No Funny Business

Gilded Balloon

Ever wanted to listen to a podcast discussing mother/daughter dynamics, a family business, women (in business and, you know, in general) and, oh yeah, all the ups and downs behind running Gilded Balloon - Scotland's leading producer of live comedy and entertainment?
Well, look no further because have we got a treat for you…

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23 episodes
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English

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Saturday · 23 min
Fiona Allen tells White Lies in the shed!
Fiona Allen is one third of the Emmy-winningand Bafta-nominated TV sketch show, Smack the Pony. She’s also been in Shameless,Skins, Waterloo Road and EastEnders on TV and her filmsinclude 24 Hour Party People, Fat Slags, Gladiatress and FindingEmily. In 2023, she brought her show On the Run to the Fringe and thentoured the UK. This year, she’s back with White Lies, all about making up anexcuse to avoid a neighbour’s party. She joined us in the shed to share what it’slike learning to be a stand up, the early days of sketch comedy and the inside track on falling in love with a bull that’s the wrong colour! Exactly.Why would you miss it? ⁠The Fringe is still on tillMonday 31st August 2026. Find the Gilded Balloon 2026 programme –and book tickets – here –⁠⁠ https://gildedballoon.co.uk/⁠ We would love to hear fromyou. Email us on hiya@gildedballoon.co.uk Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @nofunnybusinesspod or https://www.instagram.com/nofunnybusinesspod/ Music composed by Lily Koren. No Funny Business is producedfor Gilded Balloon by Podcart. Find out more here https://www.podcart.co.uk/.
S7 · E7
August 21 · 31 min
Jamie Kilstein is very honest in the shed.
Jamie Kilstein is a comedian, writer, actor and radio host. He’s back at the Edinburgh Fringe with Can’t Tie Knots —a show that explores the death of his friend and mentor, Robin Williams; how he dealt with a very public mistake; his controversial spat on Joe Rogan’s podcast - with Joe Rogan; and what it means to carry on when life takes an unexpected and painful turn. It's quite a journey - with, surprisingly, lots of laughs. Exactly. Why would you miss it? Book tickets for Can’t TieKnots here https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jamie-kilstein-can-t-tie-knots Find the Gilded Balloon 2026programme – and book tickets – here – https://gildedballoon.co.uk/ We would love to hear fromyou. Email us on hiya@gildedballoon.co.uk Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @nofunnybusinesspod or https://www.instagram.com/nofunnybusinesspod/ Music composed by Lily Koren. No Funny Business is producedfor Gilded Balloon by Podcart.
August 18 · 25 min
Jack Docherty brings his Butterfly to the shed!
Legendary Scottish comedian, Jack Docherty, joins us in the No Funny Business shed to talk about how his new show – Butterfly – got off the ground, why his mother probably shouldn't come and see it, what's next for The Chief and why he's not too sure about social media. Exactly. Why would you miss it? Book tickets for Butterflyhere https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jack-docherty-butterfly Find the Gilded Balloon 2026programme – and book tickets – here – https://gildedballoon.co.uk/ We would love to hear fromyou. Email us on hiya@gildedballoon.co.uk Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @nofunnybusinesspod or https://www.instagram.com/nofunnybusinesspod/ Music composed by Lily Koren. No Funny Business is producedfor Gilded Balloon by Podcart.
S7 · E6
August 11 · 17 min
Graham and Maria in the dressing room!
We have a cheeky dressing room chat with Graham Norton and Maria McCerlane moments before their VERY FIRST WangingOn audience show (part of the Gilded Balloon 2026 Fringe programme). Listen to discover, amongst other things:- Why hasn’t Graham done a Fringe show since 1997?- Are organ transplants funny?- What was Maria’s best entrance ever?- Why Wanging On won't do the Albert Hall? Exactly. Why would you miss it? Find the Gilded Balloon 2026 programme – and book tickets – here – https://gildedballoon.co.uk/ We would love to hear fromyou. Email us on hiya@gildedballoon.co.uk Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @nofunnybusinesspod or https://www.instagram.com/nofunnybusinesspod/ Music composed by Lily Koren. No Funny Business is produced for Gilded Balloon by Podcart.
