Afternoons with Helen Farmer

From potty training and toddler milestones to ADHD, screen time and parent-teacher meetings, we’re tackling the real challenges of raising children in today’s world. Tune in for honest conversations, practical advice and simple strategies to ease parenting pressures, support your child’s development and help your whole family thrive. 

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This episode explores five important topics shaping our wellbeing, from navigating narcissistic abuse and divorce to the emotional journey of stroke recovery and rebuilding life after trauma. We also dive into creating more inclusive and accessible workplaces, before consulting Dr. Deena Ahmed on osteoporosis, bone health, and whether a simple sneeze really can break your spine.

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From marine conservation and regional food traditions to the latest entertainment headlines, we explore the stories shaping the UAE’s cultural scene. Discover Parisian cabaret in Dubai, where cinema meets cuisine, and the Halloween experiences bringing autumn to life. From turtles to theatre, food to film, there’s something for everyone in today's show

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This episode sheds light on the importance of getting mammograms and having a friend by your side for support. We also explore the power of inclusion through ASICS and Included & Perfectly Different’s community run for Down Syndrome Awareness Month, before discussing Dubai’s higher education landscape, DMU’s new strategy, block teaching and the role of collaboration in preparing students for future careers

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This week, we shine a light on the realities of raising a neurodivergent child, the emotional journey of breast cancer from diagnosis to survivorship, and the money habits that help us save smarter without sacrificing life's little pleasures. Honest conversations, powerful stories and practical perspectives to help us feel informed, supported and empowered.

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From dental innovation and hidden household hazards to baby loss and the complexities of long-term marriage, we explore the health, relationships and life experiences that shape us. Honest conversations, expert insights and practical advice to help us live healthier, more informed lives.

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We explore the realities of money, mental health and care in our everyday lives, from menopause’s impact on women’s financial futures to the emotional toll of caring for a loved one with cancer. We ask whether money can really buy happiness, unpack the role of resilience and privilege, and break down the latest UAE employment law changes so you can better understand your rights and protect your future.

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From finding your people around a tabletop to tackling food waste, championing healthier kitchens, discovering the art of comedy and celebrating ten years of Dubai brunch culture, this episode explores the people and passions shaping life in the UAE. Expect inspiring stories, practical insights and plenty of reasons to connect, create and see everyday experiences a little differently.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while we often talk about the statistics, the screenings and the treatments, today we focus on the people behind those diagnoses. Mary Patten and her mum, Jane Gosling, share their very different breast cancer journeys, exploring the challenges of diagnosis, treatment and facing cancer together as two generations. 

Who would look after your children when you pass away if their grandparents and wider family are thousands of miles away? It's our Wills Clinic today with Jazmine Stevenson from Stevenson Bernard Law Associates

And the brilliant comedian Zarna Garg j...

October is Baby Loss Awareness Month, and today we're talking about how we support families through something so devastating. What role do healthcare professionals play? Why do so many people still feel unable to talk about their experiences?

When we talk about pregnancy and baby loss, understandably much of the conversation centres on mothers. But what about dads?

We're also exploring raising children who understand that their boundaries matter, and so do other people’s.  

And on our Money Matters hour, we ask: When does living somewhere become financially unsustainable? How do you kno...

Dubai’s latest Michelin Guide has plenty to celebrate: 19 new entries, and a second star for homegrown favourite Orfali Bros. But alongside the congratulations, there’s a practical question: what happens when a restaurant recommended by the guide isn’t currently open? 

We speak to a food business that's continuing to expand even during uncertain times.

After 13 years, Frying Pan Adventures of Arva and Farida that has taken residents and visitors through Old Dubai’s streets, is making its last walking tour.

William Mullally fills us in with movies to consider watching this weekend.<...

A cancer diagnosis comes with appointments, scans, treatment plans and an entirely new medical vocabulary. But what happens inside your head while all of that is happening? 

We also turn our attention to health as we talk about rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, particularly the joints. We speak with Molly, whose journey to a diagnosis took around two years despite knowing that something wasn't right and the doctor who helped her get the answers and support she needed.

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Fresh from the glamour of the fifth Dubai edition Michelin Guide ceremony, Courtney Brandt shares which restaurants gained a star, and the ones we should keep our eyes out for!

