The GIST of It Podcast

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.
 Our spicy women’s March Madness predictions 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.

 Unpacking the drama of the Connecticut Sun sale 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 context on the historic sale and share their thoughts on the W’s latest move.

 MLB’s new rule exposes men who lie about their height 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.