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    A Thorough Examination with Drs Chris and Xand

    Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken investigate the science of exercise and the dangers of inactivity.

    Is modern exercise a wellness cult? Or is it a vital cure for a world that's struggling with ill health and stuck on the sofa? Most of us might like to get a bit fitter, but how easy is it to actually start exercising and give up sedentary habits?

    In this series Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken examine exercise and how best to do it. How much should we be doing? How does it help our bodies? And how does our surrounding environment stand in the way of us getting fitter? Chris is challenged to examine his scepticism towards exercise. Similarly, Xand is asked to look at his new-found exercise evangelism and see what he is really running from.

    Recently Xand has discovered the joys of physical activity. He's running, cycling, heading to the gym and playing ping pong like never before. It's been a real transformation and a way to keep on top of things after years of unhealthy living.

    His twin brother Chris, on the other hand, is really feeling the aches and pains of middle age. With a busy job and a young family, he has precious little spare time for exercise. After a very active period in his 20s and 30s, Chris is now embracing his 'Dad bod' and sliding into a creaky middle age. Xand wants to help him turn things around. Can he do it?

    enBBC27 Episodes

    Episodes (28)

    S3. Ep 8 - Activity Revolution

    S3. Ep 8 - Activity Revolution

    Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken investigate the science of exercise and the dangers of inactivity.

    Is modern exercise a wellness cult? Or is it a vital cure for a world that’s struggling with ill health and stuck on the sofa? Most of us might like to get a bit fitter, but how easy is it to actually start exercising and give up sedentary habits?

    In this series Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken examine exercise and how best to do it. How much should we be doing? How does it help our bodies? And how does our surrounding environment stand in the way of us getting fitter? Chris is challenged to examine his scepticism towards exercise. Similarly, Xand is asked to look at his new-found exercise evangelism and see what he is really running from.

    Recently Xand has discovered the joys of physical activity. He’s running, cycling, heading to the gym and playing ping pong like never before. It’s been a real transformation and a way to keep on top of things after years of unhealthy living.

    His twin brother Chris, on the other hand, is really feeling the aches and pains of middle age. With a busy job and a young family, he has precious little spare time for exercise. After a very active period in his 20s and 30s, Chris is now embracing his ‘Dad bod’ and sliding into a creaky middle age. Xand wants to help him turn things around. Can he do it?

    In Episode 8 - Activity Revolution - the twins meet up to see how Chris is getting on with his attempts to get more active. They also have a conversation with Orla Hugueniot, public health expert and Head of Marketing at the Department of Health. She explains how government tries to communicate big messages around physical activity to the public. Chris and Xand also chat with Ryan McKay, Professor of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London (and Chris’ brother in law). Ryan explains how important identity is when thinking about barriers to physical activity. Has Chris finally managed to find something that will help him get a bit more active?

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Producer: Tom Woolfenden Sound Design: Dan King Series Editor: Jo Rowntree A Van Tulleken Brothers and Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

    S3. Ep 7 - Have Fun, Feel Good

    S3. Ep 7 - Have Fun, Feel Good

    Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken investigate the science of exercise and the dangers of inactivity.

    Is modern exercise a wellness cult? Or is it a vital cure for a world that’s struggling with ill health and stuck on the sofa? Most of us might like to get a bit fitter, but how easy is it to actually start exercising and give up sedentary habits? In this series Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken examine exercise and how best to do it. How much should we be doing? How does it help our bodies? And how does our surrounding environment stand in the way of us getting fitter? Chris is challenged to examine his scepticism towards exercise. Similarly, Xand is asked to look at his new-found exercise evangelism and see what he is really running from. Recently Xand has discovered the joys of physical activity. He’s running, cycling, heading to the gym and playing ping pong like never before. It’s been a real transformation and a way to keep on top of things after years of unhealthy living. His twin brother Chris, on the other hand, is really feeling the aches and pains of middle age. With a busy job and a young family, he has precious little spare time for exercise. After a very active period in his 20s and 30s, Chris is now embracing his ‘Dad bod’ and sliding into a creaky middle age. Xand wants to help him turn things around. Can he do it?

