
What's Up Docs?
169 episodes — Page 1 of 4
Doctors' Notes: Crying
Is crying good for you?
Doctors' Notes: Relaxation
Why is it so hard to relax?
Doctors' Notes: Hydration
How hydrated should you really be?
Doctors' Notes: Bad Advice
Why do we follow bad advice?
Doctors' Notes: Eyes
How can you look after your eyes?
Doctors' Notes: AI Medicine
What can AI medicine do for you?
Doctors' Notes: Lungs Special at Crossed Wires Festival
How can we look after our amazing lungs?
Doctors’ Notes: Heart Palpitations
What are your heart palpitations telling you?
Doctors’ Notes: Body Odour
What does my body odour say about my health?
Doctors’ Notes: Healthy Longevity Special at Hay Festival
How to Live Healthier for Longer
Doctors' Notes: Friendship
Are friends good for your health?
Doctors' Notes: Male Contraception
Is a male contraceptive pill closer than you think?
Doctors' Notes: Lymphatic system
Do our lymphatic systems need a detox?
Doctors' Notes: Hay fever
Why do we get hay fever?
Doctors' Notes: Calcium
Are we getting enough calcium?
Doctors' Notes: Snoring
Why do you snore?
Doctors' Notes: Balance
Should you improve your balance?
Doctors' Notes: Voice
How do we care for our voices?
Doctors' Notes: Feet
How can you look after your feet?

Ep 131Doctors' Notes: Cholesterol
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.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 ReedAt the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Ep 130How should we think about cholesterol?
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.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 [email protected] 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 RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

Ep 129Doctors' Notes: Light
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.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 [email protected] 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 RickarbyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Ep 128Why do we feel happier when the sun’s out?
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.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 [email protected] 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 RickarbyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

Ep 127Doctors' Notes: Buildings
Chris and Xand continue their conversation about how the built environment affects our health, with architect Lisa Finlay from Heatherwick Studio.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 [email protected] 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 RickarbyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Ep 126Can buildings make us healthier?
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.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 [email protected] 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 ReedAt the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

Ep 125Doctors' Notes: Hips
Chris and Xand continue their conversation about hips with Dr Paulina Kloskowska, physiotherapist, academic, and researcher.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 [email protected] 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 HarveyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Ep 124How can you look after your hips?
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.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 [email protected] 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 RaineyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

Ep 123Doctors' Notes: Toothache
Chris and Xand continue their conversation about toothache with Praveen Sharma, Associate Professor & Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Birmingham.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 [email protected] 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 RaineyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Ep 122How can you avoid toothache?
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. 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 [email protected] 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 RaineyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

Ep 121Doctors' Notes: Shoulders
Chris and Xand continue their conversation about endometriosis with Kate Haynes, Chartered Human Physiotherapist and Veterinary Physiotherapist.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 [email protected] 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 RickarbyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Ep 120How can you best look after your shoulders?
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.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 [email protected] 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 RickarbyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4