S7 · E5
August 7 · 37 min
Mariella Frostrup cracks the menopause and the secret to Fringe success
Do you have a wondering womb? Do you fancy ice-cold water up the rectum? No to both? Women have been faced with (mainly male) misunderstanding and misdiagnosis of the menopause for centuries. Top broadcaster, Mariella Frostrup, and her friend, actress Gina Bellman, are bringing their show Cracking the Menopause to the Gilded Balloon and Mariella tells us all about what she’s doing to redress the balance. Plus, Karen and Katy have a LOT of experience between them so, whether you’re a punter or a performer, they’re giving their top tips for a successful Fringe. And, listen to discover – amongst other things:- What is a third party Klanger?- Who frightened Karen backstage at Late and Live?- Why did two mild-mannered New Zealanders got a Koren telling off in the street? Exactly. Why would you miss it? Find out more and get tickets for Cracking the Menopause here - https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:7133/ Find the Gilded Balloon 2026 programme – and book tickets – here – https://gildedballoon.co.uk/ We would love to hear from you. Email us on hiya@gildedballoon.co.uk. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @nofunnybusinesspod or https://www.instagram.com/nofunnybusinesspod/ Music composed by Lily Koren. No Funny Business is produced for Gilded Balloon by Podcart.
July 24 · 47 min
Amanda Knox (yes that one) plus HR: The Musical
Amanda Knox got world famous for being wrongly convicted for killing her roommate in Italy. This is not your average life experience and she’s dealing with it - how else? -by doing a one woman show - Cartwheel. Some people are outraged, some are fascinated. Listen to our frank, surprising, moving and, yes, amusing conversation with Amanda ahead of her run at Gilded Balloon. Plus, another Fringe first-timer from foreign parts is the woman behind HR:The Musical, Amy Mansfield. The show throws proper shade at all the ridiculous things that happen in the workplace and does it through music – including Latin plainchant dealing with passive aggressive emails and a Kraftwerk-type number consisting entirely of real LinkedIn posts. Plus, listen to discover – amongst other things: How many tickets we should have sold by now? Why your postcode could mean savings? What did Rich Hall give Karen as a 'thank you' present (it wasn’t Lindt but did involve balls)? Exactly. Why would you miss it? Find out information and tickets for Cartwheel here - https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:7075/ Find out information and tickets for HR: The Musical here - https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:7088/ Gilded Balloon 2026 programme – and book tickets here – https://gildedballoon.co.uk/ We would love to hear from you. Email us on hiya@gildedballoon.co.uk Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @nofunnybusinesspod or https://www.instagram.com/nofunnybusinesspod/ Music composed by Lily Koren. No Funny Business is produced for Gilded Balloon by Podcart. https://www.podcart.co.uk/
S7 · E3
July 10 · 32 min
Karen and Katy’s guide to ‘flyering’ and other Fringe essentials
It is July … yes it is … and we’re hurtling towards Edinburgh Fringe 2026. This means the Gilded Balloon team have to address the fact they have 230 shows to put on while not actually having an office. It also means that lots of people are starting to think about buying tickets – but where to start? Karen and Katy are here to help with their first round-up of suggestions for shows they think you’ll love as well as some insider tips for anyone – audience or artist - new to all things Fringe (including the secret to successful ‘flyering’). Plus, listen to discover – amongst other things: Who Karen is dreaming of interviewing. Which brilliant new comics Katy has been pursuing with “notes”. How it’s possible to be funny about hanging yourself (bit much?). Why a trapeze artist peed in a pint glass hanging from a truss (that’s a bit of stage equipment not a medical appliance). Exactly. Why would you miss it? Find out more about all the shows Karen and Katy talk about and the rest of the Gilded Balloon 2026 Fringe programme – and book tickets – here https://gildedballoon.co.uk/ We would love to hear from you. Email us on hiya@gildedballoon.co.uk Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @nofunnybusinesspod or https://www.instagram.com/nofunnybusinesspod/ Music composed by Lily Koren. No Funny Business is produced for Gilded Balloon by Podcart.
S7 · E2
June 26 · 32 min
Maria Mcerlane is here (and we're in Norway!)
Maria Mcerlane is with us! She and Graham Norton are bringing their hit podcast, Wanging On, to Gilded Balloon this Fringe. But before she was Graham Norton’s de facto wife, Maria was raging round the streets of Edinburgh with our very own Karen Koren and – you won’t be surprised – there are some stories to tell. Listen to discover – amongst other things: who had raw sex with fluffy girlies who had a pee through the floor of a moving lorry who had to ban doggy style because it was too boring who is Graham Norton’s second mother. Exactly. Why would you miss it? Find out more about our Gilded Balloon 2026 programme – and book tickets – here – https://gildedballoon.co.uk/ We would love to hear from you. Email us on hiya@gildedballoon.co.uk Find Wanging On here - https://open.spotify.com/show/0AGmASLU5XyIbaHSsB6qKf?si=34122d487e4d4a60 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @nofunnybusinesspod or https://www.instagram.com/nofunnybusinesspod/ Music composed by Lily Koren. No Funny Business is produced for Gilded Balloon by Podcart - https://www.podcart.co.uk/.
