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Today’s guest is someone I’ve been really looking forward to having on the podcast - especially because she brings so much clarity to a space that can feel noisy, confusing, and very trend-led. Grainne Sullivan is the founder of Glazed Aesthetics, and she’s known for her thoughtful, no-nonsense approach to skin care. Rather than chasing quick fixes or viral treatments, Gráinne focuses on long-term skin health, education, and doing less - but better. In this episode, we talk about what actually makes a difference when it comes to your skin, the rise of Korean skincare and whether we really need 10 steps, which products and ingredients are worth using versus skipping, and how to think about aesthetic treatments like Profhilo and polynucleotides without getting caught up in hype or pressure. This is an honest, grounded conversation for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by skincare advice and just wants to understand what truly works. Find Grainne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glazedaestheticsdxb/ PRODUCTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Exfo Cleanser Skin Laundry Tranexamic acid - https://skinlaundry.ae/product/tranexamic-acid-serum/ Korean brand Tranexamic acid - POST Recovery Cream SPF Beauty of Joseon - kbeautyarabia.com SPF PH Formula -  https://glazed-aesthetics.com Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Travelling with kids isn’t quite the relaxing escape it once was - but it can still be one of the most rewarding, memorable things you do as a family. In this episode, I’m sharing an honest take on what travel really looks like with three children and some of my favourite spots to visit, including the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa - which struck that rare balance between true luxury and genuine ease with children - and Feuerstein Nature Family Resort, which was quite possibly the most enjoyable holiday the kids have ever had. I also share quick thoughts on other standout family-friendly hotels, including Soneva Fushi, One&Only Le Saint Géran, Banyan Tree Phuket, Wilderness Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Krabi - each offering something slightly different depending on the kind of trip you’re after. We also touch on what’s next on our travel list this year - from Hong Kong Disneyland and the ease of Ikos Dassia, to slower, design-led stays at Sublime Comporta and the magic of a winter trip to Lapland. This episode is less about perfect itineraries, and more about a shift in mindset - travelling differently, choosing ease where you can, and embracing the chaos (just a little). Because while it might not always feel like a holiday… it’s always worth it. SHOW NOTES: FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS (Linked for ease)  JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa  Feuerstein Nature Family Resort  Soneva Fushi  One&Only Le Saint Géran  Banyan Tree Phuket  Wilderness Reserve  The Ritz-Carlton Krabi  ON OUR TRAVEL LIST (Linked for ease) Hong Kong Disneyland Ikos Dassia  Sublime Comporta Lapland Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast

Today we’re joined by a guest who is quietly redefining what life in Dubai can really look like - and this is a powerful listen for anyone moving here, or wondering if the city is the right fit for their family. Laura Jones is a mum of three and the creator behind Home by Laura Jones, where she shares a slower, more intentional side of life in a city often known for its speed, luxury and excess. After moving to Dubai over a decade ago, Laura made a conscious decision to build a life that stayed true to her values - focused on family, simplicity, gratitude and creating a calm home environment, even in one of the world’s busiest cities. Her version of Dubai isn’t brunches and designer labels. It’s family dinners, slow weekends, growing herbs in the garden, DIY projects, meal planning, and raising kind, grounded girls who understand the value of what they have. In this conversation, we talk about the reality of moving to Dubai as an expat - the emotional first year, living far from family, and how to build community and a sense of home from scratch. Laura’s story is a reminder that Dubai doesn’t have to look the way people think it does. You don’t have to change who you are to live here. If you need a little reassurance that it’s possible to create your own version of home here, this episode is for you. Find Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homebylaurajones/ Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today’s guest is no stranger to the spotlight -or to the juggle. Helen Farmer is a much-loved voice across the UAE: broadcaster, writer, mum, and now, published author.  But behind the headlines and the mic is a story of grit, growth, and learning to thrive with ADHD - while raising kids, writing books, and showing up every day with honesty and heart.  In this episode, we explore what balance really means, how diagnosis can reshape identity, and the surprising freedom that comes from setting boundaries.  Find Helen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_helenfarmer_/ PRODUCTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Helen's books and Storyverse PRODUCT: Noise cancelling headphones APP: Insight timer Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast This episode is brought to you by Lullaby Bloom, a beautiful baby clothing brand founded by a mum who truly understands what parents actually need. Lullaby Bloom has just been recognised as the Best Sustainable Baby Clothing Brand 2026 here in the UAE, and once you see the quality of their pieces it’s very easy to understand why. Everything is made from 100% organic cotton, which means it’s incredibly soft and gentle on sensitive baby skin, and the brand is fully GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified, so you know the fabrics have been responsibly sourced and carefully tested. THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today, we’re joined by Beth Clay, founder of Finance Her Well, to talk about something many of us think about often but don’t always talk about openly - money. From the psychology behind our relationship with money to why so many women feel stress or shame around