Afternoons with Helen Farmer

A new ‘sport’ based on rugby tackling without protective equipment has led to the death of a teen in New Zealand. So, what is RunIt Straight, why is it causing so much concern, and what do those behind it need to learn from rugby’s safety standards? We ask Scott Hastings and Apollo Perelini from UAE Rugby, and hear from parents and sports scientists too. Meanwhile, World No Tobacco Day 2025 took place over the weekend – but as new research reveals the UAE’s tobacco use still far exceeds the global average, are we still underestimating the risks to our health? Helen is joined by tobacco researcher Andrea Leinberger-Jabari, pulmonologist Dr Ana Catarina Moreira and family medicine specialist Dr Amna Khushnud. We also discuss defamation law in the UAE, and Haus & Haus are on hand to discuss the pros and cons of off-plan investment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From travel to feeding the family, we've got all the expert advice you need for the upcoming holiday. Plus, we explore the green changes afoot at the newest branch of Vietnamese foodies, meet the keen baker who turned her hobbie into one of Dubai's most successful dessert brands, and we learn how the UAE's supermarkets are navigating TikTok's ever-changing viral food trends. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve seen the hype — Labubu figures selling out in minutes, only to resurface online for eye-watering prices. But what does this frenzy reveal about us? In this episode, we dive into the psychology of ‘drop culture’ with Dr. Sarah Rasmi, exploring how scarcity and social media fuel obsession and anxiety. Then we turn to the world of youth sports with Dr. Shefali Verma to ask: are we raising kids to chase wins instead of wellbeing? From collectibles to competitions, we unpack the pressure to keep up, and what it’s doing to our minds and bodies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoons is live from the Arab Media Summit – and taking your questions on how to make the digital world work for your business this summer. Helen is joined by entrepreneur Ahmad Alzamel, the influencer behind the globally viral Lazy Cat cake, and Alex Carvlalho from House of Social. Meanwhile, with four in five homes now boasting at least one smart device, tech journalist Nick Regos brings us up to speed on the rise of the robots. Dr Margaret Harris from the World Health Organisation talks antibiotic resistance, and Aalia Thobani, CEO at The Brain Accelerator, gives her tips for maintaining you attention span in a world of short, sharp dopamine hits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re live from The Hotel Show, where everything from the bed you sleep in to the art you see on your next staycation will be decided. Helen chats to industry experts about what could be coming to a lobby near you soon. Plus, how much is too much to spend on a school trip? Teachers, parents and finance experts weigh in. And as a terrifying new thriller sheds a light on maternal OCD, we get expert advice on the risks from psychologist Aisling Prendergast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forget beanbags and free snacks – jobseekers in 2025 are looking for fair pay, flexibility, and a sense of purpose. But as a new study shows 50% of companies are now struggling with staff retainment, are expectations and reality matching up? And what role are new arrivals playing in shifting job market trends? HR consultant Rohini Bhalla Gill and John Fitzpatrick, Managing Director at Emiratalent, join Helen. Plus Madeleine Mendy is on hand with the legal advice divorced parents need before travelling this summer, and we discuss the link between school run traffic and property prices in Dubai…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the world’s first three star Indian restaurant to some record-breaking wins for Atlantis, we get all the goss from last night’s Michelin Dubai ceremony. Plus, how restaurateurs spot future stars, how culinary traditions travel across borders - and why we should all be celebrating World Bee Day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From baristas at Starbucks to retail workers at Tiffany & Co, emotional performance is now part of the job description. But is mandating joy at work a way businesses can thrive – or just another path to employee burnout? Helen asks workplace culture psychologist Hajra Hussain and Mindvalley co-founder Ajit Nawalkha. Meanwhile, Dubai has made history, becoming the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere. But what does that really look like beyond airports and check-in counters? OT Adam Griffin explains, with the help of some parents...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost half of young people would prefer a world without internet, according to a new study. But why? And what’s it like to get caught out online? Helen is joined by Dr digital education expert Alison Burrows and Heather Harries, the mother of a teen extortion victim. Meanwhile, in today’s world of artificial intelligence, big data and analytics, it may seem that intuition has no place in decision-making. Psychologist Joslin Gracias explains why that's absolutely not the case. And as new research reveals men are twice as likely to die of ‘broken heart syndrome’, we ask life coach Chris Harrison and education consultant Claire Stancliffe how we can help our men, and boys, become more emotionally aware. