Buyouts, buyouts, buyouts. 

The NCAA football landscape looks a bit different than it did when the season kicked off in August, especially after three head coaches of AP Preseason Top 25 teams were fired for underperformance. But they aren’t walking away empty-handed: All three are owed tens of millions of dollars from their respective schools.

On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz set the scene for the college football coaching carousel before examining the ripple effects of letting a good-but-not-great coach go. Hut hut, here they go.  

A big thank you to BMO for sponsoring today’s pod! BMO has been committed to growing the beautiful game in North America for two decades. Today, BMO supports the NWSL’s Angel City FC and is the official bank of the Northern Super League. Learn more by visiting our Soccer Help Desk today.

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Remember the name.

The NBA is back in full swing, and one men’s hoops story is rising above them all: San Antonio Spur Victor Wembanyama’s breakout season. Even before he arrived to the league in 2023, Wemby was touted as the NBA’s next generational star. Now in his third season, the French big man is exploding on the court. There’s never been an athlete like the 7-foot-4 Wemby, and today’s episode of The GIST of It will break down why Wembanyama is him, including a look into all of his offseason side quests. 

Show notes:
Join The GIST Plus

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Buckle up.

Formula 1’s popularity is surging among women, which is no surprise considering gals like Mercedes-Benz Chief Marketing Officer Melody Lee are at the helm. Lee visited The GIST to chat all things F1, from innovation in the sports space to bringing F1: The Movie to life and of course, who Lee’s all-time heroes are. Lights out, and away she goes. 

Psst — you can listen to more inspiring interviews like this one by subscribing to The GIST Plus, our membership platform that’s creating the healthiest, most supportive community on the Internet. 

This episode was brought to you by Amazon Business, the ultimate partner for smart business buying. Amazon Business offers a one-stop shop for all of your business needs, helping companies of all shapes and sizes simplify their purchasing process. Learn more by checking out business.amazon.com today. 

Show notes:
Join The GIST Plus today

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There’s meeting the moment, and then there’s making a moment. 

Last Thursday, long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall made a moment, competing in the middle of Times Square to qualify for the finals at Athlos NYC. The buzzy event caught the world’s attention, but Davis-Woodhall is no stranger to fame as a reigning Olympic and world champ. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, The GIST’s Associate Managing Editor Lauren Tuiskula chats with Davis-Woodhall about sandpits, prepping for major moments, and inspiring confidence as a partner of the Dove Body Confident Sport Program. Enjoy.

Thanks to Fan Duel for their support of this podcast. The buzzer may have sounded on this women’s pro hoops season, but the action never stops with FanDuel. Download the FanDuel app or head to fanduel.com to join in on the fun.

This episode was brought to you by Amazon Business, the ultimate partner for smart business buying. Amazon Business offers a one-stop shop for all of your business needs, helping companies of all shapes and sizes simplify their purchasing process. Learn more by checking out business.amazon.com today. 

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Tara Davis-Woodhall on IG
Tara Davis-Woodhall on TikTok

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How do you measure, measure six years?

With 500 episodes, it appears. Today marks the 500th episode of The GIST of It, so co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are taking a trip down memory lane. Tune in as the gals reveal the most popular episode of all-time, plus share a few behind-the-scenes secrets on what really happens when they’re recording. Happy 500 to us!

Show notes:
Our most popular episodes

• 2020: Episode #48: Everything you need to know about the 2020–21 NBA season
• 2021: Episode #118: Another coaching scandal: Jon Gruden and WFT explained
• 2022: Episode #152: A tale of three Olympians — Eileen Gu, Nathan Chen, Zhu Yi, and Beijing 2022
• 2023: Episode #235: Damar Hamlin updates & USMNT controversy
• 2024: Episode #381: Copa América chaos, PWHL Minnesota allegations, and an interview with soccer star Kristie Mewis
• 2025: Episode #458: Victim blaming & the Hockey Canada assault trial

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All hoops, all the time. 

The WNBA Finals are in full swing, which means The GIST of It co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz were ready to break down what to expect in Game 3, now that the Las Vegas Aces hold a two-game lead over the Phoenix Mercury…but then LeBron James tweeted. Is the King retiring? Or is he trolling with another clever marketing campaign? Hear the gals’ thoughts on all the above today.

A big thank you to our friends at DoorDash for sponsoring today’s pod. DoorDash is launching a brand new platform called BRING IT IN that’s dedicated to championing women’s sports. The goal is to showcase more women’s games to fans just like you, while providing local restaurants with access to opportunities usually reserved for big sponsors. To celebrate, DoorDash wants to give you up to 30% off during the WNBA Finals. Just head to the link in the shownotes, download the DoorDash app, and start thinking about your next game-day meal.

Show notes:
Enjoy 30% off your DoorDash order during the WNBA Finals
Salary of WNBA Refs Discussed Following Caitlin Clark, Marina Mabrey Incident

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The exit interview heard ’round the world.

ICYMI, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier lambasted WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league office on Tuesday. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz place Collier’s explosive comments into the league’s larger context, connecting the dots to the ongoing CBA negotiations, the WNBA’s sustainability, and of course, Unrivaled. Questions? Answered.

Thanks to FanDuel for their support of this podcast. A long-time supporter of women’s sports, FanDuel’s best-in-class WNBA bets let you put some skin in the game. Head to FanDuel.ca or download the app to join in on the fun. 

A big shoutout to LPGA for sponsoring The GIST of It. To celebrate 75 years of golf greatness, the LPGA is hooking up one lucky fan with an epic VIP Experience to the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida from November 20th to 23rd. Enter here for your chance to win big. 

