On The Sofa with British Mums

Welcome back to Season 3 of On the Sofa with British Mums! I’m Emma, and today I’m joined by Cat from the British Mums team for a chat that honestly left me wishing I could go back to school myself. We’re talking to Headmaster Simon Barber and Head of Pastoral Care Sophie Barber from Ludgrove School, and their warmth and energy shine through from the very first moment.In this episode, we dive into what makes Ludgrove feel so special—from muddy-knees outdoor adventures and proper fresh-air freedom, to “Sunday Fundays,” tight-knit friendships, and a school culture that genuinely feels like a big, caring family. At the heart of it all is kindness: the idea that how the boys treat themselves and each other matters just as much as what they achieve, and that character, empathy, and compassion sit alongside ambition every single day.We also talk about how Ludgrove balances that deep focus on pastoral care with serious academic rigour—creating an environment where children are stretched, challenged, and supported to aim high, all while feeling truly seen and cared for as individuals. If you’ve ever wondered what a truly nurturing, yet academically ambitious, boarding experience can look like, you’re going to love this one.So grab a cuppa and settle in for a heartwarming conversation that might just have you wanting to sign up alongside your kids.https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/https://www.ludgrove.net/#you're-a-part-of-this

Season 3, Episode 14 of On the Sofa with British Mums feels like a big-sister catch-up in the best possible way. In this episode, host Emma Isbell is joined by the “big sisters” of British Mums, Rohini Gill and Heather Harries, for a real and honest conversation about what life in the UAE looks like right now.They discuss the realities behind the headlines for both small and large businesses, the balancing act of homeschooling, Zoom calls, and family life, and the quiet ways so many are adapting behind the scenes. The episode is filled with candid moments, shared frustrations, and plenty of “me too” stories—but running through it all is a strong undercurrent of hope.This conversation isn’t just about what the community is going through; it’s about what it’s growing into. Together, they reflect on the resilience of mums and business owners, the creativity that continues to thrive, and the belief that rebuilding is not only possible but inevitable—wiser, stronger, and more connected than ever. It’s a thoughtful, uplifting listen with women who’ve been there, seen it, and continue to cheer everyone on every step of the way.https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/#you're-a-part-of-this

Hello and welcome to on the sofa with British Mums, I’m Emma, and I’m joined by Jen and Lauren for a gentle team chat after what has been an unsettling week here in the region and the place we call home. We’re not here to give advice or tell anyone how they should feel, just to share our own experiences as mums, members of this community, and to let you know that if you’ve felt wobbly, you are absolutely not alone.We talk about the incredibly kind, thoughtful messages we’ve seen in the British Mums group. The way you’ve checked in on each other, offered calm reassurance, and created a safe space for mums to be honest about how they’re feeling has been genuinely moving, and a powerful reminder of what community really means.We reflect on how important it is to have somewhere you can come, exhale, and feel understood, especially when the outside world feels a bit uncertain. This episode is not about headlines (Thank Goodness)  it’s about hearts, connection, and that quiet “I get it” between mums.As a small gesture back to this incredible community, we’ve decided that, for the rest of March, every Friday will be #FreebieFriday a chance to spotlight and support small businesses, side hustles, and passion projects within our group. It’s our way of spreading a little extra love, visibility, and positivity at a time when it really matters.Think of this episode as a message of care and solidarity from our sofa to yours, something to pop on while you tidy up, walk the dog, or just sit and breathe for a moment, and hopefully know that we care. https://britishmums.com/dubai/For anonymous posts or support from the team, please email support@britishmums.com#you're-a-part-of-this

