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What's Up Docs?

BBC Radio 4
Mental Health
Psychology
Public Health
Difficult Conversations
Nutrition
Health and Wellbeing
Exercise
Physiotherapy
Evolutionary Biology
Health
Testosterone
Laughter
Protein
Health and Wellness
Nails
Napping
Sleep
Menstrual Health
Cognitive Neuroscience
Social Bonds

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... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes191Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Health & FitnessNatureScience

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Artwork for What's Up Docs?

Latest Episodes

Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about fevers with Dr Catherine Houlihan, consultant in clinical virology and infectious diseases at University College London Hospitals.

They find out about her work as a consultant in infectio... more

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 examine fevers. They ask how and why our body sometimes turns up the dial ... more

Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professors Marc Andersen and Mathias Clasen.

Together, they explore the work Marc and Mathias do at the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University in Denmark. Chris and Xand also uncover ... more

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 recreational fear - the kind we experience when w... more

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Recent Guests

Marc Andersen
Co-director of the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University.
Aarhus University
Episode: Drs' Notes: Can 'recreational fear' be good for you?
Mathias Clasen
Co-director of the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University.
Aarhus University
Episode: Drs' Notes: Can 'recreational fear' be good for you?
Tonia Vincent
Director of the Centre for Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis and professor of musculoskeletal biology
University of Oxford
Episode: Drs' Notes: Can your joints repair themselves?
Tess McPherson
Consultant dermatologist and professor of pediatric and adolescent dermatology
Oxford University Hospitals
Episode: Drs' Notes: How can spots affect mental health?
Cathy Stannard
Consultant in chronic pain; clinical lead of the Pain Transformation Programme
NHS Gloucestershire ICB
Episode: Drs' Notes: How can we manage chronic pain?
Dr Cathy Stannard
Formerly a consultant in chronic pain; clinical lead of the Pain Transformation Programme at NHS Gloucestershire IC Board; clinical lead for NICE Guideline on chronic pain
NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board; NICE
Episode: How can we better understand pain?
Dr. Sophie West
Lead of the Newcastle Regional Sleep Service; sleep expert
Newcastle Regional Sleep Service
Episode: Doctors' Notes: Sleep Disorders
Professor Duncan Astle
Professor of Neuroinformatics, Cambridge University
University of Cambridge
Episode: Drs' Notes: Why did neurodiversity evolve?
Duncan Astle
Professor of Neuroinformatics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge; leader of the 4D Research Group
University of Cambridge
Episode: How can we better understand neurodiversity?

Hosts

Chris van Tulleken
Host of health and science-focused discussions; medical doctor with broad media experience.
Xand van Tulleken
Co-host; clinician-scientist known for skeptical, data-driven framing and accessible explanations.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 838 ratings
  • Walking

    This was a lovely episode, after being knocked over and a new hip I have really missed this exercise that I used to do daily šŸ˜ž

    I’m getting back there and enjoying shorter walks but absolutely loving it again ā¤ļøā¤ļø

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    andreahowe1969
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Common topics but always with wonderful surprises

    So intelligently funny, therefore reminds me of ā€œLaughter is the best medicine ā€œ

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    YZ-22
    Canada3 months ago
  • Invest in prescription sunglasses.Game changer.ATB!

    Don’t just bin cheap(or any)sunglasses re the environment & unnecessary waste plus you can usually donate spectacles to charities & opticians.Please also gently challenge Liz Earle re her recent pro aging book.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jaxvarese
    United Kingdom4 months ago
  • ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø 🫰

    What is PCOS and contraception

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    I’ll,eat,u,upšŸ«øšŸ¤›
    Australia5 months ago
  • Will email.Fab episode re male contraception overall…!

    (Far)Too much emphasis on consensual sex….plus & am going to stick my neck out…not all women have access to contraception,helpful gp,can afford morning after pill,non Pill methods,are under age,there are religious,cultural & upbringing issues,almost non existent quality,up to date Sexual Health Ed in UK etc!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jaxvarese
    United Kingdom5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The format blends medical insight with thoughtful critique of wellness hype and headlines.
A number of reviews mention the hosts' engaging, witty dynamic and accessible science storytelling.
Listeners appreciate expert guests and clear explanations that translate science into practical tips.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#192
United Kingdom/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#9
United Kingdom/Health & Fitness
Apple Podcasts
#146
Canada/Health & Fitness
Apple Podcasts
#49
Australia/Health & Fitness
Apple Podcasts
#75
Italy/Health & Fitness
Apple Podcasts
#161
France/Health & Fitness

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why do we love scary movies?
Q: Is there a therapeutic function to recreational fear, and should people seek it out?
Mathias Clasen says recreational fear may help build resilience, support learning, and prepare people for difficult scenarios. Marc Andersen agrees that it may have benefits but notes that research is still limited and that frightening material beyond a child's comfort level can cause anxiety.
Why do we love scary movies?
Q: What is recreational fear?
Marc Andersen defines it as a mixed emotion in which fear and enjoyment occur side by side. In recreational settings, there is usually little or no danger, although some extreme sports involve real risk.
Drs' Notes: Can 'recreational fear' be good for you?
Q: Can you talk about what your team found on the relationship between recreational fear and mental resilience?
Research conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown suggested horror fans reported fewer symptoms of psychological distress. Clasen said exposure to fictional threats may help people practice regulating stress and fear.
Drs' Notes: Can 'recreational fear' be good for you?
Q: Can you tell us a bit about what you found in your research on how recreational fear impacts inflammation?
A haunted-attraction study measured C-reactive protein before the experience, afterward and three days later. Many participants who began with low-grade inflammation showed a decrease, but the study was uncontrolled and cannot establish that the scare caused it.
What can you do about your spots?
Q: The story that acne is caused by poor hygiene and poor diet, can you walk us through the evidence for that or the lack of evidence?
Acne is not caused by being dirty or eating poorly. Skin care and some dietary changes may help some people, but results vary and diet alone does not cause or necessarily resolve acne.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About What's Up Docs?

What is What's Up Docs? about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A science-and-health show led by two medical doctors who swap sharp, humorous banter while unpacking how new research translates into everyday choices. Episodes typically feature an expert guest who anchors on a specific topic—ranging from walking and hydration to AI in medicine—balancing data, practical guidance, and real-life anecdotes. The tone is curious, evidence-forward, and accessible, with a willingness to challenge headlines and commercial wellness hype. A notable strength is translating complex science into clear takeaways for listeners seeking healthier, more informed lives; occasional episodes also interrogate how advice is framed or marketed, adding a critical edge to wellness conversations.

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How many listeners does What's Up Docs? get?

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Which podcasts are similar to What's Up Docs??

These podcasts share a similar audience with What's Up Docs?:

1. Sliced Bread
2. ZOE Science & Nutrition
3. Complex with Kimberley Wilson
4. Inside Health
5. The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast

How many episodes of What's Up Docs? are there?

What's Up Docs? launched 2 years ago and published 191 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on What's Up Docs??

Recent guests on What's Up Docs? include:

1. Marc Andersen
2. Mathias Clasen
3. Tonia Vincent
4. Tess McPherson
5. Cathy Stannard
6. Dr Cathy Stannard
7. Dr. Sophie West
8. Professor Duncan Astle

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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