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What's Up Docs?

What's Up Docs?

By: BBC Radio 4
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About this listen

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.

(C) BBC 2025 Biological Sciences Hygiene & Healthy Living Science
Episodes
  • Should I worry about microplastics?

    Should I worry about microplastics?
    May 20 2025

    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 Rickarby

    At the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Doctors' Notes: Microplastics

    Doctors' Notes: Microplastics
    May 20 2025

    In this bonus episode Chris and Xand continue to explore microplastics - an issue gaining a lot of media and academic interest. They are joined by Dr Stephanie Wright, a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Toxicology at Imperial College, London, whose work looks at the intersection between plastic pollution and human health.

    If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp 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 Rickarby

    At the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • How to have a difficult conversation

    How to have a difficult conversation
    May 13 2025

    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. How do you tell your friend that something they’ve been doing is really starting to hurt your feelings? Talk to your mum about her health? Or even ask your partner to try something new in bed?

    If just thinking about these types of conversations makes your stomach flip, you’re not alone. Most of us avoid moments like these, but how important is it to confront our interpersonal issues head on?

    The docs are joined by Chartered Psychologist Kimberly Wilson to explore how we can better prepare for life’s tough but important conversations. Chris and Xand are committed to sharing their personal health and wellbeing journey on What’s up Docs, and in this episode they unexpectedly found themselves having a difficult conversation of their own.

    If you’d like to share your thoughts on difficult conversations or anything else that caught your attention in this episode - you can email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp us on 08000 665123. Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Kimberly Wilson Producers: Emily Bird and Jo Rowntree Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Kirsten Lass Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researchers: Emily Bird Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable Social Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard Berry Composer: Phoebe McFarlane Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby

    At the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
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