Episodes
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.
From misdiagnosis to the new companions apeing human connection, tech companies are coming for our most private interactions. But what are the potential benefits and pitfalls to algorithmic care? Jen asks Dr Anna Machin, author and doctor of evolutionary anthropology at Oxford University. Plus, we find out what parents and doctors in the UAE’s NICUs want you to know this World Prematurity Day, and we discuss changes to employment law aimed at boosting work/life balance in the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From family fun to ladies day, we get the lowdown on everything golfing going on this weekend. Plus, we're joined by chef Richard Sandoval, we talk music for movement, we learn about chocolate shortages, and William Mullally talks bad reviews - and Kim Kardashian..See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Children now spend nearly five hours a day on screens outside school, yet almost half of teens say their parents don’t understand their online world. So what would they tell you if they didn’t fear the consequences? Helen speaks to cyberpsychology expert Catherine Knibbs.Plus, we discuss that gut brain connection with world-renowned naturopath Dr Jason Mitchell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s the NYT headline that sparked a thousand others – but what does that viral question tell us about workplace relations in 2025? Helen asks recruiter David Mackenzie and workplace culture consultant Lucy D’Abo.Plus, Hunt Etheridge joins us to discuss the internet’s latest dating ick – men who don’t ask questions – and Madeleine Mendy talks us through UAE law for women who want to give birth as single mums…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From David Beckham to Bradley Cooper, a host of famous men have stepped out with remarkably different faces lately. So why are men now getting more tweakments than women – and what are their options when they go wrong? Helen asks Dr Dany Touma from Skin Experts. Plus, we learn about the new network aiming to help Dubai’s professionals make real, tangible connections, and we learn about the work of the Dubai’s only mental health facility dedicated to play therapy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A ground-breaking case in Abu Dhabi could see a man awarded maintenance by his ex-wife in a historic first. Lawyer Byron James has the lowdown. Plus, we talk accent development – and the role of YouTube in your child’s vocabulary with speech therapist Sarah Wedel, and Harrison from Haus & Haus joins us to talk apartment investment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In an age of influencers, is there still a place for anonymous expert food commentary? Helen asks Dubai’s OG influencer, Foodiva.Plus, we learn about a new breakfast collab, meet the chef behind a Bab Al Shams pop up, and ask how a cup of chai can help create community…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s shifted from the playground to phones and online platforms, but the impact of bullying remains huge. So, how do you help your child, tween or teen recover after bullying? Helen meets Maha Cooper, the Counselling psychologist behind a new course to help kids help themselves. Plus, if you’re facing an annual review this month, expert Dr Oudi is on hand to teach us how to give – and receive – feedback well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You’re not new to Dubai - but you’re out of work and you can’t find a job. What do you do? Recruiter Mollie Powell has all the answers you need. Plus, we talk men's mental health and the remaining barriers to therapy, we learn about the early signs of heart disease, and it's pets and vets day too! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to the new Motherhood & Ambition in the UAE study, 73% of mothers are still working in some capacity – but nearly a third say they feel much more isolated since becoming parents. So, what’s going wrong? Helen is joined by Anushka Kalyanpur DeLuca, founder of Nannies & More, & Constanze Munz, culture and leadership expert. Plus, we talk prostate cancer screening with a patient and doctor on a mission to raise screening rates this Movember, and as a host of celebrities speak up on postnatal depression, we ask if their openness could finally end the stigma around maternal mental heal...
Employees in the UAE face a contraction in salaries this year as a flood of new residents comes to the country, according to new data. So, how do you avoid a crunch? David MacKenzie has the answers.Meanwhile, we meet the handwriting expert who says she can tell if you’re working – and coupling up – with the right people, Dr Shef is on hand to discuss resistance training for kids, and we talk renovation projects with Haus & Haus too…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Friday, which means food and fun. Helen learns about a new tabletop gaming tournament headed for Dubai, discusses a year of UAE award wins with chef Bjorn Frantzen, learns about healthy eating in our city, and What’s On editor Liam is on hand with all your Halloween picks...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The average worker has spent almost 50% of their paycheque within 48 hours of being paid. So, how do you stretch your funds further when costs keep rising. Helen asks Carol Glynn of Conscious Finance Coaching. We also find out how the British Council in Dubai is helping the UAE harness the power of its young population - and we're joined by Cognita Education to learn a bit more about the realities of introducing AI to the nation's classrooms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lily Allen’s new album has gone viral for its unfiltered honesty about heartbreak and betrayal. But when does emotional expression cross into revenge – and when does revenge make a bad situation worse? Helen asks Dr T. Plus, we learn about a new course for young drivers, and talk executive function with Adam the OT…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ask your friends how they’re doing right now, and the chances are the word overwhelm will feature. But how does that differ from stress - and when does a busy life become a problem? Helen is joined by Bobby Qureshi, CMM Institute of Natural Health and Janelle Houston from Tree of Hope. Meanwhile, more and more businesses are cottoning on to the potential of the menopause market. But are women being exploited by a hormone gold rush that’s more about capitalism than care? We ask the experts. And with school assessment season upon us, we ask one educator when tutoring becomes counterproductive...
