The Howie Games

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.

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.

Return guest Adam Gilchrist is back with an update on life and his quest to build a tequila empire. Yes, Australia’s greatest wicket-keeper-batsman is now the king of tequila! But before we get to that, here’s something we didn’t have when Gilly first joined us all those years ago as guest #1: his very own Player Profile. ¡Salud!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 100 days of build-up, planning, sacrifice and anticipation… it’s finally here. The Ashes. Mitch Starc and Alex Carey take you straight to Perth and inside Game Day like never before. From the restless night before, to the moment to the first ball, to the quiet recovery after a bruising Day 1, this is the unfiltered mindset and minute-by-minute rhythm of two professionals living one of the biggest days in recent Australian cricket. And then comes that fast bowling. Mitch Starc unleashes one of the most devastating fast-bowling performances in recent memory. It was a display that will sit proudly in Ashes folklore for years to come. Beside him every step of the way is Alex Carey, providing the calm, sharp, steady presence that helps drive Australia’s perfect start to the series.  It’s raw. It’s revealing. It’s everything we love about sport, pressure, preparation, passion, delivered with unparalleled access. And to conclude the series, another huge thanks to Kez and Starcy for opening the doors and bringing us along for the ride.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ashes are here… and Mitch and Alex take us into the final countdown, and take you right inside the inner sanctum as the Aussie boys switch fully into game mode. Starcy fires things up from the boarding lounge in Sydney before taking us all the way across the country to Perth, where the final week of prep unfolds. Both boys walk us through everything that matters in the countdown to the first ball: the meetings, the match intel, the fine-tuning at training and even the go-to room-service orders once they hit hotel life. There’s insight into how Australia plans to attack England, what they’re seeing in the Perth Stadium wicket, and just how much spice might be hiding in that surface. The lads share what they’ve noticed, how they’ll play it, and what’s going into the tactical blueprint. There’s team news. There’s tension. And then there’s Howie jumping on a plane to head west to join the Fox Cricket and Triple M call teams, where even the hotel check-in is humming with Ashes energy. The prep is done. The hype is fever pitch. Now… it’s time for action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s no better time to hear from one of the greatest run-makers the game has ever seen. How he prepares. How he adapts. How he’s hardened by past Ashes'. And how life under Brendon McCullum has completely rejuvenated him and the England set-up. Across more than a decade at the top, Root has piled up mountains of Test runs, rewritten English cricket history, and carried the hopes of a nation with a smile and a steely determination. But behind the numbers sits a bloke who is down-to-earth, driven and constantly learning. England’s batting giant, record-breaker, and modern master joins Howie for a wide-ranging, honest and insightful conversation. It’s a terrific look into the mindset of one of the greatest English batters of all time, right as the biggest, most anticipated Ashes series in recent memory is about to start. ***  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.

