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
Apr 1, 2025 • 16min
Doctors' Notes: Hanger
Join Chris and Xand for some bonus content, digging deeper into the topic of each week’s episode of What’s Up Docs? Such is their passion for health and wellbeing that when joined by an expert they find it hard to contain their excitement and the questions just keep coming. Doctors' Notes is the solution. Here, they spend a little more time with the expert and explore some ideas that they can’t get out of their minds.In this episode, picking up from their conversation with Professor of Social Psychology, Viren Swami, Chris and Xand take a further look at hanger. Looking into the personal, physical and psychological components of hanger, they delve into the political and social issues attached to hunger.If you’d like to share your thoughts on hanger or anything else that caught your attention in this edition of Doctors' Notes or the main episode on hanger, you can email whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665123.Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken
Guest: Professor Viren Swami of Anglia Ruskin University
Producer: Jo Rowntree
Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
Editor: Kirsten Lass
Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
Researcher: Lisa Lipman
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 4
Apr 1, 2025 • 29min
Am I hangry?
In this lively discussion, Professor Viren Swami, a social psychology expert from Anglia Ruskin University, dives into the intriguing psychology behind being 'hangry.' He reveals that hunger definitely impacts our emotions, connecting it to feelings of anger and irritability. The talk explores how external factors shape our internal states and how awareness can improve personal relationships. Swami also touches on the complex relationship between hunger, beauty standards, and societal dynamics, making for an eye-opening conversation!
Mar 25, 2025 • 26min
Doctors' Notes: Willpower
Kimberly Wilson, a chartered counselling psychologist and former governor of the Tavistock and Portman NHS Mental Health Trust, shares her expertise on willpower and behavior change. She discusses the emotional complexities of willpower, advocating for self-acceptance and compassion as keys to overcoming negative self-talk. The conversation also highlights that relapses are natural and should be viewed as part of personal growth. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences with willpower to foster healthier habits.
Mar 25, 2025 • 29min
How important is willpower?
Kimberley Wilson, a chartered counseling psychologist and former Bake Off finalist, dives into the intriguing question of willpower. Is it even a real thing? She highlights the complexities of willpower in health, emphasizing the risks of blame and shame. Kimberley advocates for preparation and understanding motivations over simply relying on willpower. The conversation also touches on how our relationship with comfort evolves across generations, sparking a humorous look at 'old person' habits embraced by the youth.
Mar 25, 2025 • 15min
Meet the Docs
Identical twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken share their unique journey into medicine, revealing how childhood dreams shifted from being rock stars to caring for patients. They recount early medical experiences that shaped their views and highlight the complexities of the profession, including humanitarian work and the disparities faced by patients. With diverse paths in medicine, they aim to tackle health discussions and encourage open dialogue, bridging the gap between traditional roles in healthcare and pressing societal issues.
Mar 20, 2025 • 2min
Welcome to What's Up Docs?
In this BBC Radio 4 podcast, Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are on a mission to help us take better care of ourselves.When it comes to looking after our own health, it can be confusing. With new statistics and treatments coming out every week, it feels impossible to decide what works best for us. So each episode, Chris and Xand are joined by an expert guest to examine the latest science, insights and data, to help you navigate the overwhelming amount of information and advice out there.From willpower to hunger, from dodgy knees to bad breath, they'll sort fact from fiction and tussle over their understanding of it all. And Chris and Xand want to hear from you. What are your health and wellbeing worries and wonders? You can email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp on 08000 665123.Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken
Producer: 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 4.