Digital addiction is fast becoming one of the world’s biggest mental health challenges. Now, one globally-renowned expert says the problem isn’t games - it’s what’s driving us to escape into them. Helen is joined by Dr Alok Kanojia.Meanwhile, we meet the entrepreneur homeschooling her kids to boost her family’s flexibility, we answer you questions on crypto law in the UAE and Haus & Haus are on hand talking commercial propertySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From new restaurants and a museum opening, to movie releases and a GOAT festival, we’ve got all the fun you could ask for this Friday!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dubai Police are warning parents about the latest risky TikTok trend — but why are kids so easily swept up in viral challenges? Psychologist Mark Samways joins Helen Farmer to unpack the science behind peer pressure, how social media fuels it, and how to raise confident kids who can say no. Plus, journalist and author Melissa Hogenboom shares her thoughts on what financial fairness really looks like for couples raising kids today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do you relearn and recover when your life changes in an instant? Helen finds out from adaptive athlete Henry Dunn, a Dubai-based coach who faced amputation after an accident. She also meets a Dubai resident whose recent experience with a house fire has made her sound the alarm about fire safety at home – and we get expert advice on the extinguishers you need at home. Surgeon Dr Veronica Grassi is on hand to talk us through reconstruction options after breast cancer. Plus, it’s Pets & Vets day and we’re asking, why is animal care so expensive?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...
Can’t be bothered to argue anymore, and intimacy feels like a chore? You’re not alone. Relationship experts call it “slow-burn divorce”. Helen finds out the tell tale signs from psychologist Tanya Dharamshi.Meanwhile, as Vogue has shocks the fashion industry by calling out sizeism on the catwalks, we ask why representation is regressing – and what role weight loss drugs have to play? Plus, we talk travel, trends and powerful passports…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Something new is emerging in the world of digital dating. Chatfishing is a new word coined for when a person uses AI-generated messages to disguise or enhance their appeal on dating apps, only to show up with a completely different persona in real life! To get into the impact of it, Jennifer is joined by international relationship coach Hunt Etheridge and psychologist Noha El Khatib. One in six bacterial infections worldwide is now resistant to common antibiotics according to a new data released by the WHO. Dr Howard Podolsky, CEO of Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, explains what it means f...
From chef Yannick Alleno’s new chocolaterie to the French pastry chef now serving Dubai’s fashion set, Helen gets the lowdown on the city’s sweetest eats. Plus, we learn the truth about drinking water, explore the sights of Al Zorah City, and learn about a new choir singing for a sense of community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This Saturday marks World Menopause Day with the aim of raising awareness of the issues that every woman will experience during this phase of life. With nearly half the workforce going through menopause at some point in their careers, continuing silence around this issue is costing businesses talent, productivity, and leadership potential. Jennifer is joined by Katy Homes, CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai and Maureen Bannerman, Co-Founder of the GCC Menopause Hub to discuss. A recent research by the UK government found early one-third of internet users has reported experiencing ...
New research shows the average family is wasting $120 a year on unused subscriptions. Carol Glynn is on hand to talk easy saving hacks on spending you won’t miss.Elsewhere, from burnout to the ‘quiet quitting’ wave, what if the missing piece isn’t perks or pay – but belonging? Helen meets two experts who say connection is the new KPI. We’ve all heard about efforts to make the UAE an option for retirees. But would you start a new life in Dubai in your 90s? We meet the woman who did just that…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
UAE expat lawyer Byron James says it’s time the system better recognised the role of dads – and the pain of reduced child access after divorce – when considering custody. Meanwhile, it’s October, which means hopefully thousands of women are making sure they check their breasts. Dr Amrita Kumar talks us through a hi-tech new screening system – and the intro of AI – that it’s hoped could change the game. And as a major new international study reveals that being agreeable is working against men looking for love, Dr Thoriya explores the situations where nice guys finish last.See omnystudio.com...
From stem cells to gene editing to tissue engineering, some of the treatments favoured by the A-list sound truly space age to us ordinary joes. But are they are out of reach as they might seem? Dr Adeel Khan, doctor to the stars, says no… Meanwhile, the puberty conversation is one many parents find awkward. Now, a new programme called The Talk aims to make it easier for all. Its founder, teacher Nadine Walters, explains how. Plus, we talk safeguarding for kids, and Haus & Haus are on hand with the latest insights into the off-plan property market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...