Afternoons with Helen Farmer

The UAE ranked as the top spender on Korean cultural content for the third consecutive year, according to the 2025 Global Hallyu Survey. But why does it hold such appeal? We find out from Hanu’s Chef Moon and K-pop fans Johnny Biryani & Keri Belle. Helen also catches up with chef Akira Back, talks hidden gems with the Hungry Sisters and finds out everything you need to know before outdoor sports season arrives…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research shows UAE employers are increasing housing benefits by an average 4% this year. But if you’re not getting a hike, what’s the best way to negotiate one without changing jobs? Helen asks employment experts Rohini Bhalla Gill and David McKenzie. Plus, as research shows we’re all reading less, we find out how to foster a love of books with a host of local booksellers and authors…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump says pregnant women should avoid paracetamol, linking the drug to a “very increased risk of autism”. Dr Margaret Harris, former WHO spokesperson and global public health expert joins Helen to set the record straight. Meanwhile, injuries, overtraining and burnout are contributing to a high dropout rate in youth sports, according to a new report from the US. Pro basketballer and youth sports mentor Jazz Ferguson gives his advice on keeping the games safe and fun.  As Abu Dhabi releases new guidelines about children walking to and from school, we explore the risks – and the rewards of independence – with Priya Mitchell, Safeguarding lead at Taleem, & Dr Mostafa Aldah of MA Road Traffic Consulting. Plus, Pets & Vets is back! Helen talks emergency care for our furriest friends with Dr. Theodora Gavriil, Emergency and Critical Care Specialist at Modern Vet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research says young adults like to discuss their incomes and financial goals when dating - while older couples are still shy to talk numbers. Helen asks Steve Cronin of Dead Simple Saving why, and finds out how to bring healthy cash chat into our own relationsips. We also talk attitudes to puberty - and the cultural differences at play in how we explain it to our kids - discuss teen mental health, and we get an expert's verdict on Apple's latest raft of tech releases...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does cultural background impact on the way we experience and process trauma? We find out from the co-founders of Dubai’s upcoming MENATA Trauma Conference – and one 9/11 survivor. Meanwhile, employment lawyer Dilini Loku answers your shift work questions, Harriet Mandak examines the competitive nature of modern parenting, and Haus &Haus are on hand with some family-friendly housing advice…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​We're out once again broadcasting live from The Agenda in Media City-- yes, just metres away from our normal studios! We'll tell you why in a sec. Dr Paolo Petrocelli of Dubai Opera tells us what's in store for their new season. We put focus on Emirati cuisine with Sara Al Falasi AKA Chef Tushi of TUJIZ and Fabienne Naggear of Kitopi Chocolates celebrate birthdays too! Speaking with Kathy Johnston of Mirzam. F&B Consultant James Pemberton fills us in with the latest food news while Liam Joyce of What's On enumerates things to do this weekend. Helen taste tested some Filipino breads through Ram Derige-- what's her verdict? And the reason why we're at The Agenda today is for the launch of Rise by Athlon, we get details from Aldar's SVP of Design, Ayman Gabber and one of Athlon's ambassadors, paralympian Jessica Smith.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the boardroom to your social feed, how much trust do we really place in influencers — especially as new regulations in the UAE demand advertiser permits and greater transparency? Creative Strategist Alex Carvalho joins us in the studio, while legal expert Dino Wilkinson breaks down what businesses and content creators need to know about navigating this evolving landscape. Then, with a special focus on neurodiverse youth, we're joined by Carrie Green from Thriving Souls, along with Rachel Boly and Sharon Tudela from YOUthConnect Hub, to explore the gaps, the goals, and the growing need for inclusive employment pathways. Are we truly equipping young people to thrive — and who do we trust to lead the way?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, we explore the very human side of artificial intelligence. AI doesn’t just “know” how to speak, reason, or relate — it has to be taught. And the ones doing the teaching? They’re called AI trainers. Psychologist Dr. Kirin Hillier, professor Talal Abdul Ghani Shaikh, and U.S.