

The Howie Games
LiSTNR
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 1, 2026 • 45min
264: Michelle Payne (Part B)
History-maker. Trailblazer. And bloody tough! This one goes far beyond that unforgettable Melbourne Cup winning ride back in 2015. Yes, we relive the moment that stopped a nation, from the ride, the roar, the words that echoed around the world. And of course Stevie and the relationship she has with her brother. But this is the Michelle you don’t always see or hear. A decade on from her historic win, she opens up on the whirlwind that followed: the pressure, the expectations, and then yet another near death experience. From growing up in a racing family to navigating fame, loss, and everything in between, this is a story about grit, perspective, and staying true to yourself when the world is watching. There’s heartbreak, there’s humour, and there’s a whole lot of honesty. And it’s one you won’t forget. *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 31, 2026 • 1h 5min
264: Michelle Payne (Part A)
History-maker. Trailblazer. And bloody tough! This one goes far beyond that unforgettable Melbourne Cup winning ride back in 2015. Yes, we relive the moment that stopped a nation, from the ride, the roar, the words that echoed around the world. And of course Stevie and the relationship she has with her brother. But this is the Michelle you don’t always see or hear. A decade on from her historic win, she opens up on the whirlwind that followed: the pressure, the expectations, and then yet another near death experience. From growing up in a racing family to navigating fame, loss, and everything in between, this is a story about grit, perspective, and staying true to yourself when the world is watching. There’s heartbreak, there’s humour, and there’s a whole lot of honesty. And it’s one you won’t forget. *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 26, 2026 • 41min
SPECIAL: Howie's Favourite Footy Episodes
Ten years. Thousands of stories. And a whole lot of footy magic. Incase you have missed anything across the years, Howie has taken a moment to remember some of the AFL players and the stories that have defined The Howie Games across a decade. From the electrifying brilliance of Cyril Rioli in episode 54, the ultimate “bums on seats” player, and the raw, deeply personal reasons behind his shock mid-season retirement… to the elite mindset of Chris Judd in episode 32 unpacking what it really takes to be the best. We rewind all the way back to Episode 3! BIG Fev opens up like never before with his highs, the struggles, and the honesty that stopped listeners in their tracks. Then into the modern era with Kane Cornes episode 218, one of the most influential voices in the game, in a chat where absolutely nothing was off limits. And finally… a full circle moment. Leigh “Lethal” Matthews. Episode 248. A childhood hero. A legend of the game. And one of the great conversations in Howie Games history. Catch up on the full episodes! Episode 56 - Cyril Rioli Episode 32 - Chris Judd Episode 3 - Brendan Fevola Episode 218 - Kane Cornes Episode 241 - Leigh Matthews See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 25, 2026 • 8min
264: Michelle Payne (Player Profile)
It could seriously be the most inspirational story we have ever had on the show. But, before we get into the full journey of this seriously tough human being who just happens to also be a Melbourne Cup winning jockey, let's get to know the legend that is Michelle Payne, * A decade after her historic Melbourne Cup win, Michelle Payne shares a raw and inspiring story of resilience, revealing the love, loss and courage that shaped her journey in her powerful new book Ride On. Purchase it online or at all good book stores today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 18, 2026 • 44min
262: Matthew Mitcham (Part B)
When Matt stepped up for his final dive in the Beijing Olympics from the 10 metre platform, he’d already lived it a thousand times in his mind. What followed was Olympic history, but as Mitcham shares, that gold medal has many layers to it. This Australian legend opens up on the journey behind the moment, from a childhood (and diving career) shaped by chance, to the highs of global success and the challenges that followed. It’s honest, vulnerable, and at times confronting. A story of determination, resilience, and what it truly takes to reach, and navigate, the top. Matty is an absolute beauty. Please note: This episode discusses sensitive topics. We encourage listeners to tune in thoughtfully and take care while listening. * Catch Matt in the Off-Broadway hit play AFTERGLOW which is at the Eternity Playhouse in Sydney NOW. For tickets and more information, go to afterglowtheplay.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 17, 2026 • 50min
