The GIST of It - podcast cover

The GIST of It

The GIST of Itwww.spreaker.com
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.
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Episodes

Ep #128: College Cup, MLS and NWSL playoffs...oh my!

Co-hosts Courtney Stith and Steph Rotz are back with another great episode, and today they’re breaking down the latest happenings in soccer. From World Cup qualifiers to the NCAA women’s College Cup to the MLS and NWSL playoffs, Courtney and Steph have everything you need to know about this whirlwind week of fútbol. Tune in for the on-field updates and stick around for the bigger picture conversation about the cultural reckoning in the NWSL this year. Soccer fan or not, this one’s a must-listen....

Nov 18, 202120 min

Ep #127: Sports and censorship in China

We're diving deep into why the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is taking a stand on behalf of women’s tennis star Peng Shuai. The story involves issues of censorship in China as well as allegations of sexual assault, so please take care while listening. After discussing the news in the tennis world, we touch briefly on our thoughts regarding sports and the environment. The UN’s summit on climate change, COP26, has just come to an end, and we’re interested in the role sports plays in this changi...

Nov 16, 202132 min

Ep #126: Violence and sabotage in sports: Attack on PSG Féminine players

Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz have everything you need to know about the trouble brewing in Paris St. Germain. We have you covered on this deeply concerning story involving PSG’s Aminata Diallo and Kheira Hamraoui. After discussing the drama, El and Steph share their thoughts on Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook and ESPN analyst Adam Schefter. The worst. Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Tired of never being invited to play fantasy football? Same. That’s why we create...

Nov 11, 202131 min

Ep #125: Everything you need to know about the 2021-22 college basketball season

On today’s episode, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz have everything you need to know about the 2021-22 college basketball season before the action tips off later today. From the season schedule to the top teams and the key players to watch, we’re here to get’cha head in the game. Come for the season preview and stick around to hear which teams El and Steph think will win it all this year. The anticipation. Today’s episode is brought to you by Wine Rack. Wine Rack has a wide range of wines, ...

Nov 09, 202128 min

Ep #124: Fake vaccine cards and lying frauds: vaccine hesitancy in sports

After Green Bay Packers quarterback (QB) Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday after misleading the public about his vaccine status, El and Steph are discussing lingering vaccine hesitancy amongst athletes and how it’s impacting sports. Tune in for this critical discussion, then stick around for a preview of the upcoming NWSL playoffs, which kick off on Sunday. Happy listening! Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. We were tired of never being invited to play fantasy footb...

Nov 04, 202126 min

Ep #123: Changing the conversation around mental health in sports

Inspired by Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley taking a step back from football to focus on his mental health, El and Steph chat about the history of other athletes speaking out about their struggles and how the conversation has shifted since Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open back in May. Tune in for this important conversation, and stick around for a primer about an exciting tennis event this week: the Billie Jean King Cup. Thanks for listening! Today’s episode is brought to yo...

Nov 02, 202127 min

Ep #122: The latest WTF updates: Deshaun Watson and the Chicago Blackhawks

On today’s episode, Ellen and Steph break down the latest WTF moment from the sports world. Despite having 22 active sexual assault allegations against him, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is on the NFL trade market, with multiple teams interested in trading for him. Ugh. Tune in for the backstory on Watson, why a trade could happen and stick around for an update to a different WTF moment, this one from the world of hockey. *Content warning: this episode contains mentions of and conver...

Oct 28, 202125 min

Ep #121: The 2021 World Series: The most despised teams ever

Baseball fan or not, you’ll want in on this conversation. On today’s show, Ellen and Steph discuss why the 2021 World Series featuring the Houston cheatin’ Astros and the problematic Atlanta Braves might just be the most despised series ever. Tune in for all the details. Today’s episode is brought to you by our friends at Campaign Monitor. You don’t need to be a newsletter business to use Campaign Monitor as your email marketing software — any organization using email to connect with their audie...

