Afternoons with Helen Farmer

So, your kid wants devices, and you want to go old school? We get a Adam the OT’s advice on how to navigate kids’ festive requests – and how to keep them occupied during the holidays too… Meanwhile, it’s often billed as the most joyous time of the year – but when there’s an empty seat at the table, grief can hit hard. So, how can we navigate the festive season while grieving? Helen asks Tanya Dharamshi, the clinical psychologist who leads Lighthouse Arabia’s Raymee Grief Centre. Plus, with rain forecast, Motor Mania’s Damien Reid is on hand with all the info you need to navigate the roads safely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.