Hope you’re ready for a footy fiesta because today’s episode of The GIST of It is all about two major upcoming women’s soccer events — the CONCACAF W Championship (featuring the USWNT and CanWNT) and the Women’s Euro. Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz will breakdown everything you need to know before these BFD tournaments kick off next week. Then after the break, El and Steph detail an important update to the ongoing story of Hockey Canada’s (mis)handling of sexual assault allegations.* Thank...
Jun 30, 2022•26 min
It’s been a difficult few days in the wake of Friday’s Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz will discuss how the sports world is (and isn’t) responding to the devastating decision. Plus, El and Steph will also dive into two more intense but important topics on today’s episode. First, the hearing regarding potential discipline for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson — who recently faced 24 civil sexual mis...
Jun 28, 2022•30 min
Today marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX — the U.S. legislation which gave female athletes the right to equal opportunity in sports. So, today’s episode of The GIST of It is a celebration of the landmark law and its impact on women’s sports. Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz will discuss what Title IX covers exactly, a few of the trailblazers who paved the way in women’s sports and what the next 50 years under Title IX might look like. Cue that confetti. And a big thanks to today’s sponso...
Jun 23, 2022•27 min
On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are diving into a story we’ve covered extensively on the pod — the latest surrounding Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is now facing 24 (and potentially soon to be 26) civil sexual misconduct lawsuits. El and Steph break down the most recent news and look ahead to how the NFL might respond.* Then after the break, we’re returning to the sports story that dominated headlines last week — the ongoing feud betw...
Jun 16, 2022•26 min
It’s been a busy stretch in the sports world, so today’s episode of The GIST of It has a little bit of everything. First, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz discuss the future of the NCAA softball Women’s College World Series (WCWS) tournament given recent controversy surrounding the state of Oklahoma’s anti-choice legislation. Will the tourney remain in its famed Oklahoma City–based stadium or is it time for a change in venue? Then after the break, it’s preview time! The Stanley Cup Final beg...
Jun 14, 2022•27 min
Happy Friday Jr.! Buckle up, because today’s episode of The GIST of It is a doozy. Today marks the start of LIV Golf, a Saudi Arabian–backed event intended to rival the PGA tour. But the event is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons with allegations of sportswashing thanks to Saudi Arabia’s atrocious human rights record. Co-hosts Ellen and Steph will break it all down. Then after the break, we have a major update to an important story — approximately 90 survivors of sexual abuse by former ...
Jun 09, 2022•24 min
Hi there! Queue up Rihanna because today’s episode of The GIST of It is all about the fight for equal pay in soccer. After the CanMNT refused to play their World Cup tuneup match on Sunday due to a dispute over player compensation, co-hosts El and Steph detail the ongoing situation then discuss how it’s all impacting the CanWNT and women’s soccer as a whole. Then it’s time for not one, but two infuriating WTF moments, both related to sports and Pride Month. Thanks for tuning in! Show notes: CanM...
Jun 07, 2022•21 min
It’s great to be back with another episode of The GIST of It, especially during such an exciting time in the sports world. The French Open, the NCAA softball Women’s College World Series, the NBA Finals — co-hosts El and Steph have your complete guide to all of the action before a jam-packed weekend. And stick around after the break for an update to a complicated but important story out of the WNBA surrounding LA Sparks star Liz Cambage. Thanks for tuning in! Show notes: Women’s College World Se...
Jun 02, 2022•23 min
Co-hosts Ellen and Steph are back with another episode of The GIST of It all about one of their favorite topics — women’s hockey, of course. The PWHPA made a major move on Tuesday, entering into a formal partnership with two big companies in the sports industry, one led by none other than tennis icon Billie Jean King. El and Steph break down the details, plus what it all means for the future of the sport. Truly game-changing. Show notes: Ep #167: We are never getting back together: A women’s hoc...
May 26, 2022•28 min
Today’s episode of The GIST of It is about a topic far too often discussed on the pod — racism in sports. Co-hosts Ellen and Steph detail two infuriating incidents from the weekend — one in the MLB, one in the NHL — then take a trip across the pond to consider actual solutions to this pervasive problem. Thanks for tuning in! More on The GIST: Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod Twitter: @thegistpod Email: pod@thegistsports.com IG: @thegistca @thegistusa...