Oct 26, 202124 min

Ep #120: How the opioid crisis in sports is killing its athletes

On today’s show, Ellen is joined again by special guest host Courtney Stith to talk about the opioid crisis in pro sports. After NHLer Jimmy Hayes’s cause of death was attributed to substance abuse, we’re talking about his life, death, and the noble way his family is honoring him. Today’s episode is brought to you by our pals at FanDuel. Channel your competitive energy into our GIST-exclusive FanDuel fantasy football contest. It’s super easy to play, and there’s over $250 in cash prizes each wee...

Oct 21, 202123 min

Ep #119: Diving into the Phoenix Mercury’s media snub and the NBA’s regular season

On today’s show, Ellen and special guest host Courtney Stith dive deep into the context as well as their thoughts and feelings on the Phoenix Mercury not showing up for the post-game press conference after losing to the Chicago Sky in the WNBA finals on Sunday afternoon. It’s complicated. And instead of a WTF moment, the pair also give a brief NBA regular season preview. Tune in, won’t you? Today’s episode is brought to you by our pals at The Vitamin Shoppe. Whether you’re looking for more prote...

Oct 19, 202136 min

Ep #118: Another coaching scandal: Jon Gruden and WFT explained

We really hate to do this to you, GISTers, but we have yet another coaching scandal to fill you in on. This time, it’s the NFL, with Jon Gruden’s racist and misogynistic emails. Ugh. We also have a WTF from the WNBA, involving the GOAT herself, Diana Taurasi. Buckle up for this one. Today’s episode is brought to you by TWO amazing sponsors. Wine Rack, your neighborhood wine spot, is THE place to find the best Ontario wines. Visit them at winerack.com for all your wine needs, and enjoy responsibl...

Oct 14, 202124 min

Ep #117: Everything you need to know about the NHL season

It's hockey season! Today, co-hosts Ellen and Steph give you "the gist" on what to know about the NHL season. They talk teams to know, players to watch, their picks and, most importantly, the broader storylines to watch this season. Add that to some storytelling about Scott Moir and women in sports, and it’s a great way to spend your Tuesday. Tune in, won’t you? Today’s episode is brought to you by The Vitamin Shoppe, who helps make prioritizing your health and wellness easy. Check out their hug...

Oct 12, 202128 min

Ep #116: Gossip Girl, but make it hockey

Who needs Instagram and Facebook when hockey stars have Twitter to stir the pot? After Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner accused the NHL of medical malpractice in a tweet and threatened to reveal some spicy stories to back up his claims, Ellen and Steph are diving into what caused his sudden Gossip Girl moment. Then, they’re sharing a WTF from the NHL that involves — shocker! — San Jose Shark Evander Kane. Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Our GIST-exclusive weekly fantasy...

Oct 07, 202127 min

Ep #115: The NWSL’s institutional betrayal

How many wild things can happen in one week in the NWSL? Let us count the ways… With another head coach out, a commissioner resigned, and three ongoing investigations into the botched handling of some truly terrible abuse allegations, the NWSL has had quite the week, so hosts Steph and Ellen are going through the timeline of events as they happened and then giving their own thoughts on all the awfulness. *Content warning: this episode mentions sexual abuse and harassment, so if you can’t listen ...

Oct 05, 202133 min

Ep #114: The disrespect for the WNBA is too high

The WNBA is being disrespected. After the Phoenix Mercury were forced out of their home arena twice, hosts Ellen and Steph are talking about all the ways our favorite W teams are being wronged during this already intense postseason. Then, we’re following up on Tuesday’s WTF moment with an update from the Ukrainian Hockey League. Spoiler alert: it’s bad. Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Our GIST-exclusive weekly fantasy football contest is open to everyone, is super easy to play, and...

