Afternoons with Helen Farmer

ADHD is one of the most talked about diagnoses right now, yet many still associate it only with distraction or disruption. Today we are flipping that narrative and asking how ADHD can actually work for you, not against you, with Nadia Mankani & Angela Marson, Certified ADHD coaches and co-founders of ADHD 360. Plus, with 6-7 named ‘word’ of the year, we ask Dr Sarah Rasmi what it tells us about communal experience in 2025 – and we’ve got your expat legal clinic too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Mexican restaurant prizing authenticity to a sneaker/snack crossover, Helen meets the foodies changing the scene in Dubai this week. Plus, we go behind the scenes at Expo Dubai’s festive season, pop backstage with Magic Phil, and chat festive films and new releases with William Mullally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

82-year-old Mick Jagger’s extreme workout regime has gone viral for testing the fittest 20-somethings. It’s proof that exercise isn’t only for the young – but how do we adapt our movement to changing limitations as we age? Helen asks adaptive athlete Henry Dunn and Roland Roth, a Dubai-based retiree who started dancing at 62. Plus, we talk education, from sustainable teaching in the UAE's nurseries to meeting the founder of the UK's fastest growing school... which has no classrooms, walls or timetables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He conquered self-doubt to become F1's world champion in Abu Dhabi - but what can the rest of us learn from Lando Norris' lessons in psychology? Helen meets sports psychologist Dr Scott Whitfield. Plus, we meet the doctor stopping diseases before we happen, and learn how community is supporting the UAE's small businesses this winter...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's long been viewed negatively - but if dyslexia impacts one in three entrepreneurs, are we thinking about it all wrong? We meet a creator who says yes. Meanwhile, on the health front, we talk weight loss jab downsides, and examine calls for blood pressure testing in schools. Plus, it's visiting relatives season - Dr Thoriya has all the advice you need to get through the holiday season smiling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research says elder millennials could be about to fall off an ageing cliff, with data suggesting age 44 marks a significant health decline for many. So, what can we do about it? Helen asks Dr Nas of DNA Health. Meanwhile, as we broadcast live from Abu Dhabi’s Bridge Summit, we talk tech, media, phones for kids and more - and meet YouTuber Crazy XYZ to ask what it’s like to have your every move followed by more than 35 million people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The weather is perfect in Dubai, so if you’re dreaming of your next long lunch or golden-hour dinner, there’s a new spot by the sea that’s already turning heads. Canary Club, the JLT favourite known for its West Coast energy, has just opened a beachfront sister on Palm Jumeirah. We speak with husband and wife and co-founders of Rosy Hospitality Ziad and Rowan Kamel about the new chapter of their entrepreneurial life as they exited one brand they helped create. With over 10 million guests expected to pass through DXB between now and the end of the month, many of us - whether flying out or staying put - may feel the ripple effect. We ask Emily Jenkins what these numbers really mean for travellers and Dubai residents alike. Staying with travel, but closer to home - in Ras Al Khaimah. Jebel Jais has unveiled its programme for this winter season, running from now through until April 2026. Talking F1 and sport tourism with ES Sport as we near this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix And we get exclusive updates on all things Wicked before it goes to Dubai Opera from THE Helen Farmer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From smash spaces, filled with old TVs, washing machines and crockery, to primal scream sessions and rage therapy, facilities that offer an outlet for anger are seeing huge demand from women who want a safe, structured way to let off steam. But why do we need it? And where is all that rage coming from? We get the take and advices of The Family Hub's Hanan Ezzeldin, who has very recently ran workshops for parents precisely around emotion regulation and anger management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The team at MoneyFarm has uncovered a steep jump in the cost of raising a child, to an average of AED 1.2 million BEFORE you include school fees. That bill has risen by more than 10% in just two years, with researchers citing rising costs for childcare, teenage grooming, tech and the everyday essentials. Finance coach Carol Glynn joins us to unpack what it means for parents trying to plan, budget and stay afloat. December, though a month full of parties and celebrations, often leads to heightened emotions - too much comparison, the pressure to create the perfect holiday. And when expectations don’t meet reality, tensions surface fast - It’s no coincidence that UK family law body Resolution reports a 25 to 30% rise in divorce enquiries every January. So, how do we avoid becoming a part of those statistics? Is there a real difference