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 May 2025. Dubai just made headlines by announcing it will accept crypto payments for government services. But what does that actually mean for you and me? Today, we're answering all the crypto questions you were to shy to ask, with Samir Safar-Aly, the Co-Chair of Policy & Regulations at the MENA FinTech Association, & Carol Glynn of Conscious Finance Coaching. Meanwhile, Joe Biden’s stage five cancer diagnosis has caused shock – but is it unusual? And what is the prognosis for patients like him in 2025? Patient Steve Ashby and oncologist Dr Deborah Mukherjee are on call. And as research suggests many long-term couples to struggle to stay engaged with each other's chat, Dr Thoriya sheds some light on what's healthy... and when communication issues signal a bigger issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 70% of drivers in the UAE admit to experiencing road rage, whether it’s tailgating, swerving, or shouting through the window. But what’s driving it? Helen asks traffic consultant Dr Mostafa Aldah and psychologist Mark Samways. Meanwhile, Haus & Haus are on hand to answer your property questions. Plus, we ask, would you forgive a cheat? What is being done to tackle financial exclusion in the Middle East? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this flavorful episode of Farmer’s Kitchen, Jen Crichton explores how food connects us to our roots — even when we’re far from home. Khalid Al Sabi of Barrad, Shaw Lash of Lila’s Taqueria, and Fay Economides of Mythos join Jen to reflect on the emotional power of food, inspired by the hit TV show No Place Like Home. Next, we tackle a heated topic: food allergies and the growing challenges they present for restaurants. Allergist Dr. Stuart Carr and allergy sufferers share their insights on navigating dining out safely. We wrap up with a cultural twist — it’s International Museum Day! Nada Badran shares how you can get involved, and food writer Simon Ritchie dishes out the latest in culinary news, from Michelin hopefuls to an unexpected olive oil controversy involving Sam Altman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netflix’ latest shock documentary follows the Liver King, a man who made millions selling supplements to followers of his raw meat diet. He calls it ancestral living – but is there any truth to his health claims? Helen asks Dr. Nas Al Jafari of DNA Health. Meanwhile, as new figures from Salik show a 9% rise in traffic on Dubai’s roads, engineering expert Christopher Seymour explains the infrastructure options. And after an unsupervised toddler caused untold damage to a Rothko in a Dutch gallery, should kids be banned from galleries? Curator Anna Seaman, consultant Myrna Ayad and Gareth Pyper from Repton Dubai talk it out…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s wedding season – but as new research suggests the costs are becoming too high for many guests, how can we RSVP no without creating upset? Bride Club ME’s Rhiannon Downie-Hurst, bride-to-be Ellis Horne and finance coach Carol Glynn share their thoughts. Plus, we explore ways to stay sane if sofa surfing with family this summer, and we meet some of the athletes and coaches heading to the World Transplant Games as part of the first ever team from the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From hormones to tantrums, raising a teen is challenging for all involved - but could it also be impacting your relationship? A new book says yes, but that doesn’t have to be the case…Rachel Kelly, author of The Gift of Teenagers, joins Helen to discuss the upsides of adolescence. Meanwhile, with kids in Abu Dhabi getting their first device at an average age of 3, and new research suggesting child tracking apps could be doing more harm than good, is parenting getting too tech reliant? Sahar Zarringhalam of Blaura Wellness Center and Philippa Wraithmell of Edruption are on hand. And with even top journalists saying they’re suffering from news fatigue, Dr. Aseel Takshe from Canadian University Dubai explains how to stay engaged AND optimistic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month, Afternoons met Jessica, a new mum who leapt into action to help her 'agency' cleaner, after discovering she - and her colleagues - had been denied healthcare, visas and access to their passports. Having worked with Dubai Police to get the team's documents returned to them, Jessica set about helping them with their CVs to find them better employment - but as she explains to Helen today, she ended up hiring them instead. Plus, lawyer Dilini Loku joins us for an employment clinic, Dr Bisi Laniyan explains why stress is not a flex, we talk mole mapping for kids with dermatologist Dr Parul