What's Up Docs?
BBC Radio 4
In this BBC Radio 4 podcast, Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are on a mission to help us take better care of ourselves.Although they are identical twins, Chris and Xand are very different and they never stop thinking and arguing about science and health. They want to lead healthy, happy lives and as doctors, they want this for everyone. Yet they tussle over how best to get there.When it comes to looking after our own health, it can be confusing. Medicine and science produce amazing new treatments and diagnostics every day and we are bombarded with so many headlines and pieces of advice; but how are we supposed to know what's really best for us and then successfully apply it to our lives?Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken embrace this challenge; even as they marvel at the scientific breakthroughs, they grapple with the competing claims about health, wellbeing and how to live.From understanding testosterone therapies to microplastics in our diets, and the concept of 'hangriness' to the power of saying no - this podcast deals with the health stresses we all face every day, while taking on board how the decisions by corporations and governments affect all our health.Each episode, Chris and Xand are joined by an expert guest to examine the latest research, psychological insights, and data, to help listeners navigate the overwhelming amount of information and advice out there. They talk about the trials and tribulations in their own lives in their characteristically witty way - each teasing the other as they search for solutions. Xand has trouble sleeping , Chris has noisy knees, one of them has got an embarrassing itch. They have different ways of looking at things and find it really helpful to get the other one's point of view. These doctors are trying their best and encouraging listeners to do the same.Email: whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk
Whatsapp: 08000 665123A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
Whatsapp: 08000 665123A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 12, 2026 • 20min
Doctors' Notes: Calcium
Chris and Xand continue their conversation about calcium with Dr Sagen Zac-Varghese.The docs want to know about common issues that are seen around calcium and bone health, especially osteoporosis. They want to learn how osteoporosis relates to calcium, who is at risk and why it is more common in women. They also want to know what inspired Sagen’s passion for calcium and what we can learn from astronauts about bone health.If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken
Guest: Dr Sagen Zac-Varghese
Producer: Maia Miller Lewis
Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
Editor: Jo Rowntree
Researcher: Mili Ostojic
Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
Video Producer: Leon Gower
Digital Lead: Richard Berry
Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
Sound Design: Melvin RickarbyAt the BBC:
Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith
Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
May 12, 2026 • 29min
Are we getting enough calcium?
Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing.In this episode, Chris and Xand dive into calcium. What is calcium, and what does it do in the body? How important is it for our health? How do we maintain healthy levels of calcium? They also examine how calcium interacts with vitamin D, whether we need calcium and vitamin D supplements, how calcium plays a part in bone health and how we can strengthen our bones. Joining them to discuss this is Dr Sagen Zac-Varghese, a consultant in Diabetes, Endocrinology and General Internal Medicine, specialising in diabetic kidney disease and metabolic bone disease. She is also the Undergraduate Tutor at the East and North Herts NHS Trust and an Honorary Lecturer and Senior Clinical Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London and at UCL medical school.If you want to get in touch, you can email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken
Guest: Dr Sagen Zac-Varghese
Producer: Maia Miller Lewis
Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
Editor: Jo Rowntree
Researcher: Mili Ostojic
Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
Video Producer: Leon Gower
Digital Lead: Richard Berry
Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
Sound Design: Melvin RickarbyAt the BBC:
Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
May 5, 2026 • 28min
Doctors' Notes: Snoring
Dr Sophie West, consultant respiratory physician who leads Newcastle’s regional sleep service, discusses snoring and sleep-disordered breathing. She explains why airway collapse causes apnoeas and fragmented sleep. The conversation covers screening tools, home testing, CPAP mechanics and adaptation, alternative treatments, driving and safety implications, and the wider health and social impacts of snoring.
May 5, 2026 • 29min
Why do you snore?
Dr Sophie West, consultant respiratory physician who leads Newcastle’s sleep service and helps set national sleep-breathing guidelines. She explains why snoring happens and which anatomy and behaviors make it worse. The conversation covers when snoring is harmless versus signs of obstructive sleep apnoea, practical fixes from sleep position to devices, and how to seek help.}
Apr 28, 2026 • 22min
Doctors' Notes: Balance
Maggie Stacey, a neurophysiotherapist and vestibular rehabilitation specialist, explains why alcohol upends our balance and how inner-ear structures shape stability. She discusses balance testing and training, how balance develops in children and declines with age, common clinic problems like vestibular migraine, and why early balance practice could be a public-health game changer.
Apr 28, 2026 • 29min
Should you improve your balance?
They unpack where balance comes from, from inner ear anatomy to proprioception. They explore causes of balance problems and why strength and mobility matter. They discuss evidence that exercise cuts fall risk and recommend practices like Tai Chi, balance classes and home drills. They cover when to seek professional assessment and practical tips for safer training.
Apr 21, 2026 • 26min
Doctors' Notes: Voice
A lively dive into why our recorded voices feel so strange and what shapes vocal uniqueness. They explore daily voice shifts tied to mood and anatomy. The conversation covers vocal training limits, cosmetic versus clinical voice change, and why choir and humming help both throat and nerves. Real clinic problems and surprising links between voice, trauma and wellbeing are also discussed.
19 snips
Apr 21, 2026 • 28min
How do we care for our voices?
Lydia Hart, a speech and language therapist who specialises in voice and the upper airway. She explains where voice comes from and how pitch, tension and breathing shape it. Practical care is covered: hydration, steam, posture, breathing and simple daily exercises. When to rest or seek medical advice is also discussed.
Apr 14, 2026 • 33min
Doctors' Notes: Feet
A lively chat about why feet reveal wider health issues and how biomechanics shape common problems like bunions and toe deformities. They walk through normal gait, the impact of high heels and long-term consequences. Practical talk on plantar heel pain, fungal infections and foot care for people with limited mobility and diabetes.
Apr 14, 2026 • 28min
How can you look after your feet?
Anthony Redmond, a podiatrist and Professor of Clinical Biomechanics who authored the foot and ankle chapter in Gray's Anatomy, explains why the human foot is extraordinary. He describes foot anatomy and gait mechanics. He covers common problems like bunions and plantar heel pain. He talks practical footwear advice, risks of high heels, basic foot care and when to seek professional help.
