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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

PublishesDailyEpisodes173Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Health & FitnessNatureScience

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Artwork for What's Up Docs?

Latest Episodes

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 influe... 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 to routines. With many families heading back to school and September... more

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 ho... 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, recorded while walking through Sheffield Botanical Gardens, they turn their at... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Bas Verplanken
Professor Emeritus at the Department of Psychology, University of Bath
University of Bath
Episode: Doctors' Notes: Routine
Steve Hacker
Professor of Sports Engineering, expert on walking initiatives
Episode: Doctors' Notes: Walking
Steve Haake
Professor of sports engineering
Sheffield Hallam University
Episode: How does walking benefit you?
Julian Baggini
Philosopher
Independent
Episode: Doctors' Notes: Relaxation
John Whittle
Consultant in anesthesia, critical care and perioperative medicine
University College Hospitals; honorary associate professor at University College London
Episode: How hydrated should you really be?
Raj Das-Bhaumik
Consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon
Morefields Eye Hospital (associated with the guest in the interview)
Episode: Doctors' Notes: Eyes
Emma Karoune
Principal Investigator of the Advancing Biomedical Data Science Careers Project at the Alan Turing Institute
Alan Turing Institute
Episode: What can AI medicine do for you?
Robin Condliffe
Consultant respiratory physician, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield; honorary professor at University of Sheffield
University of Sheffield / Royal Hallamshire Hospital
Episode: Doctors' Notes: Lungs Special at Crossed Wires Festival
Pranev Sharma
Cardiologist guest on palpitations and wearables
Cardiology (guest)
Episode: Doctors’ Notes: Heart Palpitations

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 811 ratings
  • Common topics but always with wonderful surprises

    So intelligently funny, therefore reminds me of “Laughter is the best medicine “

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    YZ-22
    Canada21 days 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 Kingdoma month ago
  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🫰

    What is PCOS and contraception

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    I’ll,eat,u,up🫸🤛
    Australia3 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 Kingdom3 months ago
  • Amazing 🤩

    Sooooooooooo good I don’t even know I am learning I just think it’s amazing 😻I and my fav ep is noise the noise one greatest pod

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Trixynella
    United Kingdom4 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.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Is crying good for you?
Q: Kimberley, what are the kind of things that make us more or less likely to cry?
She explains that crying likelihood is influenced by a person's physiological state (HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired), general emotion regulation, and environmental validation or suppression. In short, bodily needs, mood regulation skills, and how supported someone feels shape crying likelihood.
Why is it so hard to relax?
Q: What is relaxation, according to Julian Baggini?
Relaxation is about being relieved of the burdens of ordinary life and can occur in varied forms, not the same as rest, and it doesn't have to be inactive; it depends on what one finds relieving.
Doctors' Notes: Hydration
Q: Can you tell us a bit more about that?
John explains that in endurance sport, teams use physiologists to tailor fluid and electrolyte intake to the individual, measuring sweat rate and salt loss to optimize performance and prevent issues; in clinical settings, decisions about giving or withholding fluids are complex and highly context-dependent, often requiring input from specialists.
Why do we follow bad advice?
Q: How can listeners tell when to trust or doubt expert advice?
The adviser's confidence and whether conflicts of interest exist are key signals, but listeners should also consider what is not being said—the risks and alternatives—and align decisions with personal values.
Why do we follow bad advice?
Q: Tell us about the different kinds of bad advice.
Sunita Sah explains there are three broad categories: wrong/outdated advice, advice driven by conflicts of interest, and advice that is right for the advisor but not for the individual, highlighting why people often feel tension but still follow it.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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.

Where can I find podcast stats for What's Up Docs??

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

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What are the audience demographics for What's Up Docs??

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How many subscribers and views does What's Up Docs? have?

To see how many followers or subscribers What's Up Docs? has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

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

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

1. Sliced Bread
2. Complex with Kimberley Wilson
3. ZOE Science & Nutrition
4. Inside Health
5. Age Better with Liz Earle

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

What's Up Docs? launched a year ago and published 173 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact What's Up Docs??

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for What's Up Docs??

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

Recent guests on What's Up Docs? include:

1. Bas Verplanken
2. Steve Hacker
3. Steve Haake
4. Julian Baggini
5. John Whittle
6. Raj Das-Bhaumik
7. Emma Karoune
8. Robin Condliffe

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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