The GIST of It

Week 1 of the NFL season did not disappoint. The stars shined, the offenses scored a mind-boggling number of touchdowns, and most importantly, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson played absolutely terribly.To celebrate one of our favorite times of the year, today’s episode of The GIST of It is dedicated to NFL Week 1 overreactions, from the team co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz think will win Super Bowl 61 to the players they consider MVP contenders after one outing.Show notes:🏈 Come play NFL Weekly Pick’ems with usThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

Today, we’re covering the end of an era…maybe. LIV Golf has officially filed for bankruptcy, bringing the four-year battle between the Saudi-backed league and the PGA Tour to an end…kinda. In today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotzl dive into what LIV’s bankruptcy entails, how much is owed to its players (hint, it’s millions), and what the league’s CEO has in store for the next iteration of LIV Golf. Oh boy. Show notes:The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

Today, The GIST of It is celebrating iconic women: Venus and Serena Williams are returning to doubles, playing together for the first time since 2022 at the iconic US Open. Plenty of folks know about the siblings’  tremendous singles success, but their doubles prowess is sometimes an afterthought. In honor of their return to the court, today’s One Big Story is a women’s sports history lesson on one of the greatest tennis teams to ever take the court. Show notes:The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

Today’s members-only episode is about the WNBA’s two newest expansion teams: The Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. Both squads will officially miss the upcoming WNBA postseason, but considering The GIST will be all-in on the playoff contenders soon, now’s the perfect time to dig into the good, the bad, and the path forward for this season’s debutants.. To enjoy this episode in full, join The GIST Plus, our extra-special membership platform. Until then, this preview will have to do.Show notes:Join The GIST PlusMore on The GIST:✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz turn the exposure all the way up, digging into not one, but two instances of men posing as NFL players online. It’s as ridiculous as it sounds — and one man scammed women out of $1.3M doing it. Plus, hear from Nebraska senior volleyball star Andi Jackson as the new season heats up. Show notes:⚽ Check out BMO SoccerThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

ICYMI, Good Good Golf and Callaway are in hot, hot water after releasing a video ad that depicted a woman being shoved to the ground. The backlash was swift and fierce, but questions remain, like how did this gross concept even receive approval in the first place? Tune in to hear The GIST of It co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz’s unfiltered thoughts on this *gestures wildly* absolute disaster.Show notes:The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

#584: WTF? Quarterback Deshaun Watson’s controversial returnThe Cleveland Browns controversial quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by at least 27 women, is back on the Browns’ starting line: Watson was named QB1 yesterday, winning the coveted position over second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Today, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Alessandra Puccio share Watson’s story, from his then-record setting contract with the Browns, to the dozens of lawsuits that followed, and finally, the injuries that have plagued his career since. Show notes:#396: Deshaun Watson suit, PWHL drops new logos and team names & wrapping up the Paralympics#397: NFL off-field updates & Solheim Cup preview#583: Teen girls stand up against hockey cultureThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

Earlier this year, players on a girls’ team had their privacy repeatedly violated when two members of a U-13 boys’ team entered their dressing room multiple times while the women were changing. A disciplinary panel later raised concerns not only about the incidents themselves, but how adults around the boys responded — including repeatedly characterizing the behaviour as an “unfortunate incident” rather than treating it as an opportunity for accountability and education. Inspired by Rick Westhead’s reporting, today co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz discuss what happened, the troubling “boys will be boys” response, and why changing hockey culture has to start long before players reach the pros. Show notes:Meet the Official Tempo Mascots: Dez and DotMembers of women’s hockey team speak out after players on boys’ team repeatedly enter dressing roomThe Truth Behind the 49ers' Electromagnetic Injury ConspiracyThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

Today’s members-only episode features a lovely conversation between our podcast producer Alessandra Puccio and Anne-Valérie Seto, a defender for the Montreal Roses in Canada’s Northern Super League. Al and Anne-Valérie chatted about all things footy, from her transition from playing midfield in college to defense as a pro, her first NSL goal, and how the Roses will tackle the rest of the season following the shocking firing of their head coach Robert Rositoiu. To enjoy this episode in full, join The GIST Plus, our extra-special membership platform. Until then, this preview will have to do.Show notes:▶️ Join The GIST PlusMore on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

Over the weekend, WNBA legend Diana Taurasi’s jersey was officially retired by the Phoenix Mercury — but her legacy in the desert is far from over: She told ESPN that she hopes to join the Mercury’s ownership group in the near future. Investing in a sports team is so hot right now. On today’s episode, The GIST of It co-hosts Steph Rotz and Alessandra Puccio explore why it’s all the rage in a rapidly changing world. Show notes:⚽ Learn more about BMO’s commitment to soccer🎧 Episode #456: Finally — FIFA funds study investigating ACL injuries in women’s soccer🤓 Y! Sports Biz: The Moat Around the FieldThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

