The GIST of It

The GIST of It

The GIST of It is a twice-weekly podcast on what’s going on in the sports world. Hosts Ellen Hyslop and Stephanie Rotz discuss current sports topics and how they intersect with pop culture and social issues, covering everything from major league season previews to calling out the sexist BS we see in sports daily. Expect a hilarious yet informative conversation with a refreshing female perspective on the world of sports.

Episodes

September 18, 2025 46 mins
It’s not every day you meet your heroes.

But The GIST’s Associate Managing Editor Lauren Tuiskula did just that earlier this week, sitting down with legendary ESPN reporter Holly Rowe to discuss the evolution of female fandom across the sports universe. Tune in to this episode of The GIST of It to hear Lauren and Holly discuss college football, Holly’s biggest storyline of the ongoing WNBA playoffs, and to hear about Holly’s work wi...
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Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

ICYMI, nostalgia is having a moment at the box office — and now, we’re seeing that translate to the sports world. Inspired by the news that Bend It Like Beckham is getting a long-awaited sequel, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are diving into the business of sports movie sequels on today’s episode of The GIST of It, including how pop culture moments can turn casual sports viewers into devoted...
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Women’s hoops is where it’s at.

Yes, the WNBA regular season ends today, but this episode of The GIST of It is all about the offseason plans for the best hoopers in the game. Unrivaled, the 3v3 league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, will be bigger and better than ever for its second season, boasting new investments and even more teams. And we’re digging into all of it, including how the league continues to lean into...
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September 9, 2025 33 mins
Aces all around.

ICYMI: Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s US Open men’s single final, clinching his sixth career Grand Slam and snatching the world No. 1 ranking from his respected rival in the process. So on today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz dig into the Big Two era of men’s tennis, a stark contrast to the parity in the women’s game. Game, set, slay.

Thanks to Fan Duel for their ...
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September 4, 2025 44 mins
Hut hut, here we go!

It’s officially NFL season, GISTer — and we’re going all in on The GIST of It. Before tonight’s kickoff, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are breaking down the league’s top contenders, from the defending champs to a team we know, ahem, all too well. It really is the greatest time of year.

Show notes:
Episode #489: A new league of their own: Introducing the Women’s Pro Baseball League
The GIST’s NFL Pick’ems Cha...
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This is girlhood.

Today’s episode of The GIST of It is all about the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL), a first-of-its-kind women’s pro league launching in 2026. It’s a tale of girlhood, community, and sports — and that sounds an awful lot like the founding principles of The GIST, meaning co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are the perfect duo to break down everything you need to know now that the league has hosted open tryouts. A...
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This one’s totally gnarly. 

Let us introduce you to Brooke Johnson, the first woman to skateboard across the United States. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-host Ellen Hyslop sits down with Johnson to discuss her 3,266-mile journey, and Johnson’s efforts to raise $50K for spinal cord injury research in honor of her late stepfather along the way. Grab your tissues, strap on your helmet, and get ready to feel inspired.

Show not...
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Money, money, money.

Always funny in a rich man’s world — like the WNBA, where the Connecticut Sun’s potential sale is causing some serious drama. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz break down a new report from ESPN that details the behind-the-scenes moves as the league’s smallest market tries to find a new home. From potential buyers in new cities to the W’s plan to move the team whenever the...
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It’s almost time for the NFL!

Pumpkin spice and crisp leaves are just around the corner, meaning football season is nearly here. To celebrate, today’s episode of The GIST of It features NFL analyst and former tight end Greg Olsen, chatting with co-host Ellen Hyslop on everything from unexpected storylines to follow this season to the impact of his pal, Travis Kelce, and Taylor Swift. Hut, hut, here we go.

Show notes:
www.youth.inc VBT...
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Buckle up.

The WNBA’s first-ever international regular-season game tips off in Vancouver tomorrow at 10 p.m. ET, marking the third Canada Game in the league’s history. Before the Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream battle for Great White North bragging rights (and fight to maintain their playoff positions), tune into today’s episode of The GIST of It to learn about this monumental moment for Canada women’s basketball, the implications f...
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Batter up!

