Episodes

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Away From Home2023022020230814 (R4)Olga has been living in an accommodation centre for Ukrainians refugees in a church in Moldova. Finding work is a struggle and Olga looks forward to the day she can earn enough money to rent an apartment.

Pavel left Russia in September last year, just days after Vladimir Putin mobilised military reservists to fight the war in Ukraine. Now Pavel is alone in Kazakhstan but the clock is ticking on his temporary resident's permit.

Emran was among one million or so migrant workers who helped build the stadiums which hosted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But it wasn't long before Emran found there was an unexpected price to pay.

Whether displaced by war or working overseas - Alan Dein uses social media to connect with people living away from home.

Producer: Conor Garrett

Alan Dein uses social media to connect with people displaced by war or working overseas.

Olga has been living in an accommodation centre for Ukrainians refugees in a church in Moldova. Finding work is a struggle and Olga looks forward to the day she can earn enough money to rent an apartment.

Pavel left Russia in September last year, just days after Vladimir Putin mobilised military reservists to fight the war in Ukraine. Now Pavel is alone in Kazakhstan but the clock is ticking on his temporary resident's permit.

Emran was among one million or so migrant workers who helped build the stadiums which hosted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But it wasn't long before Emran found there was an unexpected price to pay.

Whether displaced by war or working overseas - Alan Dein uses social media to connect with people living away from home.

Producer: Conor Garrett

Alan Dein uses social media to connect with people displaced by war or working overseas.

Good Vibes2023022720230821 (R4)Lilhe was a teenager when her mum left the family home in Soweto - but then a local community theatre group helped Lilhe discover a sense of togetherness and belonging.

In the icy wilderness of the Yukon territory in northwest Canada, Gurdeep is spreading messages of joy by making Punjabi dance videos in the snow and posting them on social media.

In Nigeria, Ihuoma is struggling to pay his mum's medical bills - but finds fulfilment caring for others through his work as a psychiatric nurse.

When Adria packed in his sales job in Barcelona, a chance conversation with a stranger would inspire him to make a life changing decision.

Alan Dein uses social media to connect with people spreading good vibrations and discovering a positive outlook on life.

Producer: Conor Garrett

Alan Dein uses social media to connect with people discovering a positive outlook on life.

Lilhe was a teenager when her mum left the family home in Soweto - but then a local community theatre group helped Lilhe discover a sense of togetherness and belonging.

In the icy wilderness of the Yukon territory in northwest Canada, Gurdeep is spreading messages of joy by making Punjabi dance videos in the snow and posting them on social media.

In Nigeria, Ihuoma is struggling to pay his mum's medical bills - but finds fulfilment caring for others through his work as a psychiatric nurse.

When Adria packed in his sales job in Barcelona, a chance conversation with a stranger would inspire him to make a life changing decision.

Alan Dein uses social media to connect with people spreading good vibrations and discovering a positive outlook on life.

Producer: Conor Garrett

Alan Dein uses social media to connect with people discovering a positive outlook on life.

Hopes And Fears2023071020230713 (R4)Alan Dein returns with his globe-spanning encounters via the internet with strangers and old acquaintances.

In this edition he continues his conversation with Emma , deputy head teacher in an all- boys secondary school in Arua, Northern Uganda. She reflects on the recent horrific terrorist attacks on a Ugandan school. Tragically, this is nothing new. Mass graves of staff and children are situated right in front of her current school, victims of a rebel attack some years ago.

Father Major, a young Ugandan Catholic missionary, continues his reflections on the challenges of working in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo and describes his takes to the road on his motorbike through rebel-held territories to administer to remote village communities.

Alan first met Daria from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine online over ten years ago. Daria is disabled, and teaches languages online. At the end of last year, Daria's future brother in-law was killed in the war. With his sister's blessing Daria and her partner decided they must get married and help bring her family some joy during this terrible time.

Ahmed is doctor from Sudan. Alan first spoke with Ahmed four years ago, at a time when he was working long hours and waiting for pay cheques that never seemed to come. He left his country two years ago for Saudi Arabia as he became more and more frustrated earning $30 a month. Ahmed is in his late 20s now and more financially secure but wonders where he will go next, as he fears for the people of Sudan at war.

Producer: Mohini Patel

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

Alan Dein returns with his globe-spanning encounters via the internet with strangers and old acquaintances.

In this edition he continues his conversation with Emma , deputy head teacher in an all- boys secondary school in Arua, Northern Uganda. She reflects on the recent horrific terrorist attacks on a Ugandan school. Tragically, this is nothing new. Mass graves of staff and children are situated right in front of her current school, victims of a rebel attack some years ago.

Father Major, a young Ugandan Catholic missionary, continues his reflections on the challenges of working in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo and describes his takes to the road on his motorbike through rebel-held territories to administer to remote village communities.

Alan first met Daria from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine online over ten years ago. Daria is disabled, and teaches languages online. At the end of last year, Daria's future brother in-law was killed in the war. With his sister's blessing Daria and her partner decided they must get married and help bring her family some joy during this terrible time.

Ahmed is doctor from Sudan. Alan first spoke with Ahmed four years ago, at a time when he was working long hours and waiting for pay cheques that never seemed to come. He left his country two years ago for Saudi Arabia as he became more and more frustrated earning $30 a month. Ahmed is in his late 20s now and more financially secure but wonders where he will go next, as he fears for the people of Sudan at war.

Producer: Mohini Patel

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

In The Wilderness2023070320230706 (R4)Alan Dein returns for a new series of global encounters with strangers and old friends via the internet.

In this edition Alan meets Emma from Arua, Northern Uganda. She is a deputy head teacher in an all- boys secondary school. She reflects on the recent horrific terrorist attacks on a Ugandan school. Tragically, this is nothing new. Mass graves are situated in front of her current school, victims of a rebel attack years ago.

And he links up with Sandeep in Goa, a retired career civil servant with years of experience working in the Indian railway Sandeep talks about the experience of dealing with a rail crash early in his working life.

He connects with Father Major, a young Ugandan Catholic missionary working in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Father Major travels regularly travels to remote communities in rebel-held territories on his motorbike.

And Alan catches up with Mursalina, a student originally from Kabul, Afghanistan. She fled the country two months after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Her parents and extended family remain in Kabul, and Mursalina talks about how she copes with life without them by her side, and how she keeps going living in Kyrgystan, a country far from home. She has no idea when she will see her family again.

Producer: Mohini Patel

Alan Dein returns for global encounters with strangers and old friends via the internet.

Alan Dein returns for a new series of global encounters with strangers and old friends via the internet.

In this edition Alan meets Emma from Arua, Northern Uganda. She is a deputy head teacher in an all- boys secondary school. She reflects on the recent horrific terrorist attacks on a Ugandan school. Tragically, this is nothing new. Mass graves are situated in front of her current school, victims of a rebel attack years ago.

And he links up with Sandeep in Goa, a retired career civil servant with years of experience working in the Indian railway Sandeep talks about the experience of dealing with a rail crash early in his working life.

He connects with Father Major, a young Ugandan Catholic missionary working in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Father Major travels regularly travels to remote communities in rebel-held territories on his motorbike.

And Alan catches up with Mursalina, a student originally from Kabul, Afghanistan. She fled the country two months after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Her parents and extended family remain in Kabul, and Mursalina talks about how she copes with life without them by her side, and how she keeps going living in Kyrgystan, a country far from home. She has no idea when she will see her family again.

Producer: Mohini Patel

Alan Dein returns for global encounters with strangers and old friends via the internet.

Iran Special2023021320230828 (R4)In this special edition, Alan talks to Asal and Sara, two women living in Iran about how they are navigating their lives when normality is imploding around them. What does the future hold for them?

He also talks to Iranians living in the diaspora - Hamid in Glasgow and Melika in Sierra Leone, about how they stay connected to family and friends, how they use their voice to promote change in their homeland and whether they will ever be able to return there.