There’s no better time to hear from one of the greatest run-makers the game has ever seen. How he prepares. How he adapts. How he’s hardened by past Ashes'. And how life under Brendon McCullum has completely rejuvenated him and the England set-up. Across more than a decade at the top, Root has piled up mountains of Test runs, rewritten English cricket history, and carried the hopes of a nation with a smile and a steely determination. But behind the numbers sits a bloke who is down-to-earth, driven and constantly learning. England’s batting giant, record-breaker, and modern master joins Howie for a wide-ranging, honest and insightful conversation. It’s a terrific look into the mindset of one of the greatest English batters of all time, right as the biggest, most anticipated Ashes series in recent memory is about to start. ***  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 Aussie Ashes squad is in and the countdown is well and truly on. We dive into one of the great unspoken pillars of elite sport: feedback, and how the best in the world learn to live with it. Across early-morning entries, late-night reflections and a couple of classic check-ins, Mitch Starc and Alex Carey take us inside the mental side of cricket at the absolute highest level. Mitch opens up about the flood of external attention and how he’s learned over his journey to sort the white noise from the gold. From the best feedback he’s ever received, to the lessons that have shaped a decade of international cricket, Mitch is honest, raw and razor sharp. Then it’s Alex Carey’s turn. Kez walks us through the aftermath of that Bairstow moment, the noise that followed, and the feedback that mattered most. He shares how he processed it all. And just when you think the boys are cruising toward Ashes camp… chaos. Mitch takes us into a crucial Sheffield Shield hit-out - a key milestone in his final prep - only for the match to unravel with hamstring injuries to Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott. It’s the full reality of elite cricket one week out from the biggest series on earth. Lock in. The final countdown is on. And we are in seat 1A! *** Ashes Diaries release schedule. Subscribe to the Howie Games feed so you don’t miss an episode! Monday October 20 - Episode 1 - Rivalry Friday October 24 - Episode 2 - Ouch Monday October 27 - Episode 3 -  A Numbers Game Friday October 31 - Episode 4 - Lights, Camera, Action Monday November 3 - Episode 5 - Dad Friday November 7 - Episode 6 - Do What You Love Monday November 10 - Episode 7 - Nice Garry Friday November 14 - Episode 8 - Roulette  Monday November 17 - Episode 9 - Feedback  Friday November 21 - Episode 10 - Camp Tuesday November 25 - Episode 11 - Game DaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s life really like on the road as an Australian cricketer? Mitch Starc and Alex Carey take us behind the scenes.. from airports, flights, hotels and endless baggage runs, to the moments of fun that keep the team bonded. We roll into Adelaide for the ODI series, where Alex hosts a team dinner featuring good food, better wine… and then a few stories on credit card roulette! Who picks up the tab when the boys go out for dinner?  There’s plenty of laughter, travel tales, and stories from dinners shared with the who’s who of Aussie cricket. Plus, we farewell legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and review the white ball series against India, before Mitch makes a surprise trip to India. From chaos to camaraderie, this is what life between, during and after matches really looks like. *** Ashes Diaries release schedule. Subscribe to the Howie Games feed so you don’t miss an episode! Monday October 20 - Episode 1 - Rivalry Friday October 24 - Episode 2 - Ouch Monday October 27 - Episode 3 -  A Numbers Game Friday October 31 - Episode 4 - Lights, Camera, Action Monday November 3 - Episode 5 - Dad Friday November 7 - Episode 6 - Do What You Love Monday November 10 - Episode 7 - Nice Garry Friday November 14 - Episode 8 - Roulette  Monday November 17 - Episode 9 - Feedback  Friday November 21 - Episode 10 - Camp Tuesday November 25 - Episode 11 - Game DaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the greatest batsmen England has ever produced...  and he’s on our shores, sitting down with Howie for a chat that’s as entertaining as one of his cover drives. From cooking steaks (yes, in England!) to his first job, plus what it would mean to him to share one last dinner with Shane Warne and plenty more.  Before we get to know the real Joe Root, the cricketing genius, the family man, the fun-loving Yorkshire lad, enjoy his Player Profile.  Bring on The Ashes!