Thakur, and Haus & Haus' Harrison Rackham Beadle is on hand to handle your property questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dubai Opera is cracking down on tardiness, warning latecomers will no longer be allowed to enter between curtain up and interval. Etiquette coach Ziying Zhou tells Helen why she's in favour, while the people of the UAE have their own say on the bad behaviours that drive them bananas. Emily Jenkins from DW travel is on hand to talk all things Disney - and the growth the megabrand's arrival could bring to the Middle East's tourism market. Meanwhile, we talking travelling for carbs with Birch Bakery's Kathy Johnston and Doughbai's Wadad Zarzour, learn about the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Arabia from host Khan FM, discuss international expansion with Brunch & Cake's Chef Carmen Landsberg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dubai Police have issued a behavior warning to football fans following unrest and a number of arrests at a match on Saturday. But what prompts disruption at sporting events - and how can it be successfully prevented? Helen puts that big question to two experts in the field - Professor of Afro-Eurasian Sport Simon Chadwick and Scott Armstrong, the founder of Mentl.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1000 new residents arrived in every day in the first quarter of this year, according to new statistics. So, what do they need to know? We asked two relocation and assimilation experts. Meanwhile, the experts tell us what new tariffs on non-American movies could mean for the film industry here, and Helen talks postnatal support with two professionals working to improve life for new mums.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the news that's dividing parents - but is AI education really anything to be frightened of? Not at all, according to our experts. Helen gets the lowdown from Fortes Education's Dr. Neil Hopkin and Vasudha Kalhandeparkar, AI & Data Expert Lead at Grant Thornton. Meanwhile, we talk third culture divorce - and taboos - with the team behind FemFam Dubai, and author Heather Darwall-Smith lets us in on the secrets behind her new book How To Be Awake So You Can Sleep Through the Night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fitness influencer’s appearance in Dubai has gone viral after he brought his daughters on stage to show off their six-packs. But should kids ever be set appearance-driven physical goals – or is that a shortcut to body dysmorphia? Helen asks Florence Gillet of Beyond Body Image and PT Rory Brown. Plus, OT Adam Griffin and speech pathologist Tina Younes talk Speech, Language and Hearing Month, Anna Kaminski from NeuroKinds discusses new research on the impact of yelling at kids, and Charlie Bannan from Haus & Haus is on hand to answer your real estate questions...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helen sits down with legendary chef Marco Pierre White today to discuss his collab with a food delivery service in Dubai, the relevance (or not) of Michelin, and why he hates a tasting menu. It seems everyone is collaborating in Dubai’s kitchens at the moment. But why? Chef Akmal Anuar and Chef Alessandro Salvatico let us in on the benefits of a four-hands dinner. And with one of Dubai’s hottest openings now under their belts, Johnny Tomazos, and Chef Praba Manickam of The Cullinan join Helen in the studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From new destinations to a new GCC Visa, Helen gets the expert lowdown on all things travel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netflix’s star-studded new series The Four Seasons follows the fallout of a friendship group hit by divorce within its ranks. Helen asks mediator Karen Sutherland and lawyer Byron James how this dilemma tends to shake out in normal life. Meanwhile, as the UK unveils proposals for a social media curfew to keep kids safe online, and the US seeks to criminalise non-consensual image sharing, we ask education expert Dr Alison Burrows and Barry Lee Cummings of Beat the Cyber Bully how this could change the landscape? And as a shock new documentary raises concerns about the nutritional make-up of common baby and infant food pouches, parenting coach Sophie Jones and paediatric dietitian Aisling Oslizlok weigh in…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From parking to road tolls to school fees, prices are rising in the UAE. So, how do we respond? Helen gets expert advice from Beth Clay of Financed Well and financial coach Jay Adrien Tolentino. Meanwhile, the 2025 edition of the annual GCC Board Gender Index Report shows the UAE leading the way with 14.8% of board seats held by women. The experts break down why its important. And as George and Amal Clooney say they’ve NEVER had a row in 11 years of marriage, Dr Thoriaya of the Human Relations Institute explains why that's not necessarily a good thing... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a new report from the FA reveals a rise in problematic behaviour from parents at kids football, we discuss the impact with football coach Matt Blenford and psychologist Mark Samways. Helen also discusses a new wave of conversation around male eating disorders with author Liam Kelly and dietician Carina Khoury, a new law on communicable diseases in Dubai with Dr Maryam Mojtabavi, and Haus & Haus MD Simon Baker is on hand with investment advice for the Dubai market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From music festivals to theatres to food events - and even an opportunity to volunteer your dog's time, Helen is joined by a host of experts to delve into what the UAE has to offer over the next few days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most UAE firms have paused hiring, citing rising operational costs. What does it mean for small businesses, their staff, and those looking for work? Helen speaks to Tish Tash MD Polly Williams, recruiter David McKenzie and HR consultant Rohini Gill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tragic death of an autistic 8-year-old in the UAE has raised the alarm over the pressure on carers. What support is available – and what do families need? We asked two parents with children of determination, Gareth Jones and Steph Hamilton. We also looked at open finance, and how it could change the way families - and specifically women - save, with Sophia Bhatti, Founder & CEO, Wimbledon Wealth. And would you turn to AI for therapy? Increasing numbers of young people are - but is that smart, or dangerous? We ask psychologist Dr Kirin Hillier and Professor Talal Abdul Ghani Shaikh of Heriot Watt University Dubai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Stolen Girl is the latest TV show to terrify parents. But should we really be afraid of our kids' being a part of slumber parties with their peers? Helen puts it to Priya Mitchell from PMC Safeguarding. As Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez prepare to splash the cash, we ask experts Mark Kawaja orf Le Table Events and Rhiannon Downie Hurst, founder of Bride Club ME, what they'd do if money was no object. And do you know how to make the most of AI - and how to teach your kids to do the same? We got expert guidance, live from AI Week...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rising number of firms are offering staff fitness trackers – and incentivising their use. But do they improve employee health – or do they invade privacy? Helen asks workplace culture consultant Lorna King and Ali Hashemi, CEO of Meta[bolic]. Meanwhile, Leena Magdi, author of Mourning Air, & psychologist Dr Alia El Naggar of Canadian University Dubai talk grief, road safety expert Phil Clarke is on hand to discuss how we enforce the law against using a mobile while driving, and we talk real estate recruitment with Tom Poulson of Haus & Haus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Camaraderie in the kitchen is the theme of today's show - from Chef Kelvin Cheung of Jun's teaming up with Taqado, new supperclub Tiff's Table bringing together Tiffany Eslick and pastry chef Nadia Parekh, and two of the UAE’s top female restaurateurs - Neha Mishra of Kinoya and Panchali Mahendra of Atelier House Hospitality - joining forces for a new venue. Helen is also joined by Raffi Vartanian to find out how his firm, Ziba Foods, is supporting female farmers in Afghanistan. And Miles Buckeridge is on hand to outline the action from this week's What's On Awards. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helen meets the Dubai-based new mum leading the charge on reuniting eight workers with their passports after they fell victim to a rogue employer. Meanwhile, employment lawyer Thenji Moyo is on hand to clarify the rules. Fatima Haddad from domestic abuse crisis centre Shamsaha is on hand to discuss Sharjah’s moves to protect women and children by seizing the properties of abusive partners. We have more health info than ever before - but is that leading to anxiety and over-diagnosis? Dr Heather Eade gives her views. And we meet Paula Ralph, the amateur cyclist taking on a mammoth solo challenge…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It used to be that cheating meant being in the same place as someone other than your spouse. Has the online world muddied the waters? Helen asks Dr Thoriya. Meanwhile, Sophie Thomas and Anna Kaminski discuss rising ADHD diagnosis in adults, and lawyer Scott Hutton is on hand to take your property questions…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research shows more over-40s are giving birth than teenagers for the first time in history. Why? And what does it mean for the future of fertility? We ask Lindsay Davidson, who had her son at 43, and Dr Luciano Nardo of Now Clinics. Meanwhile, as a new Netflix documentary sounds the alarm over kidfluencing, Meta says it will ban its live features for under-16s. So, where is the line when it comes to our kids’ online interactions? Coach Maysaa Fahour and Dubai-based child influencer DJ Michelle join Helen. Adelina Gschwandtner, an economist at the University of Kent, joins the show to delve into new research which suggests getting a pet could improve our lives as much as getting a spouse, or a AED20k a month payrise… And Tom Poulson, Sales Director at Haus & Haus, is on hand to examine the sales boom in Dubai's villa communities... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are Tik Tok trends ruining the cinema experience? It depends who you ask, says entertainment journalist William Mullaly. Meanwhile, Chef Gregoire Berger tells Helen what’s next for him after a decade at Ossiano, Courtney Brandt has your food headlines, and we delve into a new dubai chef collab bringing us ceviche, squared…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US unis have long been on the wishlist for families here in the UAE – but are we now seeing a sea change amid safety concerns for students in the states. Varun Jain, CEO of UniHawk & Heather Harries, Heather Harries Education Hub, are on hand to bring us up to speed. Meanwhile, new research suggests 98% of consumers now see reviews as an essential part of how they buy goods and services, meaning businesses now routinely ask for our feedback. But when does engaging with customers tip into intrusion? Roota Mittal, software engineer turned entrepreneur, is on hand to discuss the balance...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A wife wants to work, her husband and sponsor doesn't want her to - so what happens? It's a query that created a stir on social media in Dubai this week - so we put it to employment lawyer Thenji Moyo and family lawyer Madeleine Mendy... Also on today's show, the UK is celebrating its first live birth after womb transfer - bringing the total babies born globally after the procedure to an estimated 120. Dr Partha Das from Orchid Fertility is on hand to explain the potential impact. As a new study shows microplastics are being found in GUM and can even change how we look, we speak to Amanda Grogor, board director at Azraq, about how to stay safe. And what can the toxic trio at the heart of White Lotus tell us about female relationships? Therapist Marissa Peer, and Gill Whitty-Collins, author of Why Men Win At Work, wade in...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambitious? Self-reliant? The language used in many job postings appeals to people with ‘a grand view of self’, according to new research. Helen breaks down the implications with researcher Jonathan Gay from the University of Mississippi and Genie Recruitment's Nicki Simpson. Meanwhile, as another research paper suggests everything from the time we apply our skincare to sun exposure to - wait for it - our partner's own skincare habits could be impacting our skin health, she gets the lowdown from renowned dermatologist Dr Faheem Latheef. And after the Texan measles outbreak claims the life of a second child, we ask Dr Howard Podolsky who should be vaccinating - and when a localised cluster becomes a global concern...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From family finances to shares and retirement savings, money anxiety is hitting many of us right now. Helen gets advice from financial coaches Jay Adrian Tolentino and Carol Glynn. She's also joined by the Family Hub's Hanan Ezzeldin and Ben Fox from Repton Al Barsha to discuss the ongoing discussion around Netflix' Adolescence - and the role schools and educators can play in the discussion. Do you use 'politisms' to say what you DON'T really mean? If so, you're not alone, as Dr Ben Beaumont from Trinity College London discovered from his recent research. And on the property front, what makes an apartment community really sing? Harrison Rackham-Beadle from Haus & Haus has the answers...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new free AI programme claims to help anyone overcome stagefright. But is confidence all it takes to become a memorable speaker? We ask speaker and coach Flo Akinbiyi. On the food front, Matthew Jones from Bread Ahead unveils his third Dubai store, while star Chef Tristan Farmer opens the doors to his newest restaurant this weekend. And as a new study finds 20% of Emirati consumers would swap to lab-made meat for health and planet, is it really the better option? We asked nutritionist Kripa Gokal of 15 Minute Mom and Edward Hamod of Switch Foods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a career treating breast cancer, Liz O’Riordan didn’t expect to find herself on the other side of the desk. She tells Helen why she’s now dedicating her life to inspiring other women to take charge of their own wellbeing… Meanwhile, following yesterday's discussion of rising autism rates among kids, one Ma’an backed social entertprise has turned its attention to inclusivity and accessibility at work for an increasing cohort of autistic adults. We meet 13-year old Repton pupil Smayan Sethi, who has just published his first acclaimed novel, Shadows of the New World… And private tuition is big business here in the UAE – but when is it a useful driver for kids, and when does it become unhelpful? Helen asks Ruth Brewer of Steer to Success and Craig O’Brien from Elite Education. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.