Mother Tongue

Between wellness influencers pushing testosterone-boosting hacks and men avoiding the prostate conversation altogether, it's easy to lose the actual science.

Dr. Manaf Kandakji is a Urologist at HealthBay who cuts through both, the hype and the avoidance, with a clear-eyed, evidence-based approach to men's strength, hormones, and prostate health.

In this episode, we talk testosterone optimisation done properly, what a prostate exam actually involves (and why it's not as daunting as men imagine), and how strength and longevity are more connected than most people think.

This one's for the men who want to...

Today's conversation is one a lot of men avoid having, even with themselves. We're talking men's health: hormones, cholesterol, metabolic health, and the PSA test nobody wants to bring up at dinner.

Our guest is Dr. Kamal Akkach, an Internal Medicine specialist at HealthBay, known for helping men get ahead of the health issues that quietly build up over years of "I'll deal with it later."

In this episode, we talk about why men are so much slower to seek care than women, what "low T" actually means versus what the internet says it means...

On average, it takes years for women with endometriosis to get properly diagnosed. Years of being told the pain is normal.

Dr. Ayse Ekin Clemente is a Gynecologist at HealthBay who specialises in endometriosis, PCOS, infertility, and adolescent health, the conditions so many women spend years trying to get taken seriously.

In this episode, we talk about what "normal" period pain actually is versus what isn't, how PCOS is diagnosed and managed, and why starting these conversations earlier, even with teenagers, matters so much.

If you've ever been told to "just take a...

Prevention sounds simple in theory, until you actually try to figure out what you're supposed to be doing, and when.

Dr. Nana Wiberg is a Gynecologist at HealthBay focused on female cancer prevention, cervical, ovarian, and beyond, and cutting through the confusion around screening schedules and genetic risk.

In this episode, we get into what screenings actually matter, at what age, and how to think about family history without spiralling into fear.

This is the practical, no-panic guide to protecting your health that every woman deserves to hear.

...

If you've ever felt blindsided by a symptom nobody warned you about, or confused about whether what you're feeling is "just stress" or something hormonal, this episode is for you.

Dr. Jasmin Malek is a Family Medicine physician at HealthBay who spends much of her practice helping women understand what's actually happening in perimenopause, menopause, and everything that comes before it.

We're talking hot flashes, mood swings, sleep that falls apart for no clear reason, and the HRT conversation that so many women feel too embarrassed, or too under-informed, to have.

Whether you're 35...

Breast health is one of those topics every woman knows she should think about, and yet so many of us put off the actual appointment.

Dr. Amrita Kumar is a breast health specialist at HealthBay working at the intersection of early diagnosis, prevention, and the growing role AI is playing in how breast cancer is detected.

In this episode, we talk about what genuinely increases risk, how AI is changing early detection for the better, and why the fear around screening is so often worse than the screening itself.

This conversation is about...

Longevity has become one of the biggest buzzwords in wellness, but how much of it is actually backed by science?

Dr. Sladana Pavlovic is an Internal Medicine specialist at HealthBay focused on cardiovascular health, metabolic ageing, and what genuinely extends healthy years, as opposed to what just extends a marketing budget.

In this episode, we separate the legitimate science of longevity from the trends, get into what really protects your heart as you age, and talk about anti-ageing without the gimmicks.

If you've ever wondered whether that supplement, that biohack, or that expensive...

When did looking after our health become so complicated?

Supplements. Sleep scores. Wearables. Morning routines. Blood tests. Wellness hacks. We’re surrounded by advice about how to live longer, sleep better and feel better - but sometimes it’s hard to know what actually matters.

We’re joined by Dr. Barbara Karin Vela, Family Medicine Physician at HealthBay, to talk about the things we should actually be paying attention to when it comes to our health - especially before something feels wrong.

We get into the “silent” conditions that can develop without obvious symptoms...

Bloating, cravings, emotional eating, low energy, poor immunity… could more of it be connected to our gut than we realise?

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sara Abdelghany, Clinical Dietitian at HealthBay, to talk all things nutrition, gut health and our relationship with food.

We unpack the gut-brain connection and how everything from stress and anxiety to bloating, cravings and immunity can be linked to what’s happening in our gut. We also get into SIBO, dysbiosis, emotional eating, portion control, intermittent fasting and why eating “healthy” doesn’t always mean your body is getting w...

Every parent has had that quiet 3am worry: is this normal, or should I be paying closer attention?

Dr. Sara Khwaja is a Pediatrician at HealthBay who specialises in early growth and developmental assessment, including the early recognition of autism.