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashes prep is starting to get real. From white ball, to red ball and everything in between. Including, a special catch up with Nathan Lyon. Mitch Starc goes from his first hit back in the nets, to life back on the road. While Alex Carey gets some crucial red-ball time for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield final rematch, up against an in-form Marnus Labuschagne… who’s making a serious case for his Ashes return. And then there are nerves. The beautiful, brutal part of sport that every elite athlete learns to live with. From sponsor shoots to long days at Cricket Central, from early-morning Shield prep to the chaos of school runs before training. The grind, excitement, and professionalism of Ashes build-up are on full display. It captures the tension, excitement, and emotion of the calm before the Ashes storm. *** Ashes Diaries release schedule. Subscribe to the Howie Games feed so you don’t miss an episode! Monday October 20 - Episode 1 - Rivalry Friday October 24 - Episode 2 - Ouch Monday October 27 - Episode 3 -  A Numbers Game Friday October 31 - Episode 4 - Lights, Camera, Action Monday November 3 - Episode 5 - Dad Friday November 7 - Episode 6 - Do What You Love Monday November 10 - Episode 7 - Nice Garry Friday November 14 - Episode 8 - Roulette  Monday November 17 - Episode 9 - Feedback  Friday November 21 - Episode 10 - Camp Tuesday November 25 - Episode 11 - Game DaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitch Starc unpacks the Aussie skipper's injury concerns as fast bowlers continue to go down - it's the brutal reality of injuries in cricket — and what it really takes to get back on the park. Alex Carey speaking with raw honesty after the passing of his father. From heartbreak to high performance, Carey’s courage to “do what you love” shines through in a powerful and emotional chat from New Zealand. From Mitch's first bowl to batters in weeks, to mowing the lawn (with the Howie Games in his ears ofcourse), Starc opens up about the grind, the setbacks, and the simple love of the game. Cricket season roars to life post-AFL Grand Final — with Usman Khawaja joining from the ‘G. Plus, team news, injury updates, and a stirring reminder that behind every stat, there’s a story. *** Ashes Diaries release schedule. Subscribe to the Howie Games feed so you don’t miss an episode! Monday October 20 - Episode 1 - Rivalry Friday October 24 - Episode 2 - Ouch Monday October 27 - Episode 3 -  A Numbers Game Friday October 31 - Episode 4 - Lights, Camera, Action Monday November 3 - Episode 5 - Dad Friday November 7 - Episode 6 - Do What You Love Monday November 10 - Episode 7 - Nice Garry Friday November 14 - Episode 8 - Roulette  Monday November 17 - Episode 9 - Feedback  Friday November 21 - Episode 10 - Camp Tuesday November 25 - Episode 11 - Game DaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've heard the full story, now let's have some fun. He’s the Irishman with a good Aussie impersonation. He is the 2024 Melbourne Cup winning jockey who stole our hearts — and maybe a few karaoke mics along the way!  It's a classic Player Profile. Robbie’s got stories that gallop between glory and good fun. A golden voice, and a heart of gold 🏇🎤🇦🇺 ***  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.

In this deeply moving episode, Alex Carey and Mitch Starc open up like never before. We explore what family truly means to them. While Alex takes us inside fatherhood as a professional cricketer and Mitch shares what family life looks like when your partner is also a professional cricketer (Onya Skipper!) Training ramps up as Alex and Mitch Starc prepare for the Ashes, and then things get raw. Alex lets us into a profoundly intimate moment — as he navigates the toughest of times with his dad, reflecting on the man who helped him chase his cricketing dream. It’s emotional, heartfelt and real — a reminder of the people and love that shape every athlete’s journey. It’s not just cricket — it’s life, mateship, the game that they play and the people that they love. *** Ashes Diaries release schedule. Subscribe to the Howie Games feed so you don’t miss an episode! Monday October 20 - Episode 1 - Rivalry Friday October 24 - Episode 2 - Ouch Monday October 27 - Episode 3 -  A Numbers Game Friday October 31 - Episode 4 - Lights, Camera, Action Monday November 3 - Episode 5 - Dad Friday November 7 - Episode 6 - Do What You Love Monday November 10 - Episode 7 - Nice Garry Friday November 14 - Episode 8 - Roulette  Monday November 17 - Episode 9 - Feedback  Friday November 21 - Episode 10 - Camp Tuesday November 25 - Episode 11 - Game DaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The countdown to The Ashes continues… and things get very fun along the way! It’s content capture week for the Aussie cricket team — five days of cameras, chaos, and countless laughs. From early gym sessions with Nathan Lyon, to Alex Carey’s Men’s Health shoot prep, to Mitch Starc’s behind-the-scenes banter (and a cheeky cameo from Alyssa Healy) — this is professional cricket like you’ve never heard it before. Howie joins the crew on set as the players juggle media, training, and footy finals chat — all while keeping spirits high and energy levels (just) alive.  