The Howie Games

The star of The College Diaries is in studio! Joe McGuire and Howie unite for their first ever meeting in person for a raw, honest, and revealing debrief of life inside the Ohio State system. A young Aussie chasing the biggest dream there is, and he has been so good at letting us in on every detail.  Joe opens up on the moment every Buckeye dreams of, taking down “The Team Up North”, in one of the fiercest rivalries in world sport. A win that validates everything… until the brutal reality of football hits. Because just weeks later, after a near flawless season, it all slips away. The emptiness. The silence. The sudden end to a brotherhood that felt unbreakable. We dive into the College Diaries journey — the behind-the-scenes grind, the production, the pressure and the surreal rise of college athletes into global figures.  Joe really is a brilliant young Aussie chasing the biggest dream there is, and he has been so good at letting us in on every detail. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s World Cup hopes are officially over - but the tour diaries roll on. In Episode 2, Howie leaves Kandy and heads to Colombo as rain, results and a disastrous loss end Australia’s campaign. But with a mic in hand and a game to call, there’s no time to dwell. From a five-star breakfast buffet with Aaron Finch and Wasim Akram, to commentary box chats with Waqar Younis and the incredible story behind Pakistan’s newest star, this is a behind-the-scenes look at life inside a World Cup. 00:00 – Leaving Kandy For Colombo 01:47 – Colombo Arrival & Disastrous News 04:25 – Breakfast Buffet Madness 08:04 – Wasim Akram At Breakfast 09:03 – Finchy’s Spicy Food Lesson 13:11 – Match Day At The SSC 15:10 – Waqar On Pakistan Pressure 18:39 – Inside The Urdu Commentary Box 20:47 – From Sous Chef To Superstar - The Rise of Usman "The Delayer" Tariq 25:45 – Tour Rolls Back To Kandy ***  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.

The 2026 Tour Diaries begin in transit before diving straight into the chaos of the subcontinent. In Episode 1, Howie takes you from long-haul flights to the madness of Sri Lankan traffic and the build-up to a do-or-die World Cup clash between Australia and Sri Lanka - a match he’s calling from the commentary box as the tournament pressure hits early. Aussie champ Aaron Finch also joins the diary for a chat about touring the subcontinent, what it’s really like inside an Aussie campaign, and what it's like to lose to Zimbabwe! 00:00 - Tour begins 04:15 - Travel day chaos - Long flights, transit stops and arrival into Sri Lanka. 08:55 - First impressions of Sri Lanka - Five-hour drive to Kandy and settling in ahead of game day. 12:30 - Do-or-die for Australia - Why the Sri Lanka clash is crucial after the Zimbabwe loss. 16:20 - Aaron Finch joins - Finchy on touring the subcontinent and Australia’s must-win match. 17:50 - The pressure of the coin toss & the best voice in World Cricket - Howie prepares to call the game alongside Angelo Mathews for the first time. 20:30 - Match fallout ***  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.

He really is one of our favourites, and he returns for a thoughtful and revealing Next Chapter conversation. We move beyond the traditional player story (you can also catch him in episode 73), Vaughany reflects on leadership, resilience, health, and the personal experiences that have shaped his life after cricket. He delivers a sharp take on the Ashes, discusses professionalism, team culture, and why England’s future may be closer than many think. There is clear affection when he speaks about Australia, but the episode also explores very serious moments. Honest, measured, and insightful, this is Vaughany at his most reflective. And we love him for it.  ***  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.

He really is one of our favourites, and he returns for a thoughtful and revealing Next Chapter conversation. We move beyond the traditional player story (you can also catch him in episode 73), Vaughany reflects on leadership, resilience, health, and the personal experiences that have shaped his life after cricket. He delivers a sharp take on the Ashes, discusses professionalism, team culture, and why England’s future may be closer than many think. There is clear affection when he speaks about Australia, but the episode also explores very serious moments. Honest, measured, and insightful, this is Vaughany at his most reflective. And we love him for it.  ***  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.

One of The Howie Games favourites. Our adopted Pom... he is always full of wit, insight and experience. And this is no different.  Vaughany first joined us back in July 2019 (Episode 79)… and back then, we didn’t even get to a Player Profile. So before the next chapter with Michael Vaughan, here’s your chance to get to know the man a little better... and enjoy a few laughs along the way. He won’t disappoint.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fearless Australian who dared to dream big, and fly even higher! Alisa Camplin's journey to Olympic Gold is as equally beautiful as the moment she saw her name flash up as an Olympic Champion... in full, it's almost unbelievable. And she tells it brilliantly.  From the young girl whose Olympic dream became an all-consuming pursuit, to the brutal reality of aerial skiing, which really is one of the most fearless and physically punishing sports on the planet,  Alisa opens up on the risks, the injuries, and the relentless drive required to reach the top. We rewind to Salt Lake City, 2002. The playlist in her ears, the nerves building, and the world suddenly very quiet as she stands at the top before her gold medal jump. What follows is a breathtaking, step-by-step retelling of the flight, the landing… and the surreal moment she realised she was an Olympic champion. Raw, reflective, and deeply inspiring, this is a story of courage, resilience, and rising when it matters most. Alisa is the Chef de Mission of Australia’s Winter Olympic team competing from February 6–22! It's a once-in-a-generation squad blending five recent medallists with exciting teenage talent. Leading with a focus on camaraderie, Alisa is determined to help every athlete, from podium hopes to debutants, perform at their very best. Come on you Aussies! ***  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.