We also sit down with Luca Allam for tips on how to make every conversation impactful as we live in AI-driven world, then delve into Money Matters with Natalie Walsh to unpack the common financial mistakes expats make, and how to avoid them.

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We may all have heard of the different love languages, but do they apply to children too? Author Ellis Hardwood shares which "language" speaks to them the clearest.

A new Dubai initiative promoting Emirati Sign Language is more than just a campaign. Donna Glasper explains what we can all do to make everyday accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

Looking at family issues across the region in our Legal Clinic with Madeleine Mendy of Bin Sevan Advocates.

Plus, we tackle the hardest ages to parent. Sara Rasmi from Thrive Wellbeing Centre is here...

We explore how the cities we build shape the way we connect and belong, what it really takes to beat breast cancer, and the truth behind the growing buzz around testosterone for midlife health. Three conversations about our communities, our bodies, and the choices that shape our lives.

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This week, we explore the people, stories and trends shaping food, culture and entertainment in the UAE and beyond - from Michelin-starred chefs and the rise of home-grown hospitality to inclusive employment and the evolving coffee scene. We also unpack the pressure to travel, hear from Amy Winehouse’s original band ahead of their Dubai performance, and dive into why the horror genre is having such a major moment in 2026.

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Find out how one salon owner is alleviating the trauma of losing hair for cancer patients. We also spoke with Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP)’s Pink Caravan about the importance of early detection. In addition, what does understanding sensory needs mean for parents?  We explore how understanding “sensory language” can be a lightbulb moment for parents, especially when trying to distinguish a tantrum from a sensory meltdown.

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This week, we’re tackling two big questions for parents: what’s more damaging for our kids - gaming or social media? We’re joined by Dr. Arif Khan, Consultant Pediatric Neurologist to unpack the science, risks, and real-world impact of both. Then, we shift gears to financial literacy, speaking with Sophia Bhattia, Founder of Wimbledon Wealth, about why understanding money matters from an early age - and why Anne Hathaway’s comment that it’s “not cute to be financially illiterate” struck such a chord.

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We’re tackling the big questions around work, business, health and relationships, from how to handle firing someone with clarity and dignity, to the mistakes new entrepreneurs can avoid when starting a business. We mark World Heart Day by separating heart-health facts from myths, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a look at early detection, mammograms and the link between breast cancer treatment and lymphedema. Plus, we explore people-pleasing, why we do it, and how to set healthier boundaries without losing our kindness.

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From the UAE’s booming startup ecosystem to the operational and wellbeing challenges that come with growth, this episode explores what it really takes to build sustainable success. We discuss why resilience matters, but also where healthy resilience can cross the line, drawing on the recent Hyrox controversy and the pressures facing athletes, entrepreneurs and employees. Our guests share insights on leadership under pressure, workplace wellbeing, and the importance of building a healthy identity beyond performance.

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From Dubai’s newest dining and bakery spots to a family concept rethinking how kids and parents share a space, we’re exploring the people and ideas shaping the city’s F&B and lifestyle scene. Plus, we talk dumplings, entrepreneurship and highlight the Abu Dhabi competition offering the next generation of composers a chance to win AED 130,000.

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We’re talking about knowing your worth in the workplace and how women can navigate increasingly non-linear career paths, from changing direction and returning to work to stepping into leadership and building a business. Plus, we’re breaking down the barriers around one of parenting’s more awkward conversations as we meet the people behind Dubai’s “Periods & Ponytails” workshop, helping dads and daughters talk openly about puberty, periods and body changes. 

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From the great outdoors to the worlds of travel, entertainment, food and entrepreneurship, we cover it all in this episode. We explore family camping across the UAE and Oman, the latest winter travel trends, Emmy highlights and music-industry news, the thinking behind the new Nourish magazine, before wrapping up with a look at the homegrown UAE brands shaping the region’s hospitality and creative landscape.

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In this episode, we explore two important conversations around predominantly women’s health and fertility, with relevance to men too. We unpack the IVF journey, the latest advancements improving the chances of conception, and celebrate 15 years of Fakih IVF in Dubai. In celebration, they’ve launched an initiative that offers 15 families 15 complimentary IVF treatments. We also look at the impact of cancer treatments that can induce or worsen menopause, and the often-overlooked effects on mental health, relationships, work and overall quality of life.