In this episode, we talk about what healthy development actually looks like month by month, the early signs of autism that parents can watch for without spiralling into worry, and what to do if something does feel off.

This is a conversation for every parent who wants to feel more confident, not more...

If you’ve ever stood in front of your bathroom cabinet wondering whether you actually need the retinol, the LED mask, the expensive vitamin C AND the latest treatment everyone on Instagram is talking about… this episode is for you. 

This week, we’re joined by skin specialist Rosie Osborne to cut through some of the VERY noisy world of skincare and aesthetics.

We’re talking about what actually works, what might not be worth your money, and whether we’re all guilty of doing a little too much to our faces.

From retinol, SP...

Today we're talking about something that, if we're honest, most of us know surprisingly little about... perimenopause.

Because if you're anything like me, you've probably blamed feeling exhausted, anxious, overwhelmed or just a bit "off" on everything else. Work. Motherhood. Stress. Lack of sleep. Life.

But what if it isn't just that?

The more I learn about perimenopause, the more I realise how many women are living through it without even knowing they are. We spend years preparing for puberty, pregnancy and childbirth, yet one of the biggest hormonal transitions we'll ever experience...

Today we're talking about something I think so many of us know we should be getting better at... AI.

Because if you're anything like me, you've probably opened ChatGPT, asked it to write an email or caption, thought, "this is useful"... and then carried on doing almost everything else yourself.

But what I'm quickly realising is that AI can do so much more than that.

When you're juggling work, family, appointments, emails, meal planning and the million little things constantly taking up space in your head, AI can actually become an extra pair...

I am so excited for today's conversation because I have a feeling it's one that so many of you are going to relate to.

I don't know about you, but I sometimes find myself wondering... when did life become so busy?

Between work, the school run, remembering PE kits, replying to emails, making dinner, trying to exercise, seeing friends, spending time with our partners, keeping on top of the house and somehow finding five minutes for ourselves... it can feel like we're constantly switching hats.

And whilst I absolutely love this season of...

Today we're talking about something I know so many mums will relate to... getting dressed again.

Not getting dressed in the sense of throwing on whatever's clean before the school run, but genuinely feeling excited to open your wardrobe, putting something on that makes you feel good and reconnecting with the person you are beyond motherhood.

Because I think for so many of us, having children changes our relationship with style. We spend years dressing for practicality, comfort and everyone else's needs, and somewhere along the way we stop dressing for ourselves. Our bodies change...

Today's guest is someone who has built an incredibly engaged community by sharing the everyday moments of life with honesty, warmth and authenticity.

Poppy Owen is a content creator and digital storyteller whose beautifully curated platforms inspire hundreds of thousands of women every day. From fashion and interiors to motherhood, lifestyle and travel, she's created a space that feels both aspirational and refreshingly real.

But beyond the beautiful images, what I love most about Poppy is that she's never been afraid to show the reality behind the highlight reel. She shares the highs alongside the...

Today's guest is someone whose work I think every parent will relate to. I'm joined by Nada, founder of The Home Order, a professional home organisation company helping families create homes that feel calmer, function better and work with family life, rather than against it.

Because let's be honest, most of us aren't striving for Pinterest-perfect pantries. We're simply trying to keep on top of the endless piles of laundry, find the PE kit on a Monday morning, stop buying things we already own and feel like our homes are making life easier instead of adding to...

Today I'm joined by Natasha Mahtani, a Relationship Strategist and Financial Wellbeing Mentor, and this is one of those conversations that I think every woman should listen to.

We talk about modern relationships, the realities of marriage and divorce, and why financial wellbeing is something we all need to be paying more attention to — regardless of our relationship status. Because whilst we spend so much time talking about emotional wellbeing, we often don't talk enough about money, financial confidence and the role it plays in our independence, security and future choices.

Natasha shares her insights on...

Peptides seem to be everywhere at the moment.

Whether it's social media, wellness clinics, biohacking podcasts or conversations between friends, it feels like everyone is talking about peptides for everything from better sleep and energy to fat loss, muscle building and ageing well.

But what actually are peptides? Which claims are backed by science, which are overhyped, and how do people know whether they're right for them?

Today I'm joined by Dean Henry to unpack the world of peptides and help us understand what's fact, what's fiction, and what we should all know...

Hair is one of those topics that seems to come up in every conversation. Whether it's finding a colour that actually suits you, covering greys, deciding whether extensions are worth it, or simply trying to make your hair look a little fuller and healthier, there is so much advice out there that it can be difficult to know what is actually right for you.

And I think so many women are looking for that balance. We want beautiful hair, but we also want healthy hair. We want colour that looks natural, extensions that nobody can spot, and...

