The GIST of It

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

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