Afternoons with Helen Farmer

Career development specialist Shazia Bharuchi tells us why freelancing is a great set up for women.Meanwhile, should we re think traditional exams? We hear from Dr. Ruba Tabari, Senior Educational Psychologist at The Developing Child Centre and inclusion expert Louise Dawson. Writer Sahira Dharamshi wrote YA novel Who Am I? to explore themes around teenage mental health concerns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you crunched the numbers on how much raising your children is costing you? Personal finance experts Jay Tolentino and Carol Glynn join Helen in studio to make sense of the numbers.Plus, is homeschooling the future? Leisa Grace Wilson of TEACH ME weighs in. Dr. Michael Ryan, Dubai's Hair Doctor, tells us why you're losing your hair over a stressful life event. And finally, Richard Waind of Better Homes shares with us the latest list of 50 Best Homes in the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Menopause doesn't have to be grim, just ask those who signed up to attend a menopause mixer, organised by Donna Howarth, Founder & CEO, Middle East Menopause Organisation.Plus, we debunk some cancer myths with Dr. Heidi Kussmann, a board-certified naturopathic oncology physician and Dr. Mishkat Shehata, Chief Medical Officer of OMICS Precision Health, CEO of Cellcolabs UAE, Founding Member and Vice President of the Emirates Lifestyle and Longevity Medicine Society (ELLMS), Executive Committee.And finally, do you feel like you always need to be "high-performing"? That's causing a lot of anxeity, according to Dr. Ritu Gupta, clinical psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent legal reforms in the UAE have changed the landscape for non-Muslim expats, but there’s still huge confusion around whether wills are now effectively essential, what happens if you die intestate, and whether your wishes will actually be followed. Jazmine Stevenson, Head of Real Estate at Kashwani Law Firm, provides clarity on these new legal reforms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broadcasting live from ICD Brookfield Place, and exploring everything from Abu Dhabi’s growing arts scene and Dubai’s independent food community to a chef-turned-cookie entrepreneur, the return of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, plus the family events helping inspire the city’s next generation of readers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a major life crisis - illness, loss, trauma, or even a quiet but profound shift - there’s often an expectation that we “get back to normal.” But what if normal no longer exists? Helen asks Catherine Asta, author of Still Living: Rewilding the Self After the Climb Plus, we settle some nerves, asking the experts about university admissions and exam season stress.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed or like you're struggling to keep up with demands - but a new book argues it's not you, it's your ancient wiring. Helen gets the lowdown - and some comfort - from Dr Paul Goldsmith, author of The Evolving Brain.Plus, we dive into the realities of working through uncertainty with HR and recruitment experts Rohini Balla Gill and David MacKenzie...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the news that noone wanted - but what does the return to homeschooling really mean for kids, teachers and parents alike? Helen asks the expertsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether we put our kids’ lives on social media is a key consideration for many modern parents. Now, a landmark case in Abu Dhabi is examining how that choice can play into divorce proceedings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Gen Z's are in to share how they started their cafe businesses from the comfort of their homes. We got your back on what to do this weekend and on the upcoming Eid Al Adha holidays. And we ask, what actually makes a restaurant resilient? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dubai’s property market has dipped for the first time in six years — but homes are still selling, and villa prices are holding in many communities. Clementine Munro, Private Office Advisor at Allsopp & Allsopp, joins us to unpack what this means for buyers, sellers and investors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Huda Beauty founder Huda Kattan has opened up about a serious health scare after revealing that her breast implants had ruptured after more than a decade, causing pain, inflammation and early signs of infection. Plastic surgeon Dr Adel Quttainah weighs in. Plus - Raluca Marcu, known as The Image Scientist, she combines marketing, psychology, styling and body language to help people understand the science behind how they are perceived. Paris has just hosted its first ever Modest Fashion Week. Maryem Gargoubi, founder of DORA Ready-to-Wear, a UAE-based hijab brand, has her own personal story of navigating identity, work and fashion as a hijab-wearing woman. Homeschooling in the UAE and across the GCC is no longer just a fringe lifestyle choice or something families turn to when traditional school does not work out. Dr Michel Khoury, Founder and CEO of Eastwood Global Online School, gives us some insight into this trend, Security experts are saying the password may finally be on the way out. Mortada Ayad, VP, META at Delinea, gives us safer and more secure options. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How inclusive is skincare in the UAE? Vimbai Midzi, Founder of Deeper Beauty, joins us to talk melanin-friendly skincare, representation in beauty, and why products should be tested and designed for all skin tones. Also in this episode:Men & Pilates — Reza Alavi from Real Pilates on why more men are embracing the reformer.Too Friendly? — Dr. Mercedes Sheen on the psychology of overly friendly people.Dating & Loneliness — Cristiana Maxion from Maxion on modern dating and the search for connection.Difficult Kids — Dr. Tanya Dharamshi makes the case for understanding, not labelling, challenging children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is there an shortage of HRT We hear from Sophie Smith, Founder and CEO, Nabta Health and Dr. Waqar Ahmed, Director of Pharmacy at Fakeeh University Hospital DubaiPlus: Know your rights as an employee with Ali Al Assaad, senior associate at Dentons Dubai.Can DNA testing predict cancer? Dr. Rahat Ghazanfar, consultant in the Pura Longevity Clinic at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)Is working from home a career killer? HR Director Catherine Ordoñez-Rivera doesn't think so, but Muhammad Ali, Director, Durlston Partners, has a different view.