
The Documentary Podcast
The Romanians choosing life in the hills
July 12, 2025
27 minutes
Available for over a year
A growing number of Romanians, including some celebrities and the country’s former prime minister Dacian Cioloș, are moving to the countryside. They say they're looking for a slower and more sustainable life in the hills. But this seemingly idyllic lifestyle is not without challenges. What's driving this trend? Romanian journalist Anca Badea has looked into this. Plus, the man who spent the past 20 years turning a wasteland into a park; is it safe to eat sprouted potatoes? And why is the Kenyan flower industry struggling? Featuring André Biernath from BBC Brasil, Nazanin Motamedi from BBC Persian and Anne Okumu from BBC Africa.
This episode of The Documentary comes to you from The Fifth Floor, the show at the heart of global storytelling, with BBC journalists from all around the world.
Presented by Faranak Amidi
Produced by Alice Gioia, Caroline Ferguson and Hannah Dean
This is an EcoAudio certified production.
(Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)