From covering up a “Picasso” to Starcy’s pump-up speeches… it’s the unfiltered, hilarious, and human side of Australia’s stars before the Ashes heat up. The laughs are rolling, the cameras are rolling… and the countdown is well and truly on. *** Ashes Diaries release schedule. Subscribe to the Howie Games feed so you don’t miss an episode! Monday October 20 - Episode 1 - Rivalry Friday October 24 - Episode 2 - Ouch Monday October 27 - Episode 3 -  A Numbers Game Friday October 31 - Episode 4 - Lights, Camera, Action Monday November 3 - Episode 5 - Dad Friday November 7 - Episode 6 - Do What You Love Monday November 10 - Episode 7 - Nice Garry Friday November 14 - Episode 8 - Roulette  Monday November 17 - Episode 9 - Feedback  Friday November 21 - Episode 10 - Camp Tuesday November 25 - Episode 11 - Game DaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a small Irish town to the grandest stages in Australian racing — Robbie Dolan’s story has it all. A family steeped in racing tradition, yet he was a late bloomer in the saddle. Then came the leap of faith — a one-way ticket to Australia, a dream, and a chance to prove himself as an apprentice jockey. And that he did.  But Robbie’s tale doesn’t stop at the track. With an unbelievable voice and fearless spirit, he took his talent from the turf to the television, capturing hearts on The Voice Australia. And then… the fairytale finish. Against all odds, on an outsider no one saw coming, Robbie Dolan storms home to win the 2024 Melbourne Cup. It’s the kind of story that feels straight out of Hollywood — or maybe just another classic episode of The Howie Games. He is one talented Irishman! And tells it brilliantly.  ***  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.

This is one bloody talented Irishman! From a small Irish town to the grandest stages in Australian racing — Robbie Dolan’s story has it all. A family steeped in racing tradition, yet he was a late bloomer in the saddle. Then came the leap of faith — a one-way ticket to Australia, a dream, and a chance to prove himself as an apprentice jockey. And that he did.  But Robbie’s tale doesn’t stop at the track. With an unbelievable voice and fearless spirit, he took his talent from the turf to the television, capturing hearts on The Voice Australia. And then… the fairytale. Against all odds, on an outsider no one saw coming, Robbie Dolan storms home to win the 2024 Melbourne Cup. It’s the kind of story that feels straight out of Hollywood — or maybe just another classic episode 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/@thehowiegames See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In elite sport, every number tells a story — and in this episode, we dive deep into the digits behind the Australian cricket team’s Ashes campaign. From GPS trackers to gym stats, Mitch Starc reveals the staggering distances covered by a fast bowler and the strength needed to keep his body firing at 35. Alex Carey takes us behind the stumps for a day in the field — covering 15km on his feet, with explosive bursts and endless squats to stay sharp for every delivery. Then, a huge moment — Starc drops a major announcement, opening up about the emotional phone call to coach Andrew McDonald as he retires from T20 international cricket. It’s raw, honest, modest and quintessentially Mitch. Plus, a little footy chat as finals fever takes hold — Alex’s Crows take on the Magpies, while Mitch’s Hawks are set to clash with Howie’s boys. A mix of emotion, endurance, and elite insight — A Numbers Game lifts the lid on what it really takes to play at the highest level. *** Ashes Diaries release schedule. Subscribe to the Howie Games feed so you don’t miss an episode! Monday October 20 - Episode 1 - Rivalry Friday October 24 - Episode 2 - Ouch Monday October 27 - Episode 3 -  A Numbers Game Friday October 31 - Episode 4 - Lights, Camera, Action Monday November 3 - Episode 5 - Dad Friday November 7 - Episode 6 - Do What You Love Monday November 10 - Episode 7 - Nice Garry Friday November 14 - Episode 8 - Roulette  Monday November 17 - Episode 9 - Feedback  Friday November 21 - Episode 10 - Camp Tuesday November 25 - Episode 11 - Game DaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.