On Wednesday, the LA Lakers were shockingly sold for $12.5B to businessman Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, former two-time CEO of Disney. This sale came out of nowhere and has a shocking connection to women’s sports, namely the PWHL. On today’s subscriber-only episode, we’ll dig into this sale, explain why it’s a BFD in both the men’s and women’s sports scene, and share our thoughts on it all. To enjoy this episode in full, join The GIST Plus, our membership platform.Show notes:Join The GIST PlusMore on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

Today’s episode of The GIST of It is a classic GIST explainer on one of sport’s most unique postseasons: The PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup. In individual sports like golf, majors get most of the glory, so much so that a lot of folks don’t even know there is a postseason — and that it’s really fun. Tune in to hear co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz break down how it works and highlight the players they think can win the $10M season-ending prize. Show notes:Join The GIST PlusThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

The WNBA seems to be everywhere these days, but not in a great way. A lot of the oxygen around the league is being taken up by off-court issues, particularly regarding trans women and trans athletes. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz share their thoughts on it all, detailing the anti-trans comments that sparked this nationwide debate, the Players Association’s response, commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s leaked internal memo. Show notes:Sophie Cunningham Jacy Sheldon foulThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

There’s been some major drama going down at FIFA headquarters. Last week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced a plan to sell stakes in future World Cups to private equity firms — an announcement that was met with immediate backlash. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Alessandra Puccio explain why Infantino’s failed plan caused such a stir and detail the potential fallout from his latest bungle. Show notes:The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

The GIST’s resident baseball expert Lauren Tuiskula joins co-host Steph Rotz on today’s episode of The GIST of It — and she’s got answers to Steph’s, ahem, hard-hitting questions about a certain MLB blockbuster trade. Tune in to hear Tuiskula break it all down, from the on-field implications of Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal heading to the LA Dodgers to the potential lockout that’s looming. Let’s play ball.Show notes:Learn more about BMO’s commitment to the beautiful gameTipping Pitches podcastMLB payrolls articleThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

NFL training camps began this week, reigniting America’s great love affair with football. There are some spicy storylines already emerging out of camp, including an update from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers on his impending retirement. Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz have all the deets. Hut hut. Show notes:Episode #489: A new league of their own: Introducing the Women’s Pro Baseball LeagueThe Best Way for the WNBA to Solve Its Sophie Cunningham Problem Was to Ignore ItThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

We have to talk about the man on everyone’s mind: King James. LeBron James shocked the basketball world last Friday when he announced he was signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, likely the last NBA team he’ll ever play for. People have opinions — including co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz. So on today’s episode, the gals discuss the good and bad of King James taking his talents to Philly. Tune in. Show notes:Check out She Did That!? Amazing Female Athletes from A to ZThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

Ready to get your game on and go play? So are the WNBA’s best. That’s why on today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula are going all in on All-Star Weekend, breaking down the on-court action and putting their crystal balls to the test. And because it’s the WNBA — the spiciest league in sports — there’s some tea to spill, too. Let’s hoop to it.Show notes:The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

And just like that the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup has come to an end. Five weeks and 104 games later, Spain are the world champions after defeating defending champ Argentina 1–0 in extra time on Sunday. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz relive the tournament’s top moments, from the World Cup–winning goal to a certain jersey-clad duck. Vamos.Show notes:The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

39 days and 102 games later, it’s nearly time for the FIFA men’s World Cup final. Spain takes on Argentina this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, so today co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz preview the championship match, from the stars they think will shine to their final predictions to win it all.Show notes:Watch soccer’s big game with The GIST in NYC or Boston on Sunday, 7/19Visit bmosoccer.com The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

We’re living our WNBA fangirl dreams. Executive producer Alessandra Puccio sat down with Prime Video’s WNBA sideline reporter Kayla Grey to talk all things W. Grey’s been on site for some of the league’s biggest and brightest moments this season — she and Puccio discuss the upcoming WNBA All-Star Weekend, which team isn’t getting enough attention right now, and Grey’s recommendations for one squad in particular: Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever. Show notes:Watch the WNBA on Prime VideoLearn more about Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities  The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