And to second generation Iranian Setare growing up in Los Angeles, about the impact the current situation is having on her and her family.

Producer: Mohini Patel

Researcher: Shiler Mahmoudi

In this special edition, Alan talks to Asal and Sara, two women living in Iran about how they are navigating their lives when normality is imploding around them. What does the future hold for them?

He also talks to Iranians living in the diaspora - Hamid in Glasgow and Melika in Sierra Leone, about how they stay connected to family and friends, how they use their voice to promote change in their homeland and whether they will ever be able to return there.

And to second generation Iranian Setare growing up in Los Angeles, about the impact the current situation is having on her and her family.

Producer: Mohini Patel

Researcher: Shiler Mahmoudi

Life Is A River2023071720230720 (R4)Alan Dein connects online with strangers from across the world. In this edition his conversations include Jebrail, a victim of Turkey's earthquake who is living in a shipping container. Jebrail lives in Malatya, a city which was greatly damaged and lost many citizens to the disaster. Alan also meets Dina, a retiree originally from Uzbekistan and currently living in Durr뀀s, Albania. Dina has lived in many countries all over the world and on both sides of the Iron Curtain. His third companion is Nertil, a young man living and working in Mitrovica, Kosovo, who joins Alan for conversation and a macchiato.

Producer: Sam Peach

Alan Dein hears stories from strangers in Turkey, Kosovo and Albania.

Alan Dein connects online with strangers from across the world. In this edition his conversations include Jebrail, a victim of Turkey's earthquake who is living in a shipping container. Jebrail lives in Malatya, a city which was greatly damaged and lost many citizens to the disaster. Alan also meets Dina, a retiree originally from Uzbekistan and currently living in Durr뀀s, Albania. Dina has lived in many countries all over the world and on both sides of the Iron Curtain. His third companion is Nertil, a young man living and working in Mitrovica, Kosovo, who joins Alan for conversation and a macchiato.

Producer: Sam Peach

Alan Dein hears stories from strangers in Turkey, Kosovo and Albania.

08, Mr President20161112Alan Dein talks to his Facebook friends across America about the election of Donald Trump. Just hours after the result, Trump and Clinton supporters alike talk passionately about why they voted the way they did - and share their hopes and fears about the future of the United States. Working through the night, Alan tries to understand what the election has revealed about modern America - from California to Tennessee.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

01012012010220120329 (R4)Alan Dein attempts to cross the world on a series of late night excursions via Facebook and Skype - discovering the real life dramas behind the online profiles across two programmes.

It's a hesitant start as Alan starts from a Friend count of zero, struggling to lure users away from the anonymity of the keyboard to the glare of the webcam - and engage in real verbal communication. Yet over five long late nights, he gradually builds up a circle of friends, crossing the time zones and discovering some startling stories.

In programme one, Alan's in the realm of love and loss - online and offline. He connects with a single parent snowbound in Nova Scotia, an Egyptian whose online romance turned sour and a Pakistani yearning for a girl from the wrong caste.

In programme two, he's among those dreaming of freedom, talking to a man car-jacked in Caracas, and an Iranian evading the electronic eavesdropping of the authorities.

Previously, Alan Dein brought us the acclaimed Don't Hang Up, in which he set himself the task of calling phone boxes around the world to see who picked up. This time, the project reaches a whole new scale.

Producers: Laurence Grissell and Sarah Bowen.

Alan connects with a snowbound single mum and hears stories of thwarted love online.

01022012010920120330 (R4)Alan Dein attempts to cross the world on a series of late night excursions via Facebook and Skype - discovering the real life dramas behind the online profiles.

It's a hesitant start as Alan starts from a Friend count of zero, struggling to lure users away from the anonymity of the keyboard to the glare of the webcam - and engage in real verbal communication. Yet over five long late nights, he gradually builds up a circle of friends, crossing the time zones and discovering some startling stories.

In this second programme, he's among those dreaming of freedom, talking to a man car-jacked in Caracas, and an Iranian evading the electronic eavesdropping of the authorities who's determined to flee the country.

Five years ago, Alan Dein brought us the acclaimed Don't Hang Up, in which he set himself the task of calling phone boxes around the world to see who picked up. This time, the project reaches a whole new scale.

Producers: Laurence Grissell and Sarah Bowen.

Alan 'meets' a car-jacked man in Caracas and an Iranian evading government eavesdropping.

02012012061320120917 (R4)Alan Dein sets out on a series of nocturnal excursions via Facebook and Skype, discovering the real life dramas behind the online profiles, talking to people in every corner of the globe.

Holed up in the studio late into the night, Alan makes conversation with people all over the world, talking to them about their stories and whatever else is on their mind. He never knows what he'll be hearing next.

Among those he connects with this time are a 66 year old widow in rural Texas and an 18 year old with Aspergers who makes a living playing online poker all night. He also catches up with Jennifer in Nova Scotia who featured in the last series - whose ex-husband is just about to come out of jail and marry her best friend.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan connects with a 66-year-old Texan widow and an 18-year-old poker player in London.

02022012062020120924 (R4)Alan Dein crosses the world on a series of late night excursions via Facebook and Skype, discovering the real life dramas behind the online profiles.

Among those he connects with are Bryan, whose relationship with his Russian girlfriend has been conducted entirely through Google Translate, and Bill, who stood in a phone box, holding a gun to his head as he came out to his wife.

Alan also catches up with Amir, who in the last series was trying to leave Iran, and finds out why he was so keen to go.

Producer: Sarah Bowen.

Alan connects with a man conducting his relationship entirely through Google Translate.

02032012062720121001 (R4)Alan Dein sets out on nocturnal excursions via Facebook and Skype, discovering the real life dramas behind the online profiles, talking to people in every corner of the globe.

Holed up in the studio late into the night, Alan makes conversation with people all over the world, talking to them about their stories. He never knows what he'll be hearing next.

This time, the theme is War and Peace as Alan connects with a Beirut man shot by a sniper during the Lebanese civil war, a woman whose father was imprisoned during the Cuban revolution and a young man in California jailed for domestic violence.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein connects with a man shot by a sniper during the Lebanese civil war.

03A Tale From The Bush2013052220130926 (R4)Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook & Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

He never knows who he will be speaking to next or what secrets they will reveal.

Tonight, he hears a moving story of widowhood from 60 year old Jennie in the Australian Bush. The line is so bad that Alan decides to send her a digital recorder so that she can record herself in quality. What emerges is a bittersweet and intensely personal story but one which also touches on key events in Australia in the post-1945 era, including the Vietnam War and the catastrophic Darwin Cyclone.

She also uses the recorder to capture some of the abundant bird life in her remote and rural part of Queensland.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein hears a moving story of widowhood from 60-year-old Jennie in the Australian bush

Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook & Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

He never knows who he will be speaking to next or what secrets they will reveal.

Tonight, he hears a moving story of widowhood from 60 year old Jennie in the Australian Bush. The line is so bad that Alan decides to send her a digital recorder so that she can record herself in quality. What emerges is a bittersweet and intensely personal story but one which also touches on key events in Australia in the post-1945 era, including the Vietnam War and the catastrophic Darwin Cyclone.

She also uses the recorder to capture some of the abundant bird life in her remote and rural part of Queensland.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein hears a moving story of widowhood from 60-year-old Jennie in the Australian bush

03Connection And Separation2013050820130924 (R4)Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

Hooked up to a computer well into the early hours of the morning, Alan circumnavigates the globe online inviting anyone and everyone to talk to him. He never knows who he will be speaking to next or what secrets they will reveal.

In the first programme, Alan hears stories of connection and separation. He connects with a man in Cairo as a gunfight rages outside, a French woman nervously awaiting a meeting with her estranged father and a Brazilian man mystified at the disappearance of an online lover.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Gunfight in Cairo, a nervous French woman and a Brazilian man's troubled love affair.

Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

Hooked up to a computer well into the early hours of the morning, Alan circumnavigates the globe online inviting anyone and everyone to talk to him. He never knows who he will be speaking to next or what secrets they will reveal.

