podcastlijstje

What's Up Docs?

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187 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud

  1. Doctors' Notes: Balance

    28 april 2026 · 22 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Chris and Xand continue their conversation with physiotherapist and vestibular rehabilitation specialist, Maggie Stacey. They explore why alcohol can make us unsteady, how our sense of balance develops and changes as we age, and why falls pose such a major health risk for older adults. They also hear from their guest about the balance problems she most often sees in the clinic, and the warning signs that it might be time to seek medical advice. Lees meer

    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: Maggie Stacey
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visuals Producer: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

  2. Should you improve your balance?

    28 april 2026 · 29 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken tune in to the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this episode, they turn their attention to balance. Where does it come from, why is it so important for our health, and do some people naturally have better balance than others? They also explore how much we can improve it, and what we should be doing to maintain it.

    To help them find their balance, they’re joined by physiotherapist and vestibular rehabilitation specialist, Maggie Stacey.

    Falls can have serious consequences for our health and wellbeing, especially as we get older. If you've fallen or are worried about falling, doing exercises to improve your strength, balance and flexibility can help make you stronger and feel more confident on your feet. The current UK fall prevention guidelines advise that adults over the age of 65 should:

    - be physically active every day, even if it's just light activity
    - do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility on at least 2 days a week
    - do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity if you are already active, or a combination of both
    - reduce time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity

    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: Maggie Stacey
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visuals Producer: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

  3. Doctors' Notes: Voice

    21 april 2026 · 26 min

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    Chris and Xand continue their conversation about the complexities of the voice with speech and language therapist, Lydia Hart. They ask why so many of us cringe at the sound of our own voice and whether it’s really possible to change it. They explore how adjusting the way we speak can shape how others respond to us, hear from Lydia about the most common issues she sees in the clinic and find out why voice work often turns out to be about far more than just sound. Lees meer

    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: Lydia Hart
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Social Media: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

  4. How do we care for our voices?

    21 april 2026 · 28 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken tune in to the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this episode, they turn their attention to the voice. Where does it come from, why do we all sound so different, and how much can we really change it? They also explore what we should be doing to take care of our voices.

    To help them strike the right note, they’re joined by voice specialist and speech and language therapist, Lydia Hart.

    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: Lydia Hart
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Social Media: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

  5. Doctors' Notes: Feet

    14 april 2026 · 33 min

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    Drs Chris and Xand continue their conversation about feet with Professor Anthony Redmond, an expert in clinical biomechanics at the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine. Together, they examine common foot problems, from bunions to verrucas, and explore why diseases affecting our blood vessels or nerves seem to often show up in the feet. They ask what this reveals about how we understand our feet and how we should care for them. Lees meer

    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: Professor Anthony Redmond
    Producer: Faye Lyons-White
    Executive Producer: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Samara Linton
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visual Producer: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

  6. How can you look after your feet?

    14 april 2026 · 28 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    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. Lees meer

    In this episode, they turn their attention to our feet. They explore the biology and mechanics of our feet and what happens when that delicate balance goes wrong. They also look at footwear and the little changes that can go a long way in giving our feet the love and care they truly deserve.

    Joining them is Anthony Redmond, Professor of Clinical Biomechanics at the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine. A podiatrist by training, Professor Redmond researches the relationship between mechanics and biology in musculoskeletal conditions, with a focus on the foot and ankle.

    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: Professor Anthony Redmond
    Producer: Faye Lyons-White
    Executive Producer: Jo Rowntree
    Editor:
    Researcher: Samara Linton
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visual Producer: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

  7. Doctors' Notes: Cholesterol

    7 april 2026 · 31 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Chris and Xand take a closer look at cholesterol - what it is, why it worries so many people, and how diet and medicine fit into the picture. They’re joined again by Professor Nita Forouhi, Professor of Population Health and Nutrition at the University of Cambridge, to discuss why foods like seed oils become controversial, when cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins make sense, and how her thinking on cholesterol has evolved over her career. Lees meer

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken
    Guest: Professor Nita Forouhi
    Producer: Faye Lyons-White
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Social Media: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Olga Reed

    At the BBC:

    Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith
    Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

  8. How should we think about cholesterol?

    7 april 2026 · 29 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken untangle the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this episode, they take on one of nutrition’s most misunderstood topics: fat. What is it, and why does our body need it? At what point does something normal and essential become something we worry about? What do cholesterol blood tests actually measure, and how well do they predict disease?

