Afternoons with Helen Farmer

Hosted by Dubai Eye 103.8

Business Entrepreneurship Kids Family Health Fitness Arts

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

A laid back look at life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what's happening and where to go with free advice, expert opinion and storytelling which gives an inside scoop in to real life UAE. Calling foodies, culture vultures and people who want answers from our trusted team of engaging experts.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 15, 20261 hr 22 min

Light for Life: A daughter's and a mother's breast cancer stories

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while we often talk about the statistics, the screenings and the treatments, today we focus on the people behind those diagnoses. Mary Patten and her mum, Jane Gosling, share their very different breast cancer journeys, exploring the challenges of diagnosis, treatment and facing cancer together as two generations. Who would look after your children when you pass away if their grandparents and wider family are thousands of miles away? It's our Wills Clinic today with Jazmine Stevenson from Stevenson Bernard Law Associates And the brilliant comedian Zarna Garg joins us to answer Helen’s questions, sharing her humour, insights and unique take on life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 14, 20261 hr 32 min

The other side of baby loss

October is Baby Loss Awareness Month, and today we're talking about how we support families through something so devastating. What role do healthcare professionals play? Why do so many people still feel unable to talk about their experiences? When we talk about pregnancy and baby loss, understandably much of the conversation centres on mothers. But what about dads? We're also exploring raising children who understand that their boundaries matter, and so do other people’s. And on our Money Matters hour, we ask: When does living somewhere become financially unsustainable? How do you know whether you need to change your spending, increase your income, or seriously consider whether you can afford to stay? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 9, 20261 hr 39 min

Michelin in the spotlight

Dubai’s latest Michelin Guide has plenty to celebrate: 19 new entries, and a second star for homegrown favourite Orfali Bros. But alongside the congratulations, there’s a practical question: what happens when a restaurant recommended by the guide isn’t currently open? We speak to a food business that's continuing to expand even during uncertain times. After 13 years, Frying Pan Adventures of Arva and Farida that has taken residents and visitors through Old Dubai’s streets, is making its last walking tour. William Mullally fills us in with movies to consider watching this weekend. From the big screen, we also bring you to the Dubai stage adaptation of Perfect Strangers. And a new winter festival has been announced for Dubai, with plans to bring more than 150 food and retail vendors to the waterfront beside Dubai Festival City Mall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 8, 202635 min

Beyond the diagnosis

A cancer diagnosis comes with appointments, scans, treatment plans and an entirely new medical vocabulary. But what happens inside your head while all of that is happening? We also turn our attention to health as we talk about rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, particularly the joints. We speak with Molly, whose journey to a diagnosis took around two years despite knowing that something wasn't right and the doctor who helped her get the answers and support she needed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 7, 20261 hr 4 min

Human connection wins!

Fresh from the glamour of the fifth Dubai edition Michelin Guide ceremony, Courtney Brandt shares which restaurants gained a star, and the ones we should keep our eyes out for! We also sit down with Luca Allam for tips on how to make every conversation impactful as we live in AI-driven world, then delve into Money Matters with Natalie Walsh to unpack the common financial mistakes expats make, and how to avoid them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 6, 20261 hr 23 min

Learn to speak LOVE

We may all have heard of the different love languages, but do they apply to children too? Author Ellis Hardwood shares which "language" speaks to them the clearest. A new Dubai initiative promoting Emirati Sign Language is more than just a campaign. Donna Glasper explains what we can all do to make everyday accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Looking at family issues across the region in our Legal Clinic with Madeleine Mendy of Bin Sevan Advocates. Plus, we tackle the hardest ages to parent. Sara Rasmi from Thrive Wellbeing Centre is here to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 5, 20261 hr 18 min

Beat Breast Cancer

We explore how the cities we build shape the way we connect and belong, what it really takes to beat breast cancer, and the truth behind the growing buzz around testosterone for midlife health. Three conversations about our communities, our bodies, and the choices that shape our lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 2, 20261 hr 33 min

From Food to Fear

This week, we explore the people, stories and trends shaping food, culture and entertainment in the UAE and beyond - from Michelin-starred chefs and the rise of home-grown hospitality to inclusive employment and the evolving coffee scene. We also unpack the pressure to travel, hear from Amy Winehouse’s original band ahead of their Dubai performance, and dive into why the horror genre is having such a major moment in 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 1, 202657 min

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Find out how one salon owner is alleviating the trauma of losing hair for cancer patients. We also spoke with Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP)’s Pink Caravan about the importance of early detection. In addition, what does understanding sensory needs mean for parents? We explore how understanding “sensory language” can be a lightbulb moment for parents, especially when trying to distinguish a tantrum from a sensory meltdown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 1, 20261 hr 4 min

Gaming vs. Social Media

This week, we’re tackling two big questions for parents: what’s more damaging for our kids - gaming or social media? We’re joined by Dr. Arif Khan, Consultant Pediatric Neurologist to unpack the science, risks, and real-world impact of both. Then, we shift gears to financial literacy, speaking with Sophia Bhattia, Founder of Wimbledon Wealth, about why understanding money matters from an early age - and why Anne Hathaway’s comment that it’s “not cute to be financially illiterate” struck such a chord. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.