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
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.
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
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.
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.