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What does it really take to make your money stretch as a family? We’re talking budgets, making ends meet and theeveryday financial traps that can catch us out — plus simple ways to feel more in control of your finances.

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This episode tackles the uproar around the recent Sydney Sweeney sports ad and the ongoing objectification of women in advertising, particularly for female athletes fighting to be recognized for their strength and achievements.  We also turn to Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, discussing the importance of recognising early signs of cognitive decline and why early assessment and support can make a meaningful difference.

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We’re covering everything from getting your career back on track and staying healthy through flu season to navigating the drama of mom chat groups. We’ll also unpack the UAE’s new social media rules for doctors and healthcare professionals, and what they mean for sharing medical advice responsibly online.

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From Dubai’s buzzing food scene to magic, and books, this episode has a little something for everyone. We explore Gymkhana’s new DIFC outpost and the inspiration behind Strawfire, go behind the scenes with Magic Phil, discover a modern Emirati protein snack made with dates and camel milk, and hear how Novel Escapes is bringing quiet, book-filled gatherings to Dubai.

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In this episode, we explore the opportunities and challenges shaping families, education and the workplace today - from supporting women as they return to work and build their next chapter, to preserving the Arabic language and passing it on to future generations. 

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This week, we’re making space for powerful conversations - from the freedom of women who write to rethinking ambition, burnout and what success really means. We’re also putting the latest tech to the test, with the new iPhone and a live HONOR drop test, before turning to smart money moves, early retirement goals and how to enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank.

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From hair loss and kids’ oral health to the surprising comeback of Vine and why teenage girls are dropping out of sport, this episode tackles the stories everyone’s talking about. Tune in as we unpack the facts, bust some myths and get to the heart of the issues shaping our health.

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We exploring the skills, habits and challenges shaping our lives at home, at school and at work. We look at why old school skills like handwriting still matter, how we can recognize and prevent eating disorders and body image issues, what could be behind your child saying, “Mom, my back hurts,” and whether AI is changing who gets hired in Dubai as we head into Q4 and 2027.

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This week, we explore the latest movies with Golden Globes voter William Mullally, meet Chef Pranav Upadhyay as he brings the flavors of his upbringing to Dubai, and discover new ways for families to reconnect at screen-free food halls and LEGO. Plus, we celebrate 30 years of The Laughter Factory and the comedy institution it has become across the UAE.

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In this segment, we explore the importance of creating truly inclusive opportunities for People of Determination, both in education and the workplace. Hafsa Qadeer, Founder of ImInclusive, and Safia Bari, Director and Founder of SNF Development Center, join us to discuss the barriers, opportunities and practical steps needed to build more inclusive environments where everyone can learn, work and thrive.

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In this episode, we explore the power of human connection - from The Empty Chair movement and creating spaces for conversation, to Dayle’s moving journey through grief through exercise and community. We also look at what it takes to build a fulfilling 100-year life through Lynda Gratton’s “THE 8 THREADS OF A 100-YEAR LIFE”, before turning to the financial strain on parents that goes far beyond school fees.

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This episode explores the risk and concerns surrounding gel polish, TPO and allergic reactions, the impact of chronic hand eczema, and the realities of OCD in both adults and young people. We also hear two powerful stories of resilience as our guests share how they overcame deeply traumatic, life-altering experiences and found the strength to keep moving forward.

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From staying connected with grandparents across the globe to asking whether 'Made in the UAE' could become the next luxury label, this episode explores the changing face of family, fashion and ambition in the region. Plus, we unpack the challenges of raising children in extraordinary wealth, with expert advice on how to make sure a fortune becomes a legacy, not a liability.

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We catch up on the latest news surrounding Tania’s Teahouse and speak to the founders of Kakao Guy about their acquisition of the much-loved business and what’s next. Plus, Dubai-based band MADAM join us to talk about their latest track release and the music scene in the UAE.

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We explore the difference between picky eating and ARFID, and we also discuss food allergies in schools and how families can feel confident navigating them, before unpacking the myths and realities of ADHD and what meaningful support can look like.

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From doom scrolling and screen addiction to location tracking your partner and a new football academy in town, we explore the challenges of raising children in an increasingly digital world. We also look at the Oreo lunchbox debate breaking the internet and the importance of healthy breakfasts and balanced lunchboxes.

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