A fearless Australian who dared to dream big, and fly even higher! Alisa Camplin's journey to Olympic Gold is as equally beautiful as the moment she saw her name flash up as an Olympic Champion... in full, it's almost unbelievable. And she tells it brilliantly.  From the young girl whose Olympic dream became an all-consuming pursuit, to the brutal reality of aerial skiing, which really is one of the most fearless and physically punishing sports on the planet,  Alisa opens up on the risks, the injuries, and the relentless drive required to reach the top. We rewind to Salt Lake City, 2002. The playlist in her ears, the nerves building, and the world suddenly very quiet as she stands at the top before her gold medal jump. What follows is a breathtaking, step-by-step retelling of the flight, the landing… and the surreal moment she realised she was an Olympic champion. Raw, reflective, and deeply inspiring, this is a story of courage, resilience, and rising when it matters most. Alisa is the Chef de Mission of Australia’s Winter Olympic team competing from February 6–22! It's a once-in-a-generation squad blending five recent medallists with exciting teenage talent. Leading with a focus on camaraderie, Alisa is determined to help every athlete, from podium hopes to debutants, perform at their very best. Come on you Aussies! ***  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.

A winter sporting trailblazer! Alisa is an Olympic gold medallist and current Chef de Mission for Australia’s Winter Olympic team, leading the next generation on the world’s biggest stage. Her full story shows why she is one of the toughest, most resilient guests we have ever featured on the Howie Games. But first, we have some fun as we discover a self-confessed science nerd who loves history, and can knock out a mean Excel spreadsheet — or serve ice cream with equal confidence. Plus, her love for Collingwood.  Alisa is Chef de Mission of Australia’s Winter Olympic team, which takes on the world from Feburary 6 to Feburary 22. It is a once-in-a-generation mix of experience and youth, with five recent Olympic medallists, exciting teenage talent, and 26 World Cup medals this season showing we belong on the world stage. As Chef de Mission, Alisa Camplin will be building camaraderie and focusing on helping every athlete — from medal contenders to first-timers — deliver their best performance. Come on you Aussies!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From cross-country carnivals to the Olympic podium in Paris, Jess Hull’s rise is one of Australian sport’s great stories. This one is a powerful conversation as Jess reflects on the years of unseen work that took her from school athletics to becoming an Olympic silver medallist and one of the fastest women in history. From Wollongong to breaking Oceanian records, NCAA success at Oregon, the pressure of the world stage, and what it takes to keep pushing the limits of her performance. It's a career built on belief and discipline. But beyond the medals, this is about mindset, resilience, nutrition, recovery and staying grounded while chasing greatness. She is an Aussie legend already, and she is destined for even bigger things. ***  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.

From cross-country carnivals to the Olympic podium in Paris, Jess Hull’s rise is one of Australian sport’s great stories. This one is a powerful conversation as Jess reflects on the years of unseen work that took her from school athletics to becoming an Olympic silver medallist and one of the fastest women in history. From Wollongong to breaking Oceanian records, NCAA success at Oregon, the pressure of the world stage, and what it takes to keep pushing the limits of her performance. It's a career built on belief and discipline. But beyond the medals, this is about mindset, resilience, nutrition, recovery and staying grounded while chasing greatness. She is an Aussie legend already, and she is destined for even bigger things. ***  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.

Our Aussie Olympian who keeps running past the limits! Howie sits down with one of Australia’s toughest and most consistent middle-distance runners, Jessica Hull. And before we tap into the mindset and the big moments, get to know this absolute star.  Her smile is enough to brighten anyones day. A Player Profile with Jessica Hull, one of Australia’s great endurance stories, told the Howie Games way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a country town in New South Wales to the bright lights of the NBA, Jock Landale’s path has been anything but ordinary. It’s a story shaped by perseverance, self-belief and a deep connection to where it all began. Jock speaks candidly about what it means to represent Australia, the mental edge that powered the Boomers to their historic first Olympic medal, and how that moment changed the way he handles expectation and pressure. Plus the big NBA deal that came with it. Now competing on basketball’s biggest stage in the US, there have been setbacks, and plenty of  unseen work, all done with an inner confidence required to trust himself when everything was on the line.  Honest, reflective and full of insight, this Howie Games conversation delivers heart, perspective and lessons earned the hard way - one you gotta hear from start to finish. ***  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.

From a country town in New South Wales to the bright lights of the NBA, Jock Landale’s path has been anything but ordinary. It’s a story shaped by perseverance, self-belief and a deep connection to where it all began. Jock speaks candidly about what it means to represent Australia, the mental edge that powered the Boomers to their historic first Olympic medal, and how that moment changed the way he handles expectation and pressure. Plus the big NBA deal that came with it. Now competing on basketball’s biggest stage in the US, there have been setbacks, and plenty of  unseen work, all done with an inner confidence required to trust himself when everything was on the line.  Honest, reflective and full of insight, this Howie Games conversation delivers heart, perspective and lessons earned the hard way - one you gotta hear from start to finish. ***  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.

