Advertise on podcast: Afternoons with Helen Farmer

Is our obsession with digital speed quietly eroding the human skills that matter most: deep thinking, empathy, judgement and creativity? Helen discusses this with internationally-renowned graphologist Emma Bache.  If it feels like everyone you know is sick right now, you’re not imagining it. Doctors across the UAE are warning we may be in a second peak of flu season, with clinics seeing a steady stream of patients with fever, cough and exhaustion. Dr Rania from Circle Care Clinic shares ways to rebuild our immunity. We're unpacking why hormone health remains so misunderstood, under-taught and emotionally charged. And we're telling you how football is making room for mothers.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, we were preparing to talk to you about buying gold. And then, it crashed. So, when markets are so predictable we get the experts to guide you in investing and saving. Why does neurodiversity impact our sleep and what can you do if your brain wakes up when your head hits the pillow? A new book may have the answer… And in our psychology hour... Gen Z have got their first ‘retirement’ facility to help them recover from burnout. Meanwhile, biscuit firm Kit Kat has launched a round the clock Teams meeting aimed at helping employees ‘pretend’ to be busy so they can take a break at work. What does this tell us about the prevalence of burnout? We ask Dr Thoraiya Kanafani from the Human Relations Institute and Clinics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The headlines are a challenge for even adults right now – but with our kids exposed to news online at ever- younger ages, how do we parent through all of these unprecedented times? Helen asks Maha Cooper, a family-focussed counselling psychologist at The Free Spirit Collective. Plus, we talk equality in sport and go behind the scenes at a new course aimed at improving driving standards on the UAE’s roads. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From arts and culture to Wicked at Dubai Opera to the foodi finds you need to know, we've got your social life sorted! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Advertiser permits become a legal requirement for influencers in the UAE from this weekend - but who needs them and what does it entail? Helen puts your questions to media lawyer Martin Hayward. Plus, we're live from Xposure in Sharjah, where we meet the filmmakers and world creators in town to teach the Middle East's next generation of creators. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

French rugby pro Thibaud Flament made headlines this week when he said he’d miss his country’s Six Nations opener due to fertility treatment and his wife’s cycle. So why has his move sparked such a chord with so many? Helen asks racing driver and male fertility campaigner Toby Trice and Dr Luciano Nardo from Orchid Fertility.We talk cervical cancer awareness month – and ask why screening rates remain stubbornly low – with Dr Natasha Shah. And as new research suggests our uncertain times are changing holiday plans in unexpected ways, we talk repeat destinations with luxury travel expert Rowena Hanley. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research from the children’s finance app GoHenry estimates that Gen Alpha now have around £3.3 billion in spending power through their influence on household purchases, with 26 percent of parents saying their children directly shape how money is spent. Helen gets the lowdown from financial coach Carol Glynn.Plus, lawyer Byron James tells us what the UAE’s new digital laws mean for your family, and we discuss Hamnet and its portrayal of parental grief with doula Lala Langtry-White and psychologist Tanya Dharamshi. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has found 70% of UAE residents want to buy property this year. But what do you need to know if you’re taking your first steps into the market? Helen puts your questions to industry expert Clementine Munro. Meanwhile, as we’re live from Gulfood, we discuss the importance of variety – in diet and exercise alike – with Dr Shef, and we find out how cultivated foods could change the way we eat, forever, with cardiologist and founder of Upside Foods, Dr Uma Valeti. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoons is live from the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, getting the lowdown on all the fun - sporting and otherwise - on site for 2026... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the challenge of our time - how to maintain respectful dialogue with people we vehemently disagree with. Could a new book help? Helen meets Paul Dolan, author of Beliefism: How to Stop Hating the People We Disagree With.Plus we meet the teen skier headed from Ski Dubai to the Winter Olympics, and talk childhood anxiety with the author aiming to tackle it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brand Beckham has long been presented as the ultimate tight-knit family, but this week that image cracked. So, behind the gossip, what does their story really tell us about family breakdown? Helen asks psychologist Noha Al Khatib. Meanwhile, we discuss new research into why so many of us are looking for a new career path with recruiter David MacKenzie. And dating coach Hunt Etheridge lets us in on the difference between realism – and settling for less than you deserve. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the biggest social trend on TikTok right now – sitting down with pals for an evening to tackle those jobs you’ve been procrastinating about. But why are admin nights becoming so popular – and do they actually work? Helen talks it over with Ali Khawaja, author of Understanding ADHD: A Short Guide for Loved Ones.Meanwhile, as Novak Djokovich says he’s not retiring, discuss knowing when it’s time to move on – and what we can all learn from the post-sports pivot – with two sports industry pros, and Dr Thoriya joins Helen to discuss closure, and why we all crave it so badly after a big life change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exam season is here - and hitting straight after the holidays, leading many parents to turn to tutors over the festive break. But as new research suggests, is over tutoring creating more problems than it solves? Helen asks education consultant Heather Harries. Plus, we meet two women determined to help us master the return to work – or mid-career pivot – with confidence, and ask the author of a new book why he thinks the way we breathe might be making us ill… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We find out all about the upcoming Al Quoz Arts Fest, and go behind the scenes at the Golden Globes with judge, William Mullally.Plus, Helen faces House of Habanero’s hot sauce challenge, meets the chef behind the original Dubai Chocolate and discuss the launch of Tresind Studio’s first cookbook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From workplace bullying and employers withdrawing benefits to research showing the detrimental impact of a work-heavy work/life balance, early headlines this year have workers worried. So, what can we do to improve our own professional lives? Rohini Gill has the answers you need. Plus, we meet the man making life easier for left-handed learners… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.