What's Up Docs?

By BBC Radio 4

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Image by BBC Radio 4

Category: Health & Fitness

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Rate for this podcast

Subscribers: 201
Reviews: 2
Episodes: 62

Dannie
 May 21, 2025
Thanks for this top podcast! Interesting questions, answers based on serious research & expertise, all presented in a v relatable way. Despite their achievements in life, the docs come over as real and humble, not self-important. Go docs! ❤

Jim
 May 3, 2025
Interesting topics, but a typical modern BBC dummed down banal presentation style.

Description

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 665123

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.


Episode Date
Doctors’ Notes: Embarrassment
Oct 14, 2025
Why do we get embarrassed?
Oct 14, 2025
Doctors’ Notes: Nature
Oct 07, 2025
Is nature good for you?
Oct 07, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Psychedelics
Sep 30, 2025
Can psychedelics improve your mental health?
Sep 30, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Fibre
Sep 23, 2025
Are you getting enough fibre?
Sep 23, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Backs
Sep 16, 2025
How can you strengthen your back?
Sep 16, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Magnesium
Sep 09, 2025
Should you take magnesium supplements?
Sep 09, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Menstrual Health
Sep 02, 2025
Is there a 'normal' menstrual cycle?
Sep 02, 2025
Doctors’ Notes: Noise
Aug 26, 2025
Is our noisy world killing us?
Aug 26, 2025
Doctors’ Notes: Kidneys
Aug 19, 2025
How to look after your kidneys
Aug 19, 2025
Doctors’ Notes: Nails
Aug 12, 2025
What do your nails say about your health?
Aug 12, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Laughter
Aug 05, 2025
Will laughter help you live longer?
Aug 05, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Saying 'No'
Jul 29, 2025
Should you say 'no' more often?
Jul 29, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Caffeine
Jul 22, 2025
Can caffeine boost your performance?
Jul 22, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Tanning
Jul 15, 2025
Is it ever safe to tan?
Jul 15, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Core Strength
Jul 08, 2025
How To Build Your Core Strength
Jul 08, 2025
Doctors’ Notes: Hair Loss
Jul 01, 2025
Why does our hair fall out?
Jul 01, 2025
Doctors’ Notes: Smiling Special at Hay Festival
Jun 24, 2025
Will smiling make you happier?
Jun 24, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Boredom
Jun 17, 2025
How to Avoid Boredom
Jun 17, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Protein
Jun 10, 2025
Protein - are you getting enough of it?
Jun 10, 2025
Doctors' Notes: HRT and Menopause
Jun 03, 2025
Menopause - is HRT for you?
Jun 03, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Memory
May 27, 2025
What’s happening to your memory when you take photos?
May 27, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Microplastics
May 20, 2025
Should I worry about microplastics?
May 20, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Difficult Conversations
May 13, 2025
How to have a difficult conversation
May 13, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Headaches
May 06, 2025
How can I help my headaches?
May 06, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Fresh Breath
Apr 29, 2025
How can I freshen my breath?
Apr 29, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Sleep
Apr 22, 2025
Am I getting enough sleep?
Apr 22, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Testosterone
Apr 15, 2025
Do I need testosterone?
Apr 15, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Knees
Apr 08, 2025
How can I look after my knees?
Apr 08, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Hanger
Apr 01, 2025
Am I hangry?
Apr 01, 2025
Doctors' Notes: Willpower
Mar 25, 2025
How important is willpower?
Mar 25, 2025
Meet the Docs
Mar 25, 2025
Welcome to What's Up Docs?
Mar 20, 2025