May 24, 2022•29 min
Surprise! Welcome to a very special pop-up edition of The GIST of It, in partnership with Nike. Grab your party hat and cut up a slice of cake — today’s episode is all about celebrating Nike’s 50th anniversary, specifically their commitment to women’s sports over the last 50 years. Plus, co-hosts El and Steph will do their best Raven Baxter impressions and take a look at what the next 50 years could bring for Nike and the sports world. It’s just the beginning, baby. Show notes: Brandi Chastain g...
May 23, 2022•20 min
Queue up Lizzo before you press play on today’s episode of The GIST of It because the USWNT has finally achieved equal pay with the USMNT, announcing yesterday that all sides agreed to a historic new collective bargaining agreement. Co-hosts Ellen and Steph discuss the details of the landmark deal along with the work still ahead in bridging the gender pay gap across the broader sports landscape. It’s about damn time. Show notes: Ep #153: Pushing for progress: On trans rights and equal pay in spo...
May 19, 2022•19 min
It’s an extra happy Tuesday because today marks the start of what’s sure to be even more thrilling NBA and NHL playoff action, with the NBA conference finals and NHL second round kicking off. So, on today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen and Steph have everything you need to know about the matchups ahead. Getcha multiple screens and popcorn ready. Show notes: WNBPA Petition calling for Brittney Griner’s return More on The GIST: Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod Twitter: @thegi...
May 17, 2022•24 min
Settle in, because today’s episode of The GIST of It is a doozy. After news of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady’s massive contract to serve as a broadcaster after his playing career ends, Steph and guest co-host Lauren are discussing the myriad disparities in the sports broadcasting world when it comes to contracts for non-white and female commentators. Then after the break stick around for even more WTF news from college lacrosse. Members of the Delaware State University, an HBCU, wom...
May 12, 2022•23 min
On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen and Steph break down F1’s recent crackdown on their jewelry ban and seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s response, with a broader discussion about how such policies often target BIPOC athletes specifically. Talk about a fashion faux pas. Thank you to Canadian Tire for supporting today’s podcast! Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart Charities is committed to empowering Girls in Sport and helping kids overcome the many barriers to getting in the game...
May 10, 2022•28 min
You guessed it, today’s episode of The GIST of It is an extra special W season preview. The top teams, the players to watch, the main storylines — co-hosts Ellen and Steph have everything you need to know before the fun tips off tomorrow night. Nothing but net, baby. Thank you to Tangerine for supporting today’s episode! Tangerine is the official bank and first foundational partner of the WNBA in Canada. Learn more about their commitment to championing your financial journey (and those fadeaways...
May 05, 2022•25 min
In today’s episode, co-hosts Ellen and Steph break down a stunning and welcome development from MLB — star LA Dodgers Pitcher Trevor Bauer was issued a two-season suspension last week after spending 10 months on paid administrative leave while he faced sexual assault allegations. El and Steph discuss the background and what this major news could mean for other (men’s) pro sports leagues. Then after the break, it’s time for a rapid fire update on all of the latest playoff action. NHL, NBA and NWS...
May 03, 2022•28 min
We are once again asking the NWSL to protect its players. In today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen and Steph discuss Houston Dash head coach and general manager James Clarkson’s suspension based on the recommendation of the NWSL and NWSL Players Association's joint investigation. We also want to note that today’s podcast includes mention of allegations of sexual harassment, so if you need to pass on today’s episode, we’ll see you next week. Special thanks to our friends at American G...
Apr 28, 2022•24 min
Another week, another head scratcher from the NWSL. In today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen and Steph give you the lowdown on the upcoming NWSL Challenge Cup finale, and why the league’s time and venue scheduling issues are…not cool. After the break, they hop across the pond to look at how women’s soccer is on the up-and-up across the globe, and why organizations should be prepared to meet the momentum. Hey UEFA Women’s Euros? Don’t be sorry, be better. And special thanks to our fri...
Apr 26, 2022•26 min
If nobody got us, we know Ellen and Steph got us. In today’s episode, co-hosts Ellen and Steph prep you for the weekend with some major sports news. First up, they break down Wimbledon’s Wednesday announcement that players from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to compete at the June tourney because of the war in Ukraine, making it the first tournament to impose such a ban on individual players. Then, after the break, El and Steph discuss a WTF moment from the NHL Players Association. Conte...