Today I’m joined by Stefanie O’Connell - an award-winning journalist who writes about money, power and ambition, and the author of The Ambition Penalty.

Her work challenges a lot of what we’ve been told as women - that if we just work hard enough, lean in, and push through the imposter syndrome, we’ll get there.

But the data tells a very different story.

Stefanie looks at the real cost of ambition for women - financially, professionally and personally  and why so many women are feeling burnt out, disillusioned, and stuck… de...

Today’s episode is for anyone who has ever had a business idea… and then immediately felt completely overwhelmed by everything that comes next.

Because I think the idea is often the easy part - it’s the ‘how do I actually turn this into something real?’ that stops so many people in their tracks.

I’m joined by Emily Griffiths, who has built and scaled her own business and really understands what it takes to go from that initial spark of an idea through to actually making it work - the research, the planning, the numbers...

Today we’re joined by a guest who is opening up a conversation that so many of us are quietly having - but rarely saying out loud. Sophie Rose-Arnold is an alcohol-free advocate who shares a refreshingly honest perspective on what it really looks like to step away from drinking - especially as a woman navigating motherhood, friendships, and everyday life.

After nearly two decades of drinking, Sophie made the decision to stop completely - not because she hit a rock bottom, but because alcohol simply stopped working for her. What followed was a journey of unlearning, re...

Today’s guest is someone I’ve been really looking forward to having on the podcast - especially because she brings so much clarity to a space that can feel noisy, confusing, and very trend-led.

Grainne Sullivan is the founder of Glazed Aesthetics, and she’s known for her thoughtful, no-nonsense approach to skin care. Rather than chasing quick fixes or viral treatments, Gráinne focuses on long-term skin health, education, and doing less - but better.

In this episode, we talk about what actually makes a difference when it comes to your skin, the rise of...

Travelling with kids isn’t quite the relaxing escape it once was - but it can still be one of the most rewarding, memorable things you do as a family.

In this episode, I’m sharing an honest take on what travel really looks like with three children and some of my favourite spots to visit, including the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa - which struck that rare balance between true luxury and genuine ease with children - and Feuerstein Nature Family Resort, which was quite possibly the most enjoyable holiday the kids have ever had.

I...

Today we’re joined by a guest who is quietly redefining what life in Dubai can really look like - and this is a powerful listen for anyone moving here, or wondering if the city is the right fit for their family.

Laura Jones is a mum of three and the creator behind Home by Laura Jones, where she shares a slower, more intentional side of life in a city often known for its speed, luxury and excess.

After moving to Dubai over a decade ago, Laura made a conscious decision to bu...

Today’s guest is no stranger to the spotlight -or to the juggle. Helen Farmer is a much-loved voice across the UAE: broadcaster, writer, mum, and now, published author. 

But behind the headlines and the mic is a story of grit, growth, and learning to thrive with ADHD - while raising kids, writing books, and showing up every day with honesty and heart. 

In this episode, we explore what balance really means, how diagnosis can reshape identity, and the surprising freedom that comes from setting boundaries. 

Find Helen on Instagram: https...

Today, we’re joined by Beth Clay, founder of Finance Her Well, to talk about something many of us think about often but don’t always talk about openly - money.

From the psychology behind our relationship with money to why so many women feel stress or shame around finances, this conversation explores how our experiences shape the way we earn, save, spend and invest.

Beth also shares simple ways to start building financial confidence and making your money work for you - whether you're navigating finances in a relationship, thinking about investing, or simply tryi...

Today we’re joined by a guest who has spent over two decades building businesses  and now helps women do the same while navigating motherhood, ambition, and the reality of limited time.

Deborah Henning is an entrepreneur, mentor and the founder of Self Made CEO, a mentorship program designed to help women build profitable businesses without sacrificing their families, their wellbeing, or their identity along the way.

After running a fashion brand for 15 years and later building a multi-six-figure consultancy working with some of the Middle East’s biggest retail names, Deborah made a bold shift...

Today we’re joined by a guest whose journey proves that reinvention doesn’t have to take years - sometimes it starts with one video and the courage to press post.

Camilla Rhuda is a Dubai-based content creator who went from working as a teacher and governess to building a rapidly growing social media platform in less than a year. What began as a creative outlet after becoming a mum quickly turned into a career - with viral videos, brand partnerships, and a community drawn to her honesty, humour and refreshingly real take on motherhood and life in D...

