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: [email protected]
Whatsapp: 08000 665123A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
Whatsapp: 08000 665123A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 13, 2026 • 23min
Drs' Notes: How can spots affect mental health?
Professor Tess McPherson, a consultant dermatologist and Oxford specialist in children’s skin health, explores acne’s emotional toll. They discuss confidence, isolation, stigma and body dysmorphia, alongside the impact of filtered images and skincare influencers. The conversation also covers scarring, treatment options, isotretinoin and why simple skincare may be best.
Oct 13, 2026 • 29min
What can you do about your spots?
Professor Tess McPherson, an Oxford dermatologist specialising in children’s and teenagers’ skin, tackles the reality of acne. They explore why spots form, the roles of hormones and genetics, adult acne triggers, and treatments ranging from benzoyl peroxide to retinoids. Plus: safer spot-squeezing, why toothpaste is a myth, and the emotional weight of acne stigma.
Oct 6, 2026 • 26min
Drs' Notes: How can we manage chronic pain?
Dr Cathy Stannard, a chronic pain consultant and clinical lead behind NICE guidance, explores what happens when pain outlasts injury. She explains why normal scans do not disprove suffering, why empathy and validation matter, and how enjoyable, guided exercise can help. The conversation also examines the roles of psychology, social support, empowerment and living well with persistent pain.
Oct 6, 2026 • 29min
How can we better understand pain?
Dr Cathy Stannard, a clinical pain specialist and lead author of NICE’s chronic pain guideline, explores why pain is far more than a measure of injury. They discuss how the brain, emotions, expectations and life history shape pain, why chronic and acute pain differ, how invisible pain is assessed, and why medication may not be the best long-term answer.
Oct 1, 2026 • 18min
Doctors' Notes: Sleep Disorders
Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about sleep disorders with Dr Sophie West, a consultant respiratory physician and lead of Newcastle regional sleep service.They explore what good sleep hygiene looks like and how temperature and hydration can affect our sleep. They also dig into dreams: why we have them, whether we can control them, and how to stop recurrent nightmares.If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected] or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken
Guest: Dr Sophie West
Producer: Rami Tzabar
Assistant Producer: Leon Gower
Editor: Jo Rowntree
Researcher: Samara Linton
Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
Visual Producer: 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
Sep 29, 2026 • 28min
Drs' Notes: Why did neurodiversity evolve?
Professor Duncan Astle, a Cambridge neuroinformatics researcher, explores why neurodiversity may have evolved and how brain development creates individual differences. They discuss shifting diagnostic categories, the origins of the neurodiversity movement, education beyond labels, social media communities, and how society can better support different kinds of minds.
12 snips
Sep 29, 2026 • 28min
How can we better understand neurodiversity?
Duncan Astle, Cambridge Professor of Neuroinformatics, explores what neurodiversity really means. The conversation examines ADHD, diagnosis, labels and the difference between clinical disorder and natural variation. It also considers how environments can remove barriers, why diagnoses are rising, and whether society should adapt to different ways of thinking. Plus, a surprising detour into ancient oysters, bog butter and archaeological wellness.
Sep 22, 2026 • 24min
Drs' Notes: How do athletes look after their ankles?
Genevieve Tawiah, a performance physiotherapist who has worked with elite athletes, dancers and West End performers, explores the remarkable demands placed on our ankles. She discusses dance training, nerve injuries, sports-specific risks and injury prevention. Discover how footwear, taping and early physiotherapy can support recovery and a confident return to performance.
Sep 22, 2026 • 29min
How can you better look after your ankles?
Genevieve Tawiah, a performance physiotherapist known for her work with West End productions, elite badminton and Strictly Come Dancing, explores the remarkable ankle. Discover why this complex joint is so vulnerable, how sprains differ from strains, when injuries need urgent attention, and how movement, balance, toe control and whole-body strength can support recovery and resilience.
Sep 15, 2026 • 31min
Doctors' Notes: Type 2 Diabetes
Dr Tamara Hibbert, a Newham GP specialising in diabetes and health inequalities, explores why type 2 diabetes is rising and why deprivation and ethnicity shape risk. They discuss the realities of unmanaged diabetes, personalised treatment, medication fatigue and the power of group consultations, community support and culturally relevant advice.
