The GIST of It

Tune in to hear a snippet of this super fun conversation, but to get to the end, you’ll need to subscribe to The GIST Plus using the link in our show notes. Don’t miss this one. Show notes:Join The GIST PlusIn partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation, Haleon is launching “For The Assist” — a campaign celebrating the essential assists that make big goals possible, both on and off the field. Because every goal starts with an assist. Visit haleonassist.com for more info.More on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

Softball is having a major moment this season, so on this episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz head to the diamond to preview the 64-team NCAA national softball tournament which begins on Friday. After consulting with former NCAA softball player (and our senior editor) Lauren Tuiskula, the gals have the low-down on the storylines you need to know, from a record-breaking season of home runs to explaining how the national tourney works. Batter up. Show notes:The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

At long last, we’re just one day away from the start of the highly-anticipated WNBA season. To celebrate, we have an extra-special treat: Acclaimed sports broadcaster and women’s basketball expert Elle Duncan sat down with The GIST’s Senior Editor Lauren Tuiskula to talk about her move to USA Sports, spill her spiciest women’s sports takes, and share insight into balancing fandom and professionalism in sports journalism. Sporty spices, this one’s for you. Show notes:Kim Ng surprises Elle Duncan with the first Golden Ticket of the 2026 seasonThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

It’s been 33 years since a Canadian team won the Stanley Cup, and with the second round of the playoffs underway, just one squad remains in contention: the Montreal Canadiens. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz dig deep on the Habs, the NHL’s youngest team, before highlighting the other NHL playoff series that has our undivided attention. After that, in today’s Personal Training Session, El and Steph answer GISTer questions about a potential change to the NWSL.Show notes:The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

The puck drops now — literally. The PWHL Playoffs begin tonight when the No. 2 seed Boston Fleet take on the No. 4 Ottawa Charge, making this episode of The GIST of It the perfect time for co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz to preview the four-team competition. Who will hoist the coveted Walter Cup? The girls have thoughts — and they’re spilling. Show notes:Episode #551: Our unfiltered PWHL playoff reactionsMore on The GIST:✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

You’re gonna want pads for this.Okay, not really — but after the preview for this members-only episode of The GIST of It, you’ll be more excited about women’s tackle football than ever before. Today, co-host Steph Rotz chats with Odessa “OJ” Jenkins, the founder and CEO of the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC). If you love this convo, consider joining The GIST Plus for the full episode…and so much more.Show notes:Join The GIST PlusMore on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

Gonna have a good day.It’s always a good day on The GIST of It when co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz chat women's hockey and WNBA free agency drama — and today’s no different as the PWHL wrapped up the regular-season over the weekend. A full playoff preview is coming your way on Thursday, but today, the girls are taking off the filter: El and Steph have thoughts about everything from the first-round matchups to expansion team rumors, as well as what’s happening with the WNBA’s Natasha Cloud. Drop that puck.Show notes:More on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

A PWHL post-mortem.High-stakes sports are happening left, right, and center — and another league is about to join the playoff party: the PWHL. Four teams will vie for the Walter Cup, but equally as intriguing is who won’t be: the league’s two expansion squads. In fact, the Vancouver Goldeneyes and Seattle Torrent were the first teams eliminated from playoff contention. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz dig into what the heck happened, from an advantageous expansion draft to elimination.Show notes:More on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

Ready to smile?Then look no further than today’s episode of The GIST of It. Today, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are sharing the story of Athletes Unlimited softball’s viral Golden Tickets, handed out to college players around the country to let them know their dreams of becoming a pro softball player are about to come true. It’ll melt your heart in the best way. Show notes:World Series champ Kike Hernandez’ secret to successThe Group Chat: MLB stadium food editionMore on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

It’s giving icy and spicy. It’s once again time to talk about the hardest trophy to win in professional sports, the Stanley Cup. The puck drops on the NHL postseason this Saturday, so today’s episode of The GIST of It is all about the best game you can name, from how the playoffs work to the teams co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are keeping an eye on. Let’s do that hockey.Show notes:More on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

