The Howie Games - podcast cover

The Howie Games

Where the biggest names in the world of sport go one-on-one with sports journalist Mark Howard. From ultimate highs to tear-jerking lows, Howie lifts the lid on the real stories behind the headlines. He sits down with the biggest names in Australian & world sport, finding out how they started out, what makes them tick, how they deal with the big wins and the big losses, and how they take on sport and life from here.

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Episodes

College Diaries: Episode 4 - Straight A's

Balancing the demands of big-time college football… and big-time study. Joe takes us inside University Life, Scholarships, GPA's and living arrangements for College footballers. It's not just about training, lectures and learning – it’s about player welfare too. Joe gives us a raw insight into the seriousness of concussion protocols, the importance of custom-fitted helmets, and how the program at Ohio State is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to the treatment of it's players. Plus, a kick...

Jul 27, 202532 min

245: Vale Hulk Hogan

We’re taking you way back to 2009 and 2015, to special (and fun) conversations recorded with the legendary Hulk Hogan – long before The Howie Games even existed. With the sad news of Hulk’s passing, we wanted to share this as a small tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on sport and entertainment. In the longer conversation, Hulk reflects on the glory days of wrestling, the injuries, the razor blades, Vince McMahon, Rocky III , and the journey from $15 pay cheques to becoming one of the m...

Jul 25, 202515 min

244: The Grade Cricketer (Player Profile)

Time to meet the men behind the madness. The voices behind The Grade Cricketer, Ian Higgins and Sam Perry. What started as a rogue tweet is now a full-blown sporting and cultural phenomenon. Podcasts, books, live shows, viral content … these two have built a beast. In this Player Profile, ahead of the full backstory, we start with some banter. In the full episode, past lives are revealed, content kingship is dissected, and the absurdities of Grade cricket (and life) are laid bare, plus, some cri...

Jul 23, 202515 min

College Diaries: Episode 3 - Show Me The Money

We dive headfirst into the billion dollar business of college football. Our man on the ground, Aussie punter Joe McGuire, peels back the curtain on the machine that is the Ohio State Buckeyes football program. And just like his old man, Joe’s storytelling is full of colour, detail and personality. We meet his teammates. We hear from the passionate voices around the program. And we go behind the scenes with the Buckeyes’ media team, giving us an exclusive window into the scale, pride and polish o...

Jul 20, 202532 min

243: Stuart MacGill (Part B)

A leg spinning wizard. A man of immense talent. But his journey has ups on the field, and downs off it. This chat isn’t easy. At times, it’s emotional. But it’s honest. It’s the story of a man who’s made mistakes, owned them, and is finding his way forward. This is the first time Stuart has shared his story in full — the parts you know, and the parts you don’t. It's powerful. It’s raw. It’s deeply human. This episode of The Howie Games is one that truly matters. A great cricketer. He’s a brillia...

Jul 16, 202551 min

243: Stuart MacGill (Part A)

A leg spinning wizard. A man of immense talent. But his journey has ups on the field, and downs off it. This chat isn’t easy. At times, it’s emotional. But it’s honest. It’s the story of a man who’s made mistakes, owned them, and is finding his way forward. This is the first time Stuart has shared his story in full - the parts you know, and the parts you don’t. It's powerful. It’s raw. It’s deeply human. This episode of The Howie Games is one that truly matters. A great cricketer. He’s a brillia...

Jul 15, 202557 min

College Diaries: Episode 2 - Gold Standard

The grind is real. The standards are sky high. And the competition for spots? Ruthless. In Episode 2 of The College Diaries , our homegrown Aussie Joe McGuire takes us deeper into the engine room of Ohio State Football – where days start early, the gym numbers are off the charts, and every single rep could make or break your spot and your season. From a special Collingwood gift for a teammate to the raw intensity of pre-season training, Joe shares what it really takes to earn your spot on the fi...

Jul 13, 202530 min

243: Stuart MacGill (Player Profile)

You might think you know the story of Stuart MacGill. But trust me… you don’t. Before we get to the deep stuff, the heavy stuff, the incredible and at times confronting stuff – first, we laugh. Because he is one of the great characters. He’s sharp, he’s funny, and his stories are as unique as his bowling action. What follows this, is raw, real and honest. A life full of highs and incredible challenges. This is a man who lived a dream and then endured a nightmare. It’s emotional. It’s powerful. I...

Jul 09, 202517 min

College Diaries: Episode 1 - Not Your Average Joe

We're taking you behind the scenes of the high-stakes, high-octane, big business world of American College Football, like you have never heard before. International sport story telling with Joe McGuire – the proud Aussie, Ohio State Buckeye, and National Champion takes us behind the scenes of life at one of the biggest sporting programs on the planet. From the pre-season grind to the brutal standards, the elite professionalism, and yes… even the Ferraris in the carpark. This is an eight part spe...

Jul 06, 202532 min

241: Leigh Matthews (Part B)

He is one of the most influential figures in Australian sport — and his story is as powerful as the way he played. From a teenager bursting onto the scene at Hawthorn to becoming one of the most feared and respected players the game has ever seen, Leigh’s career is stacked with extraordinary moments. Four premierships as a player. Over 900 goals. A reputation as one of the toughest competitors to ever pull on a guernsey. But that’s just the beginning. Leigh takes us inside his incredible journey...

