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
Mar 31, 2026 • 19min
Doctors' Notes: Light
A lively look at how low winter light shapes mood and identity across latitudes. They explore why some people develop seasonal affective disorder and what large surveys reveal about timing and triggers. Creative, non-medical practices like sky-framing workshops and seasonal letters get discussed. Cultural differences in coping with winter and how climate change might shift those responses are also covered.
Mar 31, 2026 • 29min
Why do we feel happier when the sun’s out?
They explore how sunlight influences mood, sleep and overall wellbeing. They discuss geography and latitude effects on daily light exposure. They explain the role of different qualities of light, lux levels and why outdoor light often beats indoor lighting. They cover practical approaches used at northern latitudes, cultural responses to winter and simple routines to notice and use daylight.
Mar 24, 2026 • 33min
Doctors' Notes: Buildings
Lisa Finlay, architect at Heatherwick Studio who designs large mixed-use and public projects, talks about buildings that boost wellbeing and urban life. She describes Thousand Trees and the power of textured materials, planting and joyful design. Conversations cover persuading clients to invest in delight, reusing existing stock, and how design can shape social connection and public health.
10 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 30min
Can buildings make us healthier?
Lisa Finlay, architect and partner at Heatherwick Studio, talks about how design, light, materials and spatial choices at Coal Drops Yard shape wellbeing. She describes openings, circulation and varied vantage points that invite curiosity and social life. The conversation highlights how visual interest, scale and accessible routes can lift mood and encourage movement.
4 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 25min
Doctors' Notes: Hips
Dr Paulina Kloskowska, physiotherapist and researcher in hip and groin biomechanics with a focus on women’s sports medicine. She discusses why varied activity protects hips. She explains neuromuscular skill development and prehab strategies. She explores gendered gaps in research and reasons women more often need hip replacement.
11 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 29min
How can you look after your hips?
Dr Paulina Kloskowska, physiotherapist and researcher focused on pelvis, hip and groin biomechanics in female athletes. She explains hip anatomy and biomechanics. She outlines how women’s hips differ and common hip problems. Practical tips include offloading the front of the hip, simple glute exercises and when to seek urgent assessment.
Mar 10, 2026 • 20min
Doctors' Notes: Toothache
A lively dive into the history of dentistry, from barber-surgeons to modern extraction techniques. They cover how pain, consent and emergency decisions shape treatment choices. Discussion on rising childhood decay, the role of diet and acid erosion, and why interdental cleaning matters. They also consider long-term effects of tooth loss on nutrition and social life.
Mar 10, 2026 • 29min
How can you avoid toothache?
They explore why tooth pain feels so intense and the nerve biology behind it. They explain how decay develops and why some infections need extraction or root canal. They discuss how sugar timing, sticky snacks and sipping raise decay risk. They cover grinding, mouthguards and barriers to dental care, plus prevention versus public responsibility.
Mar 3, 2026 • 32min
Doctors' Notes: Shoulders
Kate Haynes, a chartered human and veterinary physiotherapist who treats people and horses, discusses shoulder health and rehabilitation. She compares human and equine shoulder anatomy and how equine work shaped her whole-body approach. Practical topics include manual therapies, muscle balance, safe overhead work, and building trust with anxious patients and animals.
10 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 28min
How can you best look after your shoulders?
Kate Haynes, a chartered human and veterinary physiotherapist who treats riders and horses, explains shoulder anatomy and why mobility matters. She outlines common problems like impingement and frozen shoulder. Practical prevention and rehab are discussed with simple posture tips and everyday exercises. The conversation also links stress and breathing to shoulder tension.
