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In Episode 2 season 3 of ‘On the Sofa with British Mums’, Emma is joined by Jen from the British Mums team and special guest Hugh—founder of MVA Academy, the innovative online school about to open its virtual doors right here in the UAE. Together, they explore what online schooling really looks like for families and students, with Hugh sharing his passion for personalised education, flexible learning, and putting wellbeing at the heart of it all. If you’ve ever wished you could skip the morning ...
Season 3 of ‘On the Sofa with British Mums’ launches with Emma hosting alongside Lauren and Jen, the owners of British Mums. This short and sweet opener welcomes new mums across the UAE, mixing honest stories, laughs, and the everyday adventures (and misadventures) of family life in the Emirates. With plenty happening at British Mums events throughout the UAE, there’s always a way to find friendship, support, and a good giggle. Tune in for genuine conversation, light-hearted moments, and a seaso...
It’s our final episode of the season, and Emma is joined by Laura and Charlotte for a laid-back team chat all about summer — the highs, the headaches, and everything in between. We’re talking caravan holiday shenanigans (Charlotte has a corker of a story here) Laura’s vivid imagination when it comes to holiday injuries (it’s a gift and a curse), all to the dulcet tones of Emma’s kids making a joyful racket in the background (we tried, okay?) Is summer a magical time or just extra work in disguis...
In this episode, Emma and Ash chat with Jeri from My Wild Tribe, a mother of five known for her home cooking, crafting, and travel. Jeri reveals how she cultivates healthy eating habits in her children from a young age and maintains family mealtime rituals. She discusses her laid-back parenting style, which fosters independence and resilience in her kids, encouraging them to explore safely. The conversation also covers her disciplined daily routine, including early mornings and prioritizing sleep and self-care, along with her philosophy of raising adaptable children through meaningful, adventurous travel experiences.
On this episode of On the Sofa with British Mums , Emma and Jen sit down with Jill from the British Embassy in Dubai to talk about some of the essential things every expat should know while living in the UAE. With warmth, clarity, and plenty of practical advice, Jill helps unpack the key information that can help families stay informed, safe, and confident in their day-to-day lives. This isn’t about scare tactics — it’s about empowerment. Because when you know the rules, you can enjoy everything...
Welcome to On the Sofa with British Mums – Season 2, Episode 15! This week, we’re sprinkling some serious pixie dust with an all-things-Disney episode! Cat and I – proud, self-confessed Disney adults – are joined by Ash, a first-time Disney holiday goer, to chat all about tips, tricks, and the hidden gems that make a trip with the main mouse himself truly unforgettable. We talk about everything from managing expectations (because let’s face it – kids will be kids, even at the happiest place on E...
Hello and welcome to On the Sofa with British Mums — Episode 15, Season 2! Are you or someone you love thinking about making the big move to the UAE? Feeling overwhelmed by all the information out there and don’t know where to start? Well, today’s episode is just for you. Emma and Lauren are joined by British mum and entrepreneur Catherine McEvoy, who has put together the ultimate event for families planning their move. Imagine all the experts you need under one roof? ready to answer every quest...
On this weeks episode we learn about University Home status...What's home status, we hear you ask? Jen and Emma found out all you need to know in a delightful morning with the fountain of knowledge that is Sarah Lewis from UK Study Options on how to navigate the fee status rules and preserve your home fee status eligibility. Whether your kids are still young or already teens, time flies—and before you know it, university is around the corner. Without the right information, navigating tuition fee...
On this week's Podcast, Emma, Sophie and Hannah talk about pretty much everything and anything...as usual. The weather is heating up. How are we going to survive? Sophie and Hannah confirm that boys and girls play really differently from each other, and survival skills are required. Emma admits she hates playdates and kids' parties and often finds herself in awkward positions as a result. This one is a keep-it-real giggle with the gang that we know you will relate to Make sure to follow and subs...
In this week's podcast, Emma and Caitlyn are joined by Sharon James. Sharon is a women's wellness coach and educator - what she doesn't know about menopause ain't worth knowing! Approaching this subject, which can be intimidating, with grace, humour, and plenty of information. Be sure to check out Sharon's Linktree and her book, 'Finding Calm in the Storm', which she co-authored with Annette Poyser. https://linktr.ee/sharonjamescoaching https://britishmums.com/dubai/upcoming-events/ #you're-a-pa...