The summer of soccer rages on, and the World Cup is about to gift us a slate of spectacular quarterfinal matches. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz break down all four tilts: They highlight the players to watch, each team’s path to the final eight, and sprinkle in their hottest takes…as is tradition. Clear your cal — this weekend’s footy is must-watch TV.Show notes:Check out Canadian Tire Jumpstart CharitiesThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

Today, our executive producer and Survivor superfan Alessandra Puccio sits down with Paralympian and former Survivor contestant Noelle Lambert. Lambert, who lost one of her legs in an accident, first rose to fame at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics as a sprinter for Team USA before appearing on Survivor season 43 shortly after. To enjoy this episode in full, join The GIST Plus, our extra-special membership platform. Until then, this preview will have to do.Show notes:Join The GIST PlusNoelle Lambert becomes the first amputee to win an individual Survivor challengeMore on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

On Sunday, FIFA shocked the world by announcing that American striker Folarin Balogun’s red card had been suspended, allowing the USMNT’s World Cup leading scorer to play in yesterday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium. That decision set off a flurry of conversations about fairness and opportunity at the World Cup — particularly after a certain president inserted himself into the narrative. Today, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz break down the situation, detailing how FIFA’s controversial decision sparked outrage from other competing nations, inciting chaos and tainting the legacy of this tourney. Show notes:The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

We’ve been loving all the World Cup action — and as a special holiday treat, you can access this members-only episode of The GIST of It featuring USWNT legend Kristine Lilly. Lilly sat down with executive producer Alessandra Puccio to chat about her fiercely competitive nature, the pressure of hosting a World Cup, and her thoughts on why soccer’s rise in the U.S. has been steady but slow. It’s the perfect companion piece to your World Cup watching. Show notes:Join The GIST PlusWatch “Soccer’s American Dream” on VICE TVThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

CanMNT won their first-ever World Cup knockout game on Sunday, so Canadian co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are in their feels. Today, they break down the historic win, look to what’s next, and place this game in the greater conversation about the growth of soccer in Canada. And because we’re equal opportunity here at The GIST, we have an interview with USWNT star Mal Swanson on the men’s national team’s chances right after that. Enjoy. Show notes:BMO is the Bank of SoccerMal Swanson thinks you should be eating more Buffalo Wild WingsAustralian video breaking down the numbers The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

We’re celebrating for all the right reasons today. Blayre Turnbull of the Toronto Sceptres is pregnant, marking the first PWHL player going through pregnancy in the league’s three-year history. It felt like as good a time as any to explore what the PWHL’s maternity policy is and how it stacks up to the rest of the pro women’s sports landscape. Show notes:Check out Jumpstart Canadian Tire charities The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

In honor of the first World Cup hosted on U.S. soil since 1999, USWNT legend Kristine Lilly joins executive producer Alessandra Puccio for a very special subscribers-only episode. To enjoy this episode in full, join The GIST Plus, our extra-special membership platform. Until then, this preview will have to do.Show notes:Join The GIST PlusWatch “Soccer’s American Dream” on VICE TVMore on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

Azzi Fudd is packing her passport, electing to join Project B, the new 5-on-5 offseason league that will make its grand debut in December. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz examine the current pro player landscape, now stuffed with options galore for women hoopers. One thing is clear: With an abundance of choices, this player empowerment era is here to stay. Show notes:The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

Today, the Canadian men’s national team takes the field in their second World Cup game, playing Qatar at 6 p.m. ET. To celebrate, we’re previewing the match, shouting out the players you need to know, plus sharing why Canada shouldn’t doubt inexperienced Qatar. Then, their World Cup co-hosts, the undefeated Americans, take the pitch for their second game, tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET against Australia. Of course, we’re previewing that group stage tilt, too. You’re welcome.Show notes:The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

The World Cup is in full swing in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. There are four (!!!) games to watch every day from now until next Wednesday, when that number jumps to six through the end of the group stage. With all the on-field action happening, we wanted to use this episode to talk about some of the off-field storylines from this tourney, both good and bad. From the pink cleats we’re seeing on every field to the player banned from Canada because of criminal charges, there’s a lot to discuss. Show notes:Learn more about Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities Ranking the 16 FIFA World Cup Host CitiesThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

You know what kind of soccer player Trinity Rodman is — but what kind of soccer fan is she? Find out on today’s episode of The GIST of It. Executive producer Alessandra Puccio sat down with the USWNT and Washington Spirit star to discuss the national team’s recent win in Brazil, Rodman’s World Cup watching plans, and her new summer of soccer partnership with State Farm. Jake better watch out.Show notes:Join The GIST Plusbmosoccer.com The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