    Chris and Xand also explore the relationship between diet and cholesterol, asking how much influence what we eat really has, whether certain fats deserve their bad reputation, and what gets lost when we focus on single nutrients instead of overall dietary patterns.

    They’re joined by Nita Forouhi, Professor of Population Health and Nutrition at the University of Cambridge, to help separate evidence from hype and offer a clearer way to think about fat, cholesterol, and healthy eating.

    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: Professor Nita Forouhi
    Producer: Faye Lyons-White
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Social Media: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Olga Reed

    At the BBC:

    Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith
    Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

  9. Doctors' Notes: Light

    31 maart 2026 · 19 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Chris and Xand continue their conversation about the sun's effect on our happiness with Professor Hester Parr, human geography and research lead of Living with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Lees meer

    The doctors want to know how low light affects those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), how the disorder is viewed and what research is being done to help treat those with it, including that being conducted by Professor Parr.

    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: Professor Hester Parr
    Producer: Claire Justin
    Visual Producer: Leon Gower
    Executive Producer: Jo Rowntree
    Editor: Claire Justin
    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.

  10. Why do we feel happier when the sun’s out?

    31 maart 2026 · 29 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this episode, Chris and Xand will shine a light on…light. They discuss why the sun can help lift our mood, and its effects on our sleep and general wellbeing. Joining them to discuss this is Professor Hester Parr, a professor of Human Geography with an interest in sunlight's effect on mental health and runs the research group Living with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

    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: Professor Hester Parr
    Producer: Claire Justin
    Video Producer: Leon Gower
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    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

  11. Doctors' Notes: Buildings

    24 maart 2026 · 33 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Chris and Xand continue their conversation about how the built environment affects our health, with architect Lisa Finlay from Heatherwick Studio. Lees meer

    They ask when wellbeing first became a serious consideration in architecture, how Lisa weaves it into her own projects, and whether cities can be designed in ways that actively support public health.

    They also explore what the “healthy building” of the future might look like, and whether architecture could play a bigger role in preventing illness before it starts.

    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: Lisa Finlay
    Producer: Faye Lyons-White
    Visuals Producer: Leon Gower
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby

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

  12. Can buildings make us healthier?

    24 maart 2026 · 30 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the building blocks of our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this episode, they step outside into the built environment to ask: can buildings affect our health? From light and air to noise, materials and design, they explore how architecture shapes the way we feel, think and function.

    They visit Coal Drops Yard to see how a former industrial site was transformed into a modern public space, ask whether wellbeing is something architects actively design for, and explore what small changes we can all make to create healthier spaces. To help answer these questions, they’re joined by architect Lisa Finlay from Heatherwick Studio.

    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: Lisa Finlay
    Producer: Faye Lyons-White
    Visuals Producer: Leon Gower
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Olga Reed

    At the BBC:

    Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith
    Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

  13. Doctors' Notes: Hips

    17 maart 2026 · 25 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Chris and Xand continue their conversation about hips with Dr Paulina Kloskowska, physiotherapist, academic, and researcher. Lees meer

    The doctors discuss hip replacements, how they can potentially be avoided and which activities best support hip health. They also want to learn more about why women are more likely to need a hip replacement and what research is being done to change the landscape of women’s hip 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 Paulina Kloskowska
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Video Producer: Leon Gower
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Jaz Harvey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

  14. How can you look after your hips?

    17 maart 2026 · 29 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this episode, Chris and Xand dive into hip health. How do your hips work? Why is it such a unique part of the body? What can go wrong? They also examine common hip injuries, how women’s hips differ from men’s, how our hips change over our lifetimes, whether a little wear and tear is normal, how best to protect and strengthen your hips and whether a hip replacement can really be avoided.

    Joining them to discuss this is Dr Paulina Kloskowska - physiotherapist, academic, and researcher, with a particular focus on injuries involving the pelvis, lower back, hip and groin, as well as on improving injury prevention, biomechanics and rehabilitation in female athletes.

