Episodes
-
Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore every aspect of our health and wellbeing.
In this special episode, recorded before a live audience at the Hay Literary Festival in Wales, Chris and Xand discuss the anatomy of the smile, its evolutionary origins and some of the health claims about smiling. Is smiling uniquely human? Can the simple act of moving our muscles to form a smile make you feel happier? And is smiling the same across cultures and genders? To find out, they’re joined by several experts and an African street dog named Jack.
Featuring Professor Ben Garrod from the University of East Anglia, Dr Magdalegna Rychlowska from Queen’s University, Belfast and Sinead Rushe from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.
If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected].uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Professor Ben GarrodProducer: Rami Tzabar Executive Producer: Jo RowntreeEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producers: Maia Miller-Lewis and Grace Revil Tech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
-
In this ‘uncut’ special episode, recorded before an audience at the Hay Festival in Wales, Chris and Xand discuss the anatomy of the smile, explore its evolutionary origins and examine some of the health claims about the power of the smile.
Can a smile really give your brain the same reward as two thousand bars of chocolate? Will putting a pencil in your mouth make you feel happy? And how do you fake the perfect smile when realising you’ve failed to win a BAFTA for the eighth time?! Expect some science and some silliness and a dog that looks like a loaf of bread.
Featuring Professor Ben Garrod from the University of East Anglia, Dr Magdalegna Rychlowska from Queen’s University, Belfast, Sinead Rushe from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and jack the African street dog.
If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected].uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Professor Ben Garrod, Dr Magdalegna Rychlowska, Sinead RusheProducer: Rami TzabarExecutive Producer: Jo RowntreeEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producers: Maia Miller-Lewis and Grace RevilTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon GowerDigital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg SmithCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
-
Episodes manquant?
-
Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore every aspect of our health and wellbeing.
In this episode, they want to find out whether we can conquer boredom. Why do we experience boredom? Do we experience it less than we used to? And how can we motivate ourselves to complete tasks we find boring? They speak to Dr Wijnand Van Tilburg, experimental social psychologist at the University of Essex, to find out.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Dr Wijnand Van Tilburg Producer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisResearcher: Grace Revill Tech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
-
Chris and Xand continue their conversation about boredom with Dr Wijnand Van Tilburg. They discuss what happens in our brains when we feel bored, whether some people are more prone to boredom than others, and why boredom isn’t always a bad thing.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Dr Wijnand Van TilburgProducer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisResearcher: Grace RevillTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon GowerDigital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg SmithCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
-
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 want to get to the bottom of the hype around protein. Should we be worried about not getting enough? What are the best sources of protein? And are protein supplements fact or fad? They speak to Nita Forouhi, Professor of Population Health and Nutrition at the University of Cambridge, to find out.
If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected].uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Professor Nita ForouhiProducer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisAssistant Producer and Researcher: William HornbrookTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
-
Chris and Xand take a deeper dive into the world of protein. They are joined by Nita Forouhi, Professor of Population Health and Nutrition at the University of Cambridge, to discuss which groups of people might need more protein in their diets, how we can best optimise our protein intake, and the joys and challenges of Nita’s research.
If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected].uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Professor Nita ForouhiProducer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisAssistant Producer and Researcher: William HornbrookTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon GowerDigital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg SmithCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
-
Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast show where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In recent years, long-overdue conversations around the menopause have begun to break taboos and change perceptions. But it can still be a confusing or misunderstood topic, especially with the explosion of menopause marketing that’s come alongside increased awareness.
In this episode, they’re joined by Professor Mary Ann Lumsden, gynaecologist and academic at the University of Glasgow, to ask about the challenges she’s seen in her clinic and whether growing awareness has actually translated into better outcomes for women.
If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected].uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123. Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Professor Mary Ann LumsdenProducers: Emily Bird and Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon Gower Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
-
Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken dig deeper into hormone replacement therapies for the menopause and are joined again by Professor Mary Ann Lumsden, gynaecologist and academic at the University of Glasgow. Can testosterone replacement be effective in women? What are the benefits of HRT? Is it right for everyone? And are there gaps in the research?
If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected].uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Professor Mary Ann LumsdenProducers: Emily Bird and Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon GowerDigital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:
Assistant Commissioner: Greg SmithCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
-
Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore every aspect of our health and wellbeing.
In this episode, they want to find out about photographs and memory. How does our memory work? How can taking photos impact our ability to form memories? And can we use photos to enhance our memory? They speak to Linda Henkel, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Fairfield University, to find out.
If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected].uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Professor Linda HenkelProducer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisAssistant Producer and Researcher: William HornbrookTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
-
In this episode, Chris and Xand continue their trip down memory lane, joined by Linda Henkel, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Fairfield University. They discuss Linda’s personal experience with memory, how digital technologies like GPS are affecting our memories, and why forgetting isn’t always such a bad thing.
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].uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Professor Linda HenkelProducer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisAssistant Producer and Researcher: William HornbrookTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon GowerDigital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg SmithCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
-
Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore every aspect of our health and wellbeing.
