Episode 1

Synopsis

Gordon Kennedy takes on a grumpy John O'Farrell. As the country faces a tightening of its financial belt, the Scottish actor and comedian takes a timely look at some of things he thinks we should cheer about. Gordon is fascinated by nanotechnology and he discovers how science fiction is becoming science fact at the London Centre for Nanotechnology with Professor Richard Jackman.

Gordon, star of the hit BBC series Robin Hood, is also a sport fanatic. He chats with bestselling sport author Frances Edmonds about how Britain is rediscovering its love of team sports. As a keen cyclist, Gordon recently realised that cycling through London is not the death wish it used to be. He talks to Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London's transport adviser, on what has changed.

In an antidote to the Grumpy Old Men culture, Gordon chats with leading psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman to discover the root causes of grumpiness and asks how it can defeated. He uses his new found knowledge to try and convince best selling author John O'Farrell - a self-confessed grump - to change his pessimistic ways.

Producers: Joanne Coombs and Martin McNamara
A Loftus production for BBC Radio 4.