Broadcasting Connection, Purpose & Personality – Exclusive Interview with Joe Sheppard
Joe Sheppard, affectionately known as Big Joe Shep (BJS), is the Founder and Head of Livestreaming at Livestream Solutions – Livestream Academy. With a rich 30-year background in the British Army, UN, and NATO-spanning tactical, operational, and strategic levels-Joe brings unique perspective and people-first leadership to the digital world. Based in Ireland with his partner Gill and their three Miniature Schnauzers-Luna, BOD, and Cassie – Joe's life blends strategic insight with warm authenticity. His mission is to simplify the world of livestreaming, making it easier, more powerful, and more human.
Joe Sheppard, Digital Engagement & People Strategist
What inspired you to start Livestream Solutions, and what is its primary mission?
I actually started livestreaming around 7 years ago – developing a series of online rugby chat shows from scratch. But after suffering a cardiac event and undergoing a triple bypass in June 2021, I had to rebuild everything. My health, my work, and how I wanted to show up in the world.
Livestream Solutions was born out of a simple realisation: far too many good people – with incredible missions and messages – were struggling to be seen and heard online. The tech overwhelmed them. The content demands drained them. Social media and digital marketing agencies were often expensive and impersonal. And the result? Their message got buried.
So I stepped in. I started helping people set up livestreams. Then I built out full packages – where they just had to show up and shine. Now, my team and I offer Livestreaming as a Service (LaaS): weekly or monthly livestreamed update shows, multicasted across all platforms (even their websites). We also offer repurposing services – short-form video, podcasts, blog articles, and content scheduling. One package. Zero stress. Huge value.
Our mission? Simple: To help people and organisations be seen, heard, and remembered – in a way that builds lasting community and impact.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
There wasn't one lightning bolt – more a series of nudges. Over the years, I've seen a lot of business development and system improvement models... some brilliant, some terrible, and some bizarrely followed regardless of outcome? I've watched organisations operate in silos – unable to collaborate, connect, or even communicate internally. And I've realised that in many cases, hostile environments are easier to navigate than benign ones. Why? Because in a war zone, you know the threats, you know the timeline, and you're forced to take action. There's no time to "Jaw Jaw" in "War War" – you just get on with it, find a solution quickly that is pretty acceptable to all and do it!
The big "aha" for me came when I realised that good people with good intentions were struggling to get their voices heard. They needed a megaphone – but one that still felt human. That's what livestreaming became for me. A digital tool to connect, engage, and build trust. A modern solution with an old-school soul.
A huge pivot came when I started using livestreaming not just as content, but as a community-building tool. The start of the "Know Me, Like Me, Trust Me" journey. That led to new partnerships, including a Joint Venture with OneStream LIVE – one of the world's top livestreaming platforms. Today, I'm proud to be one of their Brand Ambassadors and Streaming Partners. The idea that we can broadcast across multiple platforms and bring people together in real-time? That still gives me goosebumps.
How do your services help organisations or individuals achieve their goals through live streaming?
We make livestreaming easy, effective, and genuinely enjoyable. Most of our clients come to us feeling overwhelmed. They know they should be livestreaming – but they don't know where to start. We walk with them every step of the way: from shaping their message, to building a show format, to going live like pros.
Each livestream becomes a treasure trove of content. We repurpose it into short-form videos, podcasts, blogs, and social posts – giving clients a full month of value from one powerful session. More importantly? We make them feel confident. Our clients often say they feel lighter after working with us – because they're no longer stuck. We clear the clutter and help them show up as their real, brilliant selves.
Final thoughts
Livestreaming isn’t just about going live—it’s about creating real connections, building trust, and amplifying your message in a way that truly resonates. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a global organisation, or anyone in between, the tools to be seen, heard, and remembered are within your reach.
Remember this: Your voice matters. Your story matters. And someone out there needs to hear it. So, don’t let the fear of “tech” or the overwhelm of content creation hold you back. You’ve got something unique to share with the world—and we’re here to make sure it shines.
You’re not just broadcasting. You’re building bridges, sparking conversations, and creating impact. Let’s make it happen together.
You don’t have to go LIVE alone. But when you do? Let’s make it unforgettable. Talk soon!
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