What's Up Docs?

BBC Radio 4

Episodes

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May 20, 2025 • 29min

Should I worry about microplastics?

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 delve into the issue of microplastics - minute fragments of plastic material that have been found in every environment on the planet, as well as in our brains and bodies. How did they get there, are they doing us harm and, if they are, what can we do about it? They speak to Environmental Toxicologist Dr Stephanie Wright from Imperial College, London about the evidence behind the dramatic headlines and why trying to measure the impact of microplastic on health is a challenge. 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 Stephanie Wright Producer: Jo Rowntree Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Kirsten Lass Assistant Producers: Maia Miller-Lewis and Mary Holditch 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
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May 13, 2025 • 26min

Doctors' Notes: Difficult Conversations

After an unexpected wave of emotion in the main episode, Chris and Xand took a breather and grabbed some lunch. In this bonus episode, we pick up where we left off. Chartered psychologist Kimberly Wilson helps the twins unpick what happened in their own difficult conversation and explains how we can all respond better when having these tricky talks in our lives.If you’d like to share your thoughts on difficult conversations or anything else that piqued your interest, you can email whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665123.Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Kimberly Wilson Producer: Emily Bird and Jo Rowntree Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Kirsten Lass Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable Production Manager: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard Berry Composer: Phoebe McFarlane Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4At the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
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6 snips
May 13, 2025 • 29min

How to have a difficult conversation

Chartered Psychologist Kimberley Wilson joins the hosts to tackle the art of navigating tough conversations. She sheds light on why we often avoid these crucial talks and shares strategies for approaching them with emotional clarity. Topics include the essential role of nonverbal communication, the need for preparation, and the importance of vulnerability in strengthening relationships. The discussion is candid and relatable, offering listeners insights that encourage confronting interpersonal challenges head-on.
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May 6, 2025 • 23min

Doctors' Notes: Headaches

In this bonus episode, Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken dig deeper into headaches. They talk to Dr Katy Munro, a senior doctor at the National Migraine Centre, about her personal experience of headaches, how she dealt with them and how it motivated her to help others.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 Katy Munro Producer: Jo Rowntree Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Kirsten Lass Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researchers: 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 Roberts A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
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May 6, 2025 • 29min

How can I help my headaches?

Are headaches clouding your day? Join Chris and Xand as they speak to Dr Katy Munro, a senior doctor at the National Migraine Centre, to delve into the science behind those nagging pains. Discover practical remedies to ease the throbbing, best ways to avoid getting them in the first place and common headache myths.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 Katy Munro Producer: Jo Rowntree Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Kirsten Lass Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researchers: 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
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Apr 29, 2025 • 25min

Doctors' Notes: Fresh Breath

In this bonus episode, Chris and Xand dig deeper into gum disease. They are joined by Associate Professor & Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry Praveen Sharma to discuss how different types of bacteria in our mouths affect the rest of our bodies, and the link between gum disease and systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.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: Associate Professor Praveen Sharma Producer: Jo Rowntree Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Kirsten Lass Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researchers: Grace Revill Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable Social Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard Berry Composer: Phoebe McFarlane Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby At the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
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Apr 29, 2025 • 29min

How can I freshen my breath?

Chris and Xand want to know about bad breath. Chris's wife calls him out on it when he has it. But what causes it? And is there anything we can do about it? In this episode they speak to Dr Praveen Sharma, Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, to find out. If you want to get in touch, you can email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665123.Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Professor Dr Praveen Sharma Producer: Jo Rowntree Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Kirsten Lass Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researchers: 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
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Apr 22, 2025 • 26min

Doctors' Notes: Sleep

Join Russell Foster, a leading expert in circadian neuroscience from Oxford, as he dives into the complex world of sleep. He shares insights on sleep's evolutionary significance and dispels myths around sleep hygiene. The discussion highlights how blue light affects our rhythms and critiques the reliability of sleep tracking devices. Foster also emphasizes the diverse sleep needs of individuals and the crucial link between sleep quality and mental health. A thought-provoking exploration of why we sleep and how to improve our rest!
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Apr 22, 2025 • 29min

Am I getting enough sleep?

In this discussion, Russell Foster, a Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at Oxford and author of 'Lifetime,' dives into the complexities of sleep and its effects on well-being. He addresses the growing anxiety around sleep deprivation and both offers reassurance and practical tips for achieving better rest. The conversation explores how our biological clock impacts sleep cycles and external factors affecting quality of sleep. Personal anecdotes and insights about finding balance in a restless world keep this engaging and informative.
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Apr 15, 2025 • 19min

Doctors' Notes: Testosterone

Chris and Xand dig deeper into the role of testosterone with Dr Channa Jayasena, expert in reproductive endocrinology from Imperial College London.They discuss how  testosterone interacts with other hormones, particularly oestrogen and the different roles these hormones play when it comes to male and female biology. They also explore the populism of testosterone.If you’d like to share your thoughts on this, or any other topic in the series, you can email at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Dr Channa Jayasena, Imperial College London Producer: Jo Rowntree Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Kirsten Lass Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researchers: Lisa Lipman Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable Social Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard Berry Composer: Phoebe McFarlane Sound Design: Melvin RickarbyAt the BBC: Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Greg SmithA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

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