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We got your back when it comes to food and movie options to check out this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK has passed a landmark law which will not allow anyone born on or after the 1st January 2009 to buy tobacco products. We look at how this can make a real difference to public health and what it means for future generations. And we get details about a new mortgage model for off-plan properties in the UAE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hot flushes, brain fog, poor sleep, anxiety… menopause symptoms get a bad rep. But with a real shift in understanding, experts say there’s now some genuinely positive news when it comes to managing menopause well too. Helen gets into it with Dr Tamara Aldawery. Plus, we discuss managing households full of busy brains, discuss the realities of insuring visiting guests and ask, how can we help our kids through the return to school if they're being bullied?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the rise of AI impersonators to new age restrictions on Roblox, we talk online safety for kids and grown-ups alike. We also examine the state of the UAE's hotel and restaurant industry, and we ask whether your bucket list could actually be holding you back...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With job cuts, pay pressure and uncertainty affecting many professionals across the UAE, one AI trainer says this could be the exact moment to future-proof your career - not in years, but starting this weekend. Reese Witherspoon has urged women to learn A, but not everyone is on board. Is this a wake-up call or a line in the sand? Family lawyer Madeleine Mendy answers your legal questions from custody to divorce disputes. With classrooms open again from this week, what are your school transport options for the kids? And the optometrist is in to discuss the impact of screen time on eyes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shining a spotlight on culinary talent across the region, Spinneys has introduced The Chef’s Counter - a platform designed to bring audiences closer to the stories, inspiration, and flavours behind some of the UAE’s most beloved chefs. Women’s health extends beyond just food and movement. Nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary walks us through everything from lowering cortisol levels to balancing blood sugar, and much more. The Neighbourhood Food Hall has added a new layer of flavour to our mornings. Founder and restaurateur Nicky Ramchandani shares how the space goes beyond dining, championing local musicians and creating a vibrant community hub. Meet the country's first honesty-based, unmanned bakery: The Noble Sourdough. Drop by, pick up your freshly baked loaf of choice, and pay seamlessly via QR code. We are ready for it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are growing concerns that the science behind many allergy tests just doesn’t stack up — and they could be sending people down the wrong path. We get expert advise from Dr. Shireen Marzouk, Consultant Paediatrician & Allergist at Circle Care Clinic in Dubai. Plus, we learn about art therapy for children, and an app that motivates children to do chores around the house - in exchange for rewards. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the recruiter that never needs a coffee break - but what do candidates need to know about the rise of the chatbot interview? Helen asks two experts... Plus, we talk movement for home-schooling kids, and ask the question everyone is asking - when will they return to the classroom?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From envy at other's travels to anger at their choices, a lot of us are feeling some pretty ugly feelings right now. Helen gets into why - and how to give ourselves grace - with psychologist Tanya Dharamshi. Plus, we discuss a new study that suggests weight gain under-30 could be more harmful than middle-aged spread. And Coach Maysaa is on hand with the help we all need to handle tantrums at all ages...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From bonuses to furloughs, we put your questions to employment lawyer Thenji Moyo. Plus inclusion specialist Louise Dawson talks SEN support for home schooling families, we meet the Dubai-based author behind a new book exploring faith and feminism, and we learn all about a new fitness initiative helping Dubai residents train alongside the city's fittest police recruits...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From food to hospitality to the arts, today's episode of Afternoons with Helen Farmer is all about shining a spotlight on the local leaders putting their hearts and souls into helping their industries thrive through adversity...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As research suggests singing could improve lung health, we meet three experts who're feeling the benefits of music.Plus, we talk financial planning for uncertain times, how families and teaching assistants are helping each other through homeschool challenges, and we find out about a new, exam-free GCSE...