    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 Paulina Kloskowska
    Producer: Maia Miller Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Social Media: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

  15. Doctors' Notes: Toothache

    10 maart 2026 · 20 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Chris and Xand continue their conversation about toothache with Praveen Sharma, Associate Professor & Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Birmingham. Lees meer

    They explore how dental pain was treated in the past, and what’s changed since. They also explore how modern lifestyles and diets may be contributing to dental problems.

    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 Praveen Sharma
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visual Producer: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

  16. How can you avoid toothache?

    10 maart 2026 · 29 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken get to the root of what shapes our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this episode, they ask why our teeth so often cause pain and problems. They look at how teeth work, why they’re so prone to decay, and what actually causes toothache. They ask when it’s time to see a dentist, what helps with the pain, and whether there’s anything we can do ourselves to prevent it.

    To help answer these questions, they’re joined once again by Praveen Sharma, Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant at the University of Birmingham.

    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 Praveen Sharma
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visual Producer: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

  17. Doctors' Notes: Shoulders

    3 maart 2026 · 32 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Chris and Xand continue their conversation about endometriosis with Kate Haynes, Chartered Human Physiotherapist and Veterinary Physiotherapist. Lees meer

    The doctors want to know how to maintain shoulder health year-round, how to avoid overworking our shoulders and some top tips for rehabilitation of shoulder injuries. They also want to learn more from Kate about the similarities and differences between human and horse anatomy, including the common issues she sees with riders versus horses, how these issues are dealt with and what we can learn from the comparative anatomy of horses and humans.

    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: Kate Haynes
    Producer: Faye Lyons-White and Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visual Producer: 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.

  18. How can you best look after your shoulders?

    3 maart 2026 · 28 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this episode, Chris and Xand dive into shoulder health. How do your shoulders work? What can go wrong? What to do if you experience problems with your shoulders? They also examine how best to maintain shoulder health through exercises like weightlifting and paying attention to your posture, highlight some important lessons about shoulder health that we can all utilise in our daily lives, and get an insight into what it's like to work with both horses and humans as a physiotherapist.

    Joining them to discuss this is Kate Haynes, Chartered Human Physiotherapist and Veterinary Physiotherapist, primarily working with horses and their riders, including for the GB Para Dressage Team.

    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: Kate Haynes
    Producer: Faye Lyons-White
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visual Producer: 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

  19. Doctors' Notes: Endometriosis

    24 februari 2026 · 16 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Chris and Xand continue their conversation about endometriosis with Dr Chi Eziefula, Associate Professor in Global Health and Infection at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Lees meer

    The doctors want to know what the deeper biology of endometriosis is, how general attitudes around women’s health impact the time it takes to be diagnosed with conditions, and if we are seeing any change in the research and social landscape surrounding endometriosis. They also explore how medical training impacts doctors' ability to identify and diagnose women’s health conditions like endometriosis, which currently have an average time to diagnosis of seven and a half years.

    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 Chi Eziefula
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Jo Rowntree
    Editor: Faye Lyons-White
    Assistant Producer: Faye Lyons-White
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visual Producer: 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.

  20. How can we better understand endometriosis?

    24 februari 2026 · 29 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this episode, Chris and Xand dive into endometriosis, a condition that occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other areas of the body. It affects around one in ten women of reproductive age, often causing severe pain, mental health issues and in some cases, it can result in infertility. In this episode, the doctors discuss the symptoms of endometriosis, the theories about its biological mechanisms and underlying cause, and why the condition is under-researched and under-funded, resulting in patients waiting on average 7.5 years to be diagnosed.

    Joining them to discuss this is Dr Chi Eziefula, Associate Professor in Global Health and Infection at Brighton and Sussex Medical School and an Honorary Consultant physician.

    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 Chi Eziefula
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis and Faye Lyons-White
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visual Producer: 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

  21. Doctors' Notes: Immune Health

    17 februari 2026 · 27 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Chris and Xand continue their conversation about immune health with Prof Dan Davis, Head of Life Sciences and Professor of Immunology at Imperial College London. Lees meer

    The doctors want to know more about the deeper biology of the immune system. Is it true that a bit of stress prevents infection, while chronic stress is detrimental to your immune system? Why does intense exercise drop the immune response? They also examine autoimmune diseases, what they are and what they do to the body.

    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: Prof Daniel Davis
    Producer: Faye Lyons-White
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visual Producer: 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.

