Episodes
Donald Trump says pregnant women should avoid paracetamol, linking the drug to a “very increased risk of autism”. Dr Margaret Harris, former WHO spokesperson and global public health expert joins Helen to set the record straight. Meanwhile, injuries, overtraining and burnout are contributing to a high dropout rate in youth sports, according to a new report from the US. Pro basketballer and youth sports mentor Jazz Ferguson gives his advice on keeping the games safe and fun. As Abu Dhabi releases new guidelines about children walking to and from school, we explore the risks – and the reward...
New research says young adults like to discuss their incomes and financial goals when dating - while older couples are still shy to talk numbers. Helen asks Steve Cronin of Dead Simple Saving why, and finds out how to bring healthy cash chat into our own relationsips. We also talk attitudes to puberty - and the cultural differences at play in how we explain it to our kids - discuss teen mental health, and we get an expert's verdict on Apple's latest raft of tech releases...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does cultural background impact on the way we experience and process trauma? We find out from the co-founders of Dubai’s upcoming MENATA Trauma Conference – and one 9/11 survivor. Meanwhile, employment lawyer Dilini Loku answers your shift work questions, Harriet Mandak examines the competitive nature of modern parenting, and Haus &Haus are on hand with some family-friendly housing advice…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're out once again broadcasting live from The Agenda in Media City-- yes, just metres away from our normal studios! We'll tell you why in a sec. Dr Paolo Petrocelli of Dubai Opera tells us what's in store for their new season. We put focus on Emirati cuisine with Sara Al Falasi AKA Chef Tushi of TUJIZ and Fabienne Naggear of Kitopi Chocolates celebrate birthdays too! Speaking with Kathy Johnston of Mirzam. F&B Consultant James Pemberton fills us in with the latest food news while Liam Joyce of What's On enumerates things to do this weekend. Helen taste tested some Filipino breads through...
From the boardroom to your social feed, how much trust do we really place in influencers — especially as new regulations in the UAE demand advertiser permits and greater transparency? Creative Strategist Alex Carvalho joins us in the studio, while legal expert Dino Wilkinson breaks down what businesses and content creators need to know about navigating this evolving landscape. Then, with a special focus on neurodiverse youth, we're joined by Carrie Green from Thriving Souls, along with Rachel Boly and Sharon Tudela from YOUthConnect Hub, to explore the gaps, the goals, and the growing need ...
On today’s episode, we explore the very human side of artificial intelligence. AI doesn’t just “know” how to speak, reason, or relate — it has to be taught. And the ones doing the teaching? They’re called AI trainers. Psychologist Dr. Kirin Hillier, professor Talal Abdul Ghani Shaikh, and U.S.-based AI trainer Isaiah Kwong-Murphy join us to reveal the fascinating, ethical, and sometimes surprising world of training machines to think — and even sound — like us. Also on the show, the Arab Child Summit returns to Expo City Dubai. Co-founder Reem Madkour and education leader Dr. Ghadeer Abu-Sha...
Two stories in the UAE this week underline every parent’s worst fear: predators targeting children online. Parents have been warned about grooming risks on gaming platforms like Roblox, while Abu Dhabi courts have handed down 15-year sentences in a major child exploitation case. We speak with Australia’s leading expert on cyber safety, Susan McLean, on how to protect our kids from online predators. The European Union has banned a chemical commonly found in gel nail polishes that causes fertility damage after prolonged ingestion in animal trials. Are these harmful to humans? What does this m...
From Sherlock Holmes to CSI, we’ve always been fascinated by the clues people leave behind. But did you know your handwriting can reveal not just personality, but also help catch criminals? Internationally-renowned graphologist Emma Bache joins Helen live in the studio and even examines our listeners' handwritings A recent report raised questions about couples and children having different surnames after the law changed in South Africa allowing men to take their wife's name - so what does that mean here in the UAE? Madeleine Mendy is in charge of our Family Law clinic today Recent research ...
Team UAE has returned to Dubai from the World Transplant Games – and they’re bringing bling! Gold medallists Fatima Rashid and Omar Tom join Helen to talk teamwork and transplants. Meanwhile, sticking with the golden theme, our regular film critic tells Helen about his new role as an international jury member for this year’s Golden Globes. Plus, it’s Friday, which means food. Josette’s Chef Burcu Cracknell and Chef Ricardo Gonçalves from La Niña let us in on their menus for the upcoming ICD Brookfield Place Dinner Club programme, and we learn all about the upcoming olive harvest at Anantara...