Sep 30, 202128 min

Ep #113: Things are about to change in Washington

On the field, the NWSL’s Washington Spirit is playing for a spot in the postseason. Off the field, it’s a hot mess right now. But as things continue to worsen, team co-owner Y. Michele Kang is ready to take charge. Soccer fan or not, you’ll want to hear what’s going down in D.C. And in our WTF moment of the week, we’re heading back to the hockey rink to tell you about a deplorable act of racism from the Ukrainian Hockey League. Make it end. Today’s episode is brought to you by The Vitamin Shoppe...

Sep 28, 202126 min

Ep #112: Everything you need to know about the WNBA postseason

On today’s episode of The GIST of It, Steph is joined by guest host Courtney to talk about all things WNBA postseason. From the setup to the favorites to who’s out for revenge, they have everything you need to know before the first round begins. Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The GIST has partnered with FanDuel for a GIST-exclusive weekly NFL fantasy football contest, open to everyone. For just a $2 entry fee, GISTers can choose their dream fantasy team with players from the Sunda...

Sep 23, 202121 min

Ep #111: How do Tom Brady and Carli Lloyd do it?

On today’s episode of The GIST of It, hosts Ellen and Steph are searching for the fountain of youth. After 39-year-old soccer star Carli Lloyd scored five goals in one game last week and 44-year-old quarterback Tom Brady threw five touchdown passes on Sunday, we’re highlighting seasoned athletes who are still thriving even as young stars are emerging. Today’s episode is brought to you by our friends at The Peak. The Peak Daily is a business podcast that covers the three most important biz storie...

Sep 21, 202129 min

Ep #110: USA gymnasts vs. the FBI

Hey! It’s another heavy episode of The GIST of It. After American superstar gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman and Maggie Nichols testified before the US Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday, hosts Steph and Ellen are diving into why they did it, what they said, and what it could mean for the future of amateur sport. Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The GIST has partnered with FanDuel to create a judgement-free fantasy contest, open to all sports fans. Get in on the...

Sep 16, 202123 min

Ep #109: U.S. Soccer does not understand the assignment

Show us the money! On today’s episode of The GIST of It, hosts Ellen and Steph are talking about cold hard cash...and why the U.S. women’s national soccer team is still fighting to make more of it. With the U.S. Soccer Federation recently making headlines, we’re diving into what they’re now asking of the USWNT and USMNT, their fraught relationship with both teams, and the ongoing lawsuit against them. Today’s episode is brought to you by our friends at Scotiabank. Alongside the Hockey Canada Fou...

Sep 14, 202127 min

Ep #108: Everything you need to know about the 2021 NFL season

No, it’s not Friday: we’ve officially moved The GIST of It to Tuesdays and Thursdays! And today is a very special Thursday indeed: it's the Opening Kickoff of the NFL. Today, Ellen and Steph are getting into all things football with a quick season preview, a look at some of the can’t-miss storylines and they’ll even give their very professional opinions on who will win the Super Bowl. Thanks to our friends at FanDuel for sponsoring today’s podcast. For just $2, GISTers can play in a special GIST...

Sep 09, 202127 min

Ep #107: Is it burnout? Naomi Osaka thinks she’s “going to take a break from playing”

After Naomi Osaka’s exit from the US Open in which she said, "I honestly don't know when I'm going to play my next tennis match, I think I'm going to take a break from playing for a while," co-hosts Ellen and Steph discuss athlete burnout and the Osaka’s unique situation. Add that to a doozy of a WTF moment coming out of the women’s soccer world and you have yourself a podcast. Join us, won’t you? Thanks to our pals at The Peak Daily for sponsoring today’s podcast. Subscribe to their daily busin...

Sep 07, 202124 min

Ep #106: Men’s hockey culture is trash

After the Ontario Hockey League suspended Montreal Canadiens first round draft pick Logan Mailloux indefinitely for violating the league’s expectation for appropriate conduct by a player, co-hosts Ellen and Steph dive deep into the issues with hockey culture, and broader men’s sports culture. Yes, we’ve been here before and we’ll be here again. Get fired up with us, won’t you? This podcast was made possible by our friend at The Peak Daily. Subscribe to their daily business podcast today. Show no...

