Afternoons with Helen Farmer

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 childr...

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 chi...

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...

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, who...

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...

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...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 havi...

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 tryi...

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 ma...

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 t...

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 ins...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for p...

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 & Ponyta...

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 cre...

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...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/...

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.co...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystud...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...