Liverpool production and virtual events company Virtuopo launches new podcast featuring Liverpool FC legend John Barnes and it has already proved a big hit. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool production and virtual events company Virtuopo has expanded into sports content after teaming up with Liverpool FC legend John Barnes.
Just two episodes into the podcast, called Defend & Attack: The John Barnes Podcast, clips have already generated more than 1m views on social media.
This is Virtuopo’s first original sports podcast and forms part of the company’s wider strategy to grow its content creation services, building on years of expertise in virtual events, livestreaming and broadcast production.
Along with former Brookside TV star and now cycling guru Simon O’Brien, Barnes, who was a flying winger for the Reds and England in the 1980s and 1990s, discusses some of the biggest issues in football, with fan interaction and guest interviews planned for future episodes.
The collaboration grew out of a conversation at a client event, where Barnes appeared as a keynote speaker. Following the event, Virtuopo’s managing director Chris Holmes suggested launching a football podcast together.
Chris said: “John and I hit it off straight away and we quickly realised there was an opportunity to work together. He’s always had a unique perspective on football and isn’t afraid to say what he thinks, so I came up with the idea of launching a podcast.
“Virtuopo is best known for virtual and hybrid events, but we also have a purpose-built podcast studio and an experienced production team.
“Podcast production is a growing part of our business, and this project marks an important step as we continue to extend our podcast portfolio, working with personalities, brands and corporates.”
The podcast is recorded at Virtuopo’s studio in Brunswick Business Park, which features green screen facilities and remote production technology.
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John Barnes added: “The response from football fans has been fantastic. Simon and I have some great conversations about what’s happening in football, and we don’t always follow popular opinion. That’s what makes it interesting.
“Chris and the team have created the right environment for those conversations. Hopefully people enjoy listening and joining the discussion as the podcast grows.”