finances, this conversation explores how our experiences shape the way we earn, save, spend and invest. Beth also shares simple ways to start building financial confidence and making your money work for you - whether you're navigating finances in a relationship, thinking about investing, or simply trying to feel more in control of your financial future. We also talk about motherhood, investing, financial independence, and the importance of having open conversations about money within relationships. If money has ever felt overwhelming, emotional, or confusing, this episode will help you start looking at it in a completely different way. Find Deborah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financeherwell/ Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today we’re joined by a guest who has spent over two decades building businesses  and now helps women do the same while navigating motherhood, ambition, and the reality of limited time. Deborah Henning is an entrepreneur, mentor and the founder of Self Made CEO, a mentorship program designed to help women build profitable businesses without sacrificing their families, their wellbeing, or their identity along the way. After running a fashion brand for 15 years and later building a multi-six-figure consultancy working with some of the Middle East’s biggest retail names, Deborah made a bold shift in her career. Today she works with women who want to turn their skills, experiences and ideas into thriving businesses -  even if they feel like they don’t have enough time, confidence or clarity to begin. In this conversation, we talk about the reality of building a business while raising children. Deborah shares practical insights on time blocking, delegation, systems, and how women can build businesses in just a few focused hours a day. We also talk about starting before you feel ready, the role AI will play in the future of business, and why motherhood often becomes the catalyst for women wanting to create something of their own. If you’ve ever had a business idea sitting in the back of your mind but wondered when the right time might be to start, this episode is a powerful reminder that the perfect moment rarely arrives. Find Deborah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahhenningofficial/ Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today we’re joined by a guest whose journey proves that reinvention doesn’t have to take years - sometimes it starts with one video and the courage to press post. Camilla Rhuda is a Dubai-based content creator who went from working as a teacher and governess to building a rapidly growing social media platform in less than a year. What began as a creative outlet after becoming a mum quickly turned into a career - with viral videos, brand partnerships, and a community drawn to her honesty, humour and refreshingly real take on motherhood and life in Dubai. Before content creation, Camilla’s path wasn’t straightforward. She moved to Dubai in 2017, changed careers more than once, and navigated years of fertility challenges and loss before becoming a mother - an experience that shifted her mindset and gave her the confidence to stop doubting herself and finally pursue what she’d always wanted to do Camilla’s story is honest, funny and deeply relatable - a reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan to start again, and that sometimes the biggest shifts happen when you finally back yourself. This is a conversation about reinvention, motherhood, confidence, and building a life  and career  on your own terms. Resources and Recommendations: Vaseline Body Lotion Find Camilla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camillarhuda Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today we’re diving into something that has honestly blown my mind - gut health. I recently did three tests with Precision Wellness: the Gut Chex, Nutri Chex, and a Functional Blood Test. The results were eye-opening. We found that my gut was out of balance, the supplements I’d been religiously taking weren’t even being absorbed, and I might not actually be coeliac after all. So I had to get the brilliant Dr. Sana from Precision Wellness on the podcast to break this all down. We’re going to talk about why gut health is such a game-changer for mums, how stress and exhaustion show up in our bodies, and what therapies — like red light therapy, IVs, and more - can actually help us feel human again. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on empty, doing all the right things but still not feeling better, this episode is for you. Find Precision Wellness on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/precisionwellnessdxb_/    Resources and Recommendations: Gut Chex, Nutri Chex, and a Functional Blood Test - https://ae.prcnstore.com/aff/6/ Use code: MT10 Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today I’m joined by the wonderful Emily Mayers, the founder of The Working Dream. Emily is a coach and advocate who specialises in supporting women particularly mothers who are navigating ADHD and the challenges that come with balancing motherhood, work, and identity.   Through The Working Dream, she helps women move from overwhelm and self-doubt into confidence, clarity, and practical systems that actually work for them. Emily has been instrumental in shining a light on how ADHD presents in women often very differently from the stereotypes we grew up with and why so many mothers are only being diagnosed later in life. I’m so excited to have her here today to talk about what ADHD really looks like, why diagnosis is rising among women, and to share practical tips and tricks for mums who might be recognising themselves in this conversation. Find Emily on the web: http://theworkingdream.com/    Resources and Recommendations: Todoist app  The Getting Things Done Methodology Rain Method Sky Light Calendar - https://amzn.to/4kpbWcv Motion App Find us on instagram: @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today’s guest is Alice Law - a wellbeing expert, educator and the author of Unstressable, a book that completely reframes how we understand stress. Alice’s work focuses on the nervous system and why so many high-functioning women feel permanently exhausted, overwhelmed or wired, even when life looks “fine” from the outside. What I love