Today we’re diving into something that has honestly blown my mind - gut health. I recently did three tests with Precision Wellness: the Gut Chex, Nutri Chex, and a Functional Blood Test. The results were eye-opening. We found that my gut was out of balance, the supplements I’d been religiously taking weren’t even being absorbed, and I might not actually be coeliac after all.

So I had to get the brilliant Dr. Sana from Precision Wellness on the podcast to break this all down. We’re going to talk about why gut health is such a g...

Today I’m joined by the wonderful Emily Mayers, the founder of The Working Dream. Emily is a coach and advocate who specialises in supporting women particularly mothers who are navigating ADHD and the challenges that come with balancing motherhood, work, and identity.

Through The Working Dream, she helps women move from overwhelm and self-doubt into confidence, clarity, and practical systems that actually work for them. Emily has been instrumental in shining a light on how ADHD presents in women often very differently from the stereotypes we grew up with and why so many mothers are...

Today’s guest is Alice Law - a wellbeing expert, educator and the author of Unstressable, a book that completely reframes how we understand stress.

Alice’s work focuses on the nervous system and why so many high-functioning women feel permanently exhausted, overwhelmed or wired, even when life looks “fine” from the outside.

What I love about Alice’s approach is that it’s not about bubble baths or adding more to your to-do list. It’s about understanding what’s actually happening in your body, why modern life keeps us in a constant state of stress, and h...

Today we’re joined by Aliesha Brar - a woman who truly knows what it means to wear many hats. From fashion and luxury to design, culinary arts and now entrepreneurship, Aliesha’s career has taken her across industries and continents. But it was becoming a mother that inspired her to take a leap into creating something of her own. 

As the founder of Boo Boo Laand, a premium children’s entertainment concept in Dubai, Aliesha has combined creativity, business acumen, and her personal experience of motherhood to bring her vision to life. But beyond the business, she’s a...

Today I am chatting with Lewis Allsopp, founder of Allsopp & Allsopp, one of the people who helped shape the Dubai property scene. We will talk straight about the market right now, where it is headed, which communities actually work for families, and practical tips for anyone moving here.

Lewis is also a hands-on dad of two, this conversation goes beyond property. We dig into modern fatherhood, how dads can truly support their partners (not just “help”), and the small daily rituals that keep family life running when work is intense and schedules are full.

Stay tune...

Today on Mother Tongue, I’m joined by someone who will be very familiar to many of you - Harriet Mandak. Harriet is a coach and mentor who specialises in helping women uncover their values, set boundaries, and create healthier habits and routines that truly support their lives. She’s been on the podcast before, and every time she joins us the response from our community is incredible.

 Harriet is also a mum of three, and she’s about to celebrate a milestone 40th birthday - so there’s no better moment to sit down with her and talk...

Today we have a guest whose work has quietly, beautifully shaped the way millions of people smell the world.

Jo Malone CBE is a self-taught perfumer and entrepreneur who founded Jo Malone London and later sold the brand in 2006. In 2011, she launched Jo Loves - brands that turned simple scent into a language of memory and luxury.  

She grew Jo Malone London from a kitchen-table idea into a global name and then made the bold move of selling the brand to Estée Lauder - only to go on and build again, proving th...

Today we’re joined by not one, but two powerhouse guests from Mediclinic Middle East for a vital conversation on something every mother deserves to understand better — her postpartum body.

First, we have Dr. Maria Peñalver Gaspar, a Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, who brings a compassionate and clinical perspective to what truly happens to our bodies after birth — from physical recovery to hormonal changes, pelvic floor issues, and more.

Joining her is Ms. Jacqueline Hawker, a Senior Physiotherapist specialising in Women’s Health. She supports women on their journey of postpartum...

Joining us today is Ms. Mona Joumaa, Lead Clinical Dietitian at Mediclinic Middle East and a passionate advocate for realistic, healthy family nutrition.

 As mums, we’re often juggling picky eaters, postpartum cravings, and the constant question of “what’s for dinner?” Mona is here to help make feeding ourselves  and our families less stressful and more nourishing.

From postpartum nutrition for healing and energy, to toddler-friendly meals that support growth and immunity, today’s conversation is packed with expert advice and practical tips you can use right away.

Website: https://www...

Today on the podcast, we're diving into a topic that’s often whispered about but rarely unpacked properly—the mummy makeover. From myths and misconceptions to real advice on what to expect, we’re getting into the facts with someone who knows this field inside and out.

Joining us is Dr Charles Bain, a Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon at Mediclinic Middle East. With years of experience helping women navigate the physical changes of motherhood, Dr Bain offers a thoughtful, ethical, and evidence-based approach to cosmetic surgery—especially when it comes to restoring confidence and comfort after ch...