Aliyah Funschelle got her start impersonating Gossip Girl. Just make it sporty. The content creator has been in the sports game since she was 14, and now she’s reaching new heights, hosting her very own podcast The Match-Up with Aliyah with iHeart Women’s Sports. Today, Funschelle joins The GIST of It host Steph Rotz for a fun, members-only conversation about being women in sports media. Tune in to hear a snippet of that convo before subscribing to The GIST Plus to hear the whole thing. Enjoy. Show notes:Join The GIST PlusCheck out iHeart Women’s Sports on YouTubeMore on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  ✍️ Outline:

Batter up!LA Dodger Kike Hernández knows how to bring the fun to the baseball diamond, but would you believe this three-time World Series champ was once playing at a serious disadvantage? On today’s episode of The GIST of It, senior editor Lauren Tuiskula sits down with Hernández to discuss how a simple eye exam changed his career forever, as well as how the injured outfielder is adjusting to changes in MLB. A true home run. Show notes:Eye Deserve More | AOA More on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

It’s tee time.The 90th edition of the Masters kicks off at Augusta National today. The Masters isn’t just the first of the PGA’s four major tournaments of the season — it’s also a golf competition steeped in tradition, both good and bad. On today’s episode of the GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz dive deep on the Masters’ cultural significance, from the lush greens to the tournament’s history of racism and misogyny, before highlighting a few standout players we’re keeping an extra-close eye on this weekend. Show notes:More on The GIST:✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

WNBA free agency is officially underway. With more than 100 players available to sign new contracts, potentially with new teams, all eyes are on the WNBA leading up to May 8th’s regular-season tipoff. That’s why co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are breaking down all the nuances of free agency on today’s episode of The GIST of It, from the ins and outs of the truncated schedule to the players who could be seeking greener pastures.  Show notes:123 free agents and their status.More on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

Is it hot in here?Or is it just these takes? On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula preview the women’s March Madness Final Four, a repeat of last year’s field featuring all four No. 1 seeds: UConn, South Carolina, Texas, and UCLA. Who will end up on top in this clash of queens? Steph and Lauren have a few ideas — and they might surprise you.Show notes:More on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

It’s time to giggle.This is a true sporty spice treat, GISTers. Podcast host and comedian Hannah Berner joins our members-only podcast episode today, chatting with Senior Editor Katie Kehoe Foster about all things March Madness — after all, Berner is a recovering Division 1 athlete herself. Tune in to hear a snippet of this super fun conversation, but to get to the end, you’ll need to subscribe to The GIST Plus using the link in our show notes. Don’t miss this one. Show notes:Join The GIST PlusMore on The GIST:🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

It’s official.The historic Houston Comets are back in the WNBA — but the news came with a heaping dose of drama. Instead of awarding Houston a 2027 expansion team, the WNBA is relocating the Connecticut Sun to Houston, where they’ll be rebranded as the Comets, an original (and very successful) W franchise. Needless to say, while some folks are thrilled to see a great WNBA team rise from the dead, others (namely fans of the Connecticut Sun) aren’t exactly pleased. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula provide crucial context on the historic sale and share their thoughts on the W’s latest move. Show notes:More on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Play ball!Happy Opening Day to all who celebrate — with pitches flying, it’s time to preview the 2026 MLB season. Today's episode of The GIST of It covers it all, from the unsurprising team to beat to the new rule that’s shaking things up. And of course, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula will chat about their respective teams: the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox. Because fandom is better with a friend. Show notes:More on Sarah GravesMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