Apr 21, 2022•23 min
It might be time for co-hosts Ellen and Steph to play the lotto because, after last Thursday’s deep dive on the state of women’s hockey (full of predictions for the future), some major news broke over the weekend. The PWHPA is (reportedly) preparing to launch its own league. El and Steph cover the reported details, dive into the history of other women’s pro leagues and discuss some lingering questions as we wait for an official announcement. Icy and spicy. Show notes: Thursday 4/14 Episode on Wo...
Apr 19, 2022•23 min
Somebody call Taylor Swift because today’s episode of The GIST of It is all about the PWHPA ending their discussions with the PHF to form a unified North American women’s pro hockey league. Co-hosts Ellen and Steph detail this messy history, what led to talks breaking down and what could come next for pro women’s hockey. Thanks for tuning in. And thank you to American Giant for sponsoring today’s episode! American Giant produces quality clothing that outlasts the mass-produced fast fashion of to...
Apr 14, 2022•35 min
It’s a very exciting day — the start of the NBA postseason! In today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen and Steph have everything you need to know before the play-in tournament tips off tonight including how it works, the competing teams and the top storylines making this postseason extra spicy. Then the spice continues after the break with a head-scratching story out of the world of women’s sports biz. USWNT stars Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan are taking on The Rock…El and Steph will b...
Apr 12, 2022•30 min
Thursday is low-key the sexiest day of the week — and today’s jam-packed episode is just another reason why. Co-hosts Ellen and Steph start with a preview of the Masters Tournament, covering what you need to know and who you need to know before the fun tees off today. And after the break, El and Steph give you the low-down on the long-awaited start to a new MLB season. Batter up. Thank you to FanDuel for sponsoring today’s episode! Led by CEO Amy Howe, Fanduel’s working to bring more women into ...
Apr 07, 2022•28 min
March Madness is officially over *single tear*, but it was a tournament for the books. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen and Steph are taking time to celebrate the on-court and off-court achievements throughout the women’s tourney. Then, after the break, El and Steph break down the pro basketball madness to come, chatting about the upcoming NBA postseason. Ball is life, and life is crazy. Show notes: Lindsay Gibbs’ Power Plays newsletter on women’s March Madness media coverage...
Apr 05, 2022•28 min
What better way to send out March than with a March Madness Final Four preview? We’ll start with everything you need to know about the women’s semis (naturally) then round things out with the men before the fun begins Friday and Saturday, respectively. Ball really is life. Thank you to FanDuel for sponsoring today’s episode! With CEO Amy Howe leading the charge, FanDuel’s on a mission to level the sports betting playing field, by offering safe and accessible experiences, open to all sports fans....
Mar 31, 2022•25 min
We’re rounding out the month of March with a discussion of an unfortunately all-too-familiar topic: institutional failure. Today, Ellen and special guest co-host Lauren break down Monday’s news that more than 70 current and former Canadian gymnasts signed an open letter calling for a third-party investigation into a “toxic culture” within Canadian gymnastics. And after the break, they discuss how this story is part of a systemic pattern of national organizations — from USA Gymnastics to multiple...
Mar 29, 2022•32 min
In today’s episode, co-hosts Ellen and Steph discuss Tuesday’s shocking news that 25-year-old World No. 1 tennis player Ash Barty was retiring from the sport. We’re happy for her, sad for tennis fans and processing it all with a proper Barty Party. Then after the break, it’s time for another WTF moment, this one from the NWSL. Last weekend, the Orlando Pride removed a fan banner that read “GAY” for “political reasons.” Yes, seriously. El and Steph have all the deets and context on this head-scra...
Mar 24, 2022•31 min
Following Friday’s news that the Cleveland Browns traded to acquire quarterback Deshaun Watson despite 22 ongoing civil cases of sexual misconduct against him, El and Steph discuss this infuriating move, the history of how the NFL has handled violence against women and where we go from here and more.* *Today’s episode includes mentions of sexual assault. Please take care while listening. Show notes: Mina Kimes’ interview with reporter Jenny Vrentas (the last 30 mins of the episode) More on The G...
Mar 22, 2022•29 min
We’re ready for the madness to begin! Today, co-hosts Ellen and Steph break down everything you need to know ahead of the women’s March Madness Tournament. From the tourney details, to teams and players to watch, we have you covered. And stick around because after the break, Ellen and Steph talk shop on why the NCAA needs a’changing. Thanks so much to our friends at FanDuel. Whether it’s on the court or in the boardroom, there’s nothing we love more than watching women win. And thanks to FanDuel...
Mar 17, 2022•22 min
