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Afternoons with Helen Farmer
A laid back look at life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what's happening and where to go with free advice, expert opinion and storytelling which gives an inside scoop in to real life UAE. Calling foodies, culture vultures and people who want answers from our trusted team of engaging experts.
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Episodes
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Your Autumn entertainment guide
Friday, 22 August 2025
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.
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What is quiet cracking?
Thursday, 21 August 2025
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.
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Could arguing well save your marriage?
Wednesday, 20 August 2025
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.
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Buy now, regret later? The dark side of BNPL schemes
Tuesday, 19 August 2025
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,...
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Caring for elderly parents from afar: an expat guide
Monday, 18 August 2025
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 ...
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Sky‑high dining, weight‑loss menu, & earth‑friendly experiences to try soon
Sunday, 17 August 2025
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. ...
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Want a job in the UAE? Expert tips to get ahead
Thursday, 14 August 2025
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...
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The human cost of keeping the Internet clean
Wednesday, 13 August 2025
Why do we still fall for toxic leaders, and what does that say about how we see the world? A new study reveals how our worldview might shape the leaders we choose, and how happy we are at work. The lead author of the research Christine Nguyen joins us live from Columbia Business School, with leadership consultant Paul Littlejohn in studio. Then: “Summer shading” has been dubbed the worst dating trend of 2025. But could pressing pause on love during the heat of the season actually teach us something deeper about relationships? Relationship expert Nicola Beer weighs in. And finally, would you...
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Revenge bedtime procrastination, Y2K nostalgia & therapy speak
Tuesday, 12 August 2025
In today’s episode of Afternoons, Jen Crichton unravels why so many of us delay sleep—staying up late to reclaim “me time.” Is it a nightly rebellion or a sneaky sabotage of our well‑being? We then dive into the Y2K trend and nostalgia resurgence, exploring how brands and media use memory as a marketing weapon and a bridge to our emotions. Finally, we examine the rise of therapy‑speak in everyday talk. Words like “gaslighting” and “boundaries” have crossed into casual conversation, but are we using them wisely, or diluting their meaning?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Do you feel good about yourself? This might help you.
Monday, 11 August 2025
Join Jennifer Crichton as she explores what it truly means to feel good about yourself—starting with the pressures teens face today, from beauty standards to social media. We’ll hear from body image coach Victoria Henry and makeup educator Nitasha Saxena, who share empowering strategies for building self-esteem. Next, we shift to travel—cooler destinations are booming among UAE families. Now, with the new Unified School Calendar—how might this shift your travel plans? Emily Jenkins from DW Travel breaks down what it means for your next getaway. We also delve into groundbreaking advances in ...
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Farm to table dining
Friday, 8 August 2025
Sustainability and locality has amplified hugely here in Dubai in recent years but despite that, true farm to table dining remains very rare here in the UAE. We speak to one restaurant that does chef-farmer collaborations and seasonally-curated menus. We also look at 21Grams team’s newest opening in Alserkal focusing on pies. Food writer extraordinaire Courtney Brandt fills us with the weird and wonderful headlines from the world of food. William Mullally gives us updates on the biggest events to look forward to in the UAE and of course, about his recent interview with the one and only Lind...
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Reconnecting with your passions
Thursday, 7 August 2025
A recent study by the British Heart Foundation found nine out of 10 British adults had abandoned at least one hobby they pursued as children. 40 per cent from the figure say the last time they engaged in a childhood hobby was over 10 years ago. So, why do so many of us step away from creative pursuits in adult life and what's stopping us getting back to them? Jennifer shares her own story as she's joined by three people who would very much love to change the picture- Craig Arnolds, dancer and coach at Studio Republik, Tiffany Schultz, Co-founder of The Courtyard Playhouse and Eli Sibua, voc...
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Are you mankeeping?
Wednesday, 6 August 2025
Mankeeping is the new term for a common trend in which women feel they need to actively manage their male partners' emotional and social lives for them. So, is it a sign of shifting gender dynamics or emotional labour gone too far? We ask a man- and international dating and relationship coach Hunt Ethridge. Experts in the UAE are warning that emotional venting online can lead to serious legal consequences especially under strict defamation and privacy laws. So, what's permitted and when does badmouthing an ex become a legal issue? We speak with lawyers Devanand Mahadeva and Byron James. Acc...
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Importance of present fatherhood
Tuesday, 5 August 2025
Whether it's biology, or the traditional, capitalist norm of the mum as a carer and dad as a breadwinner, it's easy to think of fathers as the secondary parent. However, it is scientifically provable that more involved dads create huge value for our kids, and for society as a whole. Jennifer gets more information from Dr Anna Machin, a doctor of evolutionary anthropology, author of the book The Life of Dad: The Making of the Modern Father, and a world-renowned pioneer in the field of fatherhood science. This week a new experimental male contraceptive pill has passed its first human safety t...
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Summer road safety reminders
Monday, 4 August 2025
If you've been driving between Abu Dhabi and Dubai at all this summer, you'll likely have noticed the billboards promoting Abu Dhabi's Safe Summer campaign. The capital has put a huge focus on keeping kids secure on the roads including the importance of seatbelt and car seat use. But what are the penalties for motorists who ignore those rules? There is also another joint initiative in the capital promoting a culture of positive and immediate response when it comes to giving way for emergency vehicles. How can motorists develop empathy and responsible decision-making on the roads? Dr Mustafa...
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Where can you get AED 10 dishes in Dubai?
Friday, 1 August 2025
That's only one of lots of food news we have for you today on Afternoons as Jennifer speaks with writer and editor Devina Divecha How reliable are vitamin patches? It's the latest wellness trend to dominate social media feeds that claim to deliver nutrients straight through the skin and bypass the need for pills or gummies. But do they actually work? We find out from Dr Fiji Antony, Chief Clinical Dietician at NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda, Dubai How can restaurants make or break your hotel experience? We hear from Chef Prabhash of Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah William Mullally is...
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How much are you spending for your summer travel?
Thursday, 31 July 2025
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...
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Rules around ageism in employment
Wednesday, 30 July 2025
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 ...
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Are you trapped in urgency culture?
Tuesday, 29 July 2025
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...
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Unified School Calendar: What it means for schools and families
Monday, 28 July 2025
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...
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From Michelin Beach Clubs to Global Sporting Escapes
Friday, 25 July 2025
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...
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Entrepreneurship for Kids
Thursday, 24 July 2025
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...
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Would you leave your partner for $1million?
Wednesday, 23 July 2025
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...
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Dubai renovation nightmares
Tuesday, 22 July 2025
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.
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Is cuddling at a concert infidelity?
Monday, 21 July 2025
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...
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Your weekend, sorted
Friday, 18 July 2025
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.
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Networking: cringe, or career-building?
Thursday, 17 July 2025
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...
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How safe is GLP1 microdosing?
Wednesday, 16 July 2025
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.
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Annual leave anxiety
Tuesday, 15 July 2025
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.
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Are you literally feeding your anxiety?
Monday, 14 July 2025
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. ...
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UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the USAUAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the US to boost economic and technology ties including AI.
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