No glass slippers here. For the second straight year, there aren’t any true Cinderella squads in the men’s March Madness Sweet 16, as every team remaining hails from an NCAA power conference. What gives? On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula explore the 2024 rule change that changed March Madness forever — and maybe not for the better. Show notes:More on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Lace up those dancing shoes. It’s time to boogie.Men’s March Madness officially begins today, with the 64-team first round tipping off at 12:15 p.m. ET. Before the guys and gals hit the hardwood, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula are going all in with a Big Dance primer, spending this episode of The GIST of It talking about the top storylines in the men’s and women’s tourneys. Gimme gimme, shimmy shimmy. Show notes:Join The GIST’s Men’s College Basketball Bracket ChallengeJoin The GIST’s Women’s College Basketball Bracket ChallengeAnnie Costabile, FOSAlexa Philippou, ESPNJackie PowellDoug Feinberg, APMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

There’s legends, and then there’s Alex Morgan. The two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champ is now a certified friend of The GIST after chatting with podcast producer Alessandra Puccio before the start of the biggest-ever NWSL season. Morgan is using her platform to make youth soccer safer across the country and spilling tea along the way, from her future as a youth soccer coach to her favorite players to watch in the NWSL. Pour yourself a cuppa. Show notes:More on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

A Heise hat trick? Say less.All Team USA and Minnesota Frost forward Taylor Heise does is win, whether she’s donning a gold medal or hoisting the PWHL’s Walter Cup. And today, she’s on The GIST of It. Heise sat down with co-host Lauren Tuiskula to yap about three of our favorite things: Olympic hockey, the PWHL playoffs, and…March Madness? Talk about the perfect sports trifecta.Show notes:WNBA CBA updates:FOS’ Annie CostabileESPN’s Alexa PhillipouMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa🐦 X: @thegistpod

Azzi Fudd is that girl.We don’t want to toot our own horn, but today’s episode is a good one: The Azzi Fudd is on the podcast. A college basketball superstar, fashion icon, and one-half of our fave sports couple, Azzi sat down with The GIST of It co-host Lauren Tuiskula to chat about leading UConn to an undefeated season, making her small-screen debut, and throwing absolute ’fits. A multi-hyphenate queen.Show notes:Azzi Fudd’s GEICO PartnershipMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Going for gold: The sequelThe Paralympics Opening Ceremony isn’t until tomorrow, but the action? It’s already heating up. In today’s One Big Story, The GIST of It co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula chat about the Games’ unique sports, the athletes to watch, and the incredible stories of resilience that make the Paralympics so unforgettable. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or tuning in for the first time, consider this your go-to guide for Milano Cortina: Part Two.Show notes:Wheelchair curling explainerPara ice hockey explainerMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Let the Madness begin.  Now that it’s officially March, we’re kicking off the month with one of the best head coaches in the NCAA women’s basketball game: UCLA’s Cori Close. Tune in for a stellar conversation between Coach Close and co-host Alessandra Puccio, who discuss everything from the Bruins’ chances this season to their 2025 Final Four run, which was captured in the new documentary YOU SEE L.A., available to watch tonight at 6 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 and stream on YouTube worldwide.  Show notes:Watch YOU SEE L.A. on Fox Sports 1She’s Not Next, She’s Now: The GIST of Pro Women’s Soccer More on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

And exhale. Still catching your breath post-Milano Cortina Olympics? Us too — that’s why today’s episode of The GIST of It is a sporty catch-up on two of our favorite leagues: Unrivaled and the PWHL. Tune in to see what’s happening in the hottest 3v3 hoops league in the game ahead of the playoffs, before hearing all the storylines you need to know for the second half of the PWHL season.Show notes:NYU Women’s Basketball winning streakMaking Popcorn for 15,000+ Basketball Fans | On the Job | NYT CookingMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

