On The Sofa with British Mums

Welcome back to “On the Sofa with British Mums”! Today we’re getting properly cosy and chatting about all things books. Emma is joined by Jen and Nicola, the brilliant women behind our British Mums morning and evening book clubs, plus a very special guest… Emma's Mum is Michelle May Martin, a newly published UAE author.  In this episode, we’re talking about the joy of a great holiday read, the books that leave a mark long after you’ve turned the last page, and those stories you press into a friend’s hand, saying, “You have to read this.” We also dive into why stories matter so much—for comfort, escapism, starting big conversations, and helping us feel a little less alone. From page-turning holiday recommendations to the reality of writing and publishing a first book, there’s plenty here for every kind of reader. So grab a cuppa, maybe your current read, and settle in for a warm, bookish chat with the British Mums community https://amzn.eu/d/6Gexaqz https://britishmums.com/dubai/upcoming-events/ #you're-a-part-of-this

On Todays Episode Emma and Lauren from the British Mums dream team are joined by Greg Andrews,sporty dad, founder of Front Foot, and passionate advocate for all things active in the UAE!  This episode is packed with laughs and energy as we chat about sport, sportsmanship, leadership, and why getting involved brings our community together in ways that go far beyond the pitch. Greg shares brilliant stories on bouncing back from defeat, raising resilient kids, and how teamwork connects families across Dubai. Whether you’re pitch-side every week, love the half-time snacks, or just want a dose of inspiration, you’ll want to tune in and see why sport is the real winner for our families and the British Mums community. This Episode is sponsored by DP World ILT-20  , the UAE's biggest cricket celebration. So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s celebrate everything that makes sport, and our Dubai community, so special! https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/ https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/ae/ilt20 https://frontfoot.ae/ #you're-a-part-of-this

In this episode of “On the Sofa with British Mums: Future Planning with Purpose,” Emma and Hannah chat with Georgina Wilkinson and Danielle Lecomber from St. James’s Place Dubai about what it really means to plan for the future as a family in Dubai. From building financial confidence to making sure you are prepared for when the years fly by, nothing is off the table. Georgina and Danielle bring warmth and clarity to topics that can feel daunting—helping busy mums look ahead with real purpose, not just in money matters but in every aspect of family life. You’ll come away with practical tips, reassurance, and the knowledge that expert support is friendly and accessible. Want to dive deeper, join an upcoming british mums event, or find out how St. James’s Place can help you set meaningful goals for your next chapter? Follow the links in the blurb for more resources, event details, and to connect directly with Georgina and Danielle. https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/ https://www.sjp.asia/ae To contact Georgina or Danielle: https://forms.office.com/e/r7RF3W9x94 #you're-a-part-of-this

It’s one of those chatty, feel-good episodes of On the Sofa with British Mums! where Emma, Jen, and Caitlin sit down for a proper catch-up, complete with laughter, a few tangents, and plenty of stories about everyday chaos. From Halloween madness and kids’ costume disasters to veggie gardens that may or may not be thriving, nothing’s off the table in this laid-back chat. But this episode also has us dreaming of holidays, because let’s be honest, we all deserve one! Thanks to Royal Caribbean, our episode sponsor, the mums dive into what makes cruising such an unforgettable family adventure. Expect tales of incredible onboard food, surf simulators and zip lines, kids clubs that parents secretly love as much as the children, and even a few hidden gems you might not know exist at sea. So pop on the kettle, get comfy, and escape with us, because sometimes the best journeys start with a good giggle. https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/ https://www.royalcaribbean.ae/ #you're-a-part-of-this

Hello and welcome back to Season 3 of ‘On the Sofa with British Mums!’  Emma and Caitlin are thrilled to interview David and Jenny from 8billionideas, a pioneering education company that’s helping young people discover and unlock their potential far beyond the traditional classroom. 8billionideas partners with schools to deliver creative programmes and experiences focused on entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and future-ready skills. Their mission? To give every student  (age 0-100) the confidence and tools to turn ideas into reality, while building the mindsets needed to thrive in a fast-changing world. Through workshops, digital content, and school collaborations, David and Jenny empower students to think big, explore possibilities, and develop vital skills for both personal growth and future careers.....all whilst juggling the realities of parenthood and bringing up their own beautiful family in the sandpit we are lucky to call home. So grab a cuppa, join the conversation, and let’s dive into how we can help our kids dream bigger, build confidence, and set themselves up for success—at school, and in life. https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/ https://www.8billionideas.com/ #you're-a-part-of-this

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 school traffic or wondered whether online schooling could work for your family, this chat is full of honest insights and practical ideas. Top up your tea and settle in for a conversation about the future of learning, what families really need, and how MVA Academy is changing the future of education for the better. https://www.minervavirtual.com/about-us https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/ https://www.instagram.com/minerva_virtual/?hl=en #you're-a-part-of-this

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 season packed with fantastic guests. https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/ #you're-a-part-of-this

Join Emma and Ash on "On the Sofa with British Mums" as they chat with the amazing Jeri from My Wild Tribe! This mum of five is a home cook extraordinaire, a crafting whiz, and a travel lover who knows how to make adventures meaningful. Jeri shares her secrets to making healthy food appealing to even the pickiest eaters, managing a household budget like a pro, and exploring the world in a way that enriches the whole family. Plus, they dive into questions submitted by Instagram followers, offering practical advice and relatable insights! Tune in for a dose of inspiration and real talk about modern motherhood. https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/ https://www.instagram.com/my.wildtribe/?hl=en

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 Earth!) to clever ways to save money while still capturing the true Disney magic. It’s not about doing it all – it’s about finding those little moments that make the memories last a lifetime. We’re also super excited to be supported by our friends at Disney MENA – and they’ve helped us bring you something extra special. Listen right to the end to find out how you could win a AED 1,000 shopping voucher, valid at the two brand-new Disney Store locations in the UAE.

