Afternoons with Helen Farmer

From stem cells to gene editing to tissue engineering, some of the treatments favoured by the A-list sound truly space age to us ordinary joes. But are they are out of reach as they might seem? Dr Adeel Khan, doctor to the stars, says no…  Meanwhile, the puberty conversation is one many parents find awkward. Now, a new programme called The Talk aims to make it easier for all. Its founder, teacher Nadine Walters, explains how. Plus, we talk safeguarding for kids, and Haus & Haus are on hand with the latest insights into the off-plan property market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we mark World Mental Health Day, Helen is joined by Sandra Mikhail, author of The Gut Chronicles, to ask what dietary tweaks could improve your wellbeing. We’re also joined by Richard Douglas, Dubai’s hottest new butcher, Julianne Kailihiwa, founder of Sumo Sushi & Bento which is celebrating its 25th birthday this month, and Chef Shaw Lash, who is branching out with her third Mexican eatery. Plus, with school holidays approaching, Adam Long, Founder of Dubai Sound Academy, in on hand to discuss how to use the break to turn your child into a superstar DJ…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New international study Her Fandom, Her Buying Power, found that 90% of female sports fans say organisations don’t truly understand them, and 40% feel brands fail to recognise them as consumers. Dawn Barnable of The Mettleset & Pooja Sukumar of The Collective explore why. Plus, from hallucinations to false attributions, problems with AI are being widely reported. But how do we teach our kids and young people to use new tech safely if we can’t tell fact from fiction?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gaming isn’t just for kids. Adults are spending hours, even entire weekends, lost in virtual worlds—and for some, it’s becoming a serious issue. We dive into the rise of gaming addiction with Dr. Asad Sadiq, Consultant Psychiatrist, and explore its impact on work, relationships, and mental health.  Plus, we discuss the latest advances in pet oncology with Dr. Nour Abou Fakher and Dr. Beatriz Wuhrmann Otero, and learn about the upcoming MENA School Excellence Awards with Louise Dawson. Finally, we shift to breast cancer survival strategies with survivor Jen Blandos and oncologist Dr. Heidi Kussmann.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s TikTok’s topic du jour – but everyone’s ex can’t be a narcissist. So, what really are the signs of narcissism, and how do avoid falling victim? Helen gets into it with psychologist Lighthouse Arabia.Meanwhile, as research suggests a belief that kids are becoming ruder, we ask the experts how we can we instil manners in our kids at any age. And Thenji Moyo is here with your employment law clinic too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the leading cause of road deaths in the UAE - now Dubai is cracking down on drink driving with some of the toughest laws in the country. What does it mean for our roads? Plus, we go behind the doors of a global award-winning Dubai school, and Haus & Haus are on hand with the latest on the city's property sceneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He's a bestselling author whose late stage ADHD diagnosis has made him a favourite agony uncle of the world's neurodiverse community. Now, he sits down with Helen for a special extended chat - and takes YOUR questions too...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Global Restaurant Investment Forum will return to Dubai next week, bringing together a host of the UAE – and the world’s – top chefs. But why does working together serve them so well? Helen is joined by Mythos’ Fay Economides and Tasha’s Group’ Natasha Sideris. Meanwhile Jung Hun Song, co-founder of Cupbop, talks global expansion, Courtney Brandt has all the city’s food headlines, and William Mullally is on hand to talk us through entertainment’s busiest season…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you still fly with a power bank? Should AI plan your holiday? Helen gets into it with industry expert Emily Jenkins. Plus, we dive into the realities of bullying in our schools - and how to tackle it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From new visas to self-sponsorship to new rules on residency after divorce or bereavement, immigration expert Kelly Labuschagne joins Helen to answer all your questions. Plus, we learn all about the UAE’s renewables plan live at WETEX, talk bad fan behaviour at the Ryder Cup, and as a new book tackles ‘The Snowflake Myth’, we ask, why is everyone so down on Gen Z?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of a vegan influencer in Bali is raising fresh concerns about online health misinformation - but who is at risk and how to we counter fear with facts? Helen asks Dr Shef and coach Rory Brown. Plus, Dr T has the lowdown on all things addiction this International Recovery Day and we discuss the trials and tribulations of modern dating with global dating guru Hunt Etheridge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The KHDA's Director General says schools need to deliver affordability for families. So what could that mean for those bills? Helen puts it to finance coach Beth Clay and principal of Citizens School, David Lees. We also talk playground behaviour at work with Dr Sarah Rashmi, ask why more under-45s are experiencing heart issues, and discuss buying property for profit-building, not homebuilding, with Haus & Haus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE ranked as the top