Doctors' Notes: Friendship

Doctors' Notes: Friendship

From What's Up Docs? by BBC Radio 4

June 9, 2026 · 23 min · Episode 149

About this episode

The episode explores the dynamics of friendship, including gender differences and the impact of digital connections, with insights from Dr Tiffany Watt Smith.

Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about friendship with Dr Tiffany Watt Smith, writer and culture historian. Tiffany became interested in researching friendships after a moment of crisis in her own friendships. Together, Chris, Xand and Tiffany discuss the difference between male and female friendships and how that has changed over time. They explore the idea that we are living through a friendship recession and what that means for our social connections. And they look at digital friendships and their importance. If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123. Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Dr Tiffany Watt Smith Producer: Faye Lyons-White Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Jo Rowntree Researcher: Faye Lyons-White Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable Visual Producer: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard Berry Composer: Phoebe McFarlane Sound Design: Olga Reed At the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris van Tulleken, Xand van Tulleken

Guest: Dr Tiffany Watt Smith

Topics covered

  • friendship
  • social connections
  • digital friendships
  • gender differences
  • friendship recession

Keywords

  • friendship
  • social connections
  • male friendships
  • female friendships
  • digital friendships
  • friendship recession

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4, Loftus Media

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