In the first programme, Alan hears stories of connection and separation. He connects with a man in Cairo as a gunfight rages outside, a French woman nervously awaiting a meeting with her estranged father and a Brazilian man mystified at the disappearance of an online lover.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Gunfight in Cairo, a nervous French woman and a Brazilian man's troubled love affair.

03Healing2013051520130925 (R4)Alan Dein holes himself up in a studio through the night and invites the online world to talk to him. Knowing nothing about the people he is about to talk to, he settles down for an evening of intriguing, random encounters.

In this second programme, he crosses the world via Facebook & Skype and hears the stories of people in the process of healing. A woman pursues new love when her husband's infidelity begins days after their wedding, a Ghanaian healer tries to cure a woman through prayer over the phone, and a barrister struggles to regain his speech after being stabbed and beaten with a machete in an Anguillan restaurant.

Producer: Sarah Bowen.

Ghanaian healer, injured dance teacher and barrister left for dead in a pool of blood.

Alan Dein holes himself up in a studio through the night and invites the online world to talk to him. Knowing nothing about the people he is about to talk to, he settles down for an evening of intriguing, random encounters.

In this second programme, he crosses the world via Facebook & Skype and hears the stories of people in the process of healing. A woman pursues new love when her husband's infidelity begins days after their wedding, a Ghanaian healer tries to cure a woman through prayer over the phone, and a barrister struggles to regain his speech after being stabbed and beaten with a machete in an Anguillan restaurant.

Producer: Sarah Bowen.

Ghanaian healer, injured dance teacher and barrister left for dead in a pool of blood.

03The Power Of Belief2013052920130927 (R4)Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

Tonight, stories about the power of belief. Alan hears the epic story of a Peruvian man who believes that a Canadian visa will persuade his Belarusian ex-wife to come back to him, an American woman tells of her relationship with a Muslim which raised eyebrows in the Midwest and a Canadian man talks about speaking to the spirit of his late father.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein hears stories from Peru, Canada and Israel about the power of belief.

Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

Tonight, stories about the power of belief. Alan hears the epic story of a Peruvian man who believes that a Canadian visa will persuade his Belarusian ex-wife to come back to him, an American woman tells of her relationship with a Muslim which raised eyebrows in the Midwest and a Canadian man talks about speaking to the spirit of his late father.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein hears stories from Peru, Canada and Israel about the power of belief.

04Away From Home2013110220140423 (R4)Alan Dein continues his night time conversations with internet strangers, discovering the lives behind the profiles of people he randomly meets through Facebook and Skype.

This week he speaks to people living and working away from home. A nurse in Germany awaits the arrival of battle-injured troops, a disabled Romanian longs for the arrival of the family's first car, and an Icelander asks Alan if he should put a rose on his girlfriend's grave.

Producer: Sarah Bowen.

Alan hears from a nurse awaiting injured troops, and an Icelander finds paradise in a pool

Alan Dein continues his night time conversations with internet strangers, discovering the lives behind the profiles of people he randomly meets through Facebook and Skype.

This week he speaks to people living and working away from home. A nurse in Germany awaits the arrival of battle-injured troops, a disabled Romanian longs for the arrival of the family's first car, and an Icelander asks Alan if he should put a rose on his girlfriend's grave.

Producer: Sarah Bowen.

Alan hears from a nurse awaiting injured troops, and an Icelander finds paradise in a pool

04Egypt, Silence And Waiting2013110920140424 (R4)Via Facebook and Skype Alan Dein connects to the lives of strangers across the globe to hear their stories. The tumultuous events of the Arab spring have reached an uncertain conclusion in Egypt. Now, with Friday night curfew drawing close, Alan hears a diversity of experience. From Shady who has found a new life in the revolutionary protests of January 25th 2011 ,a sleeper awoken from his days as a football fanatic, waiting for the next seismic event to Rasa who defies the curfew to maintain her sanity. Elsewhere in Alexandria a newly qualified doctor, Doaa, reflects on the passing of her father and her new responsibilities.

Producer: Mark Burman.

Ordinary Egyptians share their stories of the recent tumultuous events.

Via Facebook and Skype Alan Dein connects to the lives of strangers across the globe to hear their stories. The tumultuous events of the Arab spring have reached an uncertain conclusion in Egypt. Now, with Friday night curfew drawing close, Alan hears a diversity of experience. From Shady who has found a new life in the revolutionary protests of January 25th 2011 ,a sleeper awoken from his days as a football fanatic, waiting for the next seismic event to Rasa who defies the curfew to maintain her sanity. Elsewhere in Alexandria a newly qualified doctor, Doaa, reflects on the passing of her father and her new responsibilities.

Producer: Mark Burman.

Ordinary Egyptians share their stories of the recent tumultuous events.

04Escape2013101920140421 (R4)Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers as Don't Log Off comes to Saturday mornings for the first time.

And in this first programme, Alan speaks to a range of people looking for escape - in a range of honest and moving encounters which take him right around the globe. He hears from a female human rights activist in Saudi Arabia trying to flee the country after hearing her life is in danger - and a Marilyn Manson fan yearning to escape Russia.

There are lighter moments, too, as Alan speaks to a Japanese man about his dashed hopes of a career singing love songs and a Ugandan hoping for a happy ending to his romance with a woman in Finland.

Hooked up to a computer into the early hours of the morning, Alan crosses continents online - inviting anyone and everyone to talk to him. He never knows who he will be speaking to next or what secrets they will reveal.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan talks to a Saudi woman and Russian man yearning to escape from oppressive regimes.

Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers as Don't Log Off comes to Saturday mornings for the first time.

And in this first programme, Alan speaks to a range of people looking for escape - in a range of honest and moving encounters which take him right around the globe. He hears from a female human rights activist in Saudi Arabia trying to flee the country after hearing her life is in danger - and a Marilyn Manson fan yearning to escape Russia.

There are lighter moments, too, as Alan speaks to a Japanese man about his dashed hopes of a career singing love songs and a Ugandan hoping for a happy ending to his romance with a woman in Finland.

Hooked up to a computer into the early hours of the morning, Alan crosses continents online - inviting anyone and everyone to talk to him. He never knows who he will be speaking to next or what secrets they will reveal.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan talks to a Saudi woman and Russian man yearning to escape from oppressive regimes.

04Found In Translation2013102620140422 (R4)Alan Dein hears the story of Bryan from the US and Anna from Russia who met online - using Google Translate.

Bryan doesn't speak Russian and Anna doesn't speak English - they conduct their communication entirely via the online translation tool.

Alan has been following the story for Don't Log Off for over a year, speaking to Bryan on Skype on numerous occasions. Since they first spoke, Anna decided to move to the US with her two children. She sells her house in Russia and takes just three suitcases to set up home with Bryan. The couple's understanding of each other's languages remains minimal.

She arrived in the US in July this year - and the couple had 90 days to get married or Anna would have to leave the country. The wedding date is set for 21st September - but then, suddenly, it's called off... because Anna has concerns.

Alan decides to travel to Boise, Idaho to see how things work out...

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein hears the story of Bryan and Anna, who met using Google Translate.

Alan Dein hears the story of Bryan from the US and Anna from Russia who met online - using Google Translate.

Bryan doesn't speak Russian and Anna doesn't speak English - they conduct their communication entirely via the online translation tool.

Alan has been following the story for Don't Log Off for over a year, speaking to Bryan on Skype on numerous occasions. Since they first spoke, Anna decided to move to the US with her two children. She sells her house in Russia and takes just three suitcases to set up home with Bryan. The couple's understanding of each other's languages remains minimal.

She arrived in the US in July this year - and the couple had 90 days to get married or Anna would have to leave the country. The wedding date is set for 21st September - but then, suddenly, it's called off... because Anna has concerns.

Alan decides to travel to Boise, Idaho to see how things work out...

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein hears the story of Bryan and Anna, who met using Google Translate.

