Mother Tongue

Today we’re joined by a guest who is opening up a conversation that so many of us are quietly having - but rarely saying out loud. Sophie Rose-Arnold is an alcohol-free advocate who shares a refreshingly honest perspective on what it really looks like to step away from drinking - especially as a woman navigating motherhood, friendships, and everyday life.
After nearly two decades of drinking, Sophie made the decision to stop completely - not because she hit a rock bottom, but because alcohol simply stopped working for her. What followed was a journey of unlearning, rebuilding, and redefining what fun, connection, and relaxation actually look like.
In this conversation, we talk about the culture around alcohol - from binge drinking in our 20s to the pressure to keep drinking as adults, especially in social settings. We unpack the anxiety, the sleep disruption, the “just one drink” cycle,  how motherhood changes everything and why so many women are quietly rethinking their relationship with alcohol.
We also talk honestly about what makes it hard to stop - the social pressure, the identity shift, and the fear of being seen as “boring” and what changes when you do.
This is not about labels or extremes. It’s about awareness, choice, and understanding what actually makes you feel good.
If you’ve ever found yourself questioning your relationship with alcohol even quietly, this episode will resonate.

Find Sophie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/af.sophierose/

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 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