    In Episode 7 - Have Fun, Feel Good - the twins meet Herman Pontzer, Evolutionary Anthropologist at Duke University and the author of Burn. He explains the science behind metabolism, physical activity and how we really burn calories. Meanwhile, Chris and Xand go to their local park for a game of ping pong. It’s an attempt to find a fun activity that will finally get Chris moving. Unfortunately, ping pong isn’t really Chris’ idea of fun. But what is?

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Producer: Tom Woolfenden Sound Design: Dan King Series Editor: Jo Rowntree A Van Tulleken Brothers and Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

    S3. Ep 6 - Overcoming Barriers

    S3. Ep 6 - Overcoming Barriers

    Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken investigate the science of exercise and the dangers of inactivity.

    Is modern exercise a wellness cult? Or is it a vital cure for a world that’s struggling with ill health and stuck on the sofa? Most of us might like to get a bit fitter, but how easy is it to actually start exercising and give up sedentary habits? In this series Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken examine exercise and how best to do it. How much should we be doing? How does it help our bodies? And how does our surrounding environment stand in the way of us getting fitter? Chris is challenged to examine his scepticism towards exercise. Similarly, Xand is asked to look at his new-found exercise evangelism and see what he is really running from. Recently Xand has discovered the joys of physical activity. He’s running, cycling, heading to the gym and playing ping pong like never before. It’s been a real transformation and a way to keep on top of things after years of unhealthy living. His twin brother Chris, on the other hand, is really feeling the aches and pains of middle age. With a busy job and a young family, he has precious little spare time for exercise. After a very active period in his 20s and 30s, Chris is now embracing his ‘Dad bod’ and sliding into a creaky middle age. Xand wants to help him turn things around. Can he do it?

    In Episode 6 - Overcoming Barriers - the twins meet Dee Johnson, a therapist experienced in treating addiction disorders, including exercise addiction. She speaks with Xand about how his use of exercise might be straying over into addictive behaviour. Chris is then prompted to examine his own behaviour. What’s really lying behind his reluctance to try and get a bit fitter? We also hear from Xand and his new bride Dolly as they go out cycling on their tandem.

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Producer: Tom Woolfenden Sound Design: Dan King Series Editor: Jo Rowntree A Van Tulleken Brothers and Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

    S3. Ep 5 - Endurance

    S3. Ep 5 - Endurance

    Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken investigate the science of exercise and the dangers of inactivity.

    Is modern exercise a wellness cult? Or is it a vital cure for a world that’s struggling with ill health and stuck on the sofa? Most of us might like to get a bit fitter, but how easy is it to actually start exercising and give up sedentary habits? In this series Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken examine exercise and how best to do it. How much should we be doing? How does it help our bodies? And how does our surrounding environment stand in the way of us getting fitter? Chris is challenged to examine his scepticism towards exercise. Similarly, Xand is asked to look at his new-found exercise evangelism and see what he is really running from. Recently Xand has discovered the joys of physical activity. He’s running, cycling, heading to the gym and playing ping pong like never before. It’s been a real transformation and a way to keep on top of things after years of unhealthy living. His twin brother Chris, on the other hand, is really feeling the aches and pains of middle age. With a busy job and a young family, he has precious little spare time for exercise. After a very active period in his 20s and 30s, Chris is now embracing his ‘Dad bod’ and sliding into a creaky middle age. Xand wants to help him turn things around. Can he do it?

    In Episode 5 - Endurance - it’s the day of the big race. Chris tries to run a half marathon, without having done any proper training. It’s an experience that leaves him worrying if he’s ever going to get back into shape. The twins then speak with Alex Hutchinson, writer, runner and author of Endure. Alex explains how pain, resilience and motivation all work together during marathons and other feats of endurance. He also gives Chris some tips on how to bounce back from his marathon ordeal.

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Producer: Tom Woolfenden Sound Design: Dan King Series Editor: Jo Rowntree A Van Tulleken Brothers and Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

    S3. Ep 4 - Too Late to Change?

