The Howie Games

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<p>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 &amp; 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.</p>

  • 39 minutes 51 seconds
    267: Graham Arnold &amp; One Of The Sports Stories Of The Year (Part B)

    The former Socceroos coach walked into the unknown… and emerged a national hero in Iraq. The details behind this extraordinary World Cup qualifying journey will take your breath away. 

    If you haven't, take a listen to Arnie’s full story back on Episode 221, the grit, the setbacks, the relentless belief. But what has unfolded since is something else entirely. 

    At the helm of Iraq national football team, Arnold has guided a nation of 46 million people to their first World Cup appearance in 40-years. It’s been a journey that’s had everything: chaos, courage, pressure, pride… and moments that were as frightening as they were inspiring.

    This is the story of the Lions of Mesopotamia rising again. Now, it's time for the group of excitement at the World Cup. 

    This story already sits among the most extraordinary in world sport, and Graham Arnold isn't done yet!

    *** 

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    ***

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    29 April 2026, 3:01 pm
  • 54 minutes 9 seconds
    267: Graham Arnold &amp; One Of The Sports Stories Of The Year (Part A)

    The former Socceroos coach walked into the unknown… and emerged a national hero in Iraq. The details behind this extraordinary World Cup qualifying journey will take your breath away. 

    If you haven't, take a listen to Arnie’s full story back on Episode 221, the grit, the setbacks, the relentless belief. But what has unfolded since is something else entirely. 

    At the helm of Iraq national football team, Arnold has guided a nation of 46 million people to their first World Cup appearance in 40-years. It’s been a journey that’s had everything: chaos, courage, pressure, pride… and moments that were as frightening as they were inspiring.

    This is the story of the Lions of Mesopotamia rising again. Now, it's time for the group of excitement at the World Cup. 

    This story already sits among the most extraordinary in world sport, and Graham Arnold isn't done yet!

    *** 

    Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ 

    Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames 

    ***

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    28 April 2026, 3:01 pm
  • 28 minutes 16 seconds
    Travel Diaries: African Safari (Part A)

    A different kind of Howie Games episode. 

    An honest, straight-up travel diary through South Africa and the wild landscapes of Namibia, packed with stories, lessons, travel hacks, and a few hard-earned mistakes along the way. From planning the trip to navigating a place of real consequence, it’s all laid bare.

    How to fly, where to stay, what to see... with some VERY special guests, this one’s as personal as it gets...  and at its core, it’s about inspiring you to get out there and try something a little different.

    Let me know what you think!

    Peace and love, and happy and safe travels!

    *** 

    Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ 

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    26 April 2026, 8:33 pm
  • 44 minutes
    266: Koby Stevens (Part B)

    A story of dreams, nightmares, anguish and redemption... 

    Koby Stevens played 91 AFL games spanning the West Coast Eagles, Western Bulldogs and St Kilda... his career came to a premature end after a 15th concussion. 

    The way he details the moment his childhood dreams were ripped from him, and the fear of an invisible injury for a professional athlete is admirable, inspiring and bloody scary, all in one. 

    His drive to re-find his own purpose, uncover his brain injury, commit to his rehabilitation and recovery is as moving as anything we have heard on the show. Not to mention his passion of story telling and film making... 

    This story will change and save lives. You don't always need a Premiership or a Gold Medal to show how powerful you are. 

    Thanks Kobe. 

    *** 

    Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ 

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    ***

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    22 April 2026, 3:01 pm
  • 55 minutes 31 seconds
    266: Koby Stevens (Part A)

    A story of dreams, nightmares, anguish and redemption... 

    Koby Stevens played 91 AFL games spanning the West Coast Eagles, Western Bulldogs and St Kilda... his career came to a premature end after a 15th concussion. 

    The way he details the moments his childhood dreams were ripped from him, and the fear of an invisible injury for a professional athlete is admirable, inspiring and bloody scary, all in one. 

    His drive to re-find his own purpose, uncover his brain injury, commit to his rehabilitation and recovery is as moving as anything we have heard on the show. Not to mention his passion of story telling and film making... 

    This story will change and save lives. You don't always need a Premiership or a Gold Medal to show how powerful you are. 

    Thanks Kobe. 

    *** 

    Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ 

    Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames 

    ***

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    21 April 2026, 2:11 pm
  • 1 hour 5 minutes
    265: Adam Simpson (Part B)

    He really has experienced it all in footy. A two-time premiership player, a premiership coach, even a wooden spoon… and now a man watching it all unfold from the commentary box. 

    Simmo really has lived every layer of the game. Simmo opens up on the brutal reality of being sacked, when the noise gets loud, the pressure turns personal, and even your own kids are asking, “how haven’t you got the sack yet?”.

    But this episode isn’t just about those BIG moments, it’s full of gold. From the legendary $10K Mad Monday cash splash after the 2018 flag, to the coaching mistakes that shaped him, and the lessons every aspiring AFL coach needs to hear. There’s the Shinboner spirit of the 90s, wild stories of a different era, and deep reflections on legacy, leadership, and what success really means when it’s all said and done. It’s candid, funny, and incredibly insightful,  the full journey of a man who’s truly seen it all.