  22. Does your immune system need boosting?

    17 februari 2026 · 29 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    What defines a well-functioning immune system, and why are some people seemingly "immune" to everything while others catch every cold? In this episode, Chris and Xand dive into the complex mechanics of immunology. They tackle the controversial trend of "immune boosting" and discuss the delicate balance between under-active and over-active responses.

    To help unpick this, they're joined by Professor Dan Davis, Head of Life Sciences and Professor of Immunology at Imperial College London and author of Self-Defence - a myth-busting guide to immune health.

    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: Prof Daniel Davis
    Producer: Faye Lyons-White
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visual Producer: 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

  23. Doctors' Notes: Kissing

    10 februari 2026 · 20 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Chris and Xand dig deeper into the evolution of kissing. They ask what first drew our guest into this unusual area of research, why evidence that humans and Neanderthals kissed is so significant, and why it’s so challenging to explain why kissing developed in the first place. Lees meer

    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 Matilda Brindle
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Social Media: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

    At the BBC:

    Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith
    Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

  24. Why do we kiss?

    10 februari 2026 · 28 min

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    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken try to get to the bottom of the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this Valentine’s Day-themed episode, they turn their attention to kissing. Why do humans kiss, how did it evolve, and does it offer any biological advantage? They also explore the meaning behind different types of kisses and whether kissing is truly universal among humans – and what it means if it isn’t.

    To help them untangle the science behind one of our most intimate behaviours, they’re joined by Evolutionary Biologist, Dr Matilda Brindle.
    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 Matilda Brindle
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Social Media: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

  25. Doctors' Notes: Focus

    3 februari 2026 · 24 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Drs Chris and Xand continue their conversation about focus with Duncan Astle, Professor of Neuroinformatics at the Department of Psychiatry at Cambridge University. Lees meer

    Chris and Xand want to know what the impact of having ADHD is, whether a diagnosis can help and if it can predict anything, the neurology and evolutionary explanations for ADHD, and which interventions are currently available. They also explore some controversial ways of improving focus and hear Dr Astle’s personal and clinical perspective on focus and ADHD.

    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 Duncan Astle
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Social Media: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

  26. How can you improve your focus?

    3 februari 2026 · 29 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this episode, Chris and Xand dive into focus and how it can be improved. How do focus and attention work? Are there different types of attention? What impacts your ability to focus? Is social media ruining your focus? How can you improve? They explore the neurology of focus and attention, why you might find it difficult to focus, and how you can get better at it.

    Joining them to discuss this is Duncan Astle, Professor of Neuroinformatics at the Department of Psychiatry at Cambridge University, and leader of the 4D Research Group, which looks at childhood development and developmental disorders.

    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 Duncan Astle
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Social Media: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

  27. Daily Dose: Laughter

    30 januari 2026 · 4 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand return to their episode on laughter with Professor Sophie Scott CBE, a leading expert in the neuroscience of laughter, from University College London. Sophie explained how laughter is a positive, evolutionary trait that we all go on a journey to understand as we grow up. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  28. Daily Dose: Core Strength

    29 januari 2026 · 3 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand return to their episode on core strength with physiotherapist James Moore. James highlighted why exercising our core can help us live long and strong, but doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym hard. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  29. Daily Dose: Fibre

    28 januari 2026 · 4 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand return to their episode on fibre with Dr Deirdre Tobias. Deirdre outlined why fibre is important for our diets and where we should be getting it from. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  30. Doctors' Notes: Diet

    27 januari 2026 · 26 min

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    Drs Chris and Xand continue their conversation about food with Professor of Psychology Ashley Gearhardt. Drawing on her clinical experience, they explore what it means to live with food addiction and how shame and stigma make it harder to talk openly, seek help, or make changes. They also explore how Ashley came to study food addiction, and the links between industrial processing of food and tobacco. Lees meer

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken
    Guest: Professor Ashley Gearhardt
    Researcher: Samara Linton
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Social Media Producer: Leon Gower
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    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.

  31. How can we sustain a healthy diet?

    27 januari 2026 · 29 min

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    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this episode, Chris and Xand turn their attention to food. It’s January, and many of us have resolved to “eat better” but why does it so often feel like an uphill battle? Why do we crave certain foods and not others? And what does a genuinely healthy relationship with food look like?

