

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

6 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 30min
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 field in one of the most elite sporting environments in the world. It’s early mornings, high stakes, and big pressure – but it’s all part of chasing greatness with the Buckeyes. This is college football as you've never heard it. The culture. The chaos. The competition. And the characters. Joe’s got a front row seat – and you do too. *** College Diaries release schedule. Subscribe to the Howie Games feed so you don’t miss an episode! Episode 1 – Monday, July 7 – Not Your Average Joe Episode 2 – Monday, July 14 - Gold Standard Episode 3 – Monday, July 21 - Show Me The Money Episode 4 – Monday, July 28 - Straight A's Episode 5 – Monday, August 4 - The Woody Episode 6 – Monday, August 11 - Team Up North Episode 7 – Monday, August 18 - Fall Camp Episode 8 - Monday August 25 - Uncertainty Episode 9 - Monday September 1 - Game Day Subscribe to the feed on Apple, Spotify or LiSTNR here: https://linktr.ee/thehowiegamesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 9, 2025 • 17min
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. It’s special. For me personally, it’s a privilege to share Stuart’s story. This one means a lot. 📆 FULL STUART MACGILL EP OUT JULY 17 *** 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.

Jul 6, 2025 • 32min
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 special project which is a raw, first-hand look at the relentless drive, the pressure, the expectations, and the gold-standard culture that powers the Buckeyes. Joe lifts the lid on the pain, the preparation, and the balance required on the field and in the classroom. He’s a long way from home, but Joe is right in the thick of it with some of the biggest college athletes in the world. Oh, and he also happens to be Eddie McGuire’s son – but this is Joe’s story. Episode one is your chance to meet Joe, hear his journey... so, buckle up for the epic College Diaries and the insights and details that Joe delivers! *** College Diaries release schedule. Subscribe to the Howie Games feed so you don’t miss an episode! Episode 1 – Monday, July 7 – Not Your Average Joe Episode 2 – Monday, July 14 - Gold Standard Episode 3 – Monday, July 21 - Show Me The Money Episode 4 – Monday, July 28 - Straight A's Episode 5 – Monday, August 4 - The Woody Episode 6 – Monday, August 11 - Team Up North Episode 7 – Monday, August 18 - Fall Camp Episode 8 - Monday August 25 - Uncertainty Episode 9 - Monday September 1 - Game Day Subscribe to the feed on Apple, Spotify or LiSTNR here: https://linktr.ee/thehowiegamesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 2, 2025 • 45min
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 — how he got his start, the mindset that fuelled his legendary career, his transition to coaching, and the honest reflections that have made him one of the game's great storytellers. Whether it’s breaking a point post in half, leading Collingwood to drought-breaking glory, masterminding the Brisbane Lions’ famous three-peat, or analysing the modern game, Leigh shares it all with sharp detail, raw honesty, and a brilliant sense of humour. *** 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.

Jul 1, 2025 • 56min
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 — how he got his start, the mindset that fuelled his legendary career, his transition to coaching, and the honest reflections that have made him one of the game's great storytellers. Whether it’s breaking a point post in half, leading Collingwood to drought-breaking glory, masterminding the Brisbane Lions’ famous three-peat, or analysing the modern game, Leigh shares it all with sharp detail, raw honesty, and a brilliant sense of humour. *** 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.

Jun 25, 2025 • 35min
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 elite. You’ll laugh, you’ll shake your head in disbelief — and most of all, you’ll be inspired. *** 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.

Jun 24, 2025 • 38min
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 elite. You’ll laugh, you’ll shake your head in disbelief — and most of all, you’ll be inspired. *** 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.

Jun 18, 2025 • 11min
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 all his glory! Thanks for your patience peeps! *** 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.

Jun 11, 2025 • 13min
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 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegamesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 43min
240: Jason Gillespie (Part B)
Join former Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie, affectionately known as 'Dizzy,' as he shares his captivating journey from a player in cricket’s golden era to coaching in Zimbabwe and Pakistan. He recounts his stunning double century in Bangladesh and the camaraderie of teammates amidst playful challenges. Dizzy dives into the intricate world of coaching, discussing the missed potential of Pakistan cricket and the emotional legacies left by legends like Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, all while emphasizing the power of belief and hard work.