In this episode, they delve into the issue of microplastics - minute fragments of plastic material that have been found in every environment on the planet, as well as in our brains and bodies. How did they get there, are they doing us harm and, if they are, what can we do about it? They speak to Environmental Toxicologist Dr Stephanie Wright from Imperial College, London about the evidence behind the dramatic headlines and why trying to measure the impact of microplastic on health is a challenge.
If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected].uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Dr Stephanie WrightProducer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producers: Maia Miller-Lewis and Mary HolditchTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
-
In this bonus episode Chris and Xand continue to explore microplastics - an issue gaining a lot of media and academic interest. They are joined by Dr Stephanie Wright, a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Toxicology at Imperial College, London, whose work looks at the intersection between plastic pollution and human 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].uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Dr Stephanie WrightProducer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producers: Maia Miller-Lewis and Mary HolditchTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon GowerDigital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg SmithCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
-
Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore every aspect of our health and wellbeing. How do you tell your friend that something they’ve been doing is really starting to hurt your feelings? Talk to your mum about her health? Or even ask your partner to try something new in bed?
If just thinking about these types of conversations makes your stomach flip, you’re not alone. Most of us avoid moments like these, but how important is it to confront our interpersonal issues head on?
The docs are joined by Chartered Psychologist Kimberley Wilson to explore how we can better prepare for life’s tough but important conversations. Chris and Xand are committed to sharing their personal health and wellbeing journey on What’s up Docs, and in this episode they unexpectedly found themselves having a difficult conversation of their own.
If you’d like to share your thoughts on difficult conversations or anything else that caught your attention in this episode - you can email us at [email protected].uk or Whatsapp us on 08000 665123. Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Kimberley Wilson Producers: Emily Bird and Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisResearchers: Emily Bird Tech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
-
After an unexpected wave of emotion in the main episode, Chris and Xand took a breather and grabbed some lunch. In this bonus episode, we pick up where we left off. Chartered psychologist Kimberly Wilson helps the twins unpick what happened in their own difficult conversation and explains how we can all respond better when having these tricky talks in our lives.
If you’d like to share your thoughts on difficult conversations or anything else that piqued your interest, you can email [email protected].uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Kimberly WilsonProducer: Emily Bird and Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableProduction Manager: Leon GowerDigital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneCommissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg SmithCommissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
-
Are headaches clouding your day? Join Chris and Xand as they speak to Dr Katy Munro, a senior doctor at the National Migraine Centre, to delve into the science behind those nagging pains. Discover practical remedies to ease the throbbing, best ways to avoid getting them in the first place and common headache myths.
If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected].uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Dr Katy Munro Producer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisResearchers: Grace Revill Tech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
-
In this bonus episode, Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken dig deeper into headaches. They talk to Dr Katy Munro, a senior doctor at the National Migraine Centre, about her personal experience of headaches, how she dealt with them and how it motivated her to help others.
If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected].uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Dr Katy MunroProducer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisResearchers: Grace RevillTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon GowerDigital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg SmithCommissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
-
Chris and Xand want to know about bad breath. Chris's wife calls him out on it when he has it. But what causes it? And is there anything we can do about it? In this episode they speak to Dr Praveen Sharma, Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, to find out.
If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected].uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Professor Dr Praveen SharmaProducer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisResearchers: Grace Revill Tech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
-
In this bonus episode, Chris and Xand dig deeper into gum disease. They are joined by Associate Professor & Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry Praveen Sharma to discuss how different types of bacteria in our mouths affect the rest of our bodies, and the link between gum disease and systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected].uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Associate Professor Praveen SharmaProducer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisResearchers: Grace RevillTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon GowerDigital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin RickarbyAt the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg SmithCommissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsA Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
-
In this episode, Chris and Xand explore sleep deprivation, something they both experience. Many people have become obsessed with getting the perfect night’s sleep. We’re using gadgets, monitoring how many hours we’re getting each night, and taking supplements. But how worried should we actually be?
Chris and Xand talk to Russell Foster, Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at Oxford University, to seek some reassurance. How do we stop our lack of sleep from keeping us up at night?
If you’d like to share your thoughts on sleep deprivation or anything else that caught your attention in this episode - you can email us at [email protected].uk or Whatsapp us on 08000 665123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Professor Russell Foster Producer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisResearchers: Grace Revill and Lisa Lipman Tech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin RickarbyAt the BBC:Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
-
Chris and Xand dig deeper into sleep deprivation with Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at Oxford University, Russell Foster. They discuss the evolution of sleep and the difference between sleepiness and fatigue.
If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at [email protected].uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123.
Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van TullekenGuest: Professor Professor Russell FosterProducer: Jo RowntreeExecutive Producer: Rami TzabarEditor: Kirsten LassAssistant Producer: Maia Miller-LewisResearchers: Grace Revill and Lisa LipmanTech Lead: Reuben HuxtableSocial Media: Leon GowerDigital Lead: Richard BerryComposer: Phoebe McFarlaneSound Design: Melvin Rickarby
At the BBC:Commissioning Editor: Rhian RobertsAssistant Commissioner: Greg Smith
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
- Montre plus
