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Alan Dein connects with strangers across the world via social media.

Alan Dein connects with strangers across the world via social media, exploring the things that unite people across cultures and borders.

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Don't Log Off: Series 9: Utopia/Dystopia

Utopia/Dystopia

Series 9

BBC Radio 4 - Don't Log Off, Series 9, Utopia/Dystopia

Malibu - heaven on earth - but when disaster comes what rises from the ashes?

Nature creates some of the most beautiful places to live, but  can also bring destruction. Is it worth staying in paradise when you have lost everything in a disaster?

Some locations -  the beaches of California, the South American rain-forest, the majestic scenery and slow pace of Christchurch, New Zealand - may seem like Paradise - but reality, in the form of nature, climate change, industrialisation, or terrorism, can often creep in, even in these beautiful places. 

What about if you live there? 

Alan Dein talks to three strangers from across the globe, finding out the threats to Paradise, and how those who have chosen to make their lives there cope.  

Jefferson grew up in Malibu, one of the most desirable places on earth -  surfing, hiking, living the outdoor life. Once in a decade a fire would come and change all that... but in recent years the fires have become more regular and more devastating. How did Jefferson get through the devastating experience of losing his home to fire? . 
Alan also gets a glimpse of life in the rain forest, speaking to Fernando who is lying in a hammock on the Pacific Coast of Colombia -  describing the whales that come each year to visit the sea just off the beach. But he fears a giant new maritime port will destroy the community, the forest and the land he has learnt to love.

Alan also speaks twice to Julie from Christchurch, New Zealand,  who vividly recalls the way her city crumbled to dust in front of her eyes in the devastating earthquake of 2011 - before changing for the better, with a stronger community spirit,  during the city's recontruction. 

But then she calls again -  just a couple of days after the devastating terrorist attack on two Christchurch mosques - giving Alan the chance to ask 'how does the city feel after this new tragedy'?  

Producer: Sara Jane Hall

Don't Log Off: Series 9

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Alan Dein connects with strangers across the world, united by stories of loving & leaving.

Alan Dein connects with strangers across the world, united by stories of loving and leaving.

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Series 9

Utopia/Dystopia

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