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>

  • 37 minutes 50 seconds
    261: Joe McGuire (Part A)

    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.

    24 February 2026, 2:01 pm
  • 26 minutes 19 seconds
    🇱🇰🇮🇳 World Cup Tour Diaries: Episode 2. "The Rise Of The Delayer!"

    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/ 

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    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 February 2026, 4:48 am
  • 26 minutes 38 seconds
    🇱🇰🇮🇳 World Cup Tour Diaries: Episode 1. “Welcome to the ride!”

    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.

    19 February 2026, 8:50 pm
  • 35 minutes 46 seconds
    260: Michael Vaughan - The Next Chapter (Part B)

    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.

    18 February 2026, 2:01 pm
  • 48 minutes 24 seconds
    260: Michael Vaughan - The Next Chapter (Part A)

    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.

    17 February 2026, 2:01 pm
  • 8 minutes 55 seconds
    260: Michael Vaughan (Player Profile)

    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.

    11 February 2026, 2:01 pm
  • 41 minutes 15 seconds
    259: Alisa Camplin (Part B)

    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.

    4 February 2026, 1:00 pm
  • 58 minutes 8 seconds
    259: Alisa Camplin (Part A)

    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.

    3 February 2026, 1:00 pm
  • 10 minutes 30 seconds
    259: Alisa Camplin (Player Profile)

    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.

    28 January 2026, 1:00 pm
  • 43 minutes 50 seconds
    258: Jess Hull (Part B)

    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.

    21 January 2026, 1:00 pm
  • 44 minutes 12 seconds
    258: Jess Hull (Part A)

    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.

    20 January 2026, 1:00 pm
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