    S3. Ep 4 - Too Late to Change?

    Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken investigate the science of exercise and the dangers of inactivity.

    Is modern exercise a wellness cult? Or is it a vital cure for a world that’s struggling with ill health and stuck on the sofa? Most of us might like to get a bit fitter, but how easy is it to actually start exercising and give up sedentary habits? In this series Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken examine exercise and how best to do it. How much should we be doing? How does it help our bodies? And how does our surrounding environment stand in the way of us getting fitter? Chris is challenged to examine his scepticism towards exercise. Similarly, Xand is asked to look at his new-found exercise evangelism and see what he is really running from. Recently Xand has discovered the joys of physical activity. He’s running, cycling, heading to the gym and playing ping pong like never before. It’s been a real transformation and a way to keep on top of things after years of unhealthy living. His twin brother Chris, on the other hand, is really feeling the aches and pains of middle age. With a busy job and a young family, he has precious little spare time for exercise. After a very active period in his 20s and 30s, Chris is now embracing his ‘Dad bod’ and sliding into a creaky middle age. Xand wants to help him turn things around. Can he do it?

    In Episode 4 - Too Late to Change? - the twins meet up with their younger brother J for a session on an exercise bike. This has been a big part of Xand’s journey back to fitness. Will it inspire Chris to become more active? Chris then meets up with Sir Muir Gray, Director of the Optimal Aging Programme and an advisor to Public Health England. Muir shows Chris just how important exercise is for an ageing society.

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Producer: Tom Woolfenden Sound Design: Dan King Series Editor: Jo Rowntree A Van Tulleken Brothers and Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

    S3. Ep 3 - Ultra Processed Exercise

    S3. Ep 3 - Ultra Processed Exercise

    Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken investigate the science of exercise and the dangers of inactivity.

    Is modern exercise a wellness cult? Or is it a vital cure for a world that’s struggling with ill health and stuck on the sofa? Most of us might like to get a bit fitter, but how easy is it to actually start exercising and give up sedentary habits? In this series Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken examine exercise and how best to do it. How much should we be doing? How does it help our bodies? And how does our surrounding environment stand in the way of us getting fitter? Chris is challenged to examine his scepticism towards exercise. Similarly, Xand is asked to look at his new-found exercise evangelism and see what he is really running from. Recently Xand has discovered the joys of physical activity. He’s running, cycling, heading to the gym and playing ping pong like never before. It’s been a real transformation and a way to keep on top of things after years of unhealthy living. His twin brother Chris, on the other hand, is really feeling the aches and pains of middle age. With a busy job and a young family, he has precious little spare time for exercise. After a very active period in his 20s and 30s, Chris is now embracing his ‘Dad bod’ and sliding into a creaky middle age. Xand wants to help him turn things around. Can he do it?

    In Episode 3 - Ultra Processed Exercise - the twins meet Danielle Friedman, author of ‘Let's Get Physical: How Women Discovered Exercise and Reshaped the World’. She explains how the fitness industry evolved since the 1950s and how it targets women. Meanwhile, Chris takes a trip to his local gym to start getting into shape for his upcoming half marathon. He also chats with David Colquhoun (Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology at University College London) about their shared suspicion towards exercise and the social pressure to be fit.

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Producer: Tom Woolfenden Sound Design: Dan King Series Editor: Jo Rowntree A Van Tulleken Brothers and Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

    S3. Ep 2 - The Scale of the Crisis

    S3. Ep 2 - The Scale of the Crisis

    Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken investigate the science of exercise and the dangers of inactivity.

    Is modern exercise a wellness cult? Or is it a vital cure for a world that’s struggling with ill health and stuck on the sofa? Most of us might like to get a bit fitter, but how easy is it to actually start exercising and give up sedentary habits? In this series Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken examine exercise and how best to do it. How much should we be doing? How does it help our bodies? And how does our surrounding environment stand in the way of us getting fitter? Chris is challenged to examine his scepticism towards exercise. Similarly, Xand is asked to look at his new-found exercise evangelism and see what he is really running from. Recently Xand has discovered the joys of physical activity. He’s running, cycling, heading to the gym and playing ping pong like never before. It’s been a real transformation and a way to keep on top of things after years of unhealthy living. His twin brother Chris, on the other hand, is really feeling the aches and pains of middle age. With a busy job and a young family, he has precious little spare time for exercise. After a very active period in his 20s and 30s, Chris is now embracing his ‘Dad bod’ and sliding into a creaky middle age. Xand wants to help him turn things around. Can he do it?

