What's Up Docs? Podcast
Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are on a mission to help us take better care of ourselves.
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 665123
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
Episodes to download
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Doctors' Notes: Diet
Last Tuesday
Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken take a deeper look at our relationship with food.
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How can we sustain a healthy diet?
Last Tuesday
Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore how we can sustain a healthy diet.
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Doctors' Notes: Exercise
Tue 20 Jan 2026
Chris and Xand look at how the menstrual cycle and the menopause affect how we exercise.
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How much exercise should you do?
Tue 20 Jan 2026
Drs Chris and Xand explore how much or how little exercise is enough for most of us?
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Doctors' Notes: Alcohol
Tue 13 Jan 2026
Chris and Xand look at how the alcohol industry may have shaped our drinking culture.
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Should you do Dry January?
Tue 13 Jan 2026
Drs Chris and Xand explore alcohol and what a good intake goal might look like.
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Daily Dose: Embarrassment
Fri 9 Jan 2026
Chris and Xand return to embarrassment and why it’s an important social emotion.
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Daily Dose: Knees
Thu 8 Jan 2026
Chris and Xand return to their episode on knees and the advice for looking after them.
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Daily Dose: Menstrual Health
Wed 7 Jan 2026
In this Daily Dose, Drs Chris and Xand return to their episode on the menstrual cycle.
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Doctors' Notes: Resolutions
Tue 6 Jan 2026
Chris and Xand dig deeper into what it means to create lasting change.
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Should we be turning over a new leaf in January?
Tue 6 Jan 2026
Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken ask why making changes is so hard.
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Daily Dose: Difficult Conversations
Mon 5 Jan 2026
Chris and Xand return to difficult conversations, reflecting on how best to approach them.
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Daily Dose: False Memories
Fri 2 Jan 2026
Chris and Xand return to false memories, asking what they are, and why we all have them.
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Daily Dose: Napping
New Year's Day 2026
In this first Daily Dose, Chris and Xand reflect on what the ideal nap looks like.
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Introducing the Daily Dose
Wed 31 Dec 2025
Need a January refresh? Chris and Xand have it covered with Daily Doses of expert wisdom.
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Doctors' Notes: Joy
Tue 30 Dec 2025
Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken take a deeper dive into the science of joy.
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Is joy always good for us?
Tue 30 Dec 2025
Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore joy and why it can be a complicated emotion.
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