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some view it as a toy, some as a tool, but what's inarguable is that it's become a sensory sensation. Adam the OT joins Helen to explain the furore. Plus, we discuss repatriation - and why home often doesn't feel the same for returning expats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your home is often your biggest commitment, so when circumstances change, it can feel overwhelming. From rent renewals to off-plan investments, we put your questions to property lawyer Scott Hutton. Plus, Heather Harries joins us with advice for families facing exam cancellations, and we discuss cosmeticorexia with Dr Natalia Spierings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From food to hospitality to the arts, today's episode of Afternoons with Helen Farmer is all about shining a spotlight on the local leaders putting their hearts and souls into helping their industries thrive through adversity..See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Between work, homeschool and doomscrolling, many of us are moving less and worrying more right now. Dr Shef joins us to explain why that's a concern - and what we can do about it.We also talk small business support - and shout out to some of the UAE's SMEs. And we mark World Autism Day with a teacher turned psychologist who understands the true impact both in and out of the classroom...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From nursery numbers to exam cancellations, the systems families rely on are struggling. Helen asks the experts how the community can help…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From pay and recruitement freezes to retainment in uncertain times, we get the lowdown on the job market from recruiter David MacKenzie and HR consultant Rohini Gill. Global masculinity expert and sociologist Steve Roberts joined us to discuss the dangers of the manosphere, we talked Meta and teens with tech expert Dr Alison Burrows and psychologist Dr Nifemi, and Dr T was on hand with her anxiety cures too...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From questions around pricing to hesitation from buyers and sellers, many are wondering what these uncertain times mean for the UAE real estate market. Helen is joined by industry experts Jo Phillips and Rick Waind to get the lowdown. Plus, we talk hospitality industry job security, ask if a little extra sleep could have a huge impact on your health, and we meet the men behind a landmark family law case in Abu Dhabi's Civil Family Court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s no secret that many restaurants are feeling the pressure right now - from shifting consumer habits to rising costs and uncertainty across the market. But a host of guests from across the industry tell Helen, there's still reason to be cheerful!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk titles - and how one major change in the UAE could change the way we view parenting and home management. Plus, as headlines in the UK suggest many parents are shying away from taking their kids to art galleries, we talk culture and accessibility. Plus, Seb Bates joins us to talk raising kids with a warrior mindset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind every pivot to distance learning there’s a teacher holding it all together. But as the pressure mounts, how supported are our academic staff really feeling - and what are the risks for schools that get it wrong? Helen asks industry expert Leisa Grace Wilson. We also talk tax - and the implications of leaving the UAE for a short or long stay. And we meet the male author behind a new book seeking to reverse that midlife divorce trend by helping men to better understand the menopause.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Schools in the UAE are currently on day two of a planned two weeks of distance learning - but could they open earlier than planned? Helen gets the lowdown. Plus we talk rain, road flooding and safe driving with the experts, and we find out how regional uncertainty is impacting upon the region's fertility healthcare sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As regional uncertainty continues to impact us all, we put your employment law questions to Thenji Moyo. Plus, from weddings to arena gigs, we talk events in the UAE. And, if your current work situation has you eyeing a change, we discuss upskilling while working full time…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Mullally fills us in with all the movies and shows that you can binge-watch this Eid holiday. We also give you tips on how to support your kids while they navigate remote learning after the break. And with children continuing distance learning for the next two weeks, many households are leaning more heavily than ever on their domestic staff. We look at how families and employers offer extra support for their nannies. Plus, we check how restaurants and cafés are rallying behind their teams and their communities during these uncertain times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE’s SMEs are, understandably, struggling at the moment and in need of community support. Helen was joined by a whole host of entrepreneurs, coaches and marketing experts to get key advice on what’s needed to navigate an uncertain landscape. Meanwhile, as many families contemplate some time apart in the coming weeks, we talk united fronts, whether home or away, with family therapist Joanne Jewell too…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homeschool will return from Monday and for many families, that means a whole host of very real logistical challenges. So, from schools and tutors to workplace management, good and bad bosses to the emotional toll of week three fatigue, Helen gets the expert advice you need from truly trusted experts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With regional uncertainty continuing, many people are feeling wobbly with their wealth - even if their financial situation hasn't actually changed. Coaches Carol Glynn and Jay Adrien Tolentino join Helen to talk anxiety versus accounting reality. Meanwhile, Madeleine Mendy is on hand with all the family law info you need right now, and as Dubai Police crack down on loud cars, we get the lowdown on why sound is affecting so many of us differently at the moment with neuroscientist Samira Cutts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.