Doctors' Notes: Friendship

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