Afternoons with Helen Farmer

We were discussing the role of degrees in job seeking and hiring this week and we had a question from one person who said he was struggling to get interviews despite 30 years of experience. So we ask: What are the rules around ageism here in the UAE when it comes to getting a job? Lawyer Thenji Moyo joins Jennifer to shed light on this

Researchers say we live in an age where loneliness is affecting people of all ages, genders and nationalities and it's a particular issue here in the UAE, where working days are long and relationships can feel transient. And now, it seems, this lack of close relationships is being worsened by a rise in ghosting - when a friend leaves your life with no warning and no explanation. So, why is ghosting on the rise and what does it mean for how we form friendships? We find out from Clinical Psychologist Dr Asha Dullabh.

And a new UNICEF‐led UN study has found that nearly 60% of young people have experienced secondary trauma from consuming media content featuring graphic images of conflict online. Dr. Aseel Takshe, Acting Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Psychology at Canadian University Dubai tells us what it means about our online environment and what parents and young adults need to know.

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In many workplaces, urgency culture has become the norm: every email, meeting, or task is treated like a crisis, triggering a constant state of hyper-vigilance. According to recent research right here in the GCC, this steady pressure is fueling anxiety, exhaustion, and widespread burnout among professionals. But why? And how do we switch off if your company's culture is on and on and on? Dr Thoraiya Kanafani from the Human Resources Institute and Clinics helps us unpack how urgency culture pushes people over the edge and what it means for mental health.

This month, a new study by Times Higher Education has highlighted that many students admit to using AI in ways universities never anticipated, prompting not just a raft of summer resits but also prompting urgent calls to redefine what ‘cheating’ means in the age of AI.  We explore what that means for exam policy, student behaviour, and academic integrity with Dr Zeenath Reza Khan, Founding president of the Centre for Academic Integrity in the UAE.

Why are you buying what you're buying? Jen discusses the psychology of shopping with Kate Hardcastle, AKA The Customer Whisperer and author of The Science of Shopping.

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The UAE's Ministry of Education has announced a new unified school calendar for 2025-2026 for all private and public schools across the whole country. It's aimed at bringing some consistency across the board and across age groups, and it could mean big changes for some families, especially when it comes to holidays. We discuss this with John Bell, the Founding and Current Principal of Bloom World Academy and Jenny Mollon, Senior Editor from Which School Advisor.

Men’s magazine GQ attracted some very polarised opinions when it wrote a piece encouraging men to capitalise on their wives' friendships by befriending their husbands. The comments raised a couple of key questions - why do women seemingly find it easier to make and maintain friendships as adults? And do men really need their wives to make friends for them? Monarch Health Centers' Ali Ilyas is here to help

A new research involving a host of different recruiters across the UAE suggests that in some industries, the name on your diploma matters less than the skills you bring to the table. According to some recruiters, a mid-tier graduate could outearn an academic star because of the roles they choose, how fast they adapt, and the value they deliver. But is that actually the case in reality? Jennifer talks to experts David MacKenzie, Group Managing Director at MacKenzie Jones and Rohini Ballah Gill, Senior HR & Management Consultant.

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On this episode of Farmer’s Kitchen, Jen Crichton serves up a feast of global flavors and adventurous escapes. We dive into the bold new opening of 3FILS Abu Dhabi with Chef Jhovani Manalo, and explore how Baoli is redefining luxury beach dining—with Executive Chef Omar Basiony live in studio.

Then it’s game on as we uncover the booming world of sports tourism, from World Cups to unexpected global sporting adventures—with expert insights from Stuart Kirkham of ES Sports.

Finally, we wrap with what’s trending in Dubai’s food scene with James Pemberton, and team behind The Workshop Dubai, where café culture meets creativity.

Food, travel, and everything in between—this episode is not to be missed.

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We're discussing how to keep the kids entertained and productive this summer while giving them the confidence to build out their ideas and learn about business with Alex of House of Social and Charlotte DeSouza of Blah Blah Blah

How are the summer holidays going for you? If you’re a parent, the hours the kids are at home are longer so it might mean too as: climbing the walls, more siblings fight. That’s apart from minding camps and extended family visiting. So how can you manage without getting drained this season? Principal Lisa is here to help

And one recent US study found people who maintain clear boundaries report 60% higher life satisfaction, while researchers found the practice could also reduce anxiety by up to 40%. But, increasingly, experts fear the idea of protecting our own peace is also leaving us less able to handle tension, to compromise, or even to persevere in relationships. So, when is stepping away healthy and when does it become about disconnection? Jennifer is joined by Thrive Wellbeing Centre's Dr Sarah Rasmi to discuss.

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It sounds extreme — but 43% of Americans say they would. What does that say about love, loyalty, and financial pressure in today’s relationships? Psychologist Tanya Dharamshi joins Helen with the info.

Meanwhile, as a new survey finds 34% of Gen Z jobseekers have indulged in professional ghosting – accepting a job then not showing up – we explore the reality of work for young adults with Dr Kirin Hillier of Heriot Watt University Dubai.

And we talk holiday health – from trying new forms of exercise to why so many of us get sick the minute our OOO goes on…

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The latest Dubai property market figures suggest an increasing number of residents are going from renting to buying. But what are the key challenges to renovating here – and why do so many struggle to keep costs down? Helen gets some expert advice.

Meanwhile, do you know the true cost of university? Carol Glynn talks tactics when it comes to saving, while Unihawk’s Varun James has the scoop on which schools offer the best value.

Plus, we get the lowdown on the link between artificial sweeteners and early puberty from Dr Nandu Thalange.

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The CEO of Astronomer has quit after being caught on Coldplay’s kiss cam with his head of HR. But is that grounds for divorce? What are the rules? And when does a personal scandal become a professional risk? Thenji Moyo and Madeleine Mendy are on hand.

Meanwhile, the Women’s Euros tournament is ongoing with the prize pot up 156% - STILL around a ninth of the men’s prize. But does one groundbreaking club have the answer to equality in football? Helen chats to Karen Dobres, former director of Lewes FC & author of Pitch Invasion.

Plus, Haus & Haus is on hand with the latest from Dubai’s property market.

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It’s Friday, it’s summer time, and the days when that meant a lazy weekend was mandatory are long gone. The UAE is as busy as ever this summer, as Helen finds out from a host of top restaurateurs, chefs and food industry experts. Plus we talk movies, Emmys nominations and AI in film with two industry insiders…

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Do you relish a chance to chat – or prefer to hide in the corner at professional events? If the latter, it might be time for a rethink, argues Professor Ben Hardy.

Meanwhile, Helen get the lowdown on Roblox’ new teen safeguards from the platform’s new head of Parental Advocacy, Dr. Elizabeth Milovidov. and talks how to implement them with digital education expert Philippa Wraithmell. 

And as more and more people seek to retire in the UAE, we discuss the realities of life as an elder Dubai resident, from healthcare to social engagements and more…

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