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 question you might have (and yes, no question is too silly). From “Where should we live?” to “How do I fly my pet snake over?” this event has you covered. And of course, British Mums will be there to welcome our new friends with open arms. The How to Move to the UAE event is here to make your transition smooth, supportive, and stress-free. We’ll also be sharing our own experiences of moving here. the highs, the lows, and all the laughs along the way, because sometimes the best advice comes from those who’ve been there and done it themselves. Make sure you check our upcoming events, and thanks for listening.  https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/ https://www.movetotheuae.com/

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 fees can feel overwhelming. UK Study Options are experts in fee status rules and can help families avoid unnecessarily high overseas tuition fees—potentially saving hundreds of thousands of pounds. Sarah brings a relaxed and cheerful vibe to today's chat and reminds us that we are not alone in this motherhood journey and help is out there. Make sure to follow the links below to find out more, check out our events page and to find out more about my marathon journey! Listen here and please don't forget to like and subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/on-the-sofa-with-british-mums/id1705562150 Find out more about our upcoming events here: https://britishmums.com/dubai/upcoming-events/  FREE Fee Status Checker: https://ukstudyoptions.com/fee-status-checker/ To find out more, please contact hello@ukstudyoptions.com  UKSO are proud to partner with St. James's Place, for their next upcoming webinar on 16th April. Register to attend Jen’s Marathon Journey: https://www.instagram.com/jenster_888?igsh=aWxneGYxNjl1cDJl&utm_source=qr Thanks for listening to On The Sofa With British Mums. #podcast #britishmumsdubai #onthesofa 

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 subscribe to check out the events page.  Eid Mubarak, we love having you here.

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/

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 both our lovely guests so effortlessly explain their unwavering commitment to each child's individual progression. It's evident that Tony and Neil hold the same values as those who have walked before them, and are fully committed to transferring that ethos into DESS Academic City. For more information on either of the primary schools, head over to www.dess.sch.ae.  Listen here and please don't forget to like and subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-sofa-with-british-mums/id1705562150 Thanks for listening to On The Sofa with British Mums. #podcast #onthesofa #britishmums #dess

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 sofa with British Mums. https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/ https://www.dubaireflexology.com/

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 opportunities for all you mommas out there. Don't forget to like and subscribe. https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/ https://www.instagram.com/british_mums/?hl=en

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 not the chef in her house!  Have a listen if you’re in need of some festive feels, some fab tips and tricks for a Christmas in Dubai and how to get into the spirit without spending a fortune! Merry Christmas, everyone! #podcast #onthesofawithbritishmums #christmas #festivefeels 

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 tale as it comes to life on stage. The Grinch discovers there is more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Emma and Dominic talk about traditions, pockets of gratitude, how it feels to be part of the magic, and how we think the Grinch himself would spend his time in our beautiful Sandy home. Please be sure to stay tuned to the end to find out about some fantastic events, discount codes and more Festive Entertainment. https://britishmums.com/dubai/events

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 environment. Hollie has created a platform that reduces isolation and opens up opportunities for those who have previously not had the chance to compete in a sporting environment, to perform and shine. Hollie also chats about her Junior Coaches Programme where Year 8+ students can volunteer their time to get involved in the programme, leaning essential life skills like compassion, empathy and motivation, in turn giving back to the community. Heroes for Hope offers a lifeline for parents to get their children more involved in sport, yet Hollie talks about how the strength and dedication of those parents fuel her desire and passion to grow the presence of sport for people of determination in the region. Hollie is clearly on a mission, and we’re behind her 100% - she’s currently got over 300 children and adults taking part and we so look forward to seeing how this grows over the coming years.   Click below for more info on Heroes of Hope, upcoming British Mums events and make sure to hit that follow button. Heroes of Hope: https://heroesofhopeuae.com/ British Mums Events: https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/  #podcast #onthesofa #britishmums #heroesofhope #benefitsofsport #inclusion

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 taking the time to find that person you really click with. Whilst Tara, who is a 10-year Dubai expat, talks about the sadness when friends move away and how COVID had an impact on her friendship group. And then, of course, we talk Christmas because Emma just can’t help herself! Travel plans, Christmas dinner and how we’re planning on celebrating during the most joyful time of the year. Click below to find out more about all our festive events, and make sure to hit that follow button. British Mums Events: https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/  #podcast #onthesofa #britishmums #christmas #makingfriends #lifeindubai