    In Episode 2 - The Scale of the Crisis - the twins meet Dr Fiona Bull, head of the World Health Organization's Physical Activity Unit. She explains how the WHO is tackling the global inactivity crisis and how schools and cities need to change to meet this challenge. Meanwhile, Xand is still trying to inspire Chris to get more active, so has enlisted his help for a run around their local park. Things don’t quite go according to plan…

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Producer: Tom Woolfenden Sound Design: Dan King Series Editor: Jo Rowntree A Van Tulleken Brothers and Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

    S3. Ep 1 - The Miracle Cure

    S3. Ep 1 - The Miracle Cure

    Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken investigate the science of exercise and the dangers of inactivity.

    Is modern exercise a wellness cult? Or is it a vital cure for a world that’s struggling with ill health and stuck on the sofa? Most of us might like to get a bit fitter, but how easy is it to actually start exercising and give up sedentary habits? In this series Drs Chris and Xand Van Tulleken examine exercise and how best to do it. How much should we be doing? How does it help our bodies? And how does our surrounding environment stand in the way of us getting fitter? Chris is challenged to examine his scepticism towards exercise. Similarly, Xand is asked to look at his new-found exercise evangelism and see what he is really running from. Recently Xand has discovered the joys of physical activity. He’s running, cycling, heading to the gym and playing ping pong like never before. It’s been a real transformation and a way to keep on top of things after years of unhealthy living. His twin brother Chris, on the other hand, is really feeling the aches and pains of middle age. With a busy job and a young family, he has precious little spare time for exercise. After a very active period in his 20s and 30s, Chris is now embracing his ‘Dad bod’ and sliding into a creaky middle age. Xand wants to help him turn things around. Can he do it?

    In Episode 1 - The Miracle Cure - the twins meet Dr Scarlett McNally, a consultant orthopedic surgeon with a special interest in the benefits of exercise. She explains just how beneficial even moderate exercise can be for our bodies and for the NHS as a whole. Meanwhile, Chris is getting nervous. He has signed up to run a half marathon, but is struggling to do even the most basic training.

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Producer: Tom Woolfenden Sound Design: Dan King Series Editor: Jo Rowntree

    A Van Tulleken Brothers and Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

    Exercise - Series 3 preview

    Exercise - Series 3 preview

    Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken investigate the science of exercise and the dangers of inactivity.

    Is modern exercise a wellness cult? Or is it a vital cure for a world that’s struggling with ill health and stuck on the sofa? Most of us might like to get a bit fitter, but how easy is it to actually start exercising and give up sedentary habits?

    In this series Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken examine exercise and how best to do it. How much should we be doing? How does it help our bodies? And how does our surrounding environment stand in the way of us getting fitter? Chris is challenged to examine his scepticism towards exercise. Similarly, Xand is asked to look at his new-found exercise evangelism and see what he is really running from.

    Recently Xand has discovered the joys of physical activity. He’s running, cycling, heading to the gym and playing ping pong like never before. It’s been a real transformation and a way to keep on top of things after years of unhealthy living.

    His twin brother Chris, on the other hand, is really feeling the aches and pains of middle age. With a busy job and a young family, he has precious little spare time for exercise. After a very active period in his 20s and 30s, Chris is now embracing his ‘Dad bod’ and sliding into a creaky middle age. Xand wants to help him turn things around. Can he do it?

    The box set is available now on BBC Sounds.