It’s time to take it to the hardwood. Today’s episode is the absolute perfect way to segue into the next major sports moment: March Madness. The Milano Cortina Olympics are done and dusted, but while some of the greatest athletes in the world were duking it out in Italy, there were major college hoops moments happening in the U.S. Who better to join the pod today to discuss March Madness, plus empowering young girls on and off the court than South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley? Co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula agree: this convo is a must-listen for any woman. Thanks again to Dove for fostering this important episode about body confidence. Show notes:Dove Champions Body Confidence and Girls' Joy in Sports in Big Game AdMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Celebrate good times, c’mon!On today’s pod, co-hosts Lauren Tuiskula and Alessandra Puccio honor a true Olympic icon: Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated Alpine skier of all-time and now a three-time Olympic gold medalist after winning yesterday’s slalom. Every Olympian’s journey is unique and Shiffrin’s return to the podium is no exception. Today, we’re going back to the beginning: from her Olympic debut at the 2014 Sochi games to the eight-year medal drought to her 2026 triumph, Shiffrin’s story is not only compelling, but important to share, particularly as it pertains to Olympian mental health.Show notes:Listen to Revolve by Bal Khabra on Penguin Random House AudioMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected]📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Norway has the secret sauce for Olympic success.We’re more than halfway through the Milano Cortina Olympics, and Norway is once again leading the medal count with just 80 athletes competing — an astonishing success rate. What makes the Norwegians so darn good at the Winter Olympics? Today’s episode of The GIST of It aims to find out as co-hosts Lauren Tuiskula and Alessandra Puccio dig into why the Scandinavian country of just 5.6M people absolutely dominates the snow.Show notes:Find steamy, sporty audiobooks on Penguin Random House AudioSubscribe to The GIST Plus to learn how a regular person handled bobsleighElana Meyers Taylor Instagram postMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

We’re heading back to the rink. The men’s ice hockey Olympic tourney officially began yesterday in Milan. And today, both Team Canada and Team USA will hit the ice for their respective opening group stage games. So today, we’re discussing the NHL’s return to the Games, how last year’s Four Nations Face-Off has only enhanced the hype, and of course, shouting out the stars on both teams. Drop that puck. Show notes:Episode #529: Heated Rivalry: It’s time for Canada vs. the U.S. in Olympic women’s hockeyRead The Favorites by Layne FargoMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa🐦 X: @thegistpod

The iciest, spiciest rivalry.Today, we’re doing what we do best at The GIST: discuss perhaps the best rivalry in all of sports — Team Canada vs. Team USA women’s hockey. With the group stage of the Olympic women’s tourney almost wrapped, today’s 2:10 p.m. ET showdown is shaping up to be a gold medal match preview. Let’s skate to it.Show notes:Find Play You For It whenever books are soldMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

The Games are almost here!It’s the pod you’ve all been waiting for: It’s time to preview the major storylines ahead of the Milano Cortina Olympics. The Opening Ceremony is tomorrow, and a few events are already underway in Italy. We could chat for hours about all the great athletes competing in this year’s Games, but for our purposes, we’ll focus on a few major storylines in this episode, including equality at the Games, the construction issues still plaguing the events, and of course, the athletes you need to know. Show notes:Episode #512: Getting emotional watching figure skatingEpisode #521: Meet the real-life “Heated Rivalry” OlympiansThe GIST Plus: Laila Edwards is breaking hockey barriers on Team USASaturday Scroll: Rallying around a fight for Olympic inclusionMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Glowing up for the Big Game!For the first time since 2003, the two teams vying for a Super Bowl title — the AFC’s New England Patriots and the NFC’s Seattle Seahawks — missed the playoffs the season before. And on today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula are breaking down the transformation. From the Pats’ locker room yap sessions that built a brotherhood to the Seahawks’ risky offseason inking, this year’s Super Bowl matchup is the plot twist no one saw coming.Show notes:Unsportsmanlike Conduct Instagram pageMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

When was your last doctor’s appointment?Women’s basketball star Erica Wheeler understands how hard it is for women to carve out time for themselves — and that’s why she’s speaking out. More than 13K American women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, but early detection can save lives. With January, aka Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, coming to a close, Wheeler is spreading the word about early detection in honor of her mother, who passed away from the disease in 2012. This episode could change your life — don’t miss out and visit YourUltimateDefense.com today. Show notes:YourUltimateDefense.comThe Ultimate Defense Against Cervical Cancer | Hologic & Erica Wheeler Team Up on Pap + HPV TestingEpisode #525: ‘ABOLISH ICE’ — A brief history of athlete activismMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