More children around the world are obese than underweight for the first time ever, according to a UN report that warns ultra-processed junk food is overwhelming childhood diets. So, what can we do about it? Helen meets Joe Wicks, AKA The Body Coach. And from anxiety to classroom confidence, toilet and feeding issues to teacher woes, we get some expert advice on how to tackle school issues early in the term from OT Adam Griffin and child psychologist Dr Haneen Jarrar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The workforce participation of mothers with young children is dropping sharply, with reports from the US showing the biggest decline in four decades. Helen explores the picture here with David MacKenzie from recruitment firm Mackenzie Jones, and Ruth Dance, employee experience consultant and mum of three young boys. Meanwhile, we examine the UAE's ban on unhealthy food in school dining halls with dietician Tonie-Maria Abi Nader and Magnus Mumby from Food Nation. And with more and more world-class athletes staying fit enough to compete post-40, Dr Shef is on hand to explain what mere mortal...
Dubai is set to attract 9,800 new ultra-wealthy residents this year – more than any other country in the world. So what is life truly like for the rich families making the UAE their home - and what does their arrival mean for the wider community here? Helen asks Thea Kearse of Butterfly Social and finance coach Beth Clay. Meanwhile, with workers more fearful of job insecurity than ever before, Thenji Moyo is on hand with everything you need to know about redundancy in the UAE. And Dr Thoriya joins us to discuss new research into the happiness U-curve…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
Should playing songs or videos on phones without headphones be banned on public transport? London says yes, while Dubai is issuing fines for bad tech etiquette. Helen is joined by Professor Christoph Schimkowsky from the Institute of Human Geography. With a longer winter holiday approaching, business leader Katy Holmes explains why businesses might need to be a bit more flexible for struggling and juggling working parents. We meet the multitasking mums creating community for homeschooling families - and Jake Walton from Haus & Haus is on hand to talk rentals for families...See omnystudio.co...
After training in some of Spain’s best kitchens, Chef José Pizzaro made his mark in London then in the UAE, bringing his cooking to José by Pizarro at the Conrad Abu Dhabi. He joins Helen in studio to discuss his mum’s cooking, his influences, and his gorgeous new cookbook, The Spanish Pantry. Staying with food, Dr Rania and dietitian Tonie Maria discuss the UK’s plan to ban energy drinks for under-16s, and we find out what this week’s Onam celebrations mean to Dubai’s Keralite community with Sneha May Francis from the ARN News Centre. Plus, if you’re looking to get out and about in the cit...
One of the many headlines from Taylor Swift’s recent podcast appearance was her idea that people must earn your energy. As research reveals 70% of people feel pressure to reply to all comms quickly, does she have a point? Dr Sarah Rasmi is on hand to talk boundaries and battery life… Plus, in a world where resilience is more critical than ever before, entrepreneur and coach Sebastien Bates is on hand to talk us through how to impart courage and confidence in our kids…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
MThe technology is already embedded in our lives - but how do we teach our kids about risks we barely understand ourselves? Helen asks the experts. Meanwhile, with The Materialists still drawing crowds at the cinema, dating expert Hunt Etheridge has the lowdown on dating today. And it’s your skincare clinic with Dr Faheem Latheef.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Speculation over the contents of a pre-nup between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce is mounting. But what should non-global celebrities know about wedding paperwork? Helen asks lawyer Madeleine Mendy. On the education front, boys are about 29% less likely than girls to achieve top GCSE grades – but why? And what can we do about it as our kids re-commence their exam studies? The experts weight in. Meanwhile, with one in five children now starting school behind their vaccination schedule, global health experts are warning parents about the dangers of vaccine-rejection. Dr Howard Podolsky separ...
As the UAE opens its doors to retirees, the country faces an urgent question: do we have the capacity to care for an ageing population, particularly those facing degenerative brain conditions like dementia? Helen finds out about the care options currently being put in place with Jackie Hoi Man Chan of Dubai’s University of Wollongong and Consultant Neurologist Dr Derk Krieger. Meanwhile, there’s more to a successful neighbourhood than buildings. But can you build for community - and if so, how? Jessica Voorn, Principal Urban Planner at Atkins Realis, explains. Haus and Haus are on hand disc...