about Alice’s approach is that it’s not about bubble baths or adding more to your to-do list. It’s about understanding what’s actually happening in your body, why modern life keeps us in a constant state of stress, and how we can realistically support ourselves, especially during seasons of life that are full and demanding. This conversation feels particularly important for mums, because so many of us have normalised stress as “just how it is now.” Alice brings science, compassion and very practical tools to help us step out of that cycle, without guilt, pressure or perfection. Find Alice on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/alicelaw._/    Resources and Recommendations: Zooki Vitamin C Alice's book "Unstressable"  Find us on instagram @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today we’re joined by Aliesha Brar - a woman who truly knows what it means to wear many hats. From fashion and luxury to design, culinary arts and now entrepreneurship, Aliesha’s career has taken her across industries and continents. But it was becoming a mother that inspired her to take a leap into creating something of her own.  As the founder of Boo Boo Laand, a premium children’s entertainment concept in Dubai, Aliesha has combined creativity, business acumen, and her personal experience of motherhood to bring her vision to life. But beyond the business, she’s also a mum juggling family life, leadership, and the constant pull between personal and professional ambitions.  We’ll be diving into what it really takes to build a business while raising children, how motherhood reshapes our definition of success, and the daily juggle that so many of us can relate to. Aliesha, welcome to the podcast. Find Aliesha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alieshabrarmalik/ https://www.instagram.com/booboolaand/ Find us on instagram @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today I am chatting with Lewis Allsopp, founder of Allsopp & Allsopp, one of the people who helped shape the Dubai property scene. We will talk straight about the market right now, where it is headed, which communities actually work for families, and practical tips for anyone moving here. Lewis is also a hands-on dad of two, this conversation goes beyond property. We dig into modern fatherhood, how dads can truly support their partners (not just “help”), and the small daily rituals that keep family life running when work is intense and schedules are full. Stay tuned for sharp property insight and honest parenting stories. Find Lewis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewis_allsoppdubai/ Find us on instagram @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today on Mother Tongue, I’m joined by someone who will be very familiar to many of you - Harriet Mandak. Harriet is a coach and mentor who specialises in helping women uncover their values, set boundaries, and create healthier habits and routines that truly support their lives. She’s been on the podcast before, and every time she joins us the response from our community is incredible.  Harriet is also a mum of three, and she’s about to celebrate a milestone 40th birthday - so there’s no better moment to sit down with her and talk about what modern motherhood really looks like today. In this conversation, we’ll be diving into values, boundaries, burnout, routines, and the lessons Harriet has learned in this season of life. I know you’ll come away from this episode with so many practical insights and gentle reminders that you are not alone in this journey.  Find Harriet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harriet_mandak/ Find us on instagram @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today we have a guest whose work has quietly, beautifully shaped the way millions of people smell the world. Jo Malone CBE is a self-taught perfumer and entrepreneur who founded Jo Malone London and later sold the brand in 2006. In 2011, she launched Jo Loves - brands that turned simple scent into a language of memory and luxury.   She grew Jo Malone London from a kitchen-table idea into a global name and then made the bold move of selling the brand to Estée Lauder - only to go on and build again, proving that reinvention is part of her signature.  Jo’s story is as human as it is aspirational: she came from humble beginnings, faced and overcame severe personal challenges including a battle with cancer, and has been recognised for her services to business with honours including a CBE.   Get comfortable: this is a conversation about resilience, motherhood, and the small rituals that make life smell so good. Find Jo Malone on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jomalonecbe Jo Loves Official: https://www.instagram.com/jolovesofficial Jo Vodka: https://www.instagram.com/jovodka Find us on instagram @wearemothertongue Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mothertonguethepodcast THE MOTHER TONGUE PODBOOK The Mother Tongue podbook is a collection of interviews with experts on everything you need to know about parenthood from pre-conception all the way through to when your kids starts school. Over the course of 43+ chapters, the podbook delves into the topics that all mums and mums to be wants the answers to. Buy yours now: https://mother-tongue.zbooni.com/products/mother-tongue-podbook

Today we’re joined by not one, but two powerhouse guests from Mediclinic Middle East for a vital conversation on something every mother deserves to understand better — her postpartum body.   First, we have Dr. Maria Peñalver Gaspar, a Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, who brings a compassionate and clinical perspective to what truly happens to our bodies after birth — from physical recovery to hormonal changes, pelvic floor issues, and more.   Joining her is Ms. Jacqueline Hawker, a Senior Physiotherapist specialising in Women’s Health. She supports women on their journey of postpartum rehabilitation — from diastasis recti and pelvic floor dysfunction to restoring strength, movement, and confidence after delivery.   Together, Dr. Maria and Jacqueline are here to break the silence, bust the myths, and guide us through healing with honesty, knowledge, and hope. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mediclinicme/?hl=en Website: https://www.mediclinic.ae/