Afternoons with Helen Farmer

A new ‘sport’ based on rugby tackling without protective equipment has led to the death of a teen in New Zealand. So, what is RunIt Straight, why is it causing so much concern, and what do those behind it need to learn from rugby’s safety standards? We ask Scott Hastings and Apollo Perelini from UAE Rugby, and hear from parents and sports scientists too.

Meanwhile, World No Tobacco Day 2025 took place over the weekend – but as new research reveals the UAE’s tobacco use still far exceeds the global average, are we still underestimating the risks to our health? Helen is joined by tobacco researcher Andrea Leinberger-Jabari, pulmonologist Dr Ana Catarina Moreira and family medicine specialist Dr Amna Khushnud.

We also discuss defamation law in the UAE, and Haus & Haus are on hand to discuss the pros and cons of off-plan investment.

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From travel to feeding the family, we've got all the expert advice you need for the upcoming holiday.

Plus, we explore the green changes afoot at the newest branch of Vietnamese foodies, meet the keen baker who turned her hobbie into one of Dubai's most successful dessert brands, and we learn how the UAE's supermarkets are navigating TikTok's ever-changing viral food trends. 

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You’ve seen the hype — Labubu figures selling out in minutes, only to resurface online for eye-watering prices. But what does this frenzy reveal about us? In this episode, we dive into the psychology of ‘drop culture’ with Dr. Sarah Rasmi, exploring how scarcity and social media fuel obsession and anxiety. 

Then we turn to the world of youth sports with Dr. Shefali Verma to ask: are we raising kids to chase wins instead of wellbeing? 

From collectibles to competitions, we unpack the pressure to keep up, and what it’s doing to our minds and bodies.

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Afternoons is live from the Arab Media Summit – and taking your questions on how to make the digital world work for your business this summer. Helen is joined by entrepreneur Ahmad Alzamel, the influencer behind the globally viral Lazy Cat cake, and Alex Carvlalho from House of Social.

Meanwhile, with four in five homes now boasting at least one smart device, tech journalist Nick Regos brings us up to speed on the rise of the robots. Dr Margaret Harris from the World Health Organisation talks antibiotic resistance, and Aalia Thobani, CEO at The Brain Accelerator, gives her tips for maintaining you attention span in a world of short, sharp dopamine hits.

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We’re live from The Hotel Show, where everything from the bed you sleep in to the art you see on your next staycation will be decided. Helen chats to industry experts about what could be coming to a lobby near you soon.

Plus, how much is too much to spend on a school trip? Teachers, parents and finance experts weigh in. 

And as a terrifying new thriller sheds a light on maternal OCD, we get expert advice on the risks from psychologist Aisling Prendergast.

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Forget beanbags and free snacks – jobseekers in 2025 are looking for fair pay, flexibility, and a sense of purpose. 

But as a new study shows 50% of companies are now struggling with staff retainment, are expectations and reality matching up? And what role are new arrivals playing in shifting job market trends? 

HR consultant Rohini Bhalla Gill and John Fitzpatrick, Managing Director at Emiratalent, join Helen.

Plus Madeleine Mendy is on hand with the legal advice divorced parents need before travelling this summer, and we discuss the link between school run traffic and property prices in Dubai…

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From the world’s first three star Indian restaurant to some record-breaking wins for Atlantis, we get all the goss from last night’s Michelin Dubai ceremony. Plus, how restaurateurs spot future stars, how culinary traditions travel across borders - and why we should all be celebrating World Bee Day.

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From baristas at Starbucks to retail workers at Tiffany & Co, emotional performance is now part of the job description. But is mandating joy at work a way businesses can thrive – or just another path to employee burnout? Helen asks workplace culture psychologist Hajra Hussain and Mindvalley co-founder Ajit Nawalkha.

Meanwhile, Dubai has made history, becoming the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere. But what does that really look like beyond airports and check-in counters? OT Adam Griffin explains, with the help of some parents...

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Almost half of young people would prefer a world without internet, according to a new study. But why? And what’s it like to get caught out online? Helen is joined by Dr  digital education expert Alison Burrows and Heather Harries, the mother of a teen extortion victim.

Meanwhile, in today’s world of artificial intelligence, big data and analytics, it may seem that intuition has no place in decision-making. Psychologist Joslin Gracias explains why that's absolutely not the case. And as new research reveals men are twice as likely to die of ‘broken heart syndrome’, we ask life coach Chris Harrison and education consultant Claire Stancliffe how we can help our men, and boys, become more emotionally aware. 

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20 May 2025. Dubai just made headlines by announcing it will accept crypto payments for government services. But what does that actually mean for you and me? Today, we're answering all the crypto questions you were to shy to ask, with Samir Safar-Aly, the Co-Chair of Policy & Regulations at the MENA FinTech Association, & Carol Glynn of Conscious Finance Coaching.

Meanwhile, Joe Biden’s stage five cancer diagnosis has caused shock – but is it unusual? And what is the prognosis for patients like him in 2025? Patient Steve Ashby and oncologist Dr Deborah Mukherjee are on call. And as research suggests many long-term couples to struggle to stay engaged with each other's chat, Dr Thoriya sheds some light on what's healthy... and when communication issues signal a bigger issue.

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