What's Up Docs?

Episodes

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  Drs' Notes: How can spots affect mental health? 13.10.2026 22m

  In this Doctor's Notes episode of What's Up Docs?, Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professor Tess McPherson, Consultant Dermatologist at Oxford University Hospitals.Together, they explore the emotional side of acne, discussing why a visible skin condition can have such a profound effect on confidence and mental health. They look at how social media, filtered images and skincare influencers have shaped expectations around "perfect skin", and whether there is a particular stigma attached to adult acne. The conversation also turns to skincare treatment. 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 Tess McPherson Producer: Dr Samara Linton Researcher: Grace Revill Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Jo Rowntree Visual Producer: Leon Gower Technical 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.
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  What can you do about your spots? 13.10.2026 29m

  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 acne, a condition that affects most people at some point in their lives, yet remains surrounded by myths and misinformation.Joined by Professor Tess McPherson, Consultant Dermatologist at Oxford University Hospitals, they explore what causes acne, why it is so common during the teenage years, and why it can continue well into adulthood. The conversation also covers the treatments available, from over-the-counter products to prescription medicines, including what the evidence tells us about their benefits and risks.If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected]: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Professor Tess McPherson Producer: Dr Samara Linton Researcher: Grace Revill Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Jo Rowntree Visual Producer: Leon Gower Technical 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
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  Drs' Notes: How can we manage chronic pain? 06.10.2026 25m

  Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation with Dr Cathy Stannard, clinical lead of the pain transformation programme at NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board and the clinical lead for the NICE guideline on chronic pain. Together, they take a closer look at chronic pain, exploring what happens when pain persists beyond the original injury. The conversation also explores how chronic pain is treated. They discuss why medical treatments that work well for acute pain may be less effective for chronic pain and the evidence for approaches such as psychological therapies and social support. They also tackle some of the misconceptions surrounding pain. 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]: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Dr Cathy Stannard Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researcher: Grace Revill Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Jo Rowntree Visual Producer: Leon Gower Technical 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.
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  How can we better understand pain? 06.10.2026 29m

  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 pain - one of the most familiar, yet least understood, experiences of being human.Joined by Dr Cathy Stannard, clinical lead of the pain transformation programme at NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board and the clinical lead for the NICE guideline on chronic pain, they explore what happens in the body when we feel pain and why two people with seemingly identical injuries can experience very different levels of pain.They also explore the difference between acute and chronic pain, and what happens when pain persists beyond the original injury. Along the way, they discuss how doctors measure something so subjective, and why some pain treatments work better than others.If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected]. Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Dr Cathy Stannard Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researcher: Grace Revill Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Jo Rowntree Visual Producer: Leon Gower Technical 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
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  Doctors' Notes: Sleep Disorders 01.10.2026 18m

  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 RickarbyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
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  Drs' Notes: Why did neurodiversity evolve? 29.09.2026 27m

  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]: 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 ReedAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
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  How can we better understand neurodiversity? 29.09.2026 28m

  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 ReedAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
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  Drs' Notes: How do athletes look after their ankles? 22.09.2026 24m

  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]: 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 ReedAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
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  How can you better look after your ankles? 22.09.2026 28m

  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 ReedAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
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  Doctors' Notes: Type 2 Diabetes 15.09.2026 30m

  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 RickarbyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
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  How can we better understand type 2 diabetes? 15.09.2026 29m

  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 RickarbyAt the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
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  How to Spot a Sleep Disorder 08.09.2026 28m

  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 RickarbyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
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  Doctors' Notes: Routine 01.09.2026 21m

  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 RickarbyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
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  Should you get back into a routine? 01.09.2026 28m

  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 to routines. With many families heading back to school and September still feeling like a reset for a lot of us, there's no shortage of advice on building the perfect routine, or optimising the ones we have. But are routines actually good for our health and wellbeing? And when, if ever, is breaking one a good thing?To help cut through the noise, they’re joined by Bas Verplanken, Professor Emeritus of Social Psychology at the University of Bath. 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 Producers: 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 RickarbyAt the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
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  Doctors' Notes: Walking 25.08.2026 18m

  Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about walking with Professor Steve Haake.Recording in Sheffield's Botanical Gardens, they discuss how why creating opportunities for walking can have benefits far beyond physical health and how Steve got into researching walking. Together, they also take a closer look at public health initiatives, such as parkrun – one of the UK's most successful examples – examining why it has proved so popular and what it can teach us about encouraging lifelong physical activity.If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, please email us at [email protected]. Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Professor Steve Haake Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researcher: Grace Revill Assistant Producer: Mike Ellis Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Production Manager: Lisa Lipman Editor: Jo Rowntree 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.
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  How does walking benefit you? 25.08.2026 28m

  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, recorded while walking through Sheffield Botanical Gardens, they turn their attention to one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise - walking.Joined by Professor Steve Haake, Professor of Sport Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University and a leading expert on physical activity, they explore what happens in the body when we walk, how walking differs from running, and why such a simple activity can have such profound effects on our physical and mental health.From weight management and cardiovascular fitness to stress, mood and social connection, they examine the evidence behind the many benefits of walking. Along the way, they tackle some common myths, including whether we really need 10,000 steps a day, whether faster is always better, and whether short walks are just as beneficial as longer ones.They also discuss why modern life can make walking harder than ever, and ask what individuals, communities and policymakers can do to help us move more.If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected]. Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Professor Steve Haake Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researcher: Grace Revill Assistant Producer: Mike Ellis Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Production Manager: Lisa Lipman Editor: Jo Rowntree 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
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  Doctors' Notes: Crying 18.08.2026 33m

  Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about crying with counselling psychologist Kimberley Wilson.They look at why people have different thresholds for crying, why other people’s tears can make some of us feel uncomfortable and how we can manage that. They also ask Kimberley why some people can’t cry. Chris is one of those people. What can he do about it? They also discuss how crying shows up in therapeutic settings. Can showing emotion validate someone else’s experience?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: Kimberley Wilson Producer: Faye Lyons-White Executive Producers: Jo Rowntree Researcher: Dr Samara Linton Visual Producer: Leon Gower Technical 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.
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  Is crying good for you? 18.08.2026 28m

  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 to something many of us are familiar with - crying. We cry with laughter, with sadness, and in moments of awe or overwhelm, but it can also be a surprisingly confusing part of our emotional lives. Some people welcome a good cry, while others rarely, if ever, shed tears. Why do we cry? Why do we sometimes feel better after we cry? Is crying actually any good for us?To help answer these questions, they’re joined once again by counselling psychologist Kimberley Wilson, host of What’s Up Docs? sister podcast Complex.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: Kimberley Wilson Producer: Faye Lyons-White Executive Producer: Jo Rowntree Researcher: Dr Samara Linton Visual Producer: Leon Gower Technical 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
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  Doctors' Notes: Relaxation 11.08.2026 19m

  Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about relaxation with philosopher and author Julian Baggani.They look at the history of relaxation, the activities we have chosen to do in order to switch off and how that has changed over the years. They also look at whether relaxation has become commodified and what that might mean for our ability to do it successfully.If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, please email us at [email protected]: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Dr Julian Baggani Producer: Claire Justin and Faye Lyons-White Executive Producers: Jo Rowntree and Rami Tzabar Researcher: Claire Justin Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Visual Producer: Leon Gower Technical Lead: Reuben Huxtable 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.
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  Why is it so hard to relax? 11.08.2026 28m

  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 look at relaxation. We are all aware that relaxation has an importance in our lives, when things get too much we book holidays and time off work. But what does it actually mean to relax and are the activities we chose actually allowing us to escape our stresses?To help answer these questions, they’re joined by philosopher and journalist Dr Julian Baggini.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 Julian Baggini Producers: Claire Justin and Faye Lyons-White Executive Producers: Jo Rowntree and Rami Tzabar Researcher: Claire Justin Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Visual Producer: Leon Gower Technical 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