One of the greatest batsmen England has ever produced...  and he’s on our shores, sitting down with Howie for a chat that’s as entertaining as one of his cover drives.

From cooking steaks (yes, in England!) to his first job, plus what it would mean to him to share one last dinner with Shane Warne and plenty more. 

Before we get to know the real Joe Root, the cricketing genius, the family man, the fun-loving Yorkshire lad, enjoy his Player Profile. 

Bring on The Ashes!

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Ashes prep is starting to get real. From white ball, to red ball and everything in between. Including, a special catch up with Nathan Lyon.

Mitch Starc goes from his first hit back in the nets, to life back on the road. While Alex Carey gets some crucial red-ball time for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield final rematch, up against an in-form Marnus Labuschagne… who’s making a serious case for his Ashes return.

And then there are nerves. The beautiful, brutal part of sport that every elite athlete learns to live with.

From sponsor shoots to long days at Cricket Central, from early-morning Shield prep to the chaos of school runs before training. The grind, excitement, and professionalism of Ashes build-up are on full display.

It captures the tension, excitement, and emotion of the calm before the Ashes storm.

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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 Day

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Mitch Starc unpacks the Aussie skipper's injury concerns as fast bowlers continue to go down - it's the brutal reality of injuries in cricket — and what it really takes to get back on the park.

Alex Carey speaking with raw honesty after the passing of his father. From heartbreak to high performance, Carey’s courage to “do what you love” shines through in a powerful and emotional chat from New Zealand.

From Mitch's first bowl to batters in weeks, to mowing the lawn (with the Howie Games in his ears ofcourse), Starc opens up about the grind, the setbacks, and the simple love of the game.

Cricket season roars to life post-AFL Grand Final — with Usman Khawaja joining from the ‘G. Plus, team news, injury updates, and a stirring reminder that behind every stat, there’s a story.

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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 Day

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You've heard the full story, now let's have some fun. He’s the Irishman with a good Aussie impersonation.

He is the 2024 Melbourne Cup winning jockey who stole our hearts — and maybe a few karaoke mics along the way!  It's a classic Player Profile.

Robbie’s got stories that gallop between glory and good fun. A golden voice, and a heart of gold 🏇🎤🇦🇺

*** 

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

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In this deeply moving episode, Alex Carey and Mitch Starc open up like never before. We explore what family truly means to them. While Alex takes us inside fatherhood as a professional cricketer and Mitch shares what family life looks like when your partner is also a professional cricketer (Onya Skipper!)

Training ramps up as Alex and Mitch Starc prepare for the Ashes, and then things get raw. Alex lets us into a profoundly intimate moment — as he navigates the toughest of times with his dad, reflecting on the man who helped him chase his cricketing dream. It’s emotional, heartfelt and real — a reminder of the people and love that shape every athlete’s journey.

It’s not just cricket — it’s life, mateship, the game that they play and the people that they love.

***

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 Day

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The countdown to The Ashes continues… and things get very fun along the way!

It’s content capture week for the Aussie cricket team — five days of cameras, chaos, and countless laughs. From early gym sessions with Nathan Lyon, to Alex Carey’s Men’s Health shoot prep, to Mitch Starc’s behind-the-scenes banter (and a cheeky cameo from Alyssa Healy) — this is professional cricket like you’ve never heard it before.

Howie joins the crew on set as the players juggle media, training, and footy finals chat — all while keeping spirits high and energy levels (just) alive. 

From covering up a “Picasso” to Starcy’s pump-up speeches… it’s the unfiltered, hilarious, and human side of Australia’s stars before the Ashes heat up.

The laughs are rolling, the cameras are rolling… and the countdown is well and truly on.

***

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 Day

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a small Irish town to the grandest stages in Australian racing — Robbie Dolan’s story has it all. A family steeped in racing tradition, yet he was a late bloomer in the saddle. Then came the leap of faith — a one-way ticket to Australia, a dream, and a chance to prove himself as an apprentice jockey. And that he did. 

But Robbie’s tale doesn’t stop at the track. With an unbelievable voice and fearless spirit, he took his talent from the turf to the television, capturing hearts on The Voice Australia.

And then… the fairytale finish. Against all odds, on an outsider no one saw coming, Robbie Dolan storms home to win the 2024 Melbourne Cup. It’s the kind of story that feels straight out of Hollywood — or maybe just another classic episode of The Howie Games.

He is one talented Irishman! And tells it brilliantly. 

*** 

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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This is one bloody talented Irishman!

From a small Irish town to the grandest stages in Australian racing — Robbie Dolan’s story has it all. A family steeped in racing tradition, yet he was a late bloomer in the saddle. Then came the leap of faith — a one-way ticket to Australia, a dream, and a chance to prove himself as an apprentice jockey. And that he did. 

But Robbie’s tale doesn’t stop at the track. With an unbelievable voice and fearless spirit, he took his talent from the turf to the television, capturing hearts on The Voice Australia.

And then… the fairytale. Against all odds, on an outsider no one saw coming, Robbie Dolan storms home to win the 2024 Melbourne Cup. It’s the kind of story that feels straight out of Hollywood — or maybe just another classic episode of The Howie Games.

*** 

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.

In elite sport, every number tells a story — and in this episode, we dive deep into the digits behind the Australian cricket team’s Ashes campaign.

From GPS trackers to gym stats, Mitch Starc reveals the staggering distances covered by a fast bowler and the strength needed to keep his body firing at 35. Alex Carey takes us behind the stumps for a day in the field — covering 15km on his feet, with explosive bursts and endless squats to stay sharp for every delivery.

Then, a huge moment — Starc drops a major announcement, opening up about the emotional phone call to coach Andrew McDonald as he retires from T20 international cricket. It’s raw, honest, modest and quintessentially Mitch.

Plus, a little footy chat as finals fever takes hold — Alex’s Crows take on the Magpies, while Mitch’s Hawks are set to clash with Howie’s boys.

A mix of emotion, endurance, and elite insight — A Numbers Game lifts the lid on what it really takes to play at the highest level.

***

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 Day

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before the Ashes roar to life, the real battles — of mind, body and preparation — are already underway.

We dive into the never heard before prep that keeps Australia’s stars sharp and grounded. Alex Carey opens up on the mental side of elite cricket — the mantras, mindfulness, and mindset that help him reset and perform under pressure. From Ben Crowe’s wisdom to his own evolving self-talk, Carey’s reflections are as raw as they are relatable.

Meanwhile, Mitch Starc begins the long road back to the Ashes — through intense medical appointments, rehab, and a mini pre-season grind. It’s an intimate look at the pain, the persistence, and the passion driving one of the game’s great fast bowlers.

Mind and body. Reflection and recovery. Episode 2 peels back the layers of what it really takes to stay in the fight — mentally and physically — on the path to Ashes glory.

***

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 Day

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.