HAPPY NEW YEAR one and all, and another huge thanks for listening to the show for 2025! Bring on 2026!! We’re bringing in the new year with one of the best and brightest Australians we’ve had on the Howie Games. From pulling on the green and gold to taking on America in the NBA, Jock’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when hard work meets belief. A proud Australian Boomer, he opens up on what representing his country truly means, the mindset that delivered Australia’s first Olympic medal in men’s basketball, and why staying connected to home still matters, no matter how far the game takes you. But before we get into his journey, get to know Jock. A bloody good bloke, who is resilient and talented...  His full episode is one not to miss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To round out a massive year, Howie gives his take on his highlights of the Howie Games in 2025. The moments, the laughs, the honesty and the champions that made it such a special year. From eight-time world champion Steph Gilmore, to one of Australia’s brightest young stars, Oscar Piastri, ahead of a huge year at McLaren. Premiership coach Chris Fagan and NRL Immortal Wally Lewis. There were laughs and unbelievable stories with Jason “Dizzy” Gillespie, powerful lessons in resilience with Alex Carey, and one of the most raw and impactful episodes in Howie Games history with Stuart MacGill. Plus, the Howie Games Diaries came to life, with Scott Pendlebury opening up on his 20th pre-season, Joe McGuire taking us inside the Ohio State Buckeyes, and Mitch Starc and Alex Carey delivering an all-access, never-heard-before countdown to the Ashes. If you’ve missed any of these, now’s the time. Perfect listening for the holidays, whether you’re on the road, in the gym or getting things done around home. All links and episodes here: Episode 229: Steph Gilmore Episode 234: Oscar Piastri Episode 233: Chris Fagan Episode 238: Wally Lewis Episode 240: Jason Gillespie Episode 243: Stuart MacGill  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four absolute pillars of Australian cricket! The skipper Pat Cummins, the second-highest wicket-taker in Australian Test history Nathan Lyon, and the fast-bowling enforcers Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood. More than 1,500 Test wickets between them, countless Ashes stories, and a bond forged through years of shared spells, shared planes and shared pressure. We hear from the four great mates like never before. From first memories of each other, Ashes moments, and the stats that actually matter inside the change rooms. It’s relaxed, honest and full of laughs. Plenty of banter, plenty of insight, and a rare look behind the curtain at the group that led Australia’s Ashes defence. An early Christmas present for Howie Games listeners and cricket tragics alike.Hope you love it as much as Howie does. 🏏 Watch Kayo for the best Test Match coverage, and every Big Bash game Live and Exclusive all summer long. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Smith, the star of Episode 105 of The Howie Games, returns for a special Ashes deep dive. One of the greatest players Australia has ever produced sits down for an honest, thoughtful and fascinating look at the contest that has shaped so much of his career: the Ashes. Across this special, thanks to Kayo, Smithy opens up on the moments that defined him, the magic of 2019, the battles that pushed him to the edge, the celebrations that live on forever, and the sting of defeat that still lingers. He shares how he trains for longevity, why New York life helps him disappear into the crowd, and how the weight of expectation sits on the shoulders of a current champion. A champion of the game, back for another chapter and a rare insight into what the Ashes really mean to him. Watch Kayo for the best Test Match coverage, and every Big Bash game Live and Exclusive all summer long. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"If you see something, do something." In one of the most powerful and heartfelt conversations we’ve ever shared on The Howie Games, AFL great and friend Brad Johnson opens up about his recent battle with cancer, not for sympathy, but in the hope that his story can help others navigate their own tough moments, or support loved ones walking that path. Johno is one of those rare people who genuinely lifts the room the moment he walks in. His energy, his warmth, his positivity are all infectious. But this year, he was forced into a fight he never saw coming. For the first time - with the aim of helping others - he speaks openly about the fear, the uncertainty and the lessons learned along the way. And he offers three simple but vital guiding principles that carried him through. This is a conversation about vulnerability and strength… and about the power of positivity in the face of adversity.  Whether you or someone you love is facing a health battle, or you simply need a reminder of what really matters, this special episode with Brad Johnson is one you won’t forget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The very first guest on The Howie Games is back on the show... 3,357 days later! More than nine years after he helped launch this little podcast, Gilly returns to the crease. From the cricket field to the commentary box… all the way to the agave fields of Mexico. Gilly talks about life after the game, how a simple curiosity turned into a tequila business, and why building something real still matters. There are reflections on Shane Warne, lessons learned through COVID about connection and community, and the shift from being a player to being the voice behind the mic. Gilly also goes deep on family, how relationships evolve as your kids grow, the art of staying connected, what a long and successful marriage has taught him, and the joy of watching his children chase their own passions. It’s classic Gilly, thoughtful, humble, inquisitive. The first guest ever… back for another chapter! Get a hold of Gilly’s finest work of El Arquero here ***  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.