Jul 02, 202545 min

241: Leigh Matthews (Part A)

He is one of the most influential figures in Australian sport — and his story is as powerful as the way he played. From a teenager bursting onto the scene at Hawthorn to becoming one of the most feared and respected players the game has ever seen, Leigh’s career is stacked with extraordinary moments. Four premierships as a player. Over 900 goals. A reputation as one of the toughest competitors to ever pull on a guernsey. But that’s just the beginning. Leigh takes us inside his incredible journey...

Jul 01, 202556 min

242: Nathan Walker (Part B)

He is history maker. He is the first-ever Australian to play in the NHL — the toughest ice hockey league on the planet. And he is at the peak of his powers. He packed his bags and left home as a 13-year-old to chase an impossible dream on the other side of the world. Head inside that journey: the sacrifices, the setbacks, and the sheer determination it takes to not just survive, but to score a hat-trick at the sport's highest level. This is the raw, detailed story of what it truly takes to be el...

Jun 25, 202535 min

242: Nathan Walker (Part A)

He is history maker. He is the first-ever Australian to play in the NHL — the toughest ice hockey league on the planet. And he is at the peak of his powers. He packed his bags and left home as a 13-year-old to chase an impossible dream on the other side of the world. Head inside that journey: the sacrifices, the setbacks, and the sheer determination it takes to not just survive, but to score a hat-trick at the sport's highest level. This is the raw, detailed story of what it truly takes to be el...

Jun 24, 202538 min

242: Nathan Walker (Player Profile)

He’s the first ever Australian to play in the NHL – and he is currently at his peak - but his journey to get to the elite level is one of the most fascinating tales in Howie Games history. From rollerblading in Sydney to lacing up in front of packed stadiums in North America, Nathan Walker’s story is full of grit, guts, and good laughs. Get to know the man who broke through the ice ceiling, with a fun, fast moving Player Profile. Next week, Nathan's full episode. Followed by Leigh Matthews in al...

Jun 18, 202511 min

241: Leigh Matthews (Player Profile)

This man didn't just play footy... he reshaped it. But, before we get into the mind behind kicking 332 games and 915 goals, plus four flags with Hawthorn, coaching masterclasses at Collingwood and Brisbane, and even smashing point posts and records alike, indulge yourself with this sharp and funny player profile with.... LETHAL. This is the start of a very special Howie Games episode. *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on T...

Jun 11, 202513 min

240: Jason Gillespie (Part B)

From an unthinkable double century in Bangladesh to coaching Pakistan — Jason Gillespie’s story is one of cricket’s most fascinating journeys. Dizzy takes us inside his journey as a player a coach, and a lover of the sport at the highest level. He discusses the the missed potential in Pakistan, and his hopes for their cricketing future. Plus, the ridiculous reality of being a bowler with a Test double ton and everything involved in that incredible milestone including the moment Gilly handed over...

Jun 04, 202543 min

240: Jason Gillespie (Part A)

From an unthinkable double century in Bangladesh to coaching Pakistan — Jason Gillespie’s story is one of cricket’s most fascinating journeys. Dizzy takes us inside his journey as a player a coach, and a lover of the sport at the highest level. He discusses the the missed potential in Pakistan, and his hopes for their cricketing future. Plus, the ridiculous reality of being a bowler with a Test double ton and everything involved in that incredible milestone including the moment Gilly handed over...

Jun 03, 202542 min

240: Jason Gillespie (Player Profile)

One of our great Australian characters in full flight! From delivering pizzas in a 1971 Datsun to making double tons, Jason Gillespie has done it all—and then some. Dizzy opens up on that iconic nickname, his current obsession with pan-fried veggie dumplings, and his love of old-school wrestling and Bernard Fanning. He shares wisdom from his late father, pays tribute to Malcolm Marshall, and lets us in on jaw-dropping moments with Hugh Jackman inside the Lord’s changerooms. Plus: the hardest bat...

May 28, 202519 min

239: Matt Hill (Part B)

He had a dream. And is living it. Matt Hill is the voice behind some of the best moments in Australian sport. He is already a broadcasting icon. But, he is an even better bloke. And he explains the dream he is living, brilliantly. From calling races around the hallways as a kid, to voicing the Melbourne Cup, Olympics and footy and plenty more sports (wait until you hear the list!). Matt Hill is the dream chaser who never gave up — even when he was on the dole or facing a life-threatening health ...

May 21, 202548 min

239: Matt Hill (Part A)

He had a dream. And is living it. Matt Hill is the voice behind some of the best moments in Australian sport. He is already a broadcasting icon. But, he is an even better bloke. And he explains the dream he is living, brilliantly. From calling races around the hallways as a kid, to voicing the Melbourne Cup, Olympics and footy and plenty more sports (wait until you hear the list!). Matt Hill is the dream chaser who never gave up — even when he was on the dole or facing a life-threatening health ...