Sep 03, 202124 min

Ep #105: Naomi Osaka, mental health and gender equality in tennis

Today, Ellen and Steph chat about Naomi Osaka’s continued push for mental health as her US Open run begins, as well as the disparity in media coverage in one of the most gender equal sports. Then, we’re bringing back our WTF moment to give you an update on the Trevor Bauer situation in baseball. Warning before you listen: the WTF moment at the end of the episode deals with sexual abuse, so if you can’t listen, we’ll see you back here on Friday. Take care of yourself. Today’s episode is sponsored...

Aug 31, 202120 min

Ep #104: Paralympics update and College Football primer

The Paralympics have begun, so Steph and guest host Vanessa are getting into what makes the Games so important, what’s on the schedule for this weekend, and whether a merge with the Olympics would ever happen. Then they dive into the new college football season and try to explain the most complicated league in sports. Happy listening! Today’s episode is sponsored by our friends at TELUS. TELUS has long championed hockey throughout Canada and is working hard to improve access to the sport for wom...

Aug 27, 202122 min

Ep #103: Team USA’s Hilary Knight on the WWHC and the future of women’s hockey

Ellen and Steph were joined by another inspiring athlete on the podcast this week. This time, they sat down with Team USA's Hilary Knight to chat about all things ice hockey including the Women's World Hockey Championships (WWHC), women in hockey media, the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) and the future of women's hockey. Spoiler alert: it’s looking bright! It’s another can’t miss episode. Tune in, won’t you? Today’s episode is sponsored by our friends at Kobo: with a cat...

Aug 24, 202131 min

Ep #102: Christine Sinclair on winning gold at the Olympics, what’s next for her and the future of women’s soccer in Canada

On today’s episode, Ellen and Steph chat with a very (very) special guest — CanWNT captain, NWSL superstar and Olympic gold medalist — Christine Sinclair. Fresh off the win in Tokyo, Christine shares what the Games were like, how she celebrated and who she received a congratulatory text from before diving into an important discussion about the future of women’s soccer in Canada and what’s next for her. We’re still buzzing from this convo and we know you’ll love it too. Today’s podcast is brought...

Aug 20, 202132 min

Ep #101: The deeply troubling case of Trevor Bauer

Another week, another deeply disturbing assault case gripping the sports world. As LA Dodger Trevor Bauer faces his accusers in court, Steph and Ellen are back to give "the gist" on the case as it stands, and discuss the star privilege that too many athletes are afforded in cases like Bauer’s. Warning before you listen: this episode deals with sexual abuse, so if you can’t listen, we’ll see you back here on Friday, when we welcome a very special guest. Take care of yourself. Washington Post arti...

Aug 17, 202125 min

Ep #100: The NWSL and NHL have a coaching problem

On today’s episode, Steph and guest host Courtney are looking at two cases of massive abuses of power by coaches in the NWSL and the NHL. It’s a pretty heavy episode, and there are mentions of emotional and sexual abuse, so we totally understand if you can’t listen today. Just have a lovely weekend and we’ll talk to you on Tuesday. Otherwise, on with the show... Show notes: Washington Post article from Molly Hensley-Clancy The Athletic article by Meg Linehan, Pablo Maurer & Steph Yang Meghan...

Aug 13, 202118 min

Ep #99: Post-Olympics reset

And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming...The Olympics are over and it’s time to return to regular sports (until the next Olympics in February, of course). So to get us back on track, Steph and guest host Courtney are giving us a state of the union on all our favorite leagues: WNBA, NWSL, and the like. Hit that play button! Today’s podcast is brought to you by our friends at Olive & June. Their five-step manicure system is a game-changer for at-home nails. GISTers can get salon-...

Aug 10, 202120 min
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