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
Jan 6, 2026 • 28min
Should we be turning over a new leaf in January?
Alasdair Cant, a behaviour change specialist with over 30 years in health and social care, joins the van Tulleken twins to explore the psychology behind New Year's resolutions. He discusses why we often revert to old habits and offers insights on sustainable change. Alasdair emphasizes the power of choice over instruction, encourages kindness over self-loathing, and reframes setbacks as opportunities for growth. He shares practical tips, like planning for lapses, and highlights the importance of aligning desires with actions for more meaningful change.
Jan 5, 2026 • 5min
Daily Dose: Difficult Conversations
Exploring the challenge of difficult conversations, a psychologist shares valuable insights on why avoiding these talks is detrimental to relationships. A practical 10-point plan is introduced to help prepare mentally before engaging in tough discussions. The hosts emphasize that speaking up not only affirms self-worth but also supports personal growth. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the costs of silence. Tune in for empowering strategies to navigate the complexities of communication!
Jan 2, 2026 • 3min
Daily Dose: False Memories
Dr. Linda Henkel, a Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, dives into the fascinating world of false memories. She explains how our brains craft memories like a constantly edited Wikipedia page, leading to misremembered events. Discover why relying on external cues can help enhance memory and how dreams and real-life experiences can be indistinguishable to the brain. The discussion also highlights intriguing implications for New Year’s resolutions, showing how our memory errors might influence our goals for the year ahead.
Jan 1, 2026 • 4min
Daily Dose: Napping
This discussion dives into the art of napping with insights from Professor Russell Foster. Learn why a quick 20-minute snooze in the early afternoon can be a game-changer for your productivity. Russell emphasizes the importance of a restful environment, encouraging naps in a dark and cool space. The conversation also tackles the emotional side of napping, dispelling the idea that it’s a sign of laziness. Discover how individual hormonal changes can influence nap needs and why it's time to embrace sleep rather than resist it!
Dec 31, 2025 • 2min
Introducing the Daily Dose
January brings its share of health pressures, but Chris and Xand tackle the chaos with refreshing insights. They explore the overwhelm of New Year resolutions and emphasize a no-pressure approach to well-being. Listeners can anticipate daily health tips covering everything from knee care to willpower. Each tip is crafted to empower, offering knowledge rather than prescriptions. With a promise of bite-sized wisdom throughout the month, health becomes less daunting and more engaging.
Dec 30, 2025 • 23min
Doctors' Notes: Joy
Professor Sophie Scott, a cognitive neuroscientist from University College London, delves into the fascinating neuroscience of joy. They explore how joy differs between spontaneous moments and achievements, discussing its evolutionary purpose. Sophie highlights the challenges in studying joy in lab settings and reflects on the bittersweet nature of parental joy. She also describes how joy can be cultivated, the risks of replacing social joy with drugs, and how music can stimulate reward networks, enhancing communal joy.
4 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 28min
Is joy always good for us?
In this engaging conversation, Professor Sophie Scott, a renowned cognitive neuroscientist and stand-up comedian, dives into the complexities of joy. She explores how joy differs from happiness and offers insight into different kinds, like social laughter and prideful moments. The discussion highlights joy's potential risks and its relationship with emotional lows. They also tackle joy's fleeting nature, the impact of cultural celebrations, and how to cultivate joy in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of social connections.
Dec 23, 2025 • 30min
Doctors' Notes: Comfort
Dr. Tiffany Watt Smith, a cultural historian and expert on emotion and medicine, joins the hosts to discuss nostalgia's surprising complexities. She unpacks how nostalgia can be a bittersweet longing and its impact on our identities. The conversation dives into what makes certain foods comforting, particularly for migrants reconnecting with their roots. They explore how scent and taste trigger memories and share practical winter tips inspired by history. Tiffany also introduces the concept of solastalgia, highlighting our emotional responses to environmental loss.
Dec 23, 2025 • 29min
How can you find comfort in the winter months?
Dr. Tiffany Watt-Smith, a cultural historian and expert on the history of emotions, joins the van Tulleken twins to explore comfort in winter. They delve into how comfort's meaning has changed over time, tracing its Latin roots and examining communal practices like Sami midwinter rituals that foster resilience. Tiffany shares insights on hygge and the importance of social warmth, highlighting research connecting physical warmth to trust. The trio discusses balancing comfort with healthy discomfort and modernizing winter traditions to enhance well-being.
Dec 16, 2025 • 30min
Doctors' Notes: Hearing Loss
This week features Prof. Doris Bamiou, a leading expert in neuroaudiology from UCL. She dives into the intricacies of auditory processing disorder, explaining its causes, diagnosis, and the impact on everyday life. Doris discusses the importance of personalized hearing aids, the challenges of loudness recruitment, and how neurodivergence interacts with hearing challenges. Listeners will appreciate her insights on effective communication strategies and the latest technologies aiding those with hearing loss.
