The Howie Games

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.

  1. 268: Jackson Irvine (Part B)

    1D AGO

    268: Jackson Irvine (Part B)

    A global footballer, a leader, and unapologetically himself. Vice-captain of Australia, and yes… the coolest Socceroo there is. Beneath the style is a story built on dedication, sacrifice, and an unshakeable belief in the dream. From kicking a ball around Rowville, to packing his life at 16 and heading to Scotland with no guarantees, this is a journey of pure intent. Irvine opens up on the mindset that carried him from suburban Melbourne to Europe, the brutal realities of professional football, and the moments that tested everything, including turning down generational money, the loneliness of lockdown training in a park, and fighting his way back when the game almost slipped away. There’s stories from Celtic to St. Pauli, from Hamburg streets to the World Cup. From local footy nostalgia to standing across from greatness like Lionel Messi. It’s about ownership. It’s about resilience. And it’s about building a life bigger than the game itself, through culture, community, and connection. For the next generation, this one hits deep, what you can control, what you can’t, and how consistency, effort, and self-belief stack up over time. This special episode of The Howie Games, powered by Powerade, is all about fuelling your journey, on and off the field. Because as Jacko shows, greatness isn’t given, it’s built. ***  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.

    53 min
  2. 268: Jackson Irvine (Part A)

    2D AGO

    268: Jackson Irvine (Part A)

    A global footballer, a leader, and unapologetically himself. Vice-captain of Australia, and yes… the coolest Socceroo there is. Beneath the style is a story built on dedication, sacrifice, and an unshakeable belief in the dream. From kicking a ball around Rowville, to packing his life at 16 and heading to Scotland with no guarantees, this is a journey of pure intent. Irvine opens up on the mindset that carried him from suburban Melbourne to Europe, the brutal realities of professional football, and the moments that tested everything, including turning down generational money, the loneliness of lockdown training in a park, and fighting his way back when the game almost slipped away. There’s stories from Celtic to St. Pauli, from Hamburg streets to the World Cup. From local footy nostalgia to standing across from greatness like Lionel Messi. It’s about ownership. It’s about resilience. And it’s about building a life bigger than the game itself, through culture, community, and connection. For the next generation, this one hits deep, what you can control, what you can’t, and how consistency, effort, and self-belief stack up over time. This special episode of The Howie Games, powered by Powerade, is all about fuelling your journey, on and off the field. Because as Jacko shows, greatness isn’t given, it’s built. ***  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.

    47 min
  3. Pendlebury Diaries: The Record Breaker - Episode 1: "Ah F***"

    MAY 7

    Pendlebury Diaries: The Record Breaker - Episode 1: "Ah F***"

    The Howie Games presents a special new series.  Pendlebury Diaries is built from personal, real time voice notes exchanged between Scott Pendlebury and Mark Howard, tracking the weeks and months leading into his record-breaking AFL game. Early mornings, training, recovery, mindset, family, a fourth Anzac Day Medal as it unfolds and even Collingwood boardroom insights - the stuff that usually stays behind closed doors. Episode 1 goes inside the mind of Scott Pendlebury as he chases history. From the heartbreak of tearing his calf in the prelim and the “worst tasting beer in history”, to being back in the home gym at 6.30am the Monday after the Lions won the Premiership and already preparing for 2026, Pendles opens up like never before. There’s honest insight into contract talks, the grind of pre-season, injury setbacks, watching helplessly from home, and the mindset that has driven one of the game’s greatest careers. Raw, reflective and relentlessly driven, this is the setup to the record chase. To mark the historic milestone in history, Elite Estate Wine proudly presents the SP433 Record Breaker Pinot Noir – a limited-edition celebrating Scott Pendlebury as he surpasses the all-time games record. Get in and get a bottle today! It's all building toward one moment: Game 433. Episode 1 - May 8 - Ah F**** Episode 2 - May 15 - The Man In The Arena Episode 3 - May 22 - The Build Up Episode 4 - May 25 - The Record Subscribe to The Howie Games, so you don't miss a moment. 🎧 LiSTNR, Spotify, Apple Podcasts | 💻 Youtube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min
4.8
out of 5
54 Ratings

About

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.

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