S7 · E1
June 12 · 35 min
We're back - and with a new name!
We’re back! Have you missed us? We took a break. Katy had a baby. Karen had a bit of a rest. But we have returned with a new name, new sig tune, new guests and new energy to tell you all about being women, in business, in comedy, in Scotland. Gilded Balloon is gearing up for another Edinburgh Fringe and we’re hard at work trying to make sure all the things Karen and Katy started planning last November actually happen. Join us this time to discover – amongst other things: which VERY famous podcast is going to kick off our 2026 Fringe season (tickets are going fast!), how Karen ended up seeing 26 stand-ups in two days, why Tim Minchin is even more of superstar than we thought he was, why (and how) a man on a bike went crowd-surfing in 2002. Exactly. Why would you miss it? Find out more about Gilded Balloon 2026 programme – and book tickets – here – https://gildedballoon.co.uk/ We would love to hear from you. Email us on hiya@gildedballoon.co.uk Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @nofunnybusinesspod or ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nofunnybusinesspod/⁠ Music composed by Lily Koren. No Funny Business is produced for Gilded Balloon by Podcart - ⁠https://www.podcart.co.uk/⁠.
May 8, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Series 6 - Episode 7 - Revealing our 40th Anniversary Programme
In this episode, Karen and Katy finally reveal what they've been keeping under wraps, the Gilded Balloon's 40th Anniversary Fringe programme! Tune in as they lift the curtain on the incredible shows who'll be gracing Gilded stages this Summer, including Rosie O'Donnell and Smack the Pony. Book tickets for the full programme here. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠. Hosted by Karen and Katy Koren, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind the renowned Gilded Balloon at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Boss Wummin' offers a unique insight into the world of running a women-led live comedy business. Join Katy as she takes on the responsibility of leading the business, gaining priceless life and business lessons along the way from Karen. Plus, they sit down with inspiring figures from the arts and comedy industry, who share their best tips on juggling business, creativity, and family.
S6 · E6
May 5, 2025 · 39 min
Series 6 - Episode 6 - A full-on couple of months
In this episode, Karen and Katy catch up on a very busy couple of months - from the Glasgow International Comedy Festival to their Aussie adventures, road-tripping on the Big Comedy Roadshow and gearing up for the Fringe. Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠. Hosted by Karen and Katy Koren, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind the renowned Gilded Balloon at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Boss Wummin' offers a unique insight into the world of running a women-led live comedy business. Join Katy as she takes on the responsibility of leading the business, gaining priceless life and business lessons along the way from Karen. Plus, they sit down with inspiring figures from the arts and comedy industry, who share their best tips on juggling business, creativity, and family.
S6 · E5
Feb 12, 2025 · 59 min
Series 6 - Episode 5 - Politics and Punchlines with Mhairi Black
In this episode, Karen and Katy sit down for a chat with former MP-turned-comedy sensation Mhairi Black. They delve into her childhood, how she got into politics, and why she ultimately stepped away from it all. Plus, they talk all about Mhairi's exciting journey into comedy, from selling out every single show at her first Fringe run to her upcoming live tour, hitting stages across Scotland this Spring. Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠. Click here to find out more about Mhairi Black's Tour. Hosted by Karen and Katy Koren, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind the renowned Gilded Balloon at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Boss Wummin' offers a unique insight into the world of running a women-led live comedy business. Join Katy as she takes on the responsibility of leading the business, gaining priceless life and business lessons along the way from Karen. Plus, they sit down with inspiring figures from the arts and comedy industry, who share their best tips on juggling business, creativity, and family.
Jan 24, 2025 · 46 min
Series 6 - Episode 4 - Hello 2025!
New year, new plans! In this episode, Katy and Karen discuss Hogmanay, share their 2025 resolutions and dive into the exciting process of planning this year’s festival programme. Plus - they're heading to Australia! Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠. Click here for Jack Docherty's Australian Tour Hosted by Karen and Katy Koren, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind the renowned Gilded Balloon at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Boss Wummin' offers a unique insight into the world of running a women-led live comedy business. Join Katy as she takes on the responsibility of leading the business, gaining priceless life and business lessons along the way from Karen. Plus, they sit down with inspiring figures from the arts and comedy industry, who share their best tips on juggling business, creativity, and family.
