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.
#582: A brilliant money move: Diana Taurasi explores the athlete-to-owner pipeline
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.
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The GIST Plus: How the PWHL is connected to the $12.5B LA Lakers sale (The GIST Plus preview)
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.
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#581: The FedEx Cup: Exploring PGA’s unique postseason
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.
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#580: Why the WNBA is stuck in a right-wing culture war
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.
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Sophie Cunningham Jacy Sheldon foul
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#579: The week FIFA lost the plot
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.
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#578: No MLB in 2027? The fallout from the Tarik Skubal trade
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.
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#577: Aaron Rodgers says this is it, plus more NFL training camp stories
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.
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Episode #489: A new league of their own: Introducing the Women’s Pro Baseball League
The Best Way for the WNBA to Solve Its Sophie Cunningham Problem Was to Ignore It
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#576: All our thoughts on LeBron’s Philly move
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.
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#575: The hoops and the happenings ahead of WNBA All-Star Weekend
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.
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#574: World Cup–winning goals and Erling Haaland memes
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.
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#573: Spain vs. Argentina — previewing the men’s World Cup Final
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.
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#572: WNBA sideline reporter Kayla Grey has some advice for the Indiana Fever
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.
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#571: A gossipy World Cup quarter-final preview
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.
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The GIST Plus: Paralympian Noelle Lambert’s lesson in resilience (The GIST Plus preview)
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.
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Noelle Lambert becomes the first amputee to win an individual Survivor challenge
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#570: How FIFA lost control of the World Cup
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. S
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#569: Kristine Lilly understands the importance of winning (Gift episode)
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.
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#568: Getting emosh about CanMNT's World Cup run, plus Mal Swanson’s advice for the USMNT
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.
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#567: Normalizing motherhood in sport
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.
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The GIST Plus: Kristine Lilly understands the importance of winning (The GIST Plus preview)
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.
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#566: Azzi Fudd chose Project B over Unrivaled — but why?
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.
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#565: Previewing CanMNT & USMNT’s second group stage games
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.
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#564: Pink cleats, problematic breaks, and player bans — this World Cup has it all
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.
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#563: Hiding in the bathroom and watching soccer with Trinity Rodman
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.
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The GIST Plus: Everything that’s wrong with the World Cup (The GIST Plus preview)
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.
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#562: Christine Sinclair reflects on her youth soccer career, as Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities pushes the game forward
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.
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#561: Crystal Dunn is present, pivoting, and powerful (The GIST Plus gift episode)
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.
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#560: How the French Open boycott might change tennis’ pay structure (The GIST Plus gift episode)
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.
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#559: Why PWHL salary transparency is so important
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.
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The GIST Plus: Jen Cooper literally wrote the book on women athletes in skirts (The GIST Plus preview)
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.
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#558: Spilling World Cup tea and talking tequila with Tobin Heath & Christen Press
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.
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📺 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...
#557: The secret to building strength with Ilona Maher
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.
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Hockey Canada resists joining abuse registry as other sports publish bans
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#556: Kelley O’Hara spills NWSL alt-cast tea
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.
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Watch Kelley O’Hara’s free NWSL alt-cast on Sunday, May 17th, only on Victory+
The GIST Plus: Crystal Dunn is present, pivoting, and powerful (The GIST Plus preview)
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.
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In 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.
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#555: Home runs and dark horses: Previewing the college softball national tourney
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.
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#554: Elle Duncan is geeking over WNBA tipoff
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.
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Kim Ng surprises Elle Duncan with the first Golden Ticket of the 2026 season
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#553: The pros and cons of the NWSL’s potential calendar change and will a Canadian team finally win the Stanley Cup
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.
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#552: Timothee Chalamet’s manspreading and hot takes on PWHL postseason
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.
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Episode #551: Our unfiltered PWHL playoff reactions
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The GIST Plus: Odessa Jenkins champions women's tackle football (The GIST Plus preview)
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.
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#551: Our unfiltered PWHL playoff reactions
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.
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#550: What happened to the Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes?
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.
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