It’s tough to talk sports during times like these. After the tragedy that occurred in Minneapolis, Minnesota, over the weekend, today’s episode of The GIST of It is a brief history of recent athlete activism, inspired by hoops star Breanna Stewart, who held up an “ABOLISH ICE” sign before Sunday’s Unrivaled game. Let’s reflect. Show notes:Shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has put America’s gun lobby at odds with the White HouseWhat Trump officials claimed about Alex Pretti — and what the evidence actually showsStand With MinnesotaMN NOICEImmigrant Law Center of MinnesotaMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Work, cover girl. Tennis star Naomi Osaka is making good on her April 2025 promise to treat every Grand Slam like the Met Gala, walking into her first-round match at the Australian Open in full custom couture on Tuesday. A four-time Slam winner, Osaka is generating a lot of conversation — both supportive and critical — with her look, which is why this episode of The GIST of It is about how fashion and sport aren’t so different after all. Show notes:Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open OutfitMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa🐦 X: @thegistpod

Hut, hut!There’s nothing quite like playoff football. On this episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz preview this weekend’s NFL Divisional Round slate, aka the postseason’s quarter-finals. There are four games gracing our screens this weekend — two on Saturday and two on Sunday — and in today’s episode, we’re breaking down every single one. Talk about a touchdown.Show notes:More on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected]📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Axels, and lutzes, and salchows, oh my.Still picking your jaw up off the floor after last weekend’s national figure skating championships? Same. That’s why today’s episode of The GIST of It is a twizzling, axel-filled ode to the newly-named figure skating Olympians representing the USA and Canada at the Milano Cortina Games next month. Tune in to hear co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz wax poetic about one of the Olympics’ most popular sports.Show notes:More on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

It’s a love story, baby.Just like everyone on the Internet, today we’re talking about “Heated Rivalry.” However, considering Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams haven’t answered our DMs yet, we’re going in a different direction.On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz detail the real-life “Heated Rivalry” love story from the women’s hockey world — because before there was Shane and Ilya, there was Team Canada captain Caroline Ouellette and Team USA captain Julie Chu. Spoiler alert: They live happily ever after. Show notes:Episode #516: Gay hockey romance at an NHL game? We’re inMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

The college sports landscape is a wonky place.And that’s an understatement. Between NIL rules, the transfer portal, and constantly changing eligibility requirements, it’s tough to keep up with what is and isn’t allowed.That’s why we’re taking today’s episode of The GIST of It to directly compare two college athletes: Baylor men’s basketball center James Nnaji and Augsburg University runner Mohammed Bati. Nnaji was drafted to the NBA in 2023 but is now competing as a college athlete, while Bati has been banned from competing after accepting $6K in donations to pay his tuition. Make it make sense. Show notes:Support The Sharing Shelf with TeaganMore on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Happy New Year!And welcome back to our exciting new series, She’s Not Next She’s Now. We’ll dig into eight different new and emerging women’s sports, discussing the history of how we got here, the current state of the game, and what comes next.And it’s not just co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Lauren Tuiskula driving the conversation; we’ll also be chatting with the executives, players, and fans who make these leagues and sports what they are today.For today’s episode, the last in our series, we’re heading to the hardwood where women’s basketball is changing rapidly. Show notes:More on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

