What's Up Docs? Podcast By BBC Radio 4 cover art

What's Up Docs?
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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.

Email: whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk Whatsapp: 08000 665123

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

(C) BBC 2026 Biological Sciences Hygiene & Healthy Living Science
Episodes
  • Drs' Notes: How can we train our noses?

    Drs' Notes: How can we train our noses?
    Nov 10 2026

    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 hear what drew her to the nose, and further explore nasal polyps. They look at nose reshaping procedures, and the medical and aesthetic reasons behind them.

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

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Katherine Whitcroft Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researcher: Grace Revill Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Visual Producer: Leon Gower Technical 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.
    Show more Show less
    24 mins
  • What do you need to know about your nose?

    What do you need to know about your nose?
    Nov 10 2026

    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 we use with every breath but rarely stop to think about.

    Joined by Miss Katherine Whitcroft, ear, nose, and throat surgeon at Sheffield Children's Hospital and co-director of the Sheffield Chemosensory Research Lab, Chris and Xand explore how the nose is built and what it does for us, why we produce so much mucus and where it goes, and why our noses run when we cry or eat spicy food. The conversation also covers how our sense of smell changes across our lives, the most common things that go wrong with the nose, and what the evidence says about treatments such as nasal sprays.

    If you want to get in touch, you can email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk.

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Miss Katherine Whitcroft Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researcher: Grace Revill Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Visual Producer: Leon Gower Technical Lead: Reuben Huxtable 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
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Drs' Notes: What should you do if you get a fever after travelling?

    Drs' Notes: What should you do if you get a fever after travelling?
    Nov 3 2026

    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 work as a consultant in infection at the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency and what to do if you develop a fever after travelling abroad.

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

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Dr Catherine Houlihan Producer and researcher: Dr Samara Linton Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Visual Producer: Leon Gower Technical 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.
    Show more Show less
    28 mins
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