between vet-approved diets and supermarket pet food? Dr Joana Porto from Modern Vet guides us. And the first-ever World Triathlon Women’s Cup is taking place in Dubai this weekend and is set to bring some of the world's top female athletes here to compete, including Samantha Ivy Keet, South African multi-sport athlete and a cancer survivor who ran a half-marathon during chemotherapy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Eid Al Etihad, Helen meets Emirati entrepreneur, founder and athlete Asmah Hilal Lootah to talk 20 years in business in the UAE, and talks one expat celebrating a significant anniversary of her own – 50 years in the country…Plus, with winter travels approaching, we talk skincare and allergy management abroad with Dr Faheem Lateef, and if you’re experiencing end of year burnout, you’re not alone – executive coach Noona Nafoosi explains why high performers often struggle during the holidays - and what you can do about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From hot new restaurants and celebrating chefs, to insider food tours and a behind the scenes glimpse at the Coca-Cola Arena, Helen has all the intel you need to end the year on a high…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new law means non-Emiratis can now foster children here in the UAE. So, what does it mean for families - and what is the reality of building a family through fostering and adoption here? Helen meets adoptive mums Laura-Jane Hall & Vicki Galloway-Place. Meanwhile, this winter sees a longer school holiday coming after a packed – and for many people, stressful – term of tests, exams and sports. So, how can you use the next four weeks to help your child, tween or teen decompress and relax? Psychologist Maha Cooper has all the advice you need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's an issue it can be hard to discuss, but the festive season and problem drinking go hand in hand. Helen meets the experts providing rehabilitation here in the UAE and asks, how do you navigate all those parties if you're struggling with an addiction? We also learn how teaching your kids about money NOW can help ensure a financially free future - and we delved into new research about the impact of ultra processed foods too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new skincare line aimed at kids as young as three has been making global headlines. Its makers say it lets kids play grown-up safely. Its critics say it’s harmful messaging. But what do parents need to know? Helen asks Dr Natalia Spierings.Plus, we talk the rise and rise of the over-50s divorce with therapist Dr Tanya Dharamshi, and Alex from House of Social is on hand for a small business clinic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s gone from a viral Instagram account to a global survey, examining the public’s answer to the question “if you could own any artwork in the world, what would it be and why”. Now, the votes are in… Helen meets Erin-Atlanta Argun from My Art Broker.We also discuss the rise of teen gambling – and what you should do if your child is at risk – and we have all the info you need before buying any new tech for teens and tweens this Christmas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the cast of WICKED the musical arrived in the Middle East to begin rehearsals before their opening night at Dubai Opera in January. Helen is joined in studio by Rebekah Lowings and Eve Shanu-Wilson, who play Elphaba and Glinda respectively, to hear what it's like to step into those iconic green and pink shoes. Plus, it’s Friday, which means all things food…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s social season, sports season, school end of term, and the demands are endless. But could you say ‘no’ to more engagements without losing friends and professional connections? Katy Holmes from the British Chamber of Commerce tells Helen how she’s making it work. Plus, as new research finds screens are replacing storytime, MC Grammar joins us to explain how rapping is making reading fun again…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From sleep to shift work, jetlag to stress, Helen gets the lowdown from Dr. Kristen Holmes, Global Head of Human Performance at WHOOP. Plus, we talk specialist vet care, meet the 10-year old author navigating diabetes at primary school, and as the world marks Women's Entrepreneurship Day, we ask why it's still harder to find funding for female run businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Burnout, stress and overwhelm are rife - so why do we all feel the need to pretend we’re “fine”? Helen asks Dr Thoriya. Plus, we meet the dad helping dozens of other fathers navigating life as solo parents in the UAE…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From misdiagnosis to the new companions apeing human connection, tech companies are coming for our most private interactions. But what are the potential benefits and pitfalls to algorithmic care? Jen asks Dr Anna Machin, author and doctor of evolutionary anthropology at Oxford University. Plus, we find out what parents and doctors in the UAE’s NICUs want you to know this World Prematurity Day, and we discuss changes to employment law aimed at boosting work/life balance in