There’s no crying in baseball!Welcome to our exciting new series, She’s Not Next She’s Now. We’ll dig into eight different new and emerging women’s sports, discussing the history of how we got here, the current state of the game, and what comes next.And it’s not just co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Lauren Tuiskula driving the conversation; we’ll also be chatting with the executives, players, and fans who make these leagues and sports what they are today.For today’s episode, we’re discussing a real life league of their own: the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL), which is set to launch in 2026. But this milestone moment for women’s baseball is decades in the making, a history we’ll dig into today.And it’s not just El and Lauren for today’s conversation — we have a star-studded lineup of guests: WPBL No. 1 pick Kelsie Whitmore, and WPBL co-founder Justine Siegal. Play ball, baby.Show notes:More on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Show notes:More on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Is that “Auld Lang Syne” we hear?Must be, because it’s time for our favorite annual tradition: our Year-in-Review pod. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz share their favorite 2025 sports moments, from the Toronto Blue Jays’ World Series run to the heated rivalry before Heated Rivalry: The Four Nations tourney. Tune in and prepare to be nostalgic. Show notes:Join The GIST PlusMore on The GIST: ☎️ Leave us a voicemail! Call us at 1-437-564-5579 or hold down on this link🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Let’s ruck and roll!Welcome to our exciting new series, She’s Not Next She’s Now. We’ll dig into eight different new and emerging women’s sports, discussing the history of how we got here, the current state of the game, and what comes next. And it’s not just co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Lauren Tuiskula driving the conversation; we’ll also be chatting with the executives, players, and fans who make these leagues and sports what they are today.For today’s episode, we’re taking it to the pitch to discuss the booming world of women’s rugby. We chatted with Canadian rugby star and World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year Sophie de Goede, Women’s Elite Rugby Executive Chair and lead investor Deb Henretta, Head of Women’s Sports at Range Sports/Ilona Maher’s agent Rheann Engelke, and The GIST plus member Chanelle S.Show notes:More on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.And not just because of the holidays. Between the final few weeks of a thrilling NFL season and the College Football Playoff, there’s no shortage of gridiron action to take in. That’s why on today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are tossing the perfect spiral: a College Football Playoff special, breaking down the 12-team field and this weekend’s spiciest showdowns. Hut, hut, here we go.Show notes:➕ Join The GIST Plus🎓🏈 Join The GIST’s College Football Bracket ChallengeMore on The GIST: ☎️ Leave us a voicemail! Call us at 1-437-564-5579 or hold down on this link🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

’Twas a dark NFL Sunday.Two major injuries rattled the league in Week 15. First, superstar Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in the final two minutes of his team’s loss to the LA Chargers. But that wasn’t all: hours later, Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Micah Parsons went down with a non-contact knee injury that was later confirmed to be an ACL tear. Today’s episode of The GIST of It takes a look at how these devastating injuries will impact the NFL. Show notes:More on The GIST: ☎️ Leave us a voicemail! Call us at 1-437-564-5579 or hold down on this link🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Batter up!Welcome to our exciting new series, She’s Not Next She’s Now. We’ll dig into eight different new and emerging women’s sports, discussing the history of how we got here, the current state of the game, and what comes next. And it’s not just co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Lauren Tuiskula driving the conversation; we’ll also be chatting with the executives, players, and fans who make these leagues and sports what they are today.For today’s episode, the diamond is ready to shine as we dive deep into the world of pro softball. We chatted with former Marlins General Manager and Athletes Unlimited Softball League Commissioner Kim Ng, AUSL Talons pitcher Montana Fouts, and friend of the GIST/former collegiate softball player Marga Sison.Show notes:More on The GIST: 🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected]📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Is it hot in here?Or is it just “Heated Rivalry,” the steamy gay romance hockey drama sweeping North America? On Tuesday, the NHL showed a trailer of the popular show at the Montreal Canadiens Pride Night, a viral moment that has everyone talking. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz contextualize the moment in the grand scheme of hockey culture, which is notoriously homophobic, and discuss if this is a true ground-breaking moment for the league. Show notes:Episode #484Hockey romance edition of The Group ChatMore on The GIST: ☎️ Leave us a voicemail! Call us at 1-437-564-5579 or hold down on this link🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod

Pass the thermometer.It’s time for a temperature check. Today’s episode of The GIST of It is a tale of three AFC teams — the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, and Kansas City Chiefs — who have traveled very different paths this season. With just four weeks left in the regular season, the playoff picture is starting to come into focus, and who’s in and who’s on the brink just might shock you.Show notes:Join The GIST PlusEnter The GIST’s College Football Bracket ChallengeMore on The GIST: ☎️ Leave us a voicemail! Call us at 1-437-564-5579 or hold down on this link🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa 🐦 X: @thegistpod