In Season 3, Episode 12 of On the Sofa with British Mums, Emma is back on the sofa with Laura, Cat, and Catrina as they continue their deeply personal and often hilarious conversation about birth stories in this much-anticipated Part Two.Picking up where they left off, the team dives even further into their experiences of pregnancy and birth across different countries, opening up about the moments that surprised them, challenged them, and ultimately shaped their journeys into motherhood. With refreshing honesty, they reflect on the things they wish they’d known beforehand and how no two birth stories, or mums, are ever the same.From unexpected twists and emotional reflections to plenty of laughter along the way, this episode highlights realities that aren’t always discussed. It’s a comforting, relatable listen for anyone navigating pregnancy, reflecting on their own experience, or simply enjoying heartfelt, real-life conversations. A warm, funny, and reassuring continuation that celebrates mums, memories, and the beautifully different ways families begin.https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/#you're-a-part-of-this

In Season 3, Episode 11 of On the Sofa with British Mums, host Emma is joined by Laura, Cat, and Catrina from the team for an honest, funny, and emotional conversation all about birth stories. They share their experiences of pregnancy and birth in different countries, comparing what surprised them, what they wish they’d known, and how every journey into motherhood feels completely unique.From laugh-out-loud moments to the tougher truths that often stay behind closed doors, this episode is a warm, reassuring listen for anyone who’s been through it, is preparing for it, or just loves a good birth story. It’s a heartfelt, giggle-filled chat that celebrates mums, memories, and the many ways families begin.https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/#you're-a-part-of-this

Season 3, Episode 10 of On the Sofa with British Mums brings a lively, relatable chat as host Emma is joined by Jen to sit down with Lauren—a busy mum of one, pregnant with her second, long-time British Mums community member, and entrepreneur behind Ride Skipper, the British-owned UAE safety driver service that sends vetted, professional drivers to drive families in their own cars so they can get from A to B safely and stress-free.In this episode, they dive into the beautiful chaos of juggling work, pregnancy, motherhood, and growing a business, while also unpacking the real worries mums have around car safety—from school runs and after-school activities to airport trips and nights out. Lauren shares how real-life parenting challenges inspired Ride Skipper, how the service works in practice, and why having trusted drivers who understand family needs can make such a difference to everyday logistics.Between practical insight and plenty of giggly mum chat, the conversation covers busy schedules, car seats, seat belts, and what “safe enough” really means when it comes to protecting little passengers in the UAE. It’s the perfect listen for anyone who’s ever done the mental gymnastics of planning pickups, bedtimes, and work calls—often from the front seat of the carhttps://britishmums.com/dubai/events/https://britishmums.com/dubai/keeping-kids-safe-on-the-school-run-whoever-is-driving/#you're-a-part-of-this

Kicking off the new year on “On the Sofa with British Mums,” I’m sitting down with Jen and Ash for a real-life chat about fresh starts, big moves, and everything in between. We dive into New Year’s resolutions that actually feel achievable, what it’s like to juggle life between Dubai and Saudi Arabia, and the realities of solo parenting when your support system is spread across borders.We also look ahead to the holidays and upcoming trips, swapping ideas for making the most of time off and creating memories wherever you are in the world. With plenty of honesty, laughter, and relatable moments, it’s the perfect listen as you ease into a brand-new year.This episode is kindly sponsored by Travel Counsellors, who are experts in creating tailor-made holidays and supporting families across the UAE with truly personal travel planning.https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/https://www.travelcounsellors.ae/#you're-a-part-of-this

This is the final episode of 2025 on “On the Sofa with British Mums.”Emma is joined by Lauren and Becci from the British Mums dream team for a properly festive chat to round off the year.In this episode, they talk all things Christmas traditions, from the cosy childhood memories that shaped them to the new rituals they’re creating with their own families. They also chat about finding your tribe in the UAE, what it means to build a community away from “home,” and how those core memories are just as magical whether you’re under twinkly lights in the UK or sunshine and palm trees in Dubai.So grab a mince pie and a cuppa (or something bubbly!) and settle in for a warm, nostalgic, giggle-filled look at Christmas in the UK vs Dubai, and the people who make this season feel special.https://britishmums.com/dubai/events/#you're-a-part-of-this

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 communityhttps://amzn.eu/d/6Gexaqzhttps://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/ilt20https://frontfoot.ae/#you're-a-part-of-this