Episodes
A recent study found nearly a quarter of UAE residents are expected to spend more than AED 10,000 per person on travel this summer. And that's a choice, of course, but with ticket prices on popular routes up to 300 per cent higher this year, many families are finding an annual holiday is now something that requires some serious financial planning. So, do you need a holiday? Are there ways to cut costs? Financial independence coach Steve Cronin has the advices you need England became the champions of Europe once again in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 final, defeating world champions Spain on Su...
We were discussing the role of degrees in job seeking and hiring this week and we had a question from one person who said he was struggling to get interviews despite 30 years of experience. So we ask: What are the rules around ageism here in the UAE when it comes to getting a job? Lawyer Thenji Moyo joins Jennifer to shed light on this Researchers say we live in an age where loneliness is affecting people of all ages, genders and nationalities and it's a particular issue here in the UAE, where working days are long and relationships can feel transient. And now, it seems, this lack of close ...
In many workplaces, urgency culture has become the norm: every email, meeting, or task is treated like a crisis, triggering a constant state of hyper-vigilance. According to recent research right here in the GCC, this steady pressure is fueling anxiety, exhaustion, and widespread burnout among professionals. But why? And how do we switch off if your company's culture is on and on and on? Dr Thoraiya Kanafani from the Human Resources Institute and Clinics helps us unpack how urgency culture pushes people over the edge and what it means for mental health. This month, a new study by Times High...
The UAE's Ministry of Education has announced a new unified school calendar for 2025-2026 for all private and public schools across the whole country. It's aimed at bringing some consistency across the board and across age groups, and it could mean big changes for some families, especially when it comes to holidays. We discuss this with John Bell, the Founding and Current Principal of Bloom World Academy and Jenny Mollon, Senior Editor from Which School Advisor. Men’s magazine GQ attracted some very polarised opinions when it wrote a piece encouraging men to capitalise on their wives' frien...
On this episode of Farmer’s Kitchen, Jen Crichton serves up a feast of global flavors and adventurous escapes. We dive into the bold new opening of 3FILS Abu Dhabi with Chef Jhovani Manalo, and explore how Baoli is redefining luxury beach dining—with Executive Chef Omar Basiony live in studio. Then it’s game on as we uncover the booming world of sports tourism, from World Cups to unexpected global sporting adventures—with expert insights from Stuart Kirkham of ES Sports. Finally, we wrap with what’s trending in Dubai’s food scene with James Pemberton, and team behind The Workshop Dubai, whe...
We're discussing how to keep the kids entertained and productive this summer while giving them the confidence to build out their ideas and learn about business with Alex of House of Social and Charlotte DeSouza of Blah Blah Blah How are the summer holidays going for you? If you’re a parent, the hours the kids are at home are longer so it might mean too as: climbing the walls, more siblings fight. That’s apart from minding camps and extended family visiting. So how can you manage without getting drained this season? Principal Lisa is here to help And one recent US study found people who main...
It sounds extreme — but 43% of Americans say they would. What does that say about love, loyalty, and financial pressure in today’s relationships? Psychologist Tanya Dharamshi joins Helen with the info. Meanwhile, as a new survey finds 34% of Gen Z jobseekers have indulged in professional ghosting – accepting a job then not showing up – we explore the reality of work for young adults with Dr Kirin Hillier of Heriot Watt University Dubai. And we talk holiday health – from trying new forms of exercise to why so many of us get sick the minute our OOO goes on…See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...
The latest Dubai property market figures suggest an increasing number of residents are going from renting to buying. But what are the key challenges to renovating here – and why do so many struggle to keep costs down? Helen gets some expert advice. Meanwhile, do you know the true cost of university? Carol Glynn talks tactics when it comes to saving, while Unihawk’s Varun James has the scoop on which schools offer the best value. Plus, we get the lowdown on the link between artificial sweeteners and early puberty from Dr Nandu Thalange.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The CEO of Astronomer has quit after being caught on Coldplay’s kiss cam with his head of HR. But is that grounds for divorce? What are the rules? And when does a personal scandal become a professional risk? Thenji Moyo and Madeleine Mendy are on hand. Meanwhile, the Women’s Euros tournament is ongoing with the prize pot up 156% - STILL around a ninth of the men’s prize. But does one groundbreaking club have the answer to equality in football? Helen chats to Karen Dobres, former director of Lewes FC & author of Pitch Invasion. Plus, Haus & Haus is on hand with the latest from Dubai’s proper...
It’s Friday, it’s summer time, and the days when that meant a lazy weekend was mandatory are long gone. The UAE is as busy as ever this summer, as Helen finds out from a host of top restaurateurs, chefs and food industry experts. Plus we talk movies, Emmys nominations and AI in film with two industry insiders…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do you relish a chance to chat – or prefer to hide in the corner at professional events? If the latter, it might be time for a rethink, argues Professor Ben Hardy. Meanwhile, Helen get the lowdown on Roblox’ new teen safeguards from the platform’s new head of Parental Advocacy, Dr. Elizabeth Milovidov. and talks how to implement them with digital education expert Philippa Wraithmell. And as more and more people seek to retire in the UAE, we discuss the realities of life as an elder Dubai resident, from healthcare to social engagements and more…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...