We asked you, and What’s On editor Liam Joyce, while Pitfire Pizza founder Michele Johnson – who garnered quite a few votes – joined Helen to announce an exciting new opening.We also learned about Abu Dhabi’s new community awards, discussed a theatrical new opening in Dubai, and found out how to eat your way to a better night’s sleep…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emirati Women’s Day isn’t just a celebration - it’s also about telling the stories of what it means to be a woman in the UAE today. Helen meets two local role models whose work is giving a global voice to local women. Plus, we’re joined by the business coach teaching kids across the UAE about entrepreneurship, finance and thinking like a boss….See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From credit cards and car loans to family expectations back home, getting into debt in Dubai can be easier than getting out of it. Helen hears one worker’s debt story – and gets advice from the experts. Meanwhile, as a new survey finds 45% of Gen Z workers want a job with more social interaction, has the appeal of remote working waned? And if you’re finding it challenging to get your kids to pull their weight at home, we discuss weaponised incompetence – and how to rid your home of it…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Multiple European countries have now enshrined children’s rights to digital privacy in law. But what does the law in the UAE say? Lawyer Dino Wilkinson and digital educator Philippa Wraithmell advise. Plus, we discuss those robot womb hoax posts, Serena Williams’ new campaign for weight loss jabs, and Dr T is on hand to discuss the emergence of a ‘new’ personality type.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feeling like the holiday buzz just won’t fade? Is the quiet house making you wonder where your kids—and your energy—went? Join Jen Crichton as she unravels whether what you're experiencing is just seasonal slump—or a sign it’s time for a deeper life reset. Shazia Bharuchi, Career Guidance Practitioner, and Rhiannon Downie‑Hurst, business coach, break down how to return to routine without letting those “post-holiday blues” spiral into something more. Rhian Lindley, The Positive Divorce Coach, dives into the complex emotions of empty nest syndrome—why this new chapter can bring both grief and...
From movies and TV to live music and, of course, the city's best food, Helen has everything you need to know as we head into Dubai's busiest season...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Quiet quitting made headlines, but now there’s a more worrying workplace trend– quiet cracking. It’s the breaking point employees reach when financial pressure means they can’t walk away, and HR expert Rohini Gill says it’s on the rise… Plus, Adam the OT has all the advice you need for navigating back to school anxieties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s hard to see how arguing could save your marriage, but one lawyer is so convinced it could, he’s written a whole book about it – called If You're in My Office, It's Already Too Late. So, what can it teach us? Sarah Rasmi from Thrive Wellbeing Centre and family lawyer Madeleine Mendy weigh in. Plus, we discuss Denzel Washington’s blast on cancel culture, and the Dubai Hair Doctor is with us for a hair loss clinic…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From world-changing kids to pastel-colored debt to a culture stuck on refresh—this episode of Afternoons with Helen Farmer dives into the contradictions shaping 2025. We begin with AlDhabi AlMheiri, the 11-year-old Emirati changemaker behind the world’s first AI academy for kids. Her mission? To make tech ethical, inclusive, and accessible—especially for girls. Next: why is debt now wrapped in soft colors and influencer aesthetics? We unpack the hidden risks of Buy Now, Pay Later culture with financial planner Michele Carby, and hear from Mei, a Filipina expat navigating the fallout of a 7,...
Join Jen Crichton for a compelling conversation on caring across generations and borders. Discover what’s behind the rise in eating disorders among UAE children (as young as eight) and how experts like Aisling Oslizlok and Liam Kelly are responding. Then, explore the emotional challenges expats face when supporting ageing parents from afar with therapeutic coach Anne Jackson and finance coach Jay Adrian Tolentino. We’ll also unpack the pressures of overexercise culture with trainer Rory Brown, and debunk the biggest myths Dubai property investors need to know featuring insights from Haus ...
Chef Alexandros Sperxos joins Jen Crichton to share what it’s like to lead The Dish, one of twelve unique concepts at Culinara Social Dining, perched 100 metres above the city in the world’s highest food hall. On the ground, Mazlum Topcu, co-founder of The Banc, explains how the new Mini Bancer weight-loss–friendly menu offers high-protein, smaller portions to accommodate changing appetites. Meanwhile, the trailer for Season Two of the Netflix show With Love, Meghan was just released. And it’s the moment revealing that Prince Harry doesn’t like lobster that’s really getting people talking. ...
The UAE job market is buzzing with opportunities, but standing out takes more than just a polished CV. Join us as Mollie Powell, Founder & Managing Director of Pink Camel Recruitment, shares insider tips to get noticed in a competitive job market. We also sit down with Mark Samways, Director of Wellbeing & Counselling Psychologist at The Free Spirit Collective, to explore how schools abroad are successfully teaching empathy, the surprising benefits for academic performance and social skills, and practical ways parents can nurture empathy at home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...