    S2. Bonus - Live at Hay

    S2. Bonus - Live at Hay

    Chris and Xand van Tulleken recorded live at the Hay Festival. They’re reflecting on how much their lives have changed since they started recording their podcast, A Thorough Examination. Xand has lost almost three stone and Chris has written a book about ultra processed food, which was the cause of Xand’s weight gain. They’ve navigated serious health concerns, major bust-ups in their working and personal life and are continuing to challenge their scepticism about each other’s ability to change and improve. In front of a live audience at the Hay Festival, Chris and Xand choose the most memorable moments from series one and two of A Thorough Examination. They revisit Xand’s lowest moments with his weight struggles, Chris’ misguided nagging and reflect on the most useful advice they’ve received from experts. All of this is in the hope that, as they embark on recording series 3 of A Thorough Examination, things will go as smoothly as possible… Recorded live at the Hay Festival, 28th May 2023 Presented by Chris and Xand van Tulleken Produced by Alexandra Quinn A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

    S2. Ep 8 - Changing our environment

    S2. Ep 8 - Changing our environment

    Most of us would like something about ourselves or our lives to be different, but how easy is it to actually change?

    Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are looking at whether people can change and how they do it. Exactly how much of any aspect of personality is genetic destiny and how much are we shaped by the world around us?

    Chris wants to be a better doctor, friend, husband and father. But most urgently he wants to be a better brother, and is determined to improve his relationship with Xand. They’re best friends and talk to each other every day, but they are also business partners who find it very hard to work together without having a visceral row.

    Chris wants to change how he relates to his brother and believes it is possible, but Xand is less convinced that we can or that he needs to change. In this series, Chris confronts that pessimism.

    In episode 8 - Changing Our Environment - Xand convinces Chris to come into his pottery shed and give it a whirl. Working together has historically resulted in heated arguments, so it’s time for Chris to act on what he’s learnt about improving his relationship with Xand. The twins consider how easy it is to roll out change on a large scale and ask Will Norman how he manages to implement change in the face of opposition.

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Produced by Hester Cant and Alexandra Quinn Series Editor: Jo Rowntree A Loftus Media and van Tulleken Brothers Ltd production for BBC Radio 4

    S2. Ep 7 - Changing in a crisis

    S2. Ep 7 - Changing in a crisis

    Most of us would like something about ourselves or our lives to be different, but how easy is it to actually change?

    Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are looking at whether people can change and how they do it. Exactly how much of any aspect of personality is genetic destiny and how much are we shaped by the world around us?

    Chris wants to be a better doctor, friend, husband and father. But most urgently he wants to be a better brother, and is determined to improve his relationship with Xand. They’re best friends and talk to each other every day, but they are also business partners who find it very hard to work together without having a visceral row.

    Chris wants to change how he relates to his brother and believes it is possible, but Xand is less convinced that we can or that he needs to change. In this series, Chris confronts that pessimism.

    In episode 7 - Changing in a Crisis - the twins speak with Louise, a social worker who supports people every day to make changes in their lives. Chris wants to know how people facing significant obstacles can make positive and successful changes. Louise’s experience prompts Chris to consider the way he approaches improving his relationship with Xand as well as how he advises his own patients.

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Produced by Hester Cant and Alexandra Quinn Series Editor: Jo Rowntree A Loftus Media and van Tulleken Brothers Ltd production for BBC Radio 4

    S2. Ep 6 - How to listen to your body

    S2. Ep 6 - How to listen to your body

    Most of us would like something about ourselves or our lives to be different, but how easy is it to actually change?

    Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are looking at whether people can change and how they do it. Exactly how much of any aspect of personality is genetic destiny and how much are we shaped by the world around us?

    Chris wants to be a better doctor, friend, husband and father. But most urgently he wants to be a better brother, and is determined to improve his relationship with Xand. They’re best friends and talk to each other every day, but they are also business partners who find it very hard to work together without having a visceral row.

    Chris wants to change how he relates to his brother and believes it is possible, but Xand is less convinced that we can or that he needs to change. In this series, Chris confronts that pessimism.