It's the latest health trend to go global, largely thanks to social media. But is off-label use of weight loss drugs actually effective or advisible? Metabolics expert Ali Hashemi is on hand with the answers. Meanwhile, as a post about the realities of dating in Dubai sparks conversation on Facebook, we talk break-ups, get-togethers and everything in between with psychologist Charlotte Spurway. And Conde Nast Traveller's Selena Denman joins Helen to talk travel - and the rise of the last minute long haul break...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
65% of workers in the Middle East say they get anxious about taking annual leave, while 54% admit they check emails on holiday. So, what is behind the annual leave anxiety leaving so many of us unable to switch off? We ask the experts. Plus, one neurodiverse teen explains why inclusion means including more voices like his. And Dr T is on hand with help and advice for navigating the holidays - and the reality of living in very close proximity with your loved ones…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re often told we are what we eat – but could Tik Tok’s latest obsession, fibremaxxing, actually make sense for anxiety sufferers? Clinical dietician Mitun De Sarkar has the answers. On the family front, ever parent wants their childs’ abilities to be recognised – but is labelling children as ‘gifted’ placing them under undue pressure at too young an age? Helen asks The Family Hub’s Hanan Ezzeldin. Meanwhile, as our kids spend more time on screens in summer, The Cyber Cop Susan McLean talks safety. And with Dubai’s rental market busy with families looking to relocate for the school year. ...
We’re taking you behind the scenes—to discover why those burgers, shakes, or pancakes look more enticing on your social media feeds and on those billboards. Food stylist Henriett spills the beans Global pioneer in contemporary Latin cuisine Chef Richard Sandoval joins Helen live in the studio to share his journey from Mexico City to the world, and how he managed to open over 60 restaurants across four continents. We're travelling with you to Peru from Dubai, without really ever leaving the emirate with Chef Andree Nuñez of La Mar at Atlantis Dubai With Dubai's competitive dining scene, what...
A recent UAE report reveals a 14% jump in emotional check-ins and a fourfold increase in severe risk cases among students. So what’s behind the rise in anxiety and low mood, and what can be done? Joining us today are two leading voices in school wellbeing: Dr Louise Lambert, Director of Happiness and Wellbeing Programs at HappinessMatters!, and Laura Tristram, former teacher and co-founder of Lumii.me – an AI-powered tool giving students a daily way to share how they really feel. With more international schools in the UAE than almost anywhere else on the planet, parents are spoilt for choic...
There is no off switch when it comes to bullying and abuse nowadays as our kids, though not in school during the break, are still out for camps and are almost always online. So what can we as adults do to protect them with the best way we can? Safeguarding expert Priya Mitchell tells us what we need to keep in mind. We are also joined by a survivor of bullying— but instead of being silenced, she’s become a voice for millions of children. Seher Pahade is the Lead Child Warrior at CACTUS Foundation, she doesn’t just speak to other kids, she’s training the adults: educators, parents, and schoo...
A degree from the US or UK is no longer the automatic goal for UAE-based students. With rising costs, safety concerns, and competitive job markets, more students are looking to countries like Finland, the Netherlands, and Germany for top-tier education. We're joined by students who’ve taken alternative paths: Arjun Menon, who chose Finland over NYU, and Abhinav Chamoli, who turned down the US for TU Delft in the Netherlands and Varun Jain from UniHawk – an educational consultancy helping students navigate this changing landscape. UAE doctors are sounding the alarm as more patients under 45 ...
Teenagers sleeping past noon might look like laziness, but science says otherwise. But how much is too much? And should we be waking them up during the holidays? Sleep consultant Julie Mallon from Nurture2Sleep gives us the answers. Since ChatGPT’s debut in November 2022, UK entry-level jobs have dropped by nearly a third across retail, IT, and finance, mirroring a global shake-up in the career ladder. Meanwhile, the UAE faces its own challenge: a glut of mid- and senior-skilled professionals vying for fewer roles. Career coach and recruiter Hamza Zaouali joins us to explore how both entry-...
He's one of the world’s most respected chefs - a powerhouse with Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe. But for those of us in the UAE, Chef Jason is the man behind Row on 45, Dubai’s immersive fine dining experience that now proudly holds two Michelin stars. We're celebrating World Chocolate Day on the Dubai Eye studio with Martin van Almsick, the man behind Al Nassma camel milk chocolates From steaming bowls of rich tonkotsu to perfectly chewy noodles made fresh daily, Ichiryu Ramen House has carved out a loyal following since opening its doors two years ago. What started as a pa...