Today’s episode of The GIST of It is a true home run, as co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz discuss the Little League World Series (LLWS), the classic youth baseball competition molding the MLB stars of tomorrow. Tune in to learn how the LLWS works, why it’s such a magical tournament, and to meet the gals turning the baseball world upside down.

Show notes:

More on The GIST: 
☎️ Leave us a voicemail! Call us at 1-437-564-55...
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This one’s inspiring, GISTer.

On this very special episode of The GIST of It, Associate Managing Editor Lauren Tuiskula sits down with author, swimmer, and retired therapist Hendrika de Vries ahead of the release of her memoir, “Open Turns.” de Vries fled Nazi-occupied Amsterdam as a child and started a new life as an immigrant in Australia, where becoming an athlete helped her re-discover her sense of self amid global and internal ...
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It’s time for a ballin’ round-up.

With the second half of a spicy WNBA season well underway, today’s episode of The GIST of It has the on-court news you need to know, with co-hosts Steph Rotz and The GIST’s Associate Managing Editor Lauren Tuiskula breaking down the top headlines around the league. From an alarming injury trend to the Connecticut Sun’s possible move to Boston, this episode is packed with tea. Put that kettle on.

Show...
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Pickle while you work.

ICYMI, pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S., with superstar athletes like Tom Brady and LeBron James investing in pro leagues to capitalize on the trend sweeping the nation. But the real star of the court? Anna Leigh Waters, the world’s best pickleballer, who currently holds the Professional Pickleball Association’s No. 1 ranking in women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. She’s kind of a bi...
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President Donald Trump’s got some ’splainin’ to do.

ICYMI, the college sports landscape is changing by the minute — and the NCAA’s leaders are begging the federal government to intervene and start regulating name, image, and likeness deals. Enter: President Donald Trump. The suddenly sports-obsessed president signed his 176th executive order on July 24th, titled “SAVING COLLEGE SPORTS” — but what exactly did he accomplish? That’s wh...
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Work, cover girl!

Designer Kristin Juszczyk is that girl on the NFL sidelines, outfitting the league’s hottest WAGS, from Taylor Swift to Simone Biles — and today, she’s sitting down with The GIST’s Associate Managing Editor Lauren Tuiskula. With NFL training camps underway and Juszczyk’s new Off Season collection dropping now, it’s the perfect time to level up your game day style. Tune in to hear her ultimate fashion playbook, incl...
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It’s not a moment; it’s a movement.

Of course, we’re talking about the WNBA, which just threw the most exciting, audacious, and downright viral All-Star Weekend in recent memory. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz break down the major talking points from Indianapolis, from the inimitable StudBudz to the “Pay Us What You Owe Us” t-shirts that broke the internet. Tune in, won’t you? 

A big thank ...
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Hey now, you’re an All-Star. 

Cue up Smash Mouth because it’s officially WNBA All-Star Weekend — and The GIST of It co-host Ellen Hyslop will be in Indianapolis for all the fun. Tune in to this episode to hear El and Steph Rotz preview the weekend, from the on-court festivities to the off-court negotiations surrounding the league’s collective bargaining agreement. Can you say spicy?

Show notes:
Episode #474: That don’t impress me much...
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It’s the final countdown.

The group stage of the Women’s Euro is done and dusted, leaving eight teams to compete in this week’s knockout round. On this episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz dive deep on two teams, No. 6 Sweden and No. 10 France, that could finally turn their respective country’s luck around and hoist the trophy. Is this the year a bridesmaid finally becomes a bride?

Show notes:
Episode #473: ...
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There’s been a major shakeup in Formula 1.

Yesterday, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was fired after 20 years with the team, sending shockwaves throughout the F1 community. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, F1 girlies and co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz dig into the curious timing of Horner’s sacking, digging into how Red Bull’s lackluster performance — not previous misconduct allegations — sealed Horner’s fate. V...
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