    In episode 6 - How To Listen To Your Body - Professor Sarah Garfinkel teaches the twins about interoception - or how we understand and act on what’s going on inside our bodies. She tests their ability to interpret their emotions and both Chris and Xand are surprised at the results. Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Produced by Hester Cant and Alexandra Quinn Series Editor: Jo Rowntree A Loftus Media and van Tulleken Brothers Ltd production for BBC Radio 4

    S2. Ep 5 - Learning to listen

    S2. Ep 5 - Learning to listen

    Most of us would like something about ourselves or our lives to be different, but how easy is it to actually change?

    Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are looking at whether people can change and how they do it. Exactly how much of any aspect of personality is genetic destiny and how much are we shaped by the world around us?

    Chris wants to be a better doctor, friend, husband and father. But most urgently he wants to be a better brother, and is determined to improve his relationship with Xand. They’re best friends and talk to each other every day, but they are also business partners who find it very hard to work together without having a visceral row.

    Chris wants to change how he relates to his brother and believes it is possible, but Xand is less convinced that we can or that he needs to change. In this series, Chris confronts that pessimism.

    In episode 5 - Learning To Listen - Chris considers the triggers for his many arguments with Xand and wonders if it might be because he’s not being a good listener. The psychotherapist Erene Hadjiioannou offers Chris some advice on how to react in the heat of an argument. Xand meanwhile is cocooned in his pottery shed contemplating Chris’ complete disinterest in his hobby. He wonders why everyone else in the family shows some enthusiasm, except his twin.

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Produced by Hester Cant and Alexandra Quinn Series Editor: Jo Rowntree A Loftus Media and Van Tulleken Brothers Ltd production for BBC Radio 4

    S2. Ep 4 - Does willpower even exist?

    S2. Ep 4 - Does willpower even exist?

    Most of us would like something about ourselves or our lives to be different, but how easy is it to actually change?

    Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are looking at whether people can change and how they do it. Exactly how much of any aspect of personality is genetic destiny and how much are we shaped by the world around us?

    Chris wants to be a better doctor, friend, husband and father. But most urgently he wants to be a better brother, and is determined to improve his relationship with Xand. They’re best friends and talk to each other every day, but they are also business partners who find it very hard to work together without having a visceral row.

    Chris wants to change how he relates to his brother and believes it is possible, but Xand is less convinced that we can or that he needs to change. In this series, Chris confronts that pessimism.

    In episode 4 - Does Willpower Even Exist? - Chris examines the slippery concept of willpower. Is it something that we all need in order to make personal change and if so, can Chris harness it to encourage Xand to make changes in their relationship? Xand is preoccupied with his exercise bike which stands unused and dusty in his house, can he find the motivation to use it? The psychologist and psychoanalyst Dr Stephen Blumenthal explains willpower in the brain - when does and doesn’t it work?

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Produced by Hester Cant and Alexandra Quinn Series Editor Jo Rowntree A Loftus Media and van Tulleken Brothers Ltd production for BBC Radio 4

    S2. Ep 3 - Nature via nurture

    S2. Ep 3 - Nature via nurture

    Most of us would like something about ourselves or our lives to be different, but how easy is it to actually change?

    Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are looking at whether people can change and how they do it. Exactly how much of any aspect of personality is genetic destiny and how much are we shaped by the world around us?

    Chris wants to be a better doctor, friend, husband and father. But most urgently he wants to be a better brother, and is determined to improve his relationship with Xand. They’re best friends and talk to each other every day, but they are also business partners who find it very hard to work together without having a visceral row.

    Chris wants to change how he relates to his brother and believes it is possible, but Xand is less convinced that we can or that he needs to change. In this series, Chris confronts that pessimism.

    In episode 3 - Nature via Nurture - the psychologist Wendy Johnson explodes some home truths around the great nature vs nurture debate. The twins speak to their younger brother J about some changes he’s been trying to implement in his own life that he hopes will improve the way he interacts with his kids. It leaves Chris wondering what he needs to exploit to continue trying to convince Xand to improve their relationship.

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Produced by Hester Cant and Alexandra Quinn Series Editor: Jo Rowntree A Loftus Media and van Tulleken Brothers Ltd production for BBC Radio 4

    S2. Ep 2 - Does our birth order affect our personality?