05Enduring Love2014091720141229 (R4)Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

In this first programme of the new series, Alan discovers some moving stories of couples under pressure.

Alan builds up a relationship with Hank and Norma in Arkansas, USA following them over the course of a difficult year as harp-playing Hank draws on his own near-death experience to deal with Norma's breast cancer. As Hank puts it: 'I worked hard to survive, and I deserve my companion in life...

Alan also tracks the fortunes of a young couple in love, trying to make a go of it despite the fact one lives in southern Italy and the other in Slovakia.

Plus a veteran of the first Gulf War - now a long distance lorry driver - recalls how he salvaged his own relationship after it faltered as a result of long absences from home.

Stories of relationships under pressure in Arkansas, Ghana and Slovakia.

Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

In this first programme of the new series, Alan discovers some moving stories of couples under pressure.

Alan builds up a relationship with Hank and Norma in Arkansas, USA following them over the course of a difficult year as harp-playing Hank draws on his own near-death experience to deal with Norma's breast cancer. As Hank puts it: 'I worked hard to survive, and I deserve my companion in life...

Alan also tracks the fortunes of a young couple in love, trying to make a go of it despite the fact one lives in southern Italy and the other in Slovakia.

Plus a veteran of the first Gulf War - now a long distance lorry driver - recalls how he salvaged his own relationship after it faltered as a result of long absences from home.

Stories of relationships under pressure in Arkansas, Ghana and Slovakia.

05Going It Alone2014100120141231 (R4)Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

This week he speaks to people who, through choice or circumstance, are going it alone.

He hears from a Chinese student, now living in Los Angeles, who is coping with living alone in a foreign country and has come to terms with his stutter without the help of a speech therapist.

A woman from Australia explains how she is overcoming the disappointment of being jilted by her Vietnamese fianc退 while another in Argentina explains why she wants to remain alone having lost her savings in pursuit of a relationship.

And finally he hears from a widow in London who is haunted by her husband's death.

Producer: Clare Walker.

Alan Dein speaks to people who, through choice or circumstance, are going it alone.

05Identity2014092420141230 (R4)Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

Today, people tell stories about grappling with issues of identity. A disabled woman from the Ukraine talks about ethnic tensions as crisis grips the country, keeping an audio diary of her reflections as the situation develops.

Alan also hears from a young woman in Moscow who discusses the difficulties of being gay and mixed race in Russia.

Meanwhile, a young Bolton man whose family originate from Pakistan recounts his horror after being shot at during his last visit there, reflecting on how it has informed his views on nationality.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

People from Russia, Ukraine and Pakistan grapple with issues of identity.

Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

Today, people tell stories about grappling with issues of identity. A disabled woman from the Ukraine talks about ethnic tensions as crisis grips the country, keeping an audio diary of her reflections as the situation develops.

Alan also hears from a young woman in Moscow who discusses the difficulties of being gay and mixed race in Russia.

Meanwhile, a young Bolton man whose family originate from Pakistan recounts his horror after being shot at during his last visit there, reflecting on how it has informed his views on nationality.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

People from Russia, Ukraine and Pakistan grapple with issues of identity.

06Dependence20150313Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of strangers he randomly encounters. In this episode he explores dependency, hearing from a young German woman who fell into a coma while in Ireland, and a workaholic in Singapore punishing his body with drink.

Producer Emma Betteridge.

Alan Dein explores dependency, hearing from people from Ireland, Australia and Singapore.

06Staying Strong20150227Alan Dein crosses the world via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of strangers he randomly encounters.

In the first programme in this new series, Alan hears stories from people who have had to find the strength to deal with difficult situations and make tough choices.

Speaking out for the first time, a girl in trouble with her education tells Alan how her sponsor offered her a repulsive choice. A New York lawyer fights to get back to work after a horrific attack and a Syrian student leaves his family in the hope of rebuilding his country.

Producer: Sarah Bowen.

A girl who has to decide between education and virtue tells Alan Dein her story.

06Who Am I?20150306Alan Dein connects with the world online to hear surprising stories of personal identity.
07A Message From Hank And Norma2016071120170117 (R4)Alan Dein presents the moving story of three years in the life of Hank & Norma, a couple in their 60s from Arkansas, USA - told entirely by the messages left by Hank for Alan on Skype.

Alan first spoke to harp-playing Hank three years ago for Don't Log Off. Shortly afterwards, Hank started to leave Alan occasional messages and audio recordings. As the months went by, the recordings became more intimate and revealing, charting Hank's major heart surgery and Norma's experiences with cancer. Entirely on his own initiative, Hank started to record every detail of the couple's lives - including the final hours of Norma's life.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein tells the moving story of 3 years in the life of Hank and Norma from Arkansas.

Alan Dein presents the moving story of three years in the life of Hank & Norma, a couple in their 60s from Arkansas, USA - told entirely by the messages left by Hank for Alan on Skype.

Alan first spoke to harp-playing Hank three years ago for Don't Log Off. Shortly afterwards, Hank started to leave Alan occasional messages and audio recordings. As the months went by, the recordings became more intimate and revealing, charting Hank's major heart surgery and Norma's experiences with cancer. Entirely on his own initiative, Hank started to record every detail of the couple's lives - including the final hours of Norma's life.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein tells the moving story of 3 years in the life of Hank and Norma from Arkansas.

07Clean Slate2016070420170110 (R4)Alan Dein continues his series of nocturnal conversations with random strangers. Settling down for the night, he locks the studio door and opens the microphone to people he encounters online.

As he crisscrosses the world, he hears from a Kenyan pilot who lives her childhood dream of flying helicopters over hammerhead sharks in Key West, a Parisian designer stopped in his tracks by meningitis and a man in Pennsylvania accused of bewitching his wife.

Producer: Sarah Bowen.

Alan Dein hears from a man in Pennsylvania accused of bewitching and killing his wife.

Alan Dein continues his series of nocturnal conversations with random strangers. Settling down for the night, he locks the studio door and opens the microphone to people he encounters online.

As he crisscrosses the world, he hears from a Kenyan pilot who lives her childhood dream of flying helicopters over hammerhead sharks in Key West, a Parisian designer stopped in his tracks by meningitis and a man in Pennsylvania accused of bewitching his wife.

Producer: Sarah Bowen.

Alan Dein hears from a man in Pennsylvania accused of bewitching and killing his wife.

07Taking Flight2016062720170103 (R4)Alan Dein embarks on a new series of nocturnal excursions via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

Alan holes himself up in a studio through the night and invites the online world to talk to him. Knowing nothing about the people he is about to talk to, he settles down for an evening of intriguing encounters.

Tonight he connects with a Nigerian trapped in Abu Dhabi, a Hungarian woman who found salvation in the birth of her son, a Dutch man who believes he's a reincarnated slave and a grounded Canadian test pilot coming to terms with the fact he'll never fly again.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein embarks on a new series of nocturnal conversations with random strangers online.

Alan Dein embarks on a new series of nocturnal excursions via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

Alan holes himself up in a studio through the night and invites the online world to talk to him. Knowing nothing about the people he is about to talk to, he settles down for an evening of intriguing encounters.

Tonight he connects with a Nigerian trapped in Abu Dhabi, a Hungarian woman who found salvation in the birth of her son, a Dutch man who believes he's a reincarnated slave and a grounded Canadian test pilot coming to terms with the fact he'll never fly again.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein embarks on a new series of nocturnal conversations with random strangers online.

07042016071820170124 (R4)Alan Dein continues his nocturnal excursions via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

Tonight he connects with a civil engineering student from Kathmandu two years on from the earthquake that devastated parts of Nepal, a Jamaican living in Panama City who is waiting to fulfil his childhood dream of joining the US army and a man in Tanzania, expecting the birth of his first child.

Producer: Clare Walker.

Alan Dein hears the real-life dramas of strangers in Nepal, Panama and Tanzania.

Alan Dein continues his nocturnal excursions via Facebook and Skype, hearing the real life dramas of random strangers.