the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From family fun to ladies day, we get the lowdown on everything golfing going on this weekend. Plus, we're joined by chef Richard Sandoval, we talk music for movement, we learn about chocolate shortages, and William Mullally talks bad reviews - and Kim Kardashian..See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Children now spend nearly five hours a day on screens outside school, yet almost half of teens say their parents don’t understand their online world. So what would they tell you if they didn’t fear the consequences? Helen speaks to cyberpsychology expert Catherine Knibbs.Plus, we discuss that gut brain connection with world-renowned naturopath Dr Jason Mitchell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the NYT headline that sparked a thousand others – but what does that viral question tell us about workplace relations in 2025? Helen asks recruiter David Mackenzie and workplace culture consultant Lucy D’Abo.Plus, Hunt Etheridge joins us to discuss the internet’s latest dating ick – men who don’t ask questions – and Madeleine Mendy talks us through UAE law for women who want to give birth as single mums…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From David Beckham to Bradley Cooper, a host of famous men have stepped out with remarkably different faces lately. So why are men now getting more tweakments than women – and what are their options when they go wrong? Helen asks Dr Dany Touma from Skin Experts. Plus, we learn about the new network aiming to help Dubai’s professionals make real, tangible connections, and we learn about the work of the Dubai’s only mental health facility dedicated to play therapy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A ground-breaking case in Abu Dhabi could see a man awarded maintenance by his ex-wife in a historic first. Lawyer Byron James has the lowdown. Plus, we talk accent development – and the role of YouTube in your child’s vocabulary with speech therapist Sarah Wedel, and Harrison from Haus & Haus joins us to talk apartment investment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an age of influencers, is there still a place for anonymous expert food commentary? Helen asks Dubai’s OG influencer, Foodiva.Plus, we learn about a new breakfast collab, meet the chef behind a Bab Al Shams pop up, and ask how a cup of chai can help create community…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s shifted from the playground to phones and online platforms, but the impact of bullying remains huge. So, how do you help your child, tween or teen recover after bullying? Helen meets Maha Cooper, the Counselling psychologist behind a new course to help kids help themselves. Plus, if you’re facing an annual review this month, expert Dr Oudi is on hand to teach us how to give – and receive – feedback well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’re not new to Dubai - but you’re out of work and you can’t find a job. What do you do? Recruiter Mollie Powell has all the answers you need. Plus, we talk men's mental health and the remaining barriers to therapy, we learn about the early signs of heart disease, and it's pets and vets day too! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the new Motherhood & Ambition in the UAE study, 73% of mothers are still working in some capacity – but nearly a third say they feel much more isolated since becoming parents. So, what’s going wrong? Helen is joined by Anushka Kalyanpur DeLuca, founder of Nannies & More, & Constanze Munz, culture and leadership expert. Plus, we talk prostate cancer screening with a patient and doctor on a mission to raise screening rates this Movember, and as a host of celebrities speak up on postnatal depression, we ask if their openness could finally end the stigma around maternal mental health…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Employees in the UAE face a contraction in salaries this year as a flood of new residents comes to the country, according to new data. So, how do you avoid a crunch? David MacKenzie has the answers.Meanwhile, we meet the handwriting expert who says she can tell if you’re working – and coupling up – with the right people, Dr Shef is on hand to discuss resistance training for kids, and we talk renovation projects with Haus & Haus too…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Friday, which means food and fun. Helen learns about a new tabletop gaming tournament headed for Dubai, discusses a year of UAE award wins with chef Bjorn Frantzen, learns about healthy eating in our city, and What’s On editor Liam is on hand with all your Halloween picks...