S6 · E3
Jan 13, 2025 · 45 min
Season 6 - Episode 3 - Beyond the Fringe: Resilience, Venues, and What's Next
In this episode, Karen and Katy catch up on all the latest happenings at Gilded Balloon since the Fringe wrapped up, and share their exciting plans as they look ahead to 2025. They chat about potential new venues and the challenges they bring, and discuss the importance of being resilient. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Hosted by Karen and Katy Koren, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind the renowned Gilded Balloon at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Boss Wummin' offers a unique insight into the world of running a women-led live comedy business. Join Katy as she takes on the responsibility of leading the business, gaining priceless life and business lessons along the way from Karen. Plus, they sit down with inspiring figures from the arts and comedy industry, who share their best tips on juggling business, creativity, and family.
S5 · E2
Dec 10, 2024 · 55 min
Season 6 - Episode 2 - Michelle Brasier
In this episode, recorded live at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, Karen and Katy sit down with singer, actor, writer, and comedian Michelle Brasier. They dive into Michelle's fascinating journey, from her childhood to her diverse career, and discuss her heartbreaking and hilarious memoir, My Brother's Ashes Are in a Sandwich Bag.
Jul 28, 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
Season 6 - Episode 1 - Fringe 2024 - It's here!!
It's time for Fringe 2024 and Karen and Katy give you a rundown of what they have planned for Gilded Balloon this August. Follow Us On Social Media ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ Boss Wummin' is a podcast about Women in Business in Comedy. It's hosted by Karen and Katy Koren, the mother daughter powerhouse team behind the Edinburgh Festival Fringe venue, Gilded Balloon. Listen as Katy asks her mum for important business and general life advice to help her take the reins in running a company in the world of entertainment. Or listen in as they interview some incredible people in the arts and comedy industry to get their tips and tricks of how to survive as a business and a family.
Nov 3, 2023 · 43 min
Season 5 - Episode 4 - Introducing Penny Ellen Koren Bjerkseth
In this episode we welcome the 3rd generation of Boss Wummin' to the podcast. Follow Us On Social Media ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ Boss Wummin' is a podcast about Women in Business in Comedy. It's hosted by Karen and Katy Koren, the mother daughter powerhouse team behind the Edinburgh Festival Fringe venue, Gilded Balloon. Listen as Katy asks her mum for important business and general life advice to help her take the reins in running a company in the world of entertainment. Or listen in as they interview some incredible people in the arts and comedy industry to get their tips and tricks of how to survive as a business and a family.
S5 · E1
Mar 21, 2023 · 51 min
Series 5 - Episode 1 - The Bump
The Boss Wummin' are back for a brand new series and there is some VERY exciting news!! There is a Gilded Baby on the way! Follow Us On Social Media Instagram Twitter Facebook Boss Wummin' is a podcast about Women in Business in Comedy. It's hosted by Karen and Katy Koren, the mother daughter powerhouse team behind the Edinburgh Festival Fringe venue, Gilded Balloon. Listen as Katy asks her mum for important business and general life advice to help her take the reins in running a company in the world of entertainment. Or listen in as they interview some incredible people in the arts and comedy industry to get their tips and tricks of how to survive as a business and a family.
S4 · E9
Nov 22, 2022 · 1 hr 18 min
Series 4 - Episode 9 - Lynn Ferguson
Karen & Katy catch up with their long time friend Lynn Ferguson on this episode of Boss Wummin'. Listen to a few of the many highlights of Lynn's career, her childhood, relationship with her parents and more importantly how she met Karen. Follow Us On Social Media Instagram Twitter Facebook Boss Wummin' is a podcast about Women in Business in Comedy. It's hosted by Karen and Katy Koren, the mother daughter powerhouse team behind the Edinburgh Festival Fringe venue, Gilded Balloon. Listen as Katy asks her mum for important business and general life advice to help her take the reins in running a company in the world of entertainment. Or listen in as they interview some incredible people in the arts and comedy industry to get their tips and tricks of how to survive as a business and a family.
S4 · E8
Oct 25, 2022 · 53 min
Series 4 - Episode 8 - Lucy Porter at The Fringe
In the final instalment of Live at The Fringe episodes Karen & Katy are joined in the Gilded Garden by Lucy Porter. Lucy talks about starting out in comedy, how she still enjoys The Fringe 20 years later and her relationships with her parents growing up. Follow Us On Social Media Instagram Twitter Facebook Boss Wummin' is a podcast about Women in Business in Comedy. It's hosted by Karen and Katy Koren, the mother daughter powerhouse team behind the Edinburgh Festival Fringe venue, Gilded Balloon. Listen as Katy asks her mum for important business and general life advice to help her take the reins in running a company in the world of entertainment. Or listen in as they interview some incredible people in the arts and comedy industry to get their tips and tricks of how to survive as a business and a family.

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