Afternoons with Helen Farmer

It’s the biggest social trend on TikTok right now – sitting down with pals for an evening to tackle those jobs you’ve been procrastinating about. But why are admin nights becoming so popular – and do they actually work? Helen talks it over with Ali Khawaja, author of Understanding ADHD: A Short Guide for Loved Ones.
Meanwhile, as Novak Djokovich says he’s not retiring, discuss knowing when it’s time to move on – and what we can all learn from the post-sports pivot – with two sports industry pros, and Dr Thoriya joins Helen to discuss closure, and why we all crave it so badly after a big life change.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exam season is here - and hitting straight after the holidays, leading many parents to turn to tutors over the festive break. But as new research suggests, is over tutoring creating more problems than it solves? Helen asks education consultant Heather Harries.

Plus, we meet two women determined to help us master the return to work – or mid-career pivot – with confidence, and ask the author of a new book why he thinks the way we breathe might be making us ill…

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We find out all about the upcoming Al Quoz Arts Fest, and go behind the scenes at the Golden Globes with judge, William Mullally.
Plus, Helen faces House of Habanero’s hot sauce challenge, meets the chef behind the original Dubai Chocolate and discuss the launch of Tresind Studio’s first cookbook.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From workplace bullying and employers withdrawing benefits to research showing the detrimental impact of a work-heavy work/life balance, early headlines this year have workers worried. So, what can we do to improve our own professional lives? Rohini Gill has the answers you need.

Plus, we meet the man making life easier for left-handed learners…

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Single person and childless households are on the rise. A Chinese app called Are You Dead has gone viral. And 56% of UAE-based workers say they experience loneliness. So what’s behind the trend, and how do we counter it? Helen asks Scott Armstrong, founder of Mentl, and Wifag Adnan, Associate Professor of Economics at NYU Abu Dhabi.

We also discuss a new study suggesting a link between screen use in early years and language development problems, and take your questions on the financial and legal implications on new laws for influencers in the UAE.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid a global furore over its use, Grok’s ability to remove the clothes from women and children has been put behind a paywall, but creator Elon Musk says he won’t row back on the tech’s abilities. So, how worried should we be? Helen speaks to global cybercop Susan McLean and Dubai-based media lawyer Martin Hayward.
Plus, as the KHDA and DHA warn parents about risky behaviour, we get some lessons in communication with our teens from Kristin MacDermott, founder of the MacDermott Method, and after yesterday’s clinic on divorce law, we shift our focus to the emotions of a break-up with family systems specialist Karen Sutherland.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s what’s commonly known as Divorce Month, with lawyer’s offices across the world packed out every January. But what are your next steps here if you believe your marriage is in trouble? Lawyer Madeleine Mendy answers your questions. 
Plus, as Dubai launches an AED10million fund to help families in rent arrears, Steve Cronin joins Helen to discuss budgeting in the real world, and education and inclusion consultant Louise Dawson has the latest on the KHDA’s updated inclusion and SEND assessment rules too.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Natural History Museum has opened as a living research hub – but how can it help shape how we understand our planet, our past and our future? Helen asks the museum’s Director of Science and Research, Professor Phillip Manning, Director of Science and Research, and Emirati curator Noora Albalooshi.

Meanwhile, on the food front, we celebrate Sharjah’s homegrown food scene with restaurateur Lourds Adalia-Evertse, delve into the food trends and openings to expect in 2026 with Laura Coughlin, and our resident culture expert William Mullally is on hand with all the recommendations you need for big and small screen enjoyment this January.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Ivy League graduate to global fashion runways, from Hollywood sets to birth advocacy to Dubai’s Gladiator Summit, Yaya DaCosta joins Helen to discuss how her career has never followed a single lane.

Meanwhile, the precautionary recall of a specific infant formula by Nestlé has some parents worried – but should they be? We ask Aisling Oslizlok, Paediatric Dietitian at Genesis Healthcare Center.
And with some parents across the UAE discovering their child may be eligible to start school earlier than OT Adam Griffin and educational designer Hollie Mayes talk school readiness. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A UK GP has been suspended after faking appointments so she could leave work in time for the school run- leaving many parents asking the same question: why does it still feel risky to be honest about childcare at work? Helen asks campaigner Joeli Brearly, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, and workplace culture consultant Lorna King.

Plus, as new research suggests tracking our kids could make them less independent and more anxious, we talk tech and trust with psychologist Mark Samways, while digital educator Philippa Wraithmell is on hand with all the info you need to make your household’s devices work FOR them in 2026.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.