The 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup starts tomorrow, but the road to the biggest soccer tournament ever has been…bumpy, to put it mildly. Before the first whistle blows, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are sharing their unfiltered World Cup thoughts on everything from ticket prices to politics. To enjoy this episode in full, join The GIST Plus, our extra-special membership platform. Until then, this preview will have to do.Show notes:Join The GIST PlusMore on The GIST:✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

Ahead of the biggest soccer tournament ever, we have a special treat. In collaboration with our friends at Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, today’s episode of The GIST of It features two thrilling conversations about the state of Canadian soccer and how Jumpstart is expanding youth access to pitches across the country. First, you’ll hear from CanWNT legend Christine Sinclair, who reflects on how youth soccer programs changed her life, before Marco Di Buono, the President of Jumpstart, discusses findings from the latest State of Youth Sport report. She shoots, we score. Show notes:Click here to learn more about how Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is supporting the growth of youth soccerThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

GIST HQ is gathering IRL at our team offsite and prepping all sorts of exciting new content. So today, we have a free listen of a members-only The GIST Plus interview with USWNT legend Crystal Dunn. Executive producer Alessandra Puccio sat down with Dunn to get the inside scoop on USWNT head coach Emma Hayes, reflect on Dunn’s trailblazing legacy as a Black woman in soccer, and, of course, geek out about Long Island.If you enjoyed this episode, consider joining the All-Star tier of The GIST Plus to receive bi-weekly bonus episodes of The GIST of It, plus access to our Discord channel, where you can chat with our incredible community of fellow GISTers. 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.The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

The GIST HQ is cooking up new content IRL this week, so we prepped a fun episode in advance. Today, you’ll hear Steph’s interview with Odessa Jenkins, founder and CEO of the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), which was previously only available to The GIST Plus members. After that, El & Steph dig into what’s happened at the French Open and how it might change the future of tennis. If you enjoyed this episode, join the All-Star tier of The GIST Plus to receive bi-weekly The GIST of It bonus episodes, plus access to our Discord channel, where you can chat with our incredible community of fellow GISTers. It’s a win-win. Show notes:Join The GIST PlusThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz

On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are talking about trail-blazing women — because of course they are. Earlier this week, the PWHL Players’ Association released every player’s 2025-26 salary, all 194 of them. Talking about finances has often been viewed as a faux pas, especially for women. But now, the curtain’s up, the receipts are out, and financial transparency is having an important moment.The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

Calling all readers: today’s preview episode is a real treat.Author Jennifer Cooper sits down with Senior Editor Lauren Tuiskula to discuss her new book This Skirt Won’t Work, a fun, picture book history of women’s sporting uniforms, from bloomers to swim dresses to leggings and shorts. Want to hear how it ends? Join The GIST Plus — it’s as easy as one, two, three. Show notes:Join The GIST PlusMore on The GIST: ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

The men’s FIFA World Cup is just three weeks away — which means it’s time to start studying up on the tournament’s biggest edition ever. Good thing USWNT legends Tobin Heath and Christen Press are today’s guests on The GIST of It, spilling the tea on their World Cup plans, the teams they’re most excited to cheer on, and their World Cup partnership with Don Julio 1942. Cheers to that.Show notes:📺 Watch Tobin Heath & Christen Press in this Don Julio commercial🍋‍🟩 Celebrate the FIFA World Cup with Don Julio 1942🏒 Episode #458: Victim blaming & the Hockey Canada assault trial🏒 All five former Canadian World Junior hockey players found not guilty in sexual assault trialThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

Two words: Ilona Maher.The rugby star and queen of the Internet joins The GIST of It today, sitting down with senior editor Lauren Tuiskula for a convo on building strength, something Ilona knows better than anyone. Trust us — by the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to add another plate at the gym.Show notes:Check out Muscle Milk’s new protein shakesHockey Canada resists joining abuse registry as other sports publish bansThe GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected]📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz 

Calling all sports fans. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, executive producer Alessandra Puccio sits down with one of her USWNT heroes, retired two-time World Cup winner Kelley O’Hara. The soccer-loving duo dig into Kelley’s latest adventure: hosting an alt-cast on Victory+ for the NWSL’s Utah Royals vs. Racing Louisville game on Sunday, May 17th at 8 p.m. ET. Between NWSL hot takes and men’s World Cup chit chat, this one’s a must-listen. Show notes:Watch Kelley O’Hara’s free NWSL alt-cast on Sunday, May 17th, only on Victory+The GIST:📰 Newsletter: Subscribe to The GIST✉️ Email: [email protected] 📷 Instagram: @thegistusa @thegistca @ellenatthegist @stephanierotz  

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