    They explore the science behind how our brains and bodies respond to food, and why willpower alone is rarely enough when it comes to eating well. From ultra-processed foods that trigger addictive-like responses to the influence of marketing, availability and convenience, they unpack why eating well is about much more than individual choice, and what actually helps us eat well in the long term.

    Joining them is Ashley Gearhardt PhD, Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan, whose research focuses on how certain foods can trigger addictive processes and how food advertising activates reward systems in the brain. She also developed the Yale Food Addiction Scale, a widely used tool to assess signs of addictive-like eating behaviour.

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken
    Guest: Professor Ashley Gearhardt
    Researcher: Samara Linton
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Social Media Producer: Leon Gower
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    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

  32. Daily Dose: Fresh Breath

    26 januari 2026 · 5 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Drs Chris and Xand return to their episode on fresh breath with Dr Praveen Sharma. Praveen walked the docs through the best way to take care of our teeth and how we should be thinking about our oral health. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  33. Daily Dose: Saying 'No'

    23 januari 2026 · 4 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand return to their episode on the power of saying no, with Dr Sunita Sah from Cornell University. Sunita had a fantastic point on how saying no is linked to our values - and how we can figure out what our values are. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  34. Daily Dose: Backs

    22 januari 2026 · 5 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand return to their episode on backs with Dr Mindy Cairns, Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and Associate Professor at the University of Hertfordshire. Mindy offered some excellent insight into fear avoidance when it comes to back pain, and why we perhaps don’t need to be a fearful as we may think. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  35. Daily Dose: Protein

    21 januari 2026 · 5 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand are return to their episode on protein with Nita Forouhi, Professor of Population Health and Nutrition at the University of Cambridge. Nita had a very clear message - get your protein from wholefoods, rather than supplements. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  36. Doctors' Notes: Exercise

    20 januari 2026 · 21 min

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    Chris and Xand continue their conversation about exercise with Dr Jo Blodgett, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health at University College in London. She’s a life-course epidemiologist whose work focuses on how movement across the whole 24-hour day shapes population health. Lees meer

    They talk to Jo about her own sporting background as a semi-professional national league footballer, the impact of the menstrual cycle on sporting performance and the best way to approach exercise as we age, particularly for women approaching or experiencing the menopause.

    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 Jo Blodgett
    Researcher: Samara Linton
    Producer: Faye Lyons White
    Social Media Producer: Leon Gower
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    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.

  37. How much exercise should you do?

    20 januari 2026 · 29 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this episode, Chris and Xand explore the role and impact of exercise on our bodies and mood. Is going to the gym three times a week the best way of keeping fit? Or should you spread out your activity in shorter bursts throughout the day? They also discover which one of the brothers is ‘an active couch potato’ and why you can’t out run a bad diet.

    Joining them to discuss this is Dr Jo Blodgett, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health at University College London. She’s a life-course epidemiologist whose work focuses on how movement across the whole 24-hour day shapes population health.

    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 Jo Blodgett
    Researcher: Samara Linton
    Producer: Faye Lyons White
    Social Media Producer: Leon Gower
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    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

  38. Daily Dose: Nails

    19 januari 2026 · 4 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand return to their episode on nails with Dr Yusur Al-Nuaimi, Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and Clinical Lead for the British Hair and Nail Society. Yusur highlighted how our nails have developed to optimize human function and are deeply rooted without our evolutionary history. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  39. Daily Dose: Sleep Deprivation

    16 januari 2026 · 6 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand are returning to their episode on sleep with Professor of Circadian Neuroscience, Russell Foster. As a sleep expert, Russell explained why we can perhaps relax a bit when it comes to sleep, especially when it comes to losing some from time to time. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  40. Daily Dose: Hanger

    15 januari 2026 · 4 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand return to their episode on hanger with Professor of Social Psychology, Viren Swami who explains what hanger is and how best we should deal with it. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  41. Daily Dose: Willpower

    14 januari 2026 · 6 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand return to their first episode of What’s Up Docs?, on willpower with Kimberley Wilson. Chartered Psychologist Kimberley reminded us that willpower might not actually be the positive, motivating force we think it is. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  42. Doctors' Notes: Alcohol

    13 januari 2026 · 24 min

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    Chris and Xand continue their conversation about alcohol with Dr May van Schalkwyk, Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, who focuses on how commercial actors influence ideas, knowledge, science and policymaking. Lees meer

    The twins want to know why some people might struggle to get through Dry January, whether we have a drinking culture in the UK and how it may have been shaped by industry. They also examine attitudes towards alcohol in other cultures, whether attitudes towards alcohol are changing, whether low- or no-alcohol alternatives are a positive move, and how we can improve our culture around alcohol.

