A Thorough Examination - Live at Hay

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A Thorough Examination with Drs Chris and Xand

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Factual: Health & Wellbeing

Factual: Science & Nature

Drs Chris and Xand explore the science of exercise and the dangers of inactivity.

Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the science of exercise and the dangers of inactivity. Can Xand persuade Chris to do some 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?

Can I Change? - Series 2 preview

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A Thorough Examination with Drs Chris and Xand: Series 2: Can I Change?: S2. Bonus - Live at Hay

S2. Bonus - Live at Hay

Series 2: Can I Change?

BBC Radio 4 - A Thorough Examination with Drs Chris and Xand, Series 2: Can I Change?, S2. Bonus - Live at Hay

From the Hay Festival, the van Tullekens reflect on their health and relationship.

Chris and Xand van Tulleken at the Hay Festival, reflecting on lessons learnt about their health and relationship while recording their podcast, A Thorough Examination.

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

A Thorough Examination with Drs Chris and Xand: Series 2: Can I Change?

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore if people can change and how they do it.

Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore if people can change and how they do it. How much of our personality is genetic destiny and how much are we shaped by the world around us?

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A Thorough Examination with Drs Chris and Xand

Series 2: Can I Change?

S2. Bonus - Live at Hay

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