

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

Oct 22, 2025 • 37min
252: Adam Zampa (Part B)
Adam Zampa is one of Australia’s most interesting — and interested — cricketers. He does things his own way. Zamps stands out both on and off the field. Across a remarkable career - that is still right in the thick of things - Zampa has become one of Australia’s greatest-ever white ball leg-spinners — a two-time World Cup winner, and one of only a handful of players to take over 150 ODI wickets and more than 80 in T20 internationals. His consistency, control and competitive edge have made him a cornerstone of Australia’s white ball dominance. In this episode, Howie dives deep with the demands of international cricket, the craft of spin, the mental grind of elite cricket, life away from the game, and what drives him to keep evolving. It’s the story of a modern-day Aussie original, written entirely in his own style. *** 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.

Oct 21, 2025 • 45min
252: Adam Zampa (Part A)
Adam Zampa is one of Australia’s most interesting — and interested — cricketers. He does things his own way. Zamps stands out both on and off the field. Across a remarkable career - that is still right in the thick of things - Zampa has become one of Australia’s greatest-ever white ball leg-spinners — a two-time World Cup winner, and one of only a handful of players to take over 150 ODI wickets and more than 80 in T20 internationals. His consistency, control and competitive edge have made him a cornerstone of Australia’s white ball dominance. In this episode, Howie dives deep with the demands of international cricket, the craft of spin, the mental grind of elite cricket, life away from the game, and what drives him to keep evolving. It’s the story of a modern-day Aussie original, written entirely in his own style. *** 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.

Oct 19, 2025 • 25min
Ashes Diaries: Episode 1 - Rivalry
The rivalry that defines cricket is back and the countdown is on. In this special Howie Games series, we go behind the scenes with two of Australia’s biggest stars — Mitchell Starc and Alex Carey — as they prepare for their quest to retain the Ashes on home soil. You’ll hear raw, inside access as Starcy and Kez share what it really takes to play Test cricket for Australia: the mindset, the grind, the camaraderie, and the pain behind it all. But first, we delve deep into what makes the Ashes the ultimate cricketing showdown. This is the start of something special. Exclusive voice memos, WhatsApp messages, and never-before-heard insights. Strap in. The Ashes Diaries begins now. 🇦🇺🔥 *** 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.

Oct 15, 2025 • 8min
252: Adam Zampa (Player Profile)
A leg spinning larrikin. Is there anything better? In this Player Profile, Howie unravels Adam Zampa or ZORBA - and it's all about life beyond the wickets. From his coffee obsession to his passion of music and everything in between. Howie fires off the rapid-fire questions, and Zamps delivers with his trademark mix of honesty, humour, and a dash of cheek. It’s Adam Zampa unfiltered — quick wit, good laughs, and plenty of surprises. A must-listen for cricket fans and anyone who loves a good character! And... The Aussies take on India in a blockbuster white-ball series — catch every delivery live on Foxtel and Kayo, as Adam Zampa looks to spin his magic once again - starting Sunday October 19! 🏏See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 8, 2025 • 41min
251: Nicole Livingstone (Part B)
A genuine Aussie legend, on and off the swimming blocks.. and a great mate! 💚💛 From Olympic swimming star to trailblazing sports administrator, Nic Liv has done it all – and done it with grit, humour and heart. In this full episode, Nicole dives deep with Howie into her remarkable journey — from a young girl tearing up the pool in Melbourne to representing Australia on the world stage. She shares tales of the Olympic village, her transition into media, life behind the microphone, and her mission to make Australian sport a better, more inclusive place for the next generation. It’s honest, uplifting and full of those trademark Nicole smiles, stories and swimming voice that remind you why we love sport. Plus – plenty of laughs, a few goosebumps, and some fascinating insights into leadership, resilience and life after the podium. *** 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.

Oct 7, 2025 • 45min
251: Nicole Livingstone (Part A)
A genuine Aussie legend, on and off the swimming blocks.. and a great mate! 💚💛 From Olympic swimming star to trailblazing sports administrator, Nic Liv has done it all – and done it with grit, humour and heart. In this full episode, Nicole dives deep with Howie into her remarkable journey — from a young girl tearing up the pool in Melbourne to representing Australia on the world stage. She shares tales of the Olympic village, her transition into media, life behind the microphone, and her mission to make Australian sport a better, more inclusive place for the next generation. It’s honest, uplifting and full of those trademark Nicole smiles, stories and swimming voice that remind you why we love sport. Plus – plenty of laughs, a few goosebumps, and some fascinating insights into leadership, resilience and life after the podium. *** 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.

Oct 1, 2025 • 17min
251: Nicole Livingstone (Player Profile)
From the Olympic pool to the heart of Australian sport! Nicole is as sharp, surprising and entertaining as you’d expect from a former Aussie swimming star turned leading sports broadcaster and administrator. This Player Profile is like a couple of old mates just catching up! It's full of laughs, stories, and a few left-field answers that will make you smile. Dive in with Nicole as she takes on the ultimate Howie Games Player Profile ahead of her full episode next week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 29, 2025 • 13min
The Unheard Story: Stuart MacGill (Part C)
Never heard before audio of Stuart MacGill's living nightmare. He opens up in one of the most raw, honest and frightening stories the Howie Games has ever published. If you haven't already, go back and listen to the full Stuart MacGill story. His journey to play for Australia, his love for leg spin, letting it rip alongside the King, Shane Warne. As well as life after cricket, and the ups and downs that come with it all. **** As Howie mentions in the episode, if you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. In Australia, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If you’re elsewhere, please reach out to a local support service in your area. And if it’s an emergency, call 000. You’re not alone - there’s always help, and there’s always someone to talk to. **** 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.

Sep 24, 2025 • 53min
250: Dwayne Russell (Part B)
Passionate. Creative. A star player, a special storyteller, and a master of his craft. Now a first-time author with his new book Killing for Sport, Dwayne sits down with Howie to share his remarkable journey. From his family history and the story behind his name change, to his childhood in Adelaide where his love for football first sparked, Dwayne takes us through the highs, the struggles, and the defining moments of his career. He opens up about the big step to pull on the Geelong Cats jumper and his love for the club - even when he was cut, sharing a locker room with the great Gary Ablett Snr, and the transition into his second act as one of Australia’s most respected and passionate commentators. This is Dwayne at his finest – thoughtful, passionate, and a natural storyteller whose energy is unmatched. And don’t miss his new book Killing for Sport, available for pre-order now via all major book retailers in print and eBook, ahead of its release on October 14. Pre-order link here Thanks Pipe. *** 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.

Sep 23, 2025 • 51min
250: Dwayne Russell (Part A)
Passionate. Creative. A star player, a special storyteller, and a master of his craft. Now a first-time author with his new book Killing for Sport, Dwayne sits down with Howie to share his remarkable journey. From his family history and the story behind his name change, to his childhood in Adelaide where his love for football first sparked, Dwayne takes us through the highs, the struggles, and the defining moments of his career. He opens up about the big step to pull on the Geelong Cats jumper and his love for the club - even when he was cut, sharing a locker room with the great Gary Ablett Snr, and the transition into his second act as one of Australia’s most respected and passionate commentators. This is Dwayne at his finest – thoughtful, passionate, and a natural storyteller whose energy is unmatched. And don’t miss his new book Killing for Sport, available for pre-order now via all major book retailers in print and eBook, ahead of its release on October 14. Pre-order link here Thanks Pipe. *** 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.