spender on Korean cultural content for the third consecutive year, according to the 2025 Global Hallyu Survey. But why does it hold such appeal? We find out from Hanu’s Chef Moon and K-pop fans Johnny Biryani & Keri Belle. Helen also catches up with chef Akira Back, talks hidden gems with the Hungry Sisters and finds out everything you need to know before outdoor sports season arrives…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research shows UAE employers are increasing housing benefits by an average 4% this year. But if you’re not getting a hike, what’s the best way to negotiate one without changing jobs? Helen asks employment experts Rohini Bhalla Gill and David McKenzie. Plus, as research shows we’re all reading less, we find out how to foster a love of books with a host of local booksellers and authors…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump says pregnant women should avoid paracetamol, linking the drug to a “very increased risk of autism”. Dr Margaret Harris, former WHO spokesperson and global public health expert joins Helen to set the record straight. Meanwhile, injuries, overtraining and burnout are contributing to a high dropout rate in youth sports, according to a new report from the US. Pro basketballer and youth sports mentor Jazz Ferguson gives his advice on keeping the games safe and fun.  As Abu Dhabi releases new guidelines about children walking to and from school, we explore the risks – and the rewards of independence – with Priya Mitchell, Safeguarding lead at Taleem, & Dr Mostafa Aldah of MA Road Traffic Consulting. Plus, Pets & Vets is back! Helen talks emergency care for our furriest friends with Dr. Theodora Gavriil, Emergency and Critical Care Specialist at Modern Vet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research says young adults like to discuss their incomes and financial goals when dating - while older couples are still shy to talk numbers. Helen asks Steve Cronin of Dead Simple Saving why, and finds out how to bring healthy cash chat into our own relationsips. We also talk attitudes to puberty - and the cultural differences at play in how we explain it to our kids - discuss teen mental health, and we get an expert's verdict on Apple's latest raft of tech releases...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does cultural background impact on the way we experience and process trauma? We find out from the co-founders of Dubai’s upcoming MENATA Trauma Conference – and one 9/11 survivor. Meanwhile, employment lawyer Dilini Loku answers your shift work questions, Harriet Mandak examines the competitive nature of modern parenting, and Haus &Haus are on hand with some family-friendly housing advice…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​We're out once again broadcasting live from The Agenda in Media City-- yes, just metres away from our normal studios! We'll tell you why in a sec. Dr Paolo Petrocelli of Dubai Opera tells us what's in store for their new season. We put focus on Emirati cuisine with Sara Al Falasi AKA Chef Tushi of TUJIZ and Fabienne Naggear of Kitopi Chocolates celebrate birthdays too! Speaking with Kathy Johnston of Mirzam. F&B Consultant James Pemberton fills us in with the latest food news while Liam Joyce of What's On enumerates things to do this weekend. Helen taste tested some Filipino breads through Ram Derige-- what's her verdict? And the reason why we're at The Agenda today is for the launch of Rise by Athlon, we get details from Aldar's SVP of Design, Ayman Gabber and one of Athlon's ambassadors, paralympian Jessica Smith.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the boardroom to your social feed, how much trust do we really place in influencers — especially as new regulations in the UAE demand advertiser permits and greater transparency? Creative Strategist Alex Carvalho joins us in the studio, while legal expert Dino Wilkinson breaks down what businesses and content creators need to know about navigating this evolving landscape. Then, with a special focus on neurodiverse youth, we're joined by Carrie Green from Thriving Souls, along with Rachel Boly and Sharon Tudela from YOUthConnect Hub, to explore the gaps, the goals, and the growing need for inclusive employment pathways. Are we truly equipping young people to thrive — and who do we trust to lead the way?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, we explore the very human side of artificial intelligence. AI doesn’t just “know” how to speak, reason, or relate — it has to be taught. And the ones doing the teaching? They’re called AI trainers. Psychologist Dr. Kirin Hillier, professor Talal Abdul Ghani Shaikh, and U.S.-based AI trainer Isaiah Kwong-Murphy join us to reveal the fascinating, ethical, and sometimes surprising world of training machines to think — and even sound — like us. Also on the show, the Arab Child Summit returns to Expo City Dubai. Co-founder Reem Madkour and education leader Dr. Ghadeer Abu-Shamat ask a vital question: how do we raise children who are deeply rooted in Arab culture while thriving in a globalised world? Plus, Dr. Vinayak Pavate explains new research linking oral hygiene to heart health, while Amna Al Owais from DIFC Courts breaks down what every expat family needs to know about wills and protecting their legacy in the UAE. And finally, domestic abuse in our communities remains one of the least discussed but most serious issues. Mary Justine Todd, founder of Shamsaha, highlights the hidden forms of abuse and the support systems available here in the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.