Balloon artist extraordinaire Sean Edwards (aka The Balloon Guy) joins hosts Libby Sundgren and Alysse Bryson for a fun, revealing look behind the curtain of the luxury balloon world. From celebrity parties (think: the Kardashians and Miley Cyrus) to epic installation mishaps, Sean shares how he turned a childhood hobby into an event powerhouse. Learn the secrets behind top-notch balloon design, how to tackle DIY balloon garlands, and the unsung resilience of event pros. Plus, get pro tips for sustainability and safety, and a few balloon puns along the way. 

Timestamps:  

[00:00] – Helium hijinks and balloon safety 

[01:12] – Meet Sean Edwards: Origin story & star-studded client list 

[04:05] – The first gig: Balloons at age 12 in North Carolina 

[06:12] – Balloon animal favorites and artistic evolution 

[07:35] – Most complex balloon creations & wedding shenanigans 

[09:01] – DIY balloon arch fails (and how to fix them) 

[10:18] – Tips for leveling up your at-home balloon decor 

[13:09] – When balloons go wrong: Heat, weather and pop disasters 

[15:11] – Balloon brands, tariffs, and sourcing the best latex 

[16:45] – Sustainability: Creative ideas for repurposing party decor 

[18:51] – Balloon-related injuries: The perils of party prep 

[21:21] – Sean’s design process for unforgettable event moments 

[24:42] – Biggest installation: Soho House LA’s Willy Wonka Halloween 

[29:00] – Measuring event success & Sean’s three pillars 

[31:27] – Could ‘Up’ really happen? Balloon stunts & pop culture 

[32:07] – Hot air balloons and the power of (balloon) memory 

[36:09] – Balloon jokes, merch and Sean’s secret sauce for working with celebs 

Resources & Links: 

-The Balloon Guy: Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook & X 

-Cleveland Balloon Disaster (and here's a video of the story) 

-Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn 

Connect with Us: 

-Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com 

-LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show 

-Instagram: @beatsworkingshow 

-Facebook: @Beats Working Show 

-YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST 

Follow & Subscribe: 

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners. 

Send Feedback: 

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email producer Tamar Routly at tamar@workp2p.com.  

BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.