

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

10 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 42min
240: Jason Gillespie (Part A)
Jason Gillespie, a former Australian international cricketer and renowned coach, shares his extraordinary journey in cricket. He recounts the thrill of achieving a double century in Bangladesh and the challenges of coaching Pakistan. With a blend of humor and humility, he reflects on his transition from bowler to coach, discusses the sentimental value of sports memorabilia, and dives into memorable on-field moments, including a shocking collision. Gillespie's insights reveal the emotional depth of the sport and the importance of camaraderie in cricket.

May 28, 2025 • 19min
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 batters he bowled to, the bowlers who made him sweat, plus, a nice plug for that unforgettable double century. *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegamesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 21, 2025 • 48min
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 scare at the Beijing Games. This is a powerful story of grit, passion, and pure love for sport. A master of the mic… who’s still just a fan at heart. Thanks Matty! See you Thursday Night on Fox Footy! *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegamesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 20, 2025 • 60min
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 scare at the Beijing Games. This is a powerful story of grit, passion, and pure love for sport. A master of the mic… who’s still just a fan at heart. Thanks Matty! See you Thursday Night on Fox Footy! *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegamesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 14, 2025 • 22min
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/listener for privacy information.

May 7, 2025 • 53min
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 Australian sport, and all round resilience. This is Wally Lewis — the player, the icon, and the man — in his own words. *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames And you can follow @WallyLewis_Official on Instagram here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 6, 2025 • 57min
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 Australian sport, and all round resilience. This is Wally Lewis — the player, the icon, and the man — in his own words. *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames And you can follow @WallyLewis_Official on Instagram here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 30, 2025 • 12min
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 whose sporting legacy is only matched by his heart. 👑🎧🔥 And don't forget to give Wally a follow on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 24, 2025 • 28min
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 impossible the odds may seem. Join us for a powerful and moving discussion in honour of ANZAC Day. Listen to the full episode of Curtis McGrath from episode 139 of the Howie Games. *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegamesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 5min
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 wins. A World Cup. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A World Test Championship. BBL Titles and Sheffield Shieds. Alex Carey achieved more than most dream of—well beyond his original goal of playing AFL. Even better? He's a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Alex Tyson Carey—this story couldn't come from a better bloke. *** Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegamesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


