What's Up Docs?

Doctors debate the latest health research, science and wellness advice AI summary

BBC Radio 4 Visit website › Health & Fitness · EN · 193 episodes · latest 2026-11-10

Rank 4035

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What it is about

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.

Publisher’s own description, taken unchanged from the podcast feed.
(C) BBC 2026

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Latest episodes

Drs' Notes: How can we train our noses?

2026-11-10 · 24 min · Episode 192

Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation with Katherine Whitcroft, ear, nose, and throat surgeon at Sheffield Children's Hospital and co-director of the Sheffield Chemosensory Research Lab.Together, they…
What do you need to know about your nose?

2026-11-10 · 29 min · Episode 191

Welcome to What's Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing.In this episode, they turn their attention to the nose, an organ…
Drs' Notes: What should you do if you get a fever after travelling?

2026-11-03 · 28 min · Episode 190

Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about fevers with Dr Catherine Houlihan, consultant in clinical virology and infectious diseases at University College London Hospitals.They find out about her…
How should you treat a fever?

2026-11-03 · 29 min · Episode 189

Welcome to What's Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they examine fevers. They ask how and why our…
Drs' Notes: Can 'recreational fear' be good for you?

2026-10-27 · 23 min · Episode 188

Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professors Marc Andersen and Mathias Clasen. Together, they explore the work Marc and Mathias do at the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University in Denmark.…
Why do we love scary movies?

2026-10-27 · 29 min · Episode 187

Welcome to What's Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing.In this episode, they turn their attention to recreational fear -…
Drs' Notes: Can your joints repair themselves?

2026-10-20 · 31 min · Episode 186

Doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about osteoarthritis with Professor Tonia Vincent, Director of the Centre for Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis and professor of musculoskeletal biology at…
Will we all get osteoarthritis?

2026-10-20 · 29 min · Episode 185

Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where identical twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In this episode they look into the incredibly…
Drs' Notes: How can spots affect mental health?

2026-10-13 · 23 min · Episode 184

In this Doctor's Notes episode of What's Up Docs?, Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professor Tess McPherson, Consultant Dermatologist at Oxford University Hospitals.Together, they explore…
What can you do about your spots?

2026-10-13 · 29 min · Episode 183

Welcome to What's Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing.In this episode, they turn their attention to acne, a condition…

Episode details from the publisher’s feed. Playback happens at the publisher.

Publisher details

Owner: BBC
Oldest episode in feed: 03/2025 · over a year
Typical length: 24 min
Format: Episodic Newest first, episodes stand alone

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