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The average worker has spent almost 50% of their paycheque within 48 hours of being paid. So, how do you stretch your funds further when costs keep rising. Helen asks Carol Glynn of Conscious Finance Coaching. We also find out how the British Council in Dubai is helping the UAE harness the power of its young population - and we're joined by Cognita Education to learn a bit more about the realities of introducing AI to the nation's classrooms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lily Allen’s new album has gone viral for its unfiltered honesty about heartbreak and betrayal. But when does emotional expression cross into revenge – and when does revenge make a bad situation worse? Helen asks Dr T. Plus, we learn about a new course for young drivers, and talk executive function with Adam the OT…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ask your friends how they’re doing right now, and the chances are the word overwhelm will feature. But how does that differ from stress - and when does a busy life become a problem? Helen is joined by Bobby Qureshi, CMM Institute of Natural Health and Janelle Houston from Tree of Hope. Meanwhile, more and more businesses are cottoning on to the potential of the menopause market. But are women being exploited by a hormone gold rush that’s more about capitalism than care? We ask the experts. And with school assessment season upon us, we ask one educator when tutoring becomes counterproductive?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital addiction is fast becoming one of the world’s biggest mental health challenges. Now, one globally-renowned expert says the problem isn’t games - it’s what’s driving us to escape into them. Helen is joined by Dr Alok Kanojia.Meanwhile, we meet the entrepreneur homeschooling her kids to boost her family’s flexibility, we answer you questions on crypto law in the UAE and Haus & Haus are on hand talking commercial propertySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From new restaurants and a museum opening, to movie releases and a GOAT festival, we’ve got all the fun you could ask for this Friday!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dubai Police are warning parents about the latest risky TikTok trend — but why are kids so easily swept up in viral challenges? Psychologist Mark Samways joins Helen Farmer to unpack the science behind peer pressure, how social media fuels it, and how to raise confident kids who can say no. Plus, journalist and author Melissa Hogenboom shares her thoughts on what financial fairness really looks like for couples raising kids today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you relearn and recover when your life changes in an instant? Helen finds out from adaptive athlete Henry Dunn, a Dubai-based coach who faced amputation after an accident. She also meets a Dubai resident whose recent experience with a house fire has made her sound the alarm about fire safety at home – and we get expert advice on the extinguishers you need at home. Surgeon Dr Veronica Grassi is on hand to talk us through reconstruction options after breast cancer. Plus, it’s Pets & Vets day and we’re asking, why is animal care so expensive?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can’t be bothered to argue anymore, and intimacy feels like a chore? You’re not alone. Relationship experts call it “slow-burn divorce”. Helen finds out the tell tale signs from psychologist Tanya Dharamshi.Meanwhile, as Vogue has shocks the fashion industry by calling out sizeism on the catwalks, we ask why representation is regressing – and what role weight loss drugs have to play? Plus, we talk travel, trends and powerful passports…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Something new is emerging in the world of digital dating. Chatfishing is a new word coined for when a person uses AI-generated messages to disguise or enhance their appeal on dating apps, only to show up with a completely different persona in real life! To get into the impact of it, Jennifer is joined by international relationship coach Hunt Etheridge and psychologist Noha El Khatib. One in six bacterial infections worldwide is now resistant to common antibiotics according to a new data released by the WHO. Dr Howard Podolsky, CEO of Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, explains what it means for all of us. Two women are on a mission to rethink what a truly an inclusive workplace culture actually looks like in a country and multicultural as the UAE, and we turn to Haus & Haus for all your property questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From chef Yannick Alleno’s new chocolaterie to the French pastry chef now serving Dubai’s fashion set, Helen gets the lowdown on the city’s sweetest eats. Plus, we learn the truth about drinking water, explore the sights of Al Zorah City, and learn about a new choir singing for a sense of community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Saturday marks World Menopause Day with the aim of raising awareness of the issues that every woman will experience during this phase of life. With nearly half the workforce going through menopause at some point in their careers, continuing silence around this issue is costing businesses talent, productivity, and leadership potential. Jennifer is joined by Katy Homes, CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai and Maureen Bannerman, Co-Founder of the GCC Menopause Hub to discuss. A recent research by the UK government found early one-third of internet users has reported experiencing online harassment or trolling at some point, while similar research in the US put that figure over 40 per cent. Dr Sarah Rasmi from Thrive Wellbeing Centre shares what drives someone to harass, provoke, or humiliate others under cover of a username.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.