Afternoons with Helen Farmer

A fitness influencer’s appearance in Dubai has gone viral after he brought his daughters on stage to show off their six-packs. But should kids ever be set appearance-driven physical goals – or is that a shortcut to body dysmorphia? Helen asks Florence Gillet of Beyond Body Image and PT Rory Brown.

Plus, OT Adam Griffin and speech pathologist Tina Younes talk Speech, Language and Hearing Month, Anna Kaminski from NeuroKinds discusses new research on the impact of yelling at kids, and Charlie Bannan from Haus & Haus is on hand to answer your real estate questions...

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Helen sits down with legendary chef Marco Pierre White today to discuss his collab with a food delivery service in Dubai, the relevance (or not) of Michelin, and why he hates a tasting menu.

It seems everyone is collaborating in Dubai’s kitchens at the moment. But why? Chef Akmal Anuar and Chef Alessandro Salvatico let us in on the benefits of a four-hands dinner. 

And with one of Dubai’s hottest openings now under their belts, Johnny Tomazos, and Chef Praba Manickam of The Cullinan join Helen in the studio.

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From new destinations to a new GCC Visa, Helen gets the expert lowdown on all things travel.

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Netflix’s star-studded new series The Four Seasons follows the fallout of a friendship group hit by divorce within its ranks. Helen asks mediator Karen Sutherland and lawyer Byron James how this dilemma tends to shake out in normal life.

Meanwhile, as the UK unveils proposals for a social media curfew to keep kids safe online, and the US seeks to criminalise non-consensual image sharing, we ask education expert Dr Alison Burrows and  Barry Lee Cummings of Beat the Cyber Bully how this could change the landscape?

And as a shock new documentary raises concerns about the nutritional make-up of common baby and infant food pouches, parenting coach Sophie Jones and paediatric dietitian Aisling Oslizlok weigh in…

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From parking to road tolls to school fees, prices are rising in the UAE. So, how do we respond? Helen gets expert advice from Beth Clay of Financed Well and financial coach Jay Adrien Tolentino.

Meanwhile, the 2025 edition of the annual GCC Board Gender Index Report shows the UAE leading the way with 14.8% of board seats held by women. The experts break down why its important.

And as George and Amal Clooney say they’ve NEVER had a row in 11 years of marriage, Dr Thoriaya of the Human Relations Institute explains why that's not necessarily a good thing...

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As a new report from the FA reveals a rise in problematic behaviour from parents at kids football, we discuss the impact with football coach Matt Blenford and psychologist Mark Samways.

Helen also discusses a new wave of conversation around male eating disorders with author Liam Kelly and dietician Carina Khoury, a new law on communicable diseases in Dubai with Dr Maryam Mojtabavi, and Haus & Haus MD Simon Baker is on hand with investment advice for the Dubai market.

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From music festivals to theatres to food events - and even an opportunity to volunteer your dog's time, Helen is joined by a host of experts to delve into what the UAE has to offer over the next few days.

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Most UAE firms have paused hiring, citing rising operational costs. What does it mean for small businesses, their staff, and those looking for work? Helen speaks to Tish Tash MD Polly Williams,  recruiter David McKenzie and HR consultant Rohini Gill.

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The tragic death of an autistic 8-year-old in the UAE has raised the alarm over the pressure on carers. What support is available – and what do families need? We asked two parents with children of determination, Gareth Jones and Steph Hamilton.

We also looked at open finance, and how it could change the way families - and specifically women - save, with Sophia Bhatti, Founder & CEO, Wimbledon Wealth.

And would you turn to AI for therapy? Increasing numbers of young people are - but is that smart, or dangerous? We ask psychologist Dr Kirin Hillier and Professor Talal Abdul Ghani Shaikh of Heriot Watt University Dubai.

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The Stolen Girl is the latest TV show to terrify parents. But should we really be afraid of our kids' being a part of slumber parties with their peers? Helen puts it to Priya Mitchell from PMC Safeguarding.

As Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez prepare to splash the cash, we ask experts Mark Kawaja orf Le Table Events and Rhiannon Downie Hurst, founder of Bride Club ME, what they'd do if money was no object.

And do you know how to make the most of AI - and how to teach your kids to do the same? We got expert guidance, live from AI Week...

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