What's Up Docs? cover art

What's Up Docs?
Buy box is not available to display at this moment. Sorry for the inconvenience.
To purchase this audiobook, please visit this page later or call our 24/7 customer service

About this listen

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
  • Doctors' Notes: Kissing

    Doctors' Notes: Kissing
    Feb 10 2026

    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.

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Why do we kiss?

    Why do we kiss?
    Feb 10 2026

    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.

    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
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Doctors' Notes: Focus

    Doctors' Notes: Focus
    Feb 3 2026

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

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
No reviews yet