Tonight he connects with a civil engineering student from Kathmandu two years on from the earthquake that devastated parts of Nepal, a Jamaican living in Panama City who is waiting to fulfil his childhood dream of joining the US army and a man in Tanzania, expecting the birth of his first child.

Producer: Clare Walker.

Alan Dein hears the real-life dramas of strangers in Nepal, Panama and Tanzania.

08Exile20171209Alan Dein connects with strangers around the world, each with a story of exile.
08Great Expectations2017111820180529 (R4)Alan Dein travels the world via the internet talking to parents and children about navigating the tricky expectations they have of each other.

Among those Alan strikes up conversation with today: a Filipino mother estranged from her gay son, a Ugandan woman whose education was cut short and a young Korean man hiding his tattoos from his parents.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein talks to people in Korea, Uganda and India about parental expectations.

Alan Dein travels the world via the internet talking to parents and children about navigating the tricky expectations they have of each other.

Among those Alan strikes up conversation with today: a Filipino mother estranged from her gay son, a Ugandan woman whose education was cut short and a young Korean man hiding his tattoos from his parents.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein talks to people in Korea, Uganda and India about parental expectations.

08Isolation2017112520180530 (R4)Alan Dein connects with random strangers around the world and calls them.

This week, his guests are in far flung places and bustling cities but each, in their own way, isolated.

He finds Clare, an ex-Mounted Police Officer in the High Arctic, Dino, a security guard, locking up after a long nightshift in Skopje and in Northern China, 19-year-old Ben, whose ears are still ringing from his first night ever in a nightclub.

Producer: Sarah Bowen.

Alan Dein connects with random strangers each, in their own way, isolated.

Alan Dein connects with random strangers around the world and calls them.

This week, his guests are in far flung places and bustling cities but each, in their own way, isolated.

He finds Clare, an ex-Mounted Police Officer in the High Arctic, Dino, a security guard, locking up after a long nightshift in Skopje and in Northern China, 19-year-old Ben, whose ears are still ringing from his first night ever in a nightclub.

Producer: Sarah Bowen.

Alan Dein connects with random strangers each, in their own way, isolated.

08Survival2017111120180528 (R4)Alan Dein travels the world via the internet, talking to people trying to survive against the odds.

Locking himself away in a studio in Broadcasting House, Alan crosses time zones and continents speaking to random strangers using Facebook, Skype and WhatsApp.

Among those Alan gets chatting to today is BJ who spends half his life working on the confines of an oil rig in the East Timor Sea so that he can spend the rest of his time throwing himself off high rise buildings as he pursues his super dangerous pastime, base jumping. Then there's Syrian refugee Abdulkader who tells of his epic journey to Europe from the ruins of Aleppo. Also on Alan's contacts list today are Sam and Anna, co-workers in a call centre in Ukraine, who dream of leaving their poorly paid jobs behind forever.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein travels the world via the internet, talking to people surviving against the odds

Alan Dein travels the world via the internet, talking to people trying to survive against the odds.

Locking himself away in a studio in Broadcasting House, Alan crosses time zones and continents speaking to random strangers using Facebook, Skype and WhatsApp.

Among those Alan gets chatting to today is BJ who spends half his life working on the confines of an oil rig in the East Timor Sea so that he can spend the rest of his time throwing himself off high rise buildings as he pursues his super dangerous pastime, base jumping. Then there's Syrian refugee Abdulkader who tells of his epic journey to Europe from the ruins of Aleppo. Also on Alan's contacts list today are Sam and Anna, co-workers in a call centre in Ukraine, who dream of leaving their poorly paid jobs behind forever.

Producer: Laurence Grissell.

Alan Dein travels the world via the internet, talking to people surviving against the odds

08The Consolations Of Art2017121620180601 (R4)Alan Dein connects with strangers around the world to hear how art has changed their lives

Alan Dein connects with strangers around the world to hear how art has changed their lives

08Tolerance2017120220180531 (R4)Alan Dein continues his virtual global journey, calling random people he stumbles across on line.

Through extraordinary stories of tolerance, Alan hears what people endure in their political, religious and love lives.

Bob, a Lebanese computer intern, tells of his struggles as a fervent Islamist, Samira a Brazilian teacher confesses to infidelity and Tariro shares her joy as the tanks roll into Harare.

Producer: Sarah Bowen.

Alan Dein encounters random strangers online and hears extraordinary stories of tolerance.

Alan Dein continues his virtual global journey, calling random people he stumbles across on line.

Through extraordinary stories of tolerance, Alan hears what people endure in their political, religious and love lives.

Bob, a Lebanese computer intern, tells of his struggles as a fervent Islamist, Samira a Brazilian teacher confesses to infidelity and Tariro shares her joy as the tanks roll into Harare.

Producer: Sarah Bowen.

Alan Dein encounters random strangers online and hears extraordinary stories of tolerance.

09A Sense Of Belonging2019030520200201 (R4)Alan Dein connects with strangers across the world, exploring the things that unite people across cultures and borders.

Today, Alan reaches out to people in Afghanistan, the Philippines, Sierra Leone and beyond - exploring what it means to belong.

He hears people yearning for a better life elsewhere - and those determined to make a go of it where they are.

Producer: Laurence Grissell

Alan Dein connects with strangers across the world, exploring what it means to belong.

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

Today, Alan reaches out to people in Afghanistan, the Philippines, Sierra Leone and beyond - exploring what it means to belong.

He hears people yearning for a better life elsewhere - and those determined to make a go of it where they are.

Producer: Laurence Grissell

Alan Dein connects with strangers across the world, exploring what it means to belong.

09Life In Motion2019031920200215 (R4)Alan Dein hears compelling personal stories from people around the globe about the things which unite them.

In Brazil, Saudi Arabia, the North of England and beyond, Alan connects with people online who are on the move, exploring what ‘motion' means to different people through individual and collective experiences.

This includes a unique insight into marriage behind the wheel from a husband and wife trucking duo as they travel across Europe and reflections from a Saudi woman about how her life has changed since the female driving ban was lifted in June last year.

Producer: Hannah Dean

Alan Dein speaks to strangers around the world about life on and off the road.

Alan Dein hears compelling personal stories from people around the globe about the things which unite them.

In Brazil, Saudi Arabia, the North of England and beyond, Alan connects with people online who are on the move, exploring what ‘motion' means to different people through individual and collective experiences.

This includes a unique insight into marriage behind the wheel from a husband and wife trucking duo as they travel across Europe and reflections from a Saudi woman about how her life has changed since the female driving ban was lifted in June last year.

Producer: Hannah Dean

Alan Dein speaks to strangers around the world about life on and off the road.

09The Road Less Travelled2019031220200208 (R4)In this week's episode, Alan connects with people in Sweden, Brazil, Australia, Poland, and beyond. Conversations include a trans man in the military getting ready for fatherhood, a burlesque performer building queer community in Brazil, and a woman who wonders how different her life might have been if she never found roller derby.

Producer: Arlie Adlington

Alan Dein connects with strangers across the world, exploring the question of identity.

09Utopia-dystopia2019032620200222 (R4)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

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

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

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

10Healing20190906Alan Dein talks to people around the world to find out how they recover when facing difficulty.

Helena is a young woman in Venezuela, living alone with her daughter. Caught in the middle of a national crisis, crime and electrical blackouts, she leaves an audio diary for Alan documenting the week leading up to her daughter's 9th birthday.

He also speaks to a personal trainer in Sri Lanka whose business is much more than exercise and an Argentinian man who finds hope in personal tragedy.

Producer: Sam Peach

Alan Dein hears from a single mother in Venezuela and a Sri Lankan personal trainer.

10Seeking Fulfilment20190830Alan Dein connects with people around the world united by their desire to find fulfilment.

Alan speaks to a young gay man in China troubled by homophobia and an Egyptian woman determined to resist the religious extremism she witnesses in her small city.