    It’s honest but packed with perspective (and wit!). From leading at the top to fighting through the bottom, and the powerful life lessons that come with both. 

    ***

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    *** 

    Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ 

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    15 April 2026, 2:00 pm
  • 51 minutes 42 seconds
    265: Adam Simpson (Part A)

    He really has experienced it all in footy. A two-time premiership player, a premiership coach, even a wooden spoon… and now a man watching it all unfold from the commentary box. 

    Simmo really has lived every layer of the game. Simmo opens up on the brutal reality of being sacked, when the noise gets loud, the pressure turns personal, and even your own kids are asking, “how haven’t you got the sack yet?”.

    But this episode isn’t just about those BIG moments, it’s full of gold. From the legendary $10K Mad Monday cash splash after the 2018 flag, to the coaching mistakes that shaped him, and the lessons every aspiring AFL coach needs to hear. There’s the Shinboner spirit of the 90s, wild stories of a different era, and deep reflections on legacy, leadership, and what success really means when it’s all said and done. It’s candid, funny, and incredibly insightful,  the full journey of a man who’s truly seen it all.

    It’s honest but packed with perspective (and wit!). From leading at the top to fighting through the bottom, and the powerful life lessons that come with both. 

    ***

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    *** 

    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.

    14 April 2026, 2:00 pm
  • 8 minutes 49 seconds
    265: Adam Simpson (Player Profile)

    He has played in Premierships. Coached a Premiership. Has been at the top, and at the bottom. 

    Now, he is taking on the world of broadcast media. 

    Before we get into his journey, it's time to get an appreciation of his wit and his humour. 

    Simmo is a RIPPER!

    ***

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    8 April 2026, 11:27 pm
  • 45 minutes
    264: Michelle Payne (Part B)

    History-maker. Trailblazer. And bloody tough!

    This one goes far beyond that unforgettable Melbourne Cup winning ride back in 2015.

    Yes, we relive the moment that stopped a nation, from the ride, the roar, the words that echoed around the world. And of course Stevie and the relationship she has with her brother. But this is the Michelle you don’t always see or hear. 

    A decade on from her historic win, she opens up on the whirlwind that followed: the pressure, the expectations, and then yet another near death experience. 

    From growing up in a racing family to navigating fame, loss, and everything in between, this is a story about grit, perspective, and staying true to yourself when the world is watching.

    There’s heartbreak, there’s humour, and there’s a whole lot of honesty. And it’s one you won’t forget.

    Go and buy Michelle's new book, Ride On TODAY!

    *** 

    Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ 

    Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames 

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    1 April 2026, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    264: Michelle Payne (Part A)

    History-maker. Trailblazer. And bloody tough!

    This one goes far beyond that unforgettable Melbourne Cup winning ride back in 2015.

    Yes, we relive the moment that stopped a nation, from the ride, the roar, the words that echoed around the world. And of course Stevie and the relationship she has with her brother. But this is the Michelle you don’t always see or hear. 

    A decade on from her historic win, she opens up on the whirlwind that followed: the pressure, the expectations, and then yet another near death experience. 

    From growing up in a racing family to navigating fame, loss, and everything in between, this is a story about grit, perspective, and staying true to yourself when the world is watching.

    There’s heartbreak, there’s humour, and there’s a whole lot of honesty. And it’s one you won’t forget.

    Go and buy Michelle's new book, Ride On TODAY!

    *** 

    Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/ 

    Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames 

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    31 March 2026, 1:00 pm
  • 41 minutes 29 seconds
    SPECIAL: Howie's Favourite Footy Episodes

    Ten years. Thousands of stories. And a whole lot of footy magic. 

    Incase you have missed anything across the years, Howie has taken a moment to remember some of the AFL players and the stories that have defined The Howie Games across a decade.

    From the electrifying brilliance of Cyril Rioli in episode 54, the ultimate “bums on seats” player, and the raw, deeply personal reasons behind his shock mid-season retirement… to the elite mindset of Chris Judd in episode 32 unpacking what it really takes to be the best.

    We rewind all the way back to Episode 3! BIG Fev opens up like never before with his highs, the struggles, and the honesty that stopped listeners in their tracks.

    Then into the modern era with Kane Cornes episode 218, one of the most influential voices in the game, in a chat where absolutely nothing was off limits.

    And finally… a full circle moment. Leigh “Lethal” Matthews. Episode 248. A childhood hero. A legend of the game. And one of the great conversations in Howie Games history.

    Catch up on the full episodes!

    Episode 56 - Cyril Rioli

    Episode 32 - Chris Judd

    Episode 3 - Brendan Fevola

    Episode 218 - Kane Cornes

    Episode 241 - Leigh Matthews

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 March 2026, 9:14 pm
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