourne and Australia.
- Develop new projects and initiatives that showcase untold stories, hidden gems, and unsung heroes of Greek culture.
Kristina said that as opportunities arise, she’ll adapt and evolve, while staying true to her mission and passion of celebrating and sharing Greek culture.
You can follow Kristina on @areyouevengreek across all social platforms, and @kristina_liotis on Instagram.