-based AI trainer Isaiah Kwong-Murphy join us to reveal the fascinating, ethical, and sometimes surprising world of training machines to think — and even sound — like us. Also on the show, the Arab Child Summit returns to Expo City Dubai. Co-founder Reem Madkour and education leader Dr. Ghadeer Abu-Shamat ask a vital question: how do we raise children who are deeply rooted in Arab culture while thriving in a globalised world? Plus, Dr. Vinayak Pavate explains new research linking oral hygiene to heart health, while Amna Al Owais from DIFC Courts breaks down what every expat family needs to know about wills and protecting their legacy in the UAE. And finally, domestic abuse in our communities remains one of the least discussed but most serious issues. Mary Justine Todd, founder of Shamsaha, highlights the hidden forms of abuse and the support systems available here in the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two stories in the UAE this week underline every parent’s worst fear: predators targeting children online. Parents have been warned about grooming risks on gaming platforms like Roblox, while Abu Dhabi courts have handed down 15-year sentences in a major child exploitation case. We speak with Australia’s leading expert on cyber safety, Susan McLean, on how to protect our kids from online predators. The European Union has banned a chemical commonly found in gel nail polishes that causes fertility damage after prolonged ingestion in animal trials. Are these harmful to humans? What does this mean for your next mani-pedi? Salon owner Kate Hanson and dermatologist Dr Faheem Latheef give their take. The KHDA has just rolled out new rules on how teachers are hired, held accountable, and what happens when they leave or move between schools. Helen discusses what it means for parents, schools and educators with Gareth Taggart of Transform Recruitment. And from job security to parenting in an unpredictable world, from space exploration to artificial intelligence, the future often feels like a wave we’re all trying to surf. But what if instead of just trying to keep up, we could shape it? Dr Mohamed Alkhatib, CEO of The Futurists Network joins Helen live in studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Sherlock Holmes to CSI, we’ve always been fascinated by the clues people leave behind. But did you know your handwriting can reveal not just personality, but also help catch criminals? Internationally-renowned graphologist Emma Bache joins Helen live in the studio and even examines our listeners' handwritings A recent report raised questions about couples and children having different surnames after the law changed in South Africa allowing men to take their wife's name - so what does that mean here in the UAE? Madeleine Mendy is in charge of our Family Law clinic today Recent research shows that flexibility is the number one factor for mums looking to return to the workplace, with nearly 77 percent ranking it as absolutely essential. But what does flexible work really look like in practice? Matthew Broderick, Founder of APEX Mystery Shoppers and Beyond Careers' Rowen Astrom are here to help And talking about balancing work in the real estate industry, wellness and motherhood with Sam Arnell of Haus & Haus.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team UAE has returned to Dubai from the World Transplant Games – and they’re bringing bling! Gold medallists Fatima Rashid and Omar Tom join Helen to talk teamwork and transplants. Meanwhile, sticking with the golden theme, our regular film critic tells Helen about his new role as an international jury member for this year’s Golden Globes. Plus, it’s Friday, which means food. Josette’s Chef Burcu Cracknell and Chef Ricardo Gonçalves from La Niña let us in on their menus for the upcoming ICD Brookfield Place Dinner Club programme, and we learn all about the upcoming olive harvest at Anantara Jabal Al Akdar…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More children around the world are obese than underweight for the first time ever, according to a UN report that warns ultra-processed junk food is overwhelming childhood diets. So, what can we do about it? Helen meets Joe Wicks, AKA The Body Coach. And from anxiety to classroom confidence, toilet and feeding issues to teacher woes, we get some expert advice on how to tackle school issues early in the term from OT Adam Griffin and child psychologist Dr Haneen Jarrar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The workforce participation of mothers with young children is dropping sharply, with reports from the US showing the biggest decline in four decades. Helen explores the picture here with David MacKenzie from recruitment firm Mackenzie Jones, and Ruth Dance, employee experience consultant and mum of three young boys. Meanwhile, we examine the UAE's ban on unhealthy food in school dining halls with dietician Tonie-Maria Abi Nader and Magnus Mumby from Food Nation.  