262: Matthew Mitcham (Part A)
When Matt stepped up for his final dive in the Beijing Olympics from the 10 metre platform, he’d already lived it a thousand times in his mind. What followed was Olympic history, but as Mitcham shares, that gold medal has many layers to it. This Australian legend opens up on the journey behind the moment, from a childhood (and diving career) shaped by chance, to the highs of global success and the challenges that followed. It’s honest, vulnerable, and at times confronting. A story of determination, resilience, and what it truly takes to reach, and navigate, the top. Matty is an absolute beauty. Please note: This episode discusses sensitive topics. We encourage listeners to tune in thoughtfully and take care while listening. * Catch Matt in the Off-Broadway hit play AFTERGLOW which is at the Eternity Playhouse in Sydney NOW. For tickets and more information, go to afterglowtheplay.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 16, 2026 • 9min
262: Matthew Mitcham (Player Profile)
Matt is a joy! He is honest and open... and fun! He is an Olympic gold medallist, a storyteller, and one of Australia’s most unforgettable characters with one of the most incredible journey's ever told on the Howie Games. He brings energy and honesty to his entire chat… but first, enjoy the laughs in this Player Profile. Time to dive in. * Catch Matt in the Off-Broadway hit play AFTERGLOW which is at the Eternity Playhouse in Sydney NOW. For tickets and more information, go to afterglowtheplay.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 11, 2026 • 43min
263: Tom Clarkson (Part B)
A life lived on the road with Formula 1. It’s part history lesson, part travel diary, and part behind-the-scenes pass to the Formula 1 paddock, from someone who has been there for it all. Respected F1 journalist, broadcaster and podcaster Tom Clarkson has seen the sport from the inside for decades. With more than 500 consecutive Grands Prix attended since 1998, Clarkson has travelled the world alongside Formula 1’s modern evolution. From the drivers who left the biggest mark, the circuits that stand above the rest and the press conferences that lit up the paddock — Clarkson shares stories from the road, including regular meetings with former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Plus, the boys unpack Oscar Piastri’s Melbourne weekend, the pressure cooker of the modern paddock, and the global surge of Formula 1. And then there’s the future. New regulations have arrived, plus the Audi Revolut F1 Team joins the grid, there's new power units, and sustainable fuels engineered by bp set to help shape the next era of the sport. *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames A huge thanks to Tommy for stopping by!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 10, 2026 • 58min
263: Tom Clarkson (Part A)
A life lived on the road with Formula 1. It’s part history lesson, part travel diary, and part behind-the-scenes pass to the Formula 1 paddock, from someone who has been there for it all. Respected F1 journalist, broadcaster and podcaster Tom Clarkson has seen the sport from the inside for decades. With more than 500 consecutive Grands Prix attended since 1998, Clarkson has travelled the world alongside Formula 1’s modern evolution. From the drivers who left the biggest mark, the circuits that stand above the rest and the press conferences that lit up the paddock — Clarkson shares stories from the road, including regular meetings with former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Plus, the boys unpack Oscar Piastri’s Melbourne weekend, the pressure cooker of the modern paddock, and the global surge of Formula 1. And then there’s the future. New regulations have arrived, plus the Audi Revolut F1 Team joins the grid, there's new power units, and sustainable fuels engineered by bp set to help shape the next era of the sport. *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames A huge thanks to Tommy for stopping by!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 9, 2026 • 12min
263: Tom Clarkson (Player Profile)
A temporary break from normal programming for a special and very timely, F1 podcast. Join Howie and respected F1 journalist, podcast host (and Hollywood star) Tom Clarkson for his Player Profile, before we dive deep into life on the road covering the relentless Formula 1 schedule. It’s a great catch-up between mates as they unpack all things from back at the track (plus the heartbreak of the opening race at Albert Park). Let's have some fun. Tommy even answers his OWN question. This special episode is all thanks to our friends at bp, the technology partner of the Audi Revolut F1 Team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