2025 marks a milestone for millions - with an estimated 50 to 55 million women turning 40 this year. Once seen as the gateway to midlife decline, this decade is now being reclaimed as a powerful, pivotal chapter. But what does it really mean to be 40-something today? The Midlife Mentors James and Claire Davis join Helen As schools break up for summer, most children feel excited - but for many neurodivergent kids, this season can bring uncertainty, anxiety, and overwhelm. Inclusion expert Louise Dawson joins us to explore how parents can help ease the transition and why a little planning ca...
With the rise of ChatGPT and as end-of-term rolls around, many parents are questioning how much of that glowing paragraph about resilience and curiosity was actually penned by a human. Joining us is Zaineb Mahdi, Cluster Lead for Digital Technology and Innovation at GEMS Education, to talk AI, authenticity, and what the future of school feedback might look like. We’re also exploring the rise of the ‘good‑enough job’ with career guidance practitioner Shazia Bharuchi, why it works for some, when it becomes a trap for others, and how to know if it’s serving your goals or silently stalling you...
We're talking about a trending mental health tool known as a dopamine menu – a simple yet science-backed way to reset your brain, refocus your attention, and feel good doing it. Our guests Dani Hakim, a fierce neurodiversity advocate living with ADHD, and Anna Kaminski, founder of NeuroKinds, are here to unpack how tools like this are shifting the conversation around productivity, energy, and mental wellbeing – not just for those who are neurodivergent, but for everyone. We speak with Anna Pollock, Founder of Conscious Travel about responsible travel and if the problem when it comes to over...
We know mental health and money are linked-- but it's not always the way you think. We're joined by finance coach Beth Clay and clinical psychologist Ali Ilyas. Illegal room partitions are being dismantled across Dubai, but what exactly counts as an illegal partition? Lawyer Devanand Mahadeva tells us what the law says, and he answers your questions on our property law clinic. A new UK-developed test is offering fresh hope to women experiencing the heartbreak of recurrent miscarriage. OB Gynaecologist Dr Samina Dornan is on hand to explain. And Haus & Haus' Sarah King discusses women and pr...
If you're still scrambling for ideas on what to do and where to dine this long weekend, we've got you covered! From quality but affordable dishes, indoor experiences, staycations to movies and series to binge watch, this is what you need to have a relaxing and enjoyable Fri-Sat-Sun!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Research shows that kids can lose 20 to 30% of their academic progress over the summer months - something educators call the summer slide. Occupational therapist Adam Griffiths has 99 ideas to stop it – while three unique summer camps also tell us what they have to offer. Meanwhile, a new study has found a third of Americans are waking up already exhausted, leading to a productivity crisis in the workplace – and many wasted weekends. Heather Darwall-Smith, author of How To Be Awake So You Can Sleep Through the Night, tells us how to get more shut-eye.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
From new roadside cameras to flashes above the carriageway, what are all these new tools on our roads capturing – and what could they be catching you at? Helen asks Emirati road safety consultant Dr Mustafa Aldah. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s 2025 work trend index report has found that many workers are grappling with a never off culture, interrupted by 270 notifications a day. Workplace culture experts Jessica Elom Ogbodo and Danielle Blizzard say there’s a better way. We also talk pet relocation with specialist Kirsty Kavanagh, and learn more about the UAE’s new early year’s Arabic programme wi...
This weekend, Dubai will host RUNIT 02, the latest event in a controversial collision sport that's attracting headlines, safety concerns and viral popularity. Helen is joined by the event's Head of Delegation, Lou Sticca - and hears the safety concerns of Matthew Pewtner, a former Wales rugby international who retired at 26 due to a head injury. Elsewhere, with so many of us glued to our phones amid regional unrest, experts are warning of the risk of parental 'phubbing' - when we snub our kids and scroll instead. Dr Sarah Rasmi joins Helen with her advice on how to find a balance. And as ne...
From a major passwords data breach to spying speakers, how do we stay safe when technology is in every corner of our lives? We ask The Kernal’s Rami Kayali and tech journalist Nick Rego. As for those appliances ticking over in an empty house, We Will Fix It’s Colin Thomson has all the info you need on how to prepare your property ahead of any travels. Meanwhile, Haus & Haus’s Clementine Munro is here to talk property renovation, and lawyer Madeleine Mendy answers all of your questions regarding travelling with kids, whether you’re married, separated or divorced…See omnystudio.com/listener f...
Filipino food is bold, fun, packed with flavour, and now it’s finally getting the love it deserves in Dubai – largely thanks to the one man culinary campaign of Kooya's Chef JP Anglo. Plus, two of the city’s most inventive third-culture chefs, Hadrien Villedieu of Chez Wam & Solemann Haddad of Moonrise, tell us why they're joining forces. And Samantha Wood, AKA Foodiva, is on hand to talk all things 50 Best...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.