    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 May van Schalkwyk
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis and Emily Bird
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    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.

  43. Should you do Dry January?

    13 januari 2026 · 29 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this episode, Chris and Xand dive into alcohol. Is there such a thing as a safe level of alcohol or a safe form? Are there actually any benefits to alcohol? Should teetotalism be the goal? They also explore the short- and long-term effects and harms of alcohol, including indirect harms, whether we should be doing Dry January, and what the benefits of reducing your alcohol intake are.

    Joining them to discuss this is Dr May van Schalkwyk, Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, who focuses on how commercial actors influence ideas, knowledge, science and policymaking.

    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 May van Schalkwyk
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis and Emily Bird
    Social Media Producer: Leon Gower
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    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

  44. Daily Dose: Nature

    12 januari 2026 · 6 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand return to their episode on nature with Professor Baroness Kathy Willis. Kathy had some excellent advice on how to bring more nature into our homes and lives. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  45. Daily Dose: Embarrassment

    9 januari 2026 · 4 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand return to their episode on embarrassment with cultural historian, Dr Tiffany Watt-Smith. Tiffany identified that, while embarrassment is painful on a personal level, it is in fact an important social emotion. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  46. Daily Dose: Knees

    8 januari 2026 · 3 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    In this Daily Dose, Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are returning to their episode on knees with rheumatology professor, Phil Conaghan from University of Leeds. Phil gave Chris some sage advice on why you shouldn't avoid exercising your knees if they give you pain from time to time. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  47. Daily Dose: Menstrual Health

    7 januari 2026 · 5 min

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    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand return to their episode on menstrual health with Dr Chi Eziefula, who flipped our perspective on the menstrual cycle, reframing it as a positive, evolutionary advantage that has enabled us to survive and thrive. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.

  48. Doctors' Notes: Resolutions

    6 januari 2026 · 27 min

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    In this new year episode, Chris and Xand continue their conversation with behaviour change expert Alasdair Cant, taking a closer look at the psychology behind our attempts to start afresh. They explore how Alasdair got into the field of behaviour change and the patterns that distinguish people who succeed with long-term change from those who struggle. Lees meer

    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: Alasdair Cant
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Social Media: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

  49. Should we be turning over a new leaf in January?

    6 januari 2026 · 28 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken untangle the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. Lees meer

    In this new year episode, they’re taking on the idea of the fresh start, especially the powerful urge many of us feel at the beginning of a new year to overhaul our health. Why do we want to make big changes in January? Why do our good intentions so often fall apart? And do we actually need to ‘turn over a new leaf’, or is there a better way to think about lasting change?

    Chris and Xand speak to Alasdair Cant, behaviour change specialist with over 30 years’ experience. Drawing on the spirit of Motivational Interviewing, he empowers people to have open, honest conversations about change and growth. With a background in education, Alasdair works with teams and individuals to fulfil their potential in health, criminal justice, social care, education, the arts and the private sector, to get to the heart of what really drives change. With Alasdair, the docs explore why we slip back into old habits, what helps people stay on track, and how understanding the psychology of change can make new habits far more sustainable. They also ask Alasdair how his work has shaped his own life and attitudes towards making resolutions.

    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: Alasdair Cant
    Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis
    Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Social Media: Leon Gower
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
    Sound Design: Ruth Rainey

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

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

  50. Daily Dose: Difficult Conversations

    5 januari 2026 · 5 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    In this Daily Dose, Chris and Xand return to their episode on difficult conversations. Chartered Psychologist Kimberley Wilson has some great advice on how best to approach a difficult conversation and what happens when we find ourselves confronted by one. Lees meer

    Daily Doses of expert wisdom from previous episodes will be dropping each weekday throughout January (except Tuesdays). You'll find them in the What’s Up Docs? feed on BBC Sounds, alongside all the main episodes of the podcast.