Afternoons with Helen Farmer

Many families are looking for healthier ways for teens to build confidence, independence and real-world skills. Teenovation is one UAE initiative trying to tackle exactly that through volunteering, internships, leadership projects, entrepreneurship and social activities for teenagers.us is Founder Margareta Luis joins Helen in the studio. 

Plus: Employers and educators are increasingly talking about the “readiness gap” - young people who may be academically strong, but feel overwhelmed by independence, pressure, interviews, communication, or simply backing themselves outside the classroom. This summer, a new two-day UAE bootcamp aims to tackle exactly that. The University Edge Intensive takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre in June - Founder Swarnima Guha and Jazz Ferguson tell Helen how they're helping students prepare not just for university, but for life beyond it.

And finally, is Buy Now Pay Later a good idea? Steve Cronin, founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com, gives us the lowdown on how these platforms can benefit us, and what pitfalls we need to avoid. 

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That's one experience of pilot-turned-actor Khalid Saeed as he was in a scene alongside John Krasinski in the new Jack Ryan: Ghost War film shot right here in Dubai. We get to know his journey and challenges moving from the cockpit to film sets.

We also discuss how teenage girls can build self-respect while navigating social media, shifting expectations and everyday challenges of adolescence with Dr Katherine Iscoe.

Fertility struggles and IVF were also covered on the show today, hearing from clinical embryologist Maria Banti and IVF mum Dana.

Plus, relief and grief - we look at the two sides of what people feel following their mental health diagnosis.

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Why are kids so into skincare? Dr Ankita Tuknayat, Specialist Dermatology at Aster Clinic unpacks the dangers posed by skincare products to young children.

Plus - Byron James, partner at Expatriate Law, takes us behind the scenes of a case of child abandonment.

What is the interstitium? Dr. Nas Al Jafari. Co-Founder Of DNA Health, explains. 

And finally. Dubai residents are getting busy preparing for the Eid holidays, according to Aida Al Busaidy, Associate Vice President of Consumer Advocacy at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

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Chef Nathan Dors is Head Chef at City Social and Chef Daniel Birk from Row on 45 tell Helen how they startd in the kitchen, and what it's like working under Jason Atherton.
Plus: Getting to know new food outlets Zoey's Cafe, Bobi Bowl and Dear Dumpling.
Japanese cafe Bocasu has a YouTube miniseries - we get to know the team behind it. 
Emirati founder Mohammed Kazim tells us sandal brand Tamashee is more than a sandal brand and more of a cultural statement.
What does it take to become an award-winning chef? World Vegetarian Champion Chef Surabhi Suri tells us.

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What do children really want to be when they grow up? We explore why more young people are looking at careers in IT and cybersecurity, with insights from a cybersecurity lecturer at De Montfort University Dubai. 

Career counsellor Maria V explains why parents need to help children understand the world of work without pushing them into paths they don’t want. 

And Tyler Edmonds from the School of Popular Music shares how guitar, singing and performance can build confidence, creativity and self-expression in kids.

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This spring, take a deep breath—literally! Explore proper breathing techniques and pulmonary care;

Celebrate World HR Day by prioritizing workplace well-being;

Navigate the challenges of UAE work insurance and rising healthcare costs;

And refresh your life with a spring wardrobe declutter.

Plus, taking you to Terra at Expo City Dubai to literally “Know Your Roots”.

Health, work, finances, and style—time to reset it all.

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Experts say GLP-1 injections are one option to treat obesity among children, as explained by Dr. Reham Ghanim, Pediatric Endocrinologist at Metabolic.

Scientists at New York University Abu Dhabi have also discovered a protein that could further explain why some people gain weight more easily than others.

And what is the secret to a lasting marriage? Dr. Sarah Rasmi of Thrive Wellbeing Centre says it may actually be a lot simpler than you think.

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Helen uncovers the science of sleep and learns more about this new pill with Dr. Mohammad Nami, Associate Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical Neuropsychology at the School of Health Sciences and Psychology.

Plus: A divorce registry? Olivia Howell, divorce lawyer says, 'why not?

The Swatch X AP craze has gone overboard, causing the launch of the watch led in Dubai. What's behind this frenzy? 

Legal Hour: Lawyer Ammar El Banna warns against signing on the dotted line before reading the fine print.

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Helen is live from one of Dubai’s most talked-about dining destinations - Akira Back at W Dubai – The Palm - and if you’ve ever wondered how chefs balance fine dining with making people actually feel comfortable and welcome, this is the conversation for you.
Joining her is Chef Giovanni Ledon, Chef de Cuisine at Akira Back. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Chef Gio worked under celebrity chef Bobby Flay before spending seven years refining his skills with Chef Akira Back at Yellowtail in the Bellagio, eventually bringing that modern Japanese cuisine with Korean influence here to Dubai.

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Career development specialist Shazia Bharuchi tells us why freelancing is a great set up for women.
Meanwhile, should we re think traditional exams? We hear from Dr. Ruba Tabari, Senior Educational Psychologist at The Developing Child Centre and inclusion expert Louise Dawson. 
Writer Sahira Dharamshi wrote YA novel Who Am I? to explore themes around teenage mental health concerns. 

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