He also reaches out to an Iranian man struggling to pursue his passion for foreign languages against the odds and a jobless Nigerian distressed by his inability to provide for his family.

Producer: Laurence Grissell

Alan Dein speaks to a young gay man in China and a woman in Egypt troubled by extremism

10Wanderlust20190913Marco loves Beijing - and being Chinese born he should feel at home. But instead he always feels a bit different from those around him, because he was brought up in Australia. His wanderlust is never ceasing, flying across the world is his way of finding contentment, bringing new perspectives back to China with him. But will he ever feel settled?

Nosaiba is from Sudan, but for three years she has been living with her parents in Saudi Arabia. Life for women has become a little less restrictive. She can go out alone, and even drive. But in fact, she feels mainly boredom - missing friends in Sudan, and also the demonstrations that have been taking place there - she lives in one place, but her heart is in another.

Kutay lives in Istanbul, but missed the sea. He was a mariner, travelling across the world, and finding it a wonderful, challenging place. But when he fell in love with an American woman, he left his job, and made plans to go on the road with her... until... let's not give it all away..

Wanderlust - pits, perils, and wonder, with Alan Dein.

Producer: Sara Jane Hall

Born in one place, living in another? Highs and lows of feeling different from the rest.

11Anticipation2020040120200404 (R4)Across every continent, people are trying to make sense of a new world - one that happens mostly behind closed doors and often alone. Alan Dein connects with seven individuals whose lives have shifted under the coronavirus pandemic as they nervously anticipate what will come next in an uncertain future.

In Tehran, Golnar, an Iranian who describes herself as ‘global traveller' is inside her apartment - all future trips postponed. Across the town is the hostel she set up with a friend. Forced to close in the city's lockdown it is now serving a crucial role.

Dhaka is one of the most densely populated city's on earth. As the pandemic takes hold, entrepreneur Fahad worries for the successful delivery business he has spent years building up and the future for his parents he shares a home with.

Not everyone is inside. In Greece, Ibrahim is homeless, sheltering in an abandoned building. His friend Mikki is self-isolating and cannot help him.

Plus stories from Amsterdam, Hong Kong and Sudan of isolation and expectation.

Alan Dein connects with individuals whose lives have shifted in the coronavirus pandemic.

11Calm Waters2020040820200411 (R4)Alan Dein connects with people around the world trying to find moments of calm during the coronavirus pandemic.

He speaks to Jens, the captain of a container ship in the middle of the Indian Ocean who is unsure when he may be able to get his crew back home, and Sujatha, an 85 year old in India who is philosophical about being confined to her home in Delhi.

1000 miles south of Delhi, Alan reaches out to Chinu who is feeding Mumbai's urban poor as the Indian government imposes a lockdown. And he speak to Benedetta, who is eight months pregnant in an anxious and eerily quiet Rome.

Alan also catches up with 16 year old Ibrahim who was homeless on the streets of Athens when they last spoke - but now has some good news to share.

Producers: Georgia Catt, Laurence Grissell & Sarah Shebbeare

Alan Dein connects with people around the world seeking calm during the pandemic.

Alan Dein connects with people around the world trying to find moments of calm during the coronavirus pandemic.

He speaks to Jens, the captain of a container ship in the middle of the Indian Ocean who is unsure when he may be able to get his crew back home, and Sujatha, an 85 year old in India who is philosophical about being confined to her home in Delhi.

1000 miles south of Delhi, Alan reaches out to Chinu who is feeding Mumbai's urban poor as the Indian government imposes a lockdown. And he speak to Benedetta, who is eight months pregnant in an anxious and eerily quiet Rome.

Alan also catches up with 16 year old Ibrahim who was homeless on the streets of Athens when they last spoke - but now has some good news to share.

Producers: Georgia Catt, Laurence Grissell & Sarah Shebbeare

Alan Dein connects with people around the world seeking calm during the pandemic.

11Homecoming2020042220200425 (R4)Alan Dein talks to people around the world about the challenges of family life in lockdown.

He connects with Margaret in Uganda who has adopted many children orphaned by HIV. And he reaches out to Alezz in Peru, a trans non-binary person who is confined to their bedroom as their parents struggle to accept them.

He also speaks to Pawel who got trapped in Poland at the start of January and doesn't know when he'll be able to return home to his wife in China.

Producers: Georgia Catt, Laurence Grissell & Sarah Shebbeare

Alan Dein talks to people around the world about the challenges of family life in lockdown.

He connects with Margaret in Uganda who has adopted many children orphaned by HIV. And he reaches out to Alezz in Peru, a trans non-binary person who is confined to their bedroom as their parents struggle to accept them.

He also speaks to Pawel who got trapped in Poland at the start of January and doesn't know when he'll be able to return home to his wife in China.

Producers: Georgia Catt, Laurence Grissell & Sarah Shebbeare

11Journeys Interrupted2020041520200418 (R4)Across every continent, lives have been put on hold, and people are looking to the day when they can pick up and restart after lockdown.

Alan Dein connects to people looking forward to continuing those things most important to them.

In Mexico, Lucia has spent the past seven years searching for her kidnapped son - one of thousands of disappeared children in the country. For the first time, she has been forced to put that on hold.

Captain Jens aboard a vast container ship has not been on land for three months - and does not know when he will next see his family, but he is finding solace in the logs of his ancestors.

In Nigeria, optometry student Babatunde Ismail Bale is sheltering in a mosque after his college closed its doors - but is still finding ways to study.

And in the Philippine's capital Manila, armed soldiers on the streets are bringing back fearful memories of martial law in the 1970s.

Alan connects with people around the world, looking to the day they restart their lives.

Across every continent, lives have been put on hold, and people are looking to the day when they can pick up and restart after lockdown.

Alan Dein connects to people looking forward to continuing those things most important to them.

In Mexico, Lucia has spent the past seven years searching for her kidnapped son - one of thousands of disappeared children in the country. For the first time, she has been forced to put that on hold.

Captain Jens aboard a vast container ship has not been on land for three months - and does not know when he will next see his family, but he is finding solace in the logs of his ancestors.

In Nigeria, optometry student Babatunde Ismail Bale is sheltering in a mosque after his college closed its doors - but is still finding ways to study.

And in the Philippine's capital Manila, armed soldiers on the streets are bringing back fearful memories of martial law in the 1970s.

Alan connects with people around the world, looking to the day they restart their lives.

12Grounded2020122220201228 (R4)Alan Dein searches for the stories that connect us in a changed world. Inspiring and moving stories of how the pandemic has changed people's lives on every continent.

Today, airline pilot Peter in Australia talks about deciding to become a bus driver after the pandemic forced him to stop flying.

And wedding planner Vithika in India discusses the dramatic impact of the pandemic on her industry.

Plus, Chun Wing, a ballet dancer at the Paris Opera shares the frustrations of not being able to perform.

Alan also speaks to Shira who lives in an orthodox community in Israel and he catches up with doctor Ahmed in Sudan who's just made a major decision about his job.

Producers: Sarah Shebbeare & Laurence Grissell

Alan Dein searches for the stories that connect us in a changed world. Inspiring and moving stories of how the pandemic has changed people's lives on every continent.

Today, airline pilot Peter in Australia talks about deciding to become a bus driver after the pandemic forced him to stop flying.

And wedding planner Vithika in India discusses the dramatic impact of the pandemic on her industry.

Plus, Chun Wing, a ballet dancer at the Paris Opera shares the frustrations of not being able to perform.

Alan also speaks to Shira who lives in an orthodox community in Israel and he catches up with doctor Ahmed in Sudan who's just made a major decision about his job.

Producers: Sarah Shebbeare & Laurence Grissell

12Opportunity2020122920210104 (R4)Alan Dein searches for the stories that connect us in a changing world.

Today, Alan hears stories from people who've transformed their lives and are helping others to do the same against the backdrop of the pandemic.

He speaks to Alhaji in Sierra Leone who's building a house for his parents from the money he's earned working in the United States.

