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
Jun 24, 2025 • 29min
Will smiling make you happier?
Dive into the fascinating world of smiles, exploring their evolutionary origins and health benefits. Discover the surprising similarities between human and chimp smiles, and how cultural norms have shaped our expressions. Learn about the psychological effects of smiling, including the Facial Feedback Hypothesis. The hosts even engage the audience in a fun exercise to boost positivity and personal growth. Joined by experts and a charming African street dog, this discussion highlights the power of a smile in connecting us all.
Jun 17, 2025 • 25min
Doctors' Notes: Boredom
Chris and Xand continue their conversation about boredom with Dr Wijnand Van Tilburg. They discuss what happens in our brains when we feel bored, whether some people are more prone to boredom than others, and why boredom isn’t always a bad thing.Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken
Guest: Dr Wijnand Van Tilburg
Producer: Jo Rowntree
Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
Editor: Kirsten Lass
Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
Researcher: Grace Revill
Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
Social Media: 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.
Jun 17, 2025 • 29min
How to Avoid Boredom
Dr. Wijnand Van Tilburg, an experimental social psychologist from the University of Essex, dives into the intriguing world of boredom. He discusses surprising behaviors linked to boredom, including self-infliction as a means of escape. The conversation highlights boredom's dual nature, revealing its potential to foster exploration, especially among youth. Wijnand shares effective strategies for transforming boredom into engagement, emphasizing the significance of meaningful connections and enriching experiences in overcoming monotony.
8 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 21min
Doctors' Notes: Protein
Join Professor Nita Forouhi, a Population Health and Nutrition expert from the University of Cambridge, as she breaks down the nuances of protein intake. Discover why pregnant women and the elderly have unique protein needs and how whole foods can optimize health across different life stages. Nita also shares insights into the challenges athletes face in choosing between whole foods and supplements, while stressing the importance of evidence-based nutrition. Her passion for improving public health through collaborative research shines throughout the conversation.
Jun 10, 2025 • 29min
Protein - are you getting enough of it?
Explore the modern obsession with protein and its role in health and metabolism. The hosts dive into the best dietary sources and discuss the misconceptions around protein intake. They tackle the buzz surrounding supplements versus whole foods, emphasizing individual needs. Expect a blend of humor and facts as they reveal how marketing influences our choices and our cultural fixation on protein. Tune in to uncover the truth behind your protein-packed meals!
Jun 3, 2025 • 22min
Doctors' Notes: HRT and Menopause
Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken dig deeper into hormone replacement therapies for the menopause and are joined again by Professor Mary Ann Lumsden, gynaecologist and academic at the University of Glasgow. Can testosterone replacement be effective in women? What are the benefits of HRT? Is it right for everyone? And are there gaps in the research?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: Professor Mary Ann Lumsden
Producers: Emily Bird and Jo Rowntree
Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
Editor: Kirsten Lass
Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
Social Media: 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.
Jun 3, 2025 • 29min
Menopause - is HRT for you?
Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast show where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore every aspect of our health and wellbeing.
In recent years, long-overdue conversations around the menopause have begun to break taboos and change perceptions. But it can still be a confusing or misunderstood topic, especially with the explosion of menopause marketing that’s come alongside increased awareness. In this episode, they’re joined by Professor Mary Ann Lumsden, gynaecologist and academic at the University of Glasgow, to ask about the challenges she’s seen in her clinic and whether growing awareness has actually translated into better outcomes for women.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: Professor Mary Ann Lumsden
Producers: Emily Bird and Jo Rowntree
Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
Social Media: Leon Gower
Sound Design: Melvin RickarbyAt the BBC:
Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith
Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
May 27, 2025 • 27min
Doctors' Notes: Memory
In this episode, Chris and Xand continue their trip down memory lane, joined by Linda Henkel, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Fairfield University. They discuss Linda’s personal experience with memory, how digital technologies like GPS are affecting our memories, and why forgetting isn’t always such a bad thing.If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you can email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken
Guest: Professor Linda Henkel
Producer: Jo Rowntree
Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
Editor: Kirsten Lass
Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
Assistant Producer and Researcher: William Hornbrook
Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
Social Media: 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 27, 2025 • 29min
What’s happening to your memory when you take photos?
Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they want to find out about photographs and memory. How does our memory work? How can taking photos impact our ability to form memories? And can we use photos to enhance our memory? They speak to Linda Henkel, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Fairfield University, to find out.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: Professor Linda Henkel
Producer: Jo Rowntree
Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
Editor: Kirsten Lass
Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
Assistant Producer and Researcher: William Hornbrook
Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
Social Media: 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
7 snips
May 20, 2025 • 24min
Doctors' Notes: Microplastics
Dr. Stephanie Wright, a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Toxicology at Imperial College London, sheds light on the urgent issue of microplastics and their impact on human health. She discusses the emotional responses tied to plastic pollution and shares her journey from marine biology to focusing on microplastics. Topics include the hidden health crisis posed by microplastics in organs, the environmental dangers of ghost fishing, and the need for sound scientific communication to combat myths and misconceptions about plastic exposure.