And with more and more world-class athletes staying fit enough to compete post-40, Dr Shef is on hand to explain what mere mortals can learn from their example...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dubai is set to attract 9,800 new ultra-wealthy residents this year – more than any other country in the world. So what is life truly like for the rich families making the UAE their home - and what does their arrival mean for the wider community here? Helen asks Thea Kearse of Butterfly Social and finance coach Beth Clay. Meanwhile, with workers more fearful of job insecurity than ever before, Thenji Moyo is on hand with everything you need to know about redundancy in the UAE. And Dr Thoriya joins us to discuss new research into the happiness U-curve…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should playing songs or videos on phones without headphones be banned on public transport? London says yes, while Dubai is issuing fines for bad tech etiquette. Helen is joined by Professor Christoph Schimkowsky from the Institute of Human Geography. With a longer winter holiday approaching, business leader Katy Holmes explains why businesses might need to be a bit more flexible for struggling and juggling working parents. We meet the multitasking mums creating community for homeschooling families - and Jake Walton from Haus & Haus is on hand to talk rentals for families...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After training in some of Spain’s best kitchens, Chef José Pizzaro made his mark in London then in the UAE, bringing his cooking to José by Pizarro at the Conrad Abu Dhabi. He joins Helen in studio to discuss his mum’s cooking, his influences, and his gorgeous new cookbook, The Spanish Pantry. Staying with food, Dr Rania and dietitian Tonie Maria discuss the UK’s plan to ban energy drinks for under-16s, and we find out what this week’s Onam celebrations mean to Dubai’s Keralite community with Sneha May Francis from the ARN News Centre. Plus, if you’re looking to get out and about in the city, we get the lowdown on events from lunar eclipse gazing to speed friending…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the many headlines from Taylor Swift’s recent podcast appearance was her idea that people must earn your energy. As research reveals 70% of people feel pressure to reply to all comms quickly, does she have a point? Dr Sarah Rasmi is on hand to talk boundaries and battery life… Plus, in a world where resilience is more critical than ever before, entrepreneur and coach Sebastien Bates is on hand to talk us through how to impart courage and confidence in our kids…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MThe technology is already embedded in our lives - but how do we teach our kids about risks we barely understand ourselves? Helen asks the experts. Meanwhile, with The Materialists still drawing crowds at the cinema, dating expert Hunt Etheridge has the lowdown on dating today. And it’s your skincare clinic with Dr Faheem Latheef.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speculation over the contents of a pre-nup between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce is mounting. But what should non-global celebrities know about wedding paperwork? Helen asks lawyer Madeleine Mendy. On the education front, boys are about 29% less likely than girls to achieve top GCSE grades – but why? And what can we do about it as our kids re-commence their exam studies? The experts weight in.  Meanwhile, with one in five children now starting  school behind their vaccination schedule, global health experts are warning parents about the dangers of vaccine-rejection. Dr Howard Podolsky separates the facts from the fears. And from our own Instagram feeds to the newspapers, the societal expectation to spend is real and hitting many people hard. How do we reject the pressure to keep up with the Joneses?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the UAE opens its doors to retirees, the country faces an urgent question: do we have the capacity to care for an ageing population, particularly those facing degenerative brain conditions like dementia? Helen finds out about the care options currently being put in place with Jackie Hoi Man Chan of Dubai’s University of Wollongong and Consultant Neurologist Dr Derk Krieger. Meanwhile, there’s more to a successful neighbourhood than buildings. But can you build for community - and if so, how? Jessica Voorn, Principal Urban Planner at Atkins Realis, explains. Haus and Haus are on hand discussing property investment for women. And we delve into the realities of teaching in the UAE…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.