What's Up Docs?

By: BBC Radio 4
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  • Summary

  • 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.
    (C) BBC 2025
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Biological Sciences Hygiene & Healthy Living Science
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Episodes
  • How can I look after my knees?

    How can I look after my knees?
    Apr 8 2025

    In a new podcast from BBC Radio 4, doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the messy and complicated world of health and wellbeing.

    In this episode they want to know about knee pain - why do we get it, what can we do to treat and prevent it, and should we really just ‘push through it’? They talk to Philip Conaghan, Professor of Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Leeds, to find out.

    If you want to get in touch, you can email at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665123.

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Professor Philip Conaghan Producer: Jo Rowntree Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Kirsten Lass Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researcher: Grace Revill 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
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    29 mins
  • Doctors' Notes: Knees

    Doctors' Notes: Knees
    Apr 8 2025

    Join Chris and Xand for some bonus content, digging deeper into the topic of each week’s episode of What’s Up Docs?

    In this episode they look at knees and are joined by Philip Conaghan, Professor of Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Leeds. They discuss key exercises we can be doing to help with chronic knee pain, what the best kind of pain relief is, and how to ensure longevity of the ligaments.

    If you’d like to share your thoughts on this, or any other topic in the series, you can email at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or send us a message or voice note on Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Philip Conaghan, Professor of Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Leeds Producer: Jo Rowntree Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Kirsten Lass Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researchers: Grace Revill Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable Social Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard Berry Composer: Phoebe McFarlane Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
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    21 mins
  • Am I hangry?

    Am I hangry?
    Apr 1 2025

    In a new podcast from BBC Radio 4, doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the messy and complicated world of health and wellbeing.

    In this episode they want to know about ‘hanger’. Is it real? Or is being hangry just a marketing tool?

    Guest Professor of Social Psychology Viren Swami from Anglia Ruskin University says it's real - but hunger is not the only thing that contributes to our emotional state.

    If you want to get in touch, you can email at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665123.

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Professor Viren Swami 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
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    29 mins

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