May 20, 20251 hr

239: Matt Hill (Player Profile)

Matt Hill’s voice is sport. From the thunder of hooves at Flemington to the roar of the crowd at the MCG, to the 100m Sprint at the Olympics - he layers it all with perfection In this Player Profile , the racecaller-turned-broadcast superstar goes under the Howie Games spotlight! and, as expected. He EXCELS! It’s fast-paced, full of laughs, and gives you a quick-fire look at the man behind the mic — the great Matt Hill! So, ahead of the full episode. Saddle up and enjoy. See omnystudio.com/liste...

May 14, 202522 min

238: Wally Lewis (Part B)

Rugby League Immortal, a Queensland legend, and one of the greatest sportspeople Australia has ever produced. In this deeply compelling episode, The King opens up in an unforgettable episode. From the fierce rivalries of State of Origin, to the raw and confronting reality of his recent health struggles, Wally shares his incredible story with honesty, courage, and grace. It's a powerful, emotional, and important conversation on so many fronts that goes beyond Rugby League and into the very heart ...

May 07, 202553 min

238: Wally Lewis (Part A)

Rugby League Immortal, a Queensland legend, and one of the greatest sportspeople Australia has ever produced. In this deeply compelling episode, The King opens up in an unforgettable episode. From the fierce rivalries of State of Origin, to the raw and confronting reality of his recent health struggles, Wally shares his incredible story with honesty, courage, and grace. It's a powerful, emotional, and important conversation on so many fronts that goes beyond Rugby League and into the very heart ...

May 06, 202557 min

238: Wally Lewis (Player Profile)

He’s The King. Some call him The Emperor. But first, he was Gator. And in this Howie Games Player Profile, Wally Lewis brings all the fun, the fire, and the flair you’d expect from one of Australia’s greatest ever athletes. This quick-hit ep is a cracking little preview of what’s to come — because next week… get ready. The full episode with Wally Lewis is one of the most powerful, emotional and unforgettable chats we’ve ever had. But for now? Kick back and enjoy a cheeky insight into a legend wh...

Apr 30, 202512 min

Anzac Day Special - Curtis McGrath

In this special ANZAC Day episode of The Howie Games , hear from the incredible Curtis McGrath. From his life-altering near-death experience in Afghanistan while serving his country, to his awe-inspiring Paralympic achievements — Curtis is a true testament to resilience and determination. This conversation is a raw, honest reflection on mateship, courage, fear, pain, and the constant presence of death, balanced by the hope of life and the unshakable strength of never giving up — no matter how im...

Apr 24, 202528 min

237: Alex Carey (Part B)

Knocked down time after time—and still, he got back up. And guess what? He went on to represent his country at the highest level, performing to the highest possible standard. Alex Carey is living proof that you are not defined by your setbacks, but by how you respond to them. When his AFL dreams were cut short, his state cricket contract torn up, and he found himself playing for just a dollar a run—he kept going. He pushed through it all and earned the ultimate reward: the baggy green. Ashes win...

Apr 23, 20251 hr 5 min

237: Alex Carey (Part A)

Knocked down time after time—and still, he got back up. And guess what? He went on to represent his country at the highest level, performing to the highest possible standard. Alex Carey is living proof that you are not defined by your setbacks, but by how you respond to them. When his AFL dreams were cut short, his state cricket contract torn up, and he found himself playing for just a dollar a run—he kept going. He pushed through it all and earned the ultimate reward: the baggy green. Ashes win...

Apr 22, 202556 min

📞 The Howie Games Hotline - #14

The Masters broadcast. Oscar Piastri's Championship hopes. And Travis Pastrana. All that, and plenty more in another special addition of The Howie Hotline. It's another raw and honest response to your guest ideas and your feedback and questions. Plenty of fun, and plenty of insights from the man, who is normally the one asking the questions. Get involved in the next Howie Games Hotline by sending Howie a direct message on Instagram to @MarkHoward03 . Have a listen to Jim Nantz from episode 157 ....

Apr 18, 202524 min

237: Alex Carey (Player Profile)

He is one of Aussie sport’s most versatile stars. But, as is custom, before we dive into the full, deep-dive chat, get to know the man behind the gloves in this rapid-fire prelude that’s as sharp as his wicketkeeping. From footy fields to cricket pitches, Alex Carey really has walked one of the most unique paths in Australian sport – but, is he ready for the Howie Games Player Profile? The answer - spoiler - is ABSOLUTELY. 📱🎧 Hit play, have a laugh, and get ready to meet the man behind the glo...

Apr 16, 202513 min

236: Dale Thomas (Part B)

Deep might be a surprising word to describe this multi-layered episode. But, that is exactly what it is. The high flying, fun loving, entertaining former Collingwood and Carlton superstar has a story that will stop you in your tracks. The beauty of Daisy, he is using the powerful lessons he has learnt along the way, to share with others. From childhood ups and downs, to living out his dream, to not knowing what was next. All power to Dale "Daisy" Thomas! Check out daisymail.footy on Instagram fo...

Apr 09, 202539 min
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