What's Up Docs?

What's Up Docs?

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  • Ranking

    8th

    on Nature

  • Favorites

    436

    Followers

  • Typical duration

    28 min

    per episode

  • If it hooks

    64%

    finish an episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

What's Up Docs? episodes

  • Doctors' Notes: Sleep Disorders

    Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about sleep disorders with Dr Sophie West, a consultant respiratory physician and lead of Newcastle regional sleep service.

    They explore what good sleep hygiene looks like and how temperature and hydration can affect our sleep. They also dig into dreams: why we have them, whether we can control them, and how to stop recurrent nightmares.

    If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected] or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

    Guest: Dr Sophie West
    Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Assistant Producer: Leon Gower
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Samara Linton
    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 min
  • Drs' Notes: Why did neurodiversity evolve?

    Drs Chris and Xand continue their conversation about neurodiversity with Professor Duncan Astle.

    The doctors want to know what evolution could say about neurodivergence, how the definition of neurodivergent conditions has changed over time, how modern societal structures interact with neurodivergence and what could be changed, how social media interacts with neurodiversity, what we can all do to understand and empathise with neurodiversity.

    If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you can email us at [email protected].

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

    Guest: Professor Duncan Astle
    Producer: 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: Olga Reed

    At the BBC:

    Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith
    Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

    28 min
  • How can we better understand neurodiversity?

    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.

    What is neurodiversity really? It's a term we hear a lot, but do we actually understand what it means?

    In this episode, Chris and Xand van Tulleken break down the concept of neurodiversity. From discussing diagnosis to discovering how to rethink the narrative around neurodiversity, the twins explore the facts behind one of the most talked about topics.

    Chris and Xand are joined by Professor 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 [email protected].

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

    Guest: Professor Duncan Astle
    Producer: 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: Olga Reed

    At the BBC:

    Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith
    Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

    29 min
  • Drs' Notes: How do athletes look after their ankles?

    Chris and Xand continue their conversation about ankle health with Genevieve Tawiah.

    The doctors want to know how different sports and performance arts can impact your ankles, but also how they can help strengthen and protect such a unique set of joints. They also want to know about different conditions that might affect the ankle and what can be done to manage them, and to learn more about Gen’s experiences working as a performance physiotherapist for a wide range of athletes and performers.

    If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected].

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

    Guest: Genevieve Tawiah
    Producer: Dr Samara Linton
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visual Producer: 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.

    25 min
  • How can you better look after your ankles?

    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.

    In this episode, they discuss ankles and how to best strengthen and protect them - from uncovering the biology behind one of the most heavily stressed parts of the body, to discussing tips and tricks for strengthening your ankles, preventing injury or managing existing issues.

    Chris and Xand are joined by Genevieve Tawiah, a performance physiotherapist who has worked with West End shows, theatre tours, Badminton England, and even Strictly Come Dancing.

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

    Guest: Genevieve Tawiah
    Producer: Dr Samara Linton
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Mili Ostojic
    Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
    Visual Producer: 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

    29 min
  • Do you have ADHD? (from Complex with Kimberley Wilson)

    Today we’re sharing an episode from our sister podcast, Complex with Kimberley Wilson.

    In the episode, Kimberley asks CBT therapist Joshua Munn about the symptoms of ADHD and how to recognise it. He has lived experience of the condition and explains some of the ways he manages it.

    In Complex, Kimberley Wilson, chartered psychologist, is on a mission to sift through all the information and misinformation that’s out there around our mental health to help create more self-awareness and understanding. She invites expert guests - trained psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists - to join her and together they share insight and valuable tips.

    If you enjoy this episode, you can find more by searching for Complex with Kimberley Wilson on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

    You can also get in touch if there’s anything you would like Kimberley to explore. The email address is [email protected]. We might use what you tell us in the show, but we will do so anonymously. If you don’t want your email to be included in the podcast, then please remember to let us know.

    Kimberley is not able to answer emails personally. If you are concerned you have a medical or mental health issue, then please contact your GP or seek expert help. Please also take a look on the BBC Actionline page: https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/ where you can find details of organisations offering information and support for common issues.

    Complex is a Loftus Media production for BBC Sounds.

    Producer: Kirsten Lass
    Assistant Producer: Katie Chandler Clarke
    Researcher: Grace Revill
    Science Editor: Rami Tzabar
    Tech Producer: Reuben Huxtable
    Sound Designer: Jaz Harvey
    Digital Lead: Richard Berry
    Podcast artwork photography: Darren Skene
    And for BBC Sounds:
    Assistant Commissioner: Izzy Lee-Poulton
    Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

    31 min
  • Doctors' Notes: Type 2 Diabetes

    Chris and Xand van Tulleken take a deeper dive into type 2 diabetes and the bigger factors shaping one of the world's most common health conditions.

    Joined by Dr Tamara Hibbert, they explore why type 2 diabetes rates are rising, the role of inequality and deprivation, and why some communities are disproportionately affected.

    They also discuss how type 2 diabetes treatment has evolved, how important group consultations are in treating the condition, and what can happen when type 2 diabetes is not properly managed.

    If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected].

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

    Guest: Dr Tamara Hibbert
    Producer: Faye Lyons-White
    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: Melvin Rickarby

    At the BBC:

    Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith
    Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

    31 min
  • How can we better understand type 2 diabetes?

    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 type 2 diabetes. To understand this condition, they start with the basics: what blood sugar actually is, why our bodies need it, and how it is normally kept under control. They explore where blood sugar comes from, what healthy levels look like, and what happens when those levels become too high.

    They then look at who is most at risk, and why the condition can affect so many parts of the body. Along the way, they discuss the symptoms people should look out for, and what to do if you're worried about your own health including going through the ‘8 care processes’ often described as a diabetes MOT.

    To help them unpack it all, they’re joined by Dr Tamara Hibbert, Chair of Newham LMC and Diabetes UK Clinical Champion

    If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected].

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

    Guest: Dr Tamara Hibbert
    Producer: Faye Lyons-White
    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: Melvin Rickarby

    At the BBC:

    Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith

    Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
    A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

    30 min
  • How to Spot a Sleep Disorder

    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.

    In this episode, they dig into sleep disorders, including insomnia, restless leg syndrome and parasomnias, which include sleepwalking, sleep talking, and night terrors. They explore what it means to have healthy sleep.

    Joining them is Dr Sophie West, a consultant respiratory physician and lead of Newcastle regional sleep service, with national roles across the OSA Alliance, British Thoracic Society, and NICE Sleep Disordered Breathing Guidelines group.

    If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

    Guest: Dr Sophie West
    Producer: Rami Tzabar
    Assistant Producer: Leon Gower
    Editor: Jo Rowntree
    Researcher: Samara Linton
    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

    29 min
  • Doctors' Notes: Routine

    Doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken are back with a bonus episode, continuing their conversation on routines with ​​Bas Verplanken, Professor Emeritus of Social Psychology at the University of Bath.

    They take a deeper look at how our routines influence our behaviour - do they matter more than our attitudes and beliefs? They also want to know whether routines help or hinder creativity and how our age and social roles shape the routines we form.

    If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected].

    Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

    Guest: Professor Bas Verplanken
    Producer: Dr Samara Linton and Maia Miller-Lewis
    Researcher: Dr Samara Linton
    Executive Producer: Jo Rowntree
    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

    22 min

About What's Up Docs?

From the publisher's feed

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]

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