The Howie Games

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.