On The Sofa with British Mums - Season 2: Episode 11 DESS: Legacy, Family & the Future. In this episode, Emma and I are on location at DESS College to catch up with DESS Oud Metha Head of School, Tony Clarkson and Headteacher, Neil Brinicombe, who will be heading up the new site at Academic City. Don't expect a normal school podcast - we're diving into the legacy and magic of what makes the DESS family of schools so special. We have a few laughs, ask the tough questions and get goosebumps as...
In this episode, Emma and Caitlin are joined by Claire from Dubai Reflexology. They discuss wellness and holistic approaches and set the world to rights. Emma recounts an embarrassing Yoga story, Caitlin is off to a ballet class, and Claire is excited to make more human connections in 2025. We know you'll love this one: It's full of giggles, gossip, and inspiration for your next self-care day. Make sure you check our events page, like, and subscribe to our podcast. Thanks for listening to On the...
In this week's episode, we are talking all things 'New Year' and more! Emma is joined by Charlotte and Jen, who enjoy some British Mums chit-chat: what do we think about resolutions? - Are they worth it? What are our 2025 'ins and outs'? Jen is trying out meditation in the midst of a busy house renovation, and Charlotte talks about the juggling of after-school activities. It's full of laughs and positive energy, and we can't wait for you to join us. News about our upcoming events and opportuniti...
It’s nearly the big day, so this is our last podcast of 2024, and Emma is rounding up with a lovely festive chat with Cat and Ashleigh from the British Mums team. We talk pantos and kids' activities and how mums in Dubai make Christmas special for their kids! Check out the discounts on Pantos and other fab festive events here https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/ We spend a while chatting about Christmas dinner - from Cat’s turkey tips and Ashleigh’s prep regime to Emma’s admission that she’s no...
In this week's podcast, Emma chats with Dominic who will be playing The Grinch in the upcoming production heading to the Zabeel Theatre right before Grinchmas...Sorry, we mean Christmas! Art For All & DXB Live proudly presents Paul Taylor-Mills’ new production, 'Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical', which will make its Dubai debut at Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, from 20-24 December. For the first time in the UAE , experience the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday...
On the Sofa with British Mums Season 2: Episode 6 – Heroes of Hope with the inspirational Hollie Murphy. In this week’s episode, Emma and Hannah chat to Hollie Murphy, founder of Heroes of Hope and you’re going to want to listen to this mums as it’s overwhelmingly emotional and full of life lessons we can all take away. Heroes of Hope is a non-profit organisation that offers inclusion for people of determination or those with additional needs to take part in sport, in a safe and professional env...
On the Sofa with British Mums Season 2: Episode 5 – Making Friends in Dubai. In this week’s episode, Emma chats to the two newest members of the British Mums team – Laura and Tara. We find out a little bit more about these two wonderful ladies who help keep the cogs turning behind the scenes in the British Mums community. Laura has been in the UAE for 3 years and talks about how having young children can help you make friends in a new country. She also compares making friends to dating and takin...
For this week's episode of On the Sofa with British Mums, Lauren's husband, Andy, joins us to discuss the adventure of a lifetime. Andy and two other UAE expat residents and explorers rowed for a cause: a mission to save the planet by raising awareness about plastic pollution in the world’s oceans and inspire the young generation while aiming to set five world records. Their boat, the Ocean Guardian, proudly flew the UAE flag during the long and awe-inspiring journey through the Arctic waters, w...
It's October, and it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Buff and Emma enjoyed spending the morning with British Mum and business owner Natalie from the Oasis Candle Company. In this episode, we highlight the importance of getting yourself checked and checking yourself out. Natalie speaks with honesty and sincerity about her brave journey with breast cancer, from breaking the news to the long-term emotional weight. We were reminded that cancer doesn't discriminate and of the sheer strength of mothe...
Caitlyn and Emma are joined by Phillipa from Edruption. She aims to empower change for parents when it comes to ed-tech and wellbeing literacy. With technology becoming an ever-increasing presence in our community and educational institutions, Emma and Caitlyn find out how to confidently navigate the digital world alongside our children. We talk about app safety, the pros and cons of the online world, and how to open up clear communication with our kids and teachers that encourages trust and saf...