He hears from Tiffany in India who helps visually impaired people become more independent, after her own challenging childhood.

Alan also connects with Al in the United States who aims to inspire young people in a tough area of Chicago.

And he catches up with Ibrahim who, at the start of the pandemic, was homeless on the streets of Athens. Nine months on, Ibrahim's life has changed beyond recognition.

Plus, Margaret in Uganda - who cares for youngsters orphaned by AIDS - shares her hopes for the new year.

Producers: Sarah Shebbeare & Laurence Grissell

Alan Dein searches for the stories that connect us in a changing world.

Today, Alan hears stories from people who've transformed their lives and are helping others to do the same against the backdrop of the pandemic.

He speaks to Alhaji in Sierra Leone who's building a house for his parents from the money he's earned working in the United States.

He hears from Tiffany in India who helps visually impaired people become more independent, after her own challenging childhood.

Alan also connects with Al in the United States who aims to inspire young people in a tough area of Chicago.

And he catches up with Ibrahim who, at the start of the pandemic, was homeless on the streets of Athens. Nine months on, Ibrahim's life has changed beyond recognition.

Plus, Margaret in Uganda - who cares for youngsters orphaned by AIDS - shares her hopes for the new year.

Producers: Sarah Shebbeare & Laurence Grissell

12Resilience2020120820201214 (R4)Alan Dein searches for the stories that connect us in a changed world. Inspiring and moving accounts of how the pandemic has changed people's lives on every continent. New series.

Today, Alan connects with Sakie in Myanmar, who tells of a heroic 24 hour journey from his remote village in order to save his mother's life.

He also catches up with Maria Ester in Ecuador, who Alan first spoke to six months ago when it looked as if her family business was on the verge of collapse.

Alan also connects with Mursalina in Afghanistan, Mohammed in Gaza and Kenyan wildlife photographer Jahawi who describes the wonders of the underwater world.

Producers: Sarah Shebbeare & Laurence Grissell

Alan Dein searches for the stories that connect us in a changed world. New series.

Alan Dein searches for the stories that connect us in a changed world. Inspiring and moving accounts of how the pandemic has changed people's lives on every continent. New series.

Today, Alan connects with Sakie in Myanmar, who tells of a heroic 24 hour journey from his remote village in order to save his mother's life.

He also catches up with Maria Ester in Ecuador, who Alan first spoke to six months ago when it looked as if her family business was on the verge of collapse.

Alan also connects with Mursalina in Afghanistan, Mohammed in Gaza and Kenyan wildlife photographer Jahawi who describes the wonders of the underwater world.

Producers: Sarah Shebbeare & Laurence Grissell

Alan Dein searches for the stories that connect us in a changed world. New series.

12Searching For Hope2020121520201221 (R4)Alan Dein searches for the stories that connect us in a changed world. Inspiring and moving accounts of how the pandemic has changed people's lives on every continent.

Today, Liana in Armenia celebrates her 30th birthday as her country finds itself at war with Azerbaijan - as well as covid-19.

We also catch up with 25 year old entrepreneur Fahad in Bangladesh, who Alan first spoke to in March when it looked like he might lose his hard-earned fortune.

Plus, Ugandan midwife Marion faces the toughest year of her career and Fish in China describes how lockdown is affecting her fellow students' mental health.

Producers: Sarah Shebbeare & Laurence Grissell

Alan Dein searches for the stories that connect us in a changed world. Inspiring and moving accounts of how the pandemic has changed people's lives on every continent.

Today, Liana in Armenia celebrates her 30th birthday as her country finds itself at war with Azerbaijan - as well as covid-19.

We also catch up with 25 year old entrepreneur Fahad in Bangladesh, who Alan first spoke to in March when it looked like he might lose his hard-earned fortune.

Plus, Ugandan midwife Marion faces the toughest year of her career and Fish in China describes how lockdown is affecting her fellow students' mental health.

Producers: Sarah Shebbeare & Laurence Grissell

13A Different Way2022052320220801 (R4)An ecological retreat on the edge of Amazonian rainforest which has the area's indigenous people as its nearest neighbours. A self declared independent artist's republic in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius with its own flag, currency and constitution. A peace loving village community in New Zealand where everyone shares their money and children can safely roam free. Then there's the Argentinian family which travelled the world by vintage car on a journey that lasted for more than 22 years. Alan Dein connects with people across the world who are reaching further, dreaming deeper and seeking a different path in life.

Producer: Conor Garrett

Alan Dein connects with people across the world who are seeking a different path in life.

An ecological retreat on the edge of Amazonian rainforest which has the area's indigenous people as its nearest neighbours. A self declared independent artist's republic in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius with its own flag, currency and constitution. A peace loving village community in New Zealand where everyone shares their money and children can safely roam free. Then there's the Argentinian family which travelled the world by vintage car on a journey that lasted for more than 22 years. Alan Dein connects with people across the world who are reaching further, dreaming deeper and seeking a different path in life.

Producer: Conor Garrett

Alan Dein connects with people across the world who are seeking a different path in life.

13Blown Away2022050220220711 (R4)Alan Dein returns with his globe spanning encounters via the internet with complete strangers & now, often, old acquaintances. It is ten years since Dein began roaming the internet via social media to encounter the lives of others. Anyone, anywhere keen to share their world and their stories. In that time many have befriended the programme from Russia & the Ukraine. Now war has smashed everything apart & Alan hears from those who have seen their lives changed utterly.

Producer-Mark Burman

Alan Dein hears from voices in Ukraine, Russia & elsewhere about the impact of war.

Alan Dein returns with his globe spanning encounters via the internet with complete strangers & now, often, old acquaintances. It is ten years since Dein began roaming the internet via social media to encounter the lives of others. Anyone, anywhere keen to share their world and their stories. In that time many have befriended the programme from Russia & the Ukraine. Now war has smashed everything apart & Alan hears from those who have seen their lives changed utterly.

Producer-Mark Burman

Alan Dein hears from voices in Ukraine, Russia & elsewhere about the impact of war.

13Daria, Love And War2022042520220704 (R4)Alan Dein has charted ten years of Don't Log Off. Encounters with anyone, anywhere via social media. Complete strangers sharing lives and worlds. Some he never hears from again, others become constant companions, updating Dein on their ever-changing world.

Daria began sharing her life in Ukraine from the very outset of the series. A remarkable powerhouse of energy and hope who has battled cancer, is a wheelchair user and suffers a chronic medical condition - nothing, it seems, daunts her or dents her optimism for her life and her hopes for her country. Ever since 2014 and the coming of hybrid war to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine, Daria has charted the divisions and bitterness it has brought. But now, as the rockets strike her country and she takes shelter from the war, DarIa speaks of love and hope.

Producer Mark Burman

Alan Dein returns with his globe-spanning encounters via the internet to hear about war.

Alan Dein has charted ten years of Don't Log Off. Encounters with anyone, anywhere via social media. Complete strangers sharing lives and worlds. Some he never hears from again, others become constant companions, updating Dein on their ever-changing world.

Daria began sharing her life in Ukraine from the very outset of the series. A remarkable powerhouse of energy and hope who has battled cancer, is a wheelchair user and suffers a chronic medical condition - nothing, it seems, daunts her or dents her optimism for her life and her hopes for her country. Ever since 2014 and the coming of hybrid war to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine, Daria has charted the divisions and bitterness it has brought. But now, as the rockets strike her country and she takes shelter from the war, DarIa speaks of love and hope.

Producer Mark Burman

Alan Dein returns with his globe-spanning encounters via the internet to hear about war.

13Keeping Going2022053020220808 (R4)In Melbourne, Jaswinder describes the epic road trip he made with his fellow members of Sikh Volunteers Australia, to bring healthy food to the victims of severe flooding more than 1000km from their base.

Karma is a tour guide through the majestic mountains of Bhutan where he leads treks lasting up to 27 days - but health issues are placing Karma's business in jeopardy.