    S2. Ep 2 - Does our birth order affect our personality?

    Most of us would like something about ourselves or our lives to be different, but how easy is it to actually change?

    Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are looking at whether people can change and how they do it. Exactly how much of any aspect of personality is genetic destiny and how much are we shaped by the world around us?

    Chris wants to be a better doctor, friend, husband and father. But most urgently he wants to be a better brother, and is determined to improve his relationship with Xand. They’re best friends and talk to each other every day, but they are also business partners who find it very hard to work together without having a visceral row.

    Chris wants to change how he relates to his brother and believes it is possible, but Xand is less convinced that we can or that he needs to change. In this series, Chris confronts that pessimism.

    In episode 2 - Does Our Birth Order Affect Our Personality? - the twins find out whether the order in which we’re born has any bearing on our personality. They call their little brother J who lives in New York and reminisce about their childhood. Chris’ wife Dinah and her older sisters debate whether showing off is the reserve of the youngest sibling. And psychologist Laura Botzet shares her findings from studies on the effect of birth order on personality. Does it have any credibility?

    Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Produced by Hester Cant and Alexandra Quinn Series Editor: Jo Rowntree A Loftus Media and van Tulleken Brothers Ltd production for BBC Radio 4

    S2. Ep 1 - The twin effect

    S2. Ep 1 - The twin effect

    Most of us would like something about ourselves or our lives to be different, but how easy is it to actually change?

    Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are looking at whether people can change and how they do it. Exactly how much of any aspect of personality is genetic destiny and how much are we shaped by the world around us?

    Chris wants to be a better doctor, friend, husband and father. But most urgently he wants to be a better brother, and is determined to improve his relationship with Xand. They’re best friends and talk to each other every day, but they are also business partners who find it very hard to work together without having a visceral row.

    Chris wants to change how he relates to his brother and believes it is possible, but Xand is less convinced that we can or that he needs to change. In this series, Chris confronts that pessimism

    In episode 1 - The Twin Effect - Dr Clare Llewellyn explains why we should all care about twin studies and the importance of understanding the impact of genetics vs environment on our development. Chris and Xand meet identical twins Mia and Alexandra who were separated at birth. They reflect on their twin dynamic through the years - what has it meant for their development and can they change the dynamic they have now? Presented by Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Produced by Hester Cant and Alexandra Quinn Series Editor Jo Rowntree A Loftus Media and van Tulleken Brothers Ltd production for BBC Radio 4

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    Nurtured by Nature

    Do you care deeply about the natural world? Have you struggled with eco-anxiety, overwhelm & despair due to the constant negative narrative about the environment & the mass depletion of biodiversity? Do you feel a sense of powerlessness & hopelessness in the face of the inaction at governmental level?


    I’m on a mission to shift the conversation, searching out empowering solutions & evidence of what’s already being achieved, to restore our collective hope & remind us that we are not powerless bystanders. 


    At Nurtured By Nature I bring together a fascinating diversity of guests, offering their unique perspectives & guidance, as we discuss ways to marry ancient wisdom & modern culture in a synergy that enables us as a society to restore balance to our lives & environment & fully take responsibility for our role in healing our world. 


    I provide you with a space that you can return to for constant hope and inspiration, knowing that by coming together as a community, it allows us to amplify our impact, as we discover the tangible solutions of how we can all get involved & embrace these ideas to create a powerful movement for positive change. 


    Expect to hear stories & advice from authors, artists, photographers, musicians, health & wellness practitioners, incredible businesses prioritising nature, foragers, gardeners, farmers, food producers, scientists, conservationists & charities involved in habitat restoration, species protection & rewilding, & many more diverse voices, all united by our deep & abiding love for the natural world & a desire to make a positive impact. 


    So pull up a chair, join us in conversation & help weave these important messages into the world, whilst being empowered to make your own positive impact, to be part of the solution as we rediscover our true place in nature’s incredible tapestry.

    By: Fiona MacKay

    Total Episodes: 36

    Topics:artshealth & fitnessscience