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.
#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.
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...
#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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Check out Muscle Milk’s new protein shakes
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.
Show notes:
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.
Show notes:
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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#549: AUSL’s Golden Tickets are going viral and changing lives
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.
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World Series champ Kike Hernandez’ secret to success
The Group Chat: MLB stadium food edition
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#548: Puck off — the NHL postseason is here
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.
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The GIST Plus: Aliyah Funschelle is playing athlete matchmaker (The GIST Plus preview)
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.
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#547: World Series champ Kike Hernández’ secret to success
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.
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Eye Deserve More | AOA
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#546: The Masters: The good, the bad, and the pimento cheese
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.
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#545: WNBA star Angel Reese is on the move...who's next?
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.
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#544: Our spicy women’s March Madness predictions
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.
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The GIST Plus: Hannah Berner is the ultimate March Madness sporty spice (The GIST Plus preview)
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.
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#543: Unpacking the drama of the Connecticut Sun sale
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 co...
#542: MLB’s new rule exposes men who lie about their height
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.
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More on Sarah Graves
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#541: Did NIL ruin March Madness?
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.
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#540: Are you primed for the Madness?
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.
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Join The GIST’s Men’s College Basketball Bracket Challenge
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#539: Yes, Alex Morgan has a favorite NWSL player
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.
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Ep #538: Taylor Heise’s golden advice for her March Madness-bound brother
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.
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WNBA CBA updates:
FOS’ Annie Costabile
ESPN’s Alexa Phillipou
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Ep #537: Exclusive: Azzi Fudd’s sharing secrets
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.
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Azzi Fudd’s GEICO Partnership
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Ep #536: The ultimate Milano Cortina Paralympics primer
Going for gold: The sequel
The 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.
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Wheelchair curling explainer
Para ice hockey explainer
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Ep #535: UCLA women’s basketball head coach Cori Close is leading with joy this March Madness
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.
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Watch YOU SEE L.A. on Fox Sports 1...
Ep #534: Back to business: What’s happening in Unrivaled and the PWHL?
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.
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NYU Women’s Basketball winning streak
Making Popcorn for 15,000+ Basketball Fans | On the Job | NYT Cooking
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Ep #533: How Dawn Staley fosters confidence in her student-athletes
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...