Nearly two years on from the explosion which devastated the city of Beirut, Lebanon is enveloped in an acute economic crisis and Paloma's mum has been telling her to leave.

Using social media, Alan Dein is connecting with people around the world, to hear stories of hope and support, whether in peaceful or unsettled times.

Producer: Conor Garrett

Alan Dein is connecting with people around the world to hear stories of hope and support.

In Melbourne, Jaswinder describes the epic road trip he made with his fellow members of Sikh Volunteers Australia, to bring healthy food to the victims of severe flooding more than 1000km from their base.

Karma is a tour guide through the majestic mountains of Bhutan where he leads treks lasting up to 27 days - but health issues are placing Karma's business in jeopardy.

Nearly two years on from the explosion which devastated the city of Beirut, Lebanon is enveloped in an acute economic crisis and Paloma's mum has been telling her to leave.

Using social media, Alan Dein is connecting with people around the world, to hear stories of hope and support, whether in peaceful or unsettled times.

Producer: Conor Garrett

Alan Dein is connecting with people around the world to hear stories of hope and support.

13People Are Alike All Over2022050920220718 (R4)For the last decade Alan Dein has crossed the globe via the internet to gather stories from total strangers & occasional old friends. In Uganda, Marion the midwife has been picking up the pieces of community life still ravaged by Covid. In Kenya taxi driver Steve ponders his country's up coming elections & reveals a turbulent life whilst Roberta in Zambia recalls her parents struggles for independence & the preciousness of education.

Producer Mark Burman

Alan Dein encounters strangers via the internet including tales from Zambia and Kenya.

For the last decade Alan Dein has crossed the globe via the internet to gather stories from total strangers & occasional old friends. In Uganda, Marion the midwife has been picking up the pieces of community life still ravaged by Covid. In Kenya taxi driver Steve ponders his country's up coming elections & reveals a turbulent life whilst Roberta in Zambia recalls her parents struggles for independence & the preciousness of education.

Producer Mark Burman

Alan Dein encounters strangers via the internet including tales from Zambia and Kenya.

13Roads Less Travelled2022051620220725 (R4)Alan Dein shares digital conversations with people from across the world, from the Northwest Territories of Canada to Kolkata in India. Alan reconnects with Leo in Moldova, who discusses his experience as a trans man and his time spent in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. He also hears from Shugofa, an Afghan refugee living in Rome, Akhil who loves playing the blues on his guitar and Maureen, a Blackburn-born nurse who works above the 60th parallel in Canada.

Presented by Alan Dein

Producer: Sam Peach

Alan Dein shares online conversations with people from across the world.

15A Seasonal Journey20231218

In the last episode of this series, he explores places which are isolated from the bustle of urban life. To landscapes that conjure up nostalgic images of worlds frozen in time - but are also a magnet for tourists seeking beautiful vistas, exotic wildlife, or even the imagery of their childhood’s past.

His conversations this week include Pat who is 92 years old and the matriarch of a tiny town in Indiana, Joona who works at the Husky Park in Lapland and he catches up with Lisa and tales of the red crabs on Christmas Island.

Producer Emma Betteridge

Alan Dein scours the internet to find the extraordinary lives of ordinary people.

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

In the last episode of this series, Alan Dein searches for those who live in places where time appears to have stood still.

15A Seasonal Journey20231218In the last episode of this series, he explores places which are isolated from the bustle of urban life. To landscapes that conjure up nostalgic images of worlds frozen in time - but are also a magnet for tourists seeking beautiful vistas, exotic wildlife, or even the imagery of their childhood's past.

His conversations this week include Pat who is 92 years old and the matriarch of a tiny town in Indiana, Joona who works at the Husky Park in Lapland and he catches up with Lisa and tales of the red crabs on Christmas Island.

Producer Emma Betteridge

Alan Dein scours the internet to find the extraordinary lives of ordinary people.

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

In the last episode of this series, Alan Dein searches for those who live in places where time appears to have stood still.

15Between Two Worlds20231211Alan Dein searches the internet to connect with strangers who have found themselves caught between two worlds – in religion, vocation, or who are quite literally all at sea.

In South Africa, Kepa is devoted to Kwantu, the community choir he conducts. But his journey to music wasn't straightforward. Alan connects with Ayu in Indonesia, who tells him about her passion for self-transformation and growing up between two faiths. And Alan hears from Cezar, a Romanian chief mechanic on board an enormous oil tanker, about photography and life at sea as he docks in Bangladesh.

Producer: Martha Owen

Alan Dein talks to strangers online from Indonesia, South Africa, and the Indian Ocean.

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

Alan Dein searches the internet to connect with strangers from Indonesia, South Africa, and on board an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean.

Alan Dein scours the internet to find the extraordinary lives of ordinary people.

Alan Dein searches the internet to connect with strangers who have found themselves caught between two worlds – in religion, vocation, or who are quite literally all at sea.

In South Africa, Kepa is devoted to Kwantu, the community choir he conducts. But his journey to music wasn't straightforward. Alan connects with Ayu in Indonesia, who tells him about her passion for self-transformation and growing up between two faiths. And Alan hears from Cezar, a Romanian chief mechanic on board an enormous oil tanker, about photography and life at sea as he docks in Bangladesh.

Producer: Martha Owen

Alan Dein talks to strangers online from Indonesia, South Africa, and the Indian Ocean.

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

Alan Dein searches the internet to connect with strangers from Indonesia, South Africa, and on board an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean.

15Global Village20231204

Alan Dein scours the internet to find the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. In this edition he logs on to find people who have swapped their back yard for somewhere completely different – including Lisa who moved from Perth Australia to Christmas Island, Yury who has switched Russia for Switzerland and he also catches up with Marion from Uganda who has left her home, husband and job in the city for an idyllic life on a farmstead in the country.

Produced by Emma Betteridge

Alan Dein scours the internet to find the extraordinary lives of ordinary people.

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

In this edition, Alan Dein logs on to find people who have swapped their back yard for somewhere completely different.

15Global Village20231204Alan Dein scours the internet to find the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. In this edition he logs on to find people who have swapped their back yard for somewhere completely different – including Lisa who moved from Perth Australia to Christmas Island, Yury who has switched Russia for Switzerland and he also catches up with Marion from Uganda who has left her home, husband and job in the city for an idyllic life on a farmstead in the country.

Produced by Emma Betteridge

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

In this edition, Alan Dein logs on to find people who have swapped their back yard for somewhere completely different.

Alan Dein scours the internet to find the extraordinary lives of ordinary people.

15Voices From The Ether2023112720240402 (R4)Well over a century on since the first wireless radio transmission from the Isle of Wight, voices from the ether continue to inform, educate and entertain us, even sometimes to save our lives. Alan logs on to connect with three of them. In Kodiak, Alaska, Terry's public radio fisheries reports are at the cutting edge of climate change. In Sydney, Ben is embracing the podcast revolution. And in St Helena, Sharon hosts a local community radio show on this, one of the most isolated islands on earth.

Producer: Conor Garrett

Alan Dein logs on to connect with voices in Alaska, Australia and St Helena.

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

Alan Dein logs on to connect with voices in Alaska, Australia and St Helena, one of the most isolated islands on earth.

15Voices From The Ether20231127Well over a century on since the first wireless radio transmission from the Isle of Wight, voices from the ether continue to inform, educate and entertain us, even sometimes to save our lives. Alan logs on to connect with three of them. In Kodiak, Alaska, Terry's public radio fisheries reports are at the cutting edge of climate change. In Sydney, Ben is embracing the podcast revolution. And in St Helena, Sharon hosts a local community radio show on this, one of the most isolated islands on earth.

Producer: Conor Garrett

Alan Dein logs on to connect with voices in Alaska, Australia and St Helena.

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

Alan Dein logs on to connect with voices in Alaska, Australia and St Helena, one of the most isolated islands on earth.

Alan Dein scours the internet to find the extraordinary lives of ordinary people.