It’s Back! On the Sofa with British Mums Season 2: Episode 1 – Back to School with Jen and Buff We’re delighted to be back with our first podcast of the academic year where Emma chats to Jen and Buff about summer highs and lows, back to school excitement and advice for our mums who have just moved to our beautiful (but slightly sweaty) desert. If you are new to Dubai then this is worth a listen as Jen, Buff and Emma share their top tips on settling into a new country and we’d love you to join us...
Live with the British Mums Dream Team for our final episode of the season. In this week's episode, Emma, Cat, Buff, Ash, and Sophie review the year with lots of giggles and pay homage to the kindness shown in our community in tough times. Between Deliveroo, residents' discounts in the heat of the summer, birth plans, and the savvy nature of us mummas, the holidays feel manageable and, dare we say it, fun! We never expected such an overwhelmingly positive response to the first twenty episodes. No...
In this week’s podcast, Emma and Hannah are joined by Sam Preston, a long-time Dubai resident, mum and founder of Desert Girls Netball Club (DGNC), a non-profit community netball club that is going from strength to strength. Sam started the club nearly nine years ago and explains that what started as a platform to allow her daughters more exposure to netball has grown into a club of over 250 players, from the teeny tiny FS2s through to the older girls who are representing the UAE in netball on t...
On The Sofa with British Mums - Episode 18 with Founder and CEO of The Entertainer, Donna Benton In this week’s podcast, we are joined by Donna Benton, a single mum and founder of The Entertainer, a much-loved discount platform that she created to make raising a family in Dubai all that more enjoyable and affordable. Emma and I share our memories of our first use of The Entertainer and Donna shares her vision, her motivation and her incredible outlook on how she wants to help people get the most...
On The Sofa with British Mums - Episode 17 with Dr Teizeem Dhanji from Sage Clinics This week, Emma and I are joined by the lovely Dr Teizeem Dhanji, a Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist & Eating Disorders Specialist, to discuss picky eating, when to start worrying, and when to seek help. All of us recognise ‘fussy eating’ in ourselves, family members or friends. While this can be a normal part of development for some children, it can also signal a deeper issue. The key takeaways...
On The Sofa with British Mums - Episode 16 with newly published author Helen Farmer In this week’s podcast, we are joined by Helen Farmer, British mum, journalist, presenter, radio host and now, author – a woman of many talents. Helen joins Emma and Hannah from the British Mums team to talk about her new book ‘My Mummy’s Secret Adventures’ which is out now! We chat about Helen’s inspiration behind the book, her gorgeous girls and their endless and slightly obscure questions. We talk about parent...
NEW PODCAST EPISODE! On The Sofa with British Mums - Episode 15 with Heather Harries from The Education Hub. In this week’s podcast, we are joined by Heather Harries from The Education Hub and Catherine and Emma from British Mums to chat about education, from school choices and exam prep to wellbeing and inclusion. Cat talks about education being the biggest gift she can give her child and how daunting choosing a school can be when moving over from the UK, whilst Emma chats about energy and gett...
In this week’s podcast, Sarah Paterson and Holly McCann from Travel Counsellors and Hannah from British Mums join us to explore the world of travel and flexible working for mums! Travel Counselors are there to make life so much easier and stress-free and save you time when planning and booking a holiday. You have your own personal travel consultant with a wealth of experience and knowledge, crafting your perfect holiday and guiding you every step of the way to suit all budgets and needs, from st...
Episode 13 - On The Sofa with British Mums and Vicki Ashlin from The Big Beauty Scoop! In this episode, Emma & Katie from British Mums sit down with the lovely Vicki Ashlin to talk all things beauty, and it’s such an insightful, informative and interesting chat. Vicki tells us why she founded The Big Beauty Scoop and how proud she is of the platform for being able to offer women impartial and honest beauty advice. We also dive into Vicki’s beauty secrets, her top products and her self-care r...
NEW PODCAST EPISODE! On The Sofa with British Mums - Episode 12 with Janine Roach from Grit DXB! For this episode, Emma & Sophie from British Mums are joined by the very inspirational Janine from Grit DXB! Janine shares her fitness journey with us, how she set up Grit DXB, her aspirations and how she’s trying to help people with their fitness journey – no matter their goals. We loved how passionate Janine is about creating healthy habits for your future rather than a focus on aesthetics. If ...