Show notes:
Enter this contest for a free trip the CME Group Tour Championship
Place your WNBA bet with FanDuel Canada

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It’s all fun and games until someone throws a beer.

And unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened at the Ryder Cup over the weekend. The biennial men’s golf competition between Team USA and Team Europe reached new levels of drama this year, as fans at NY’s Bethpage Black berated the European golfers, even launching physical attacks at members of their families.

On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz detail and react to the spectator behavior at the Ryder Cup before considering what to expect with the U.S. hosting two more major international team competitions through President Donald Trump’s second term: the 2026 men’s FIFA World Cup and the 2028 LA Olympics. 

This episode was brought to you by Amazon Business, the ultimate partner for smart business buying. Amazon Business offers a one-stop shop for all of your business needs, helping companies of all shapes and sizes simplify their purchasing process. Learn more by checking out business.amazon.com today. 

Show notes:
Sign up here to Get Girl Coached

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The Golden State Valkyries are that team. 

ICYMI, the WNBA’s 13th team absolutely crushed it in their debut season, becoming the first expansion team to make the playoffs in their inaugural campaign — but the on-court accomplishments are only half the story. The Valks sold out every single home game in 2025, creating an ultra-supportive women’s hoops fanbase that’s now considered the blueprint for success as the W continues to grow. Today, The GIST’s co-founder Ellen Hyslop sits down with Valkyries team president Jess Smith for a behind-the-scenes convo on the business behind the basketball, from making crucial decisions with the front office to her advice for young leaders. Don’t miss it.

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Crown her.

Las Vegas Aces icon A’ja Wilson won a historic fourth career WNBA MVP on Sunday, the most of any player in league history. Wilson’s more than just the WNBA’s best player; she is the moment in women’s sports…but when it comes to marketing, she’s simply not getting her due. In this episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz dig into Wilson’s unprecedented season before diving into the disparities in WNBA athlete marketing, namely, how Wilson sees fewer sponsorship opportunities than her relatively unproven fellow hooper, the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark.

This episode was brought to you by Amazon Business, the ultimate partner for smart business buying. Amazon Business offers a one-stop shop for all of your business needs, helping companies of all shapes and sizes simplify their purchasing process. Learn more by checking out business.amazon.com today. 

Show notes:
Episode #493: Nostalgia-core: How pop culture is winning over the casual sports fan

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It’s not every day you meet your heroes.

But The GIST’s Associate Managing Editor Lauren Tuiskula did just that earlier this week, sitting down with legendary ESPN reporter Holly Rowe to discuss the evolution of female fandom across the sports universe. Tune in to this episode of The GIST of It to hear Lauren and Holly discuss college football, Holly’s biggest storyline of the ongoing WNBA playoffs, and to hear about Holly’s work with the Allstate Good Works Team, which highlights NCAA student-athlete community service projects across the U.S.

This episode was brought to you by Amazon Business, the ultimate partner for smart business buying. Amazon Business offers a one-stop shop for all of your business needs, helping companies of all shapes and sizes simplify their purchasing process. Learn more by checking out business.amazon.com today. 

Show notes:
Learn more about the Allstate Good Works Team

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Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

ICYMI, nostalgia is having a moment at the box office — and now, we’re seeing that translate to the sports world. Inspired by the news that Bend It Like Beckham is getting a long-awaited sequel, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are diving into the business of sports movie sequels on today’s episode of The GIST of It, including how pop culture moments can turn casual sports viewers into devoted fans.

This episode was brought to you by Amazon Business, the ultimate partner for smart business buying. Amazon Business offers a one-stop shop for all of your business needs, helping companies of all shapes and sizes simplify their purchasing process. Learn more by checking out business.amazon.com today. 

Show notes:

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Women’s hoops is where it’s at.

Yes, the WNBA regular season ends today, but this episode of The GIST of It is all about the offseason plans for the best hoopers in the game. Unrivaled, the 3v3 league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, will be bigger and better than ever for its second season, boasting new investments and even more teams. And we’re digging into all of it, including how the league continues to lean into its player-first ethos. Buckets, indeed.

Thanks to Fan Duel for their support of this podcast. We partnered with FanDuel to bring back our free-to-play Women's Pro Basketball Bracket Challenge. Visit thegistsports.com to register and make your picks. 

Show notes:
https://unsportsmanlikeconduct.org/ 

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Aces all around.

ICYMI: Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s US Open men’s single final, clinching his sixth career Grand Slam and snatching the world No. 1 ranking from his respected rival in the process. So on today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz dig into the Big Two era of men’s tennis, a stark contrast to the parity in the women’s game. Game, set, slay.

Thanks to Fan Duel for their support of this podcast. We partnered with FanDuel to bring back our free-to-play Women's Pro Basketball Bracket Challenge. Visit thegistsports.com to register and make your picks. 

A special thank you to Upper Deck for sponsoring this episode of The GIST of It. Upper Deck is the place to find authentic, autographed sports collectibles. Even better, now you can collect exclusive memorabilia celebrating new Upper Deck spokesperson and women’s soccer legend Alex Morgan, with trading cards in the near future. LFG.

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Hut hut, here we go!

It’s officially NFL season, GISTer — and we’re going all in on The GIST of It. Before tonight’s kickoff, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are breaking down the league’s top contenders, from the defending champs to a team we know, ahem, all too well. It really is the greatest time of year.

Show notes:
Episode #489: A new league of their own: Introducing the Women’s Pro Baseball League
The GIST’s NFL Pick’ems Challenge

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This is girlhood.

Today’s episode of The GIST of It is all about the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL), a first-of-its-kind women’s pro league launching in 2026. It’s a tale of girlhood, community, and sports — and that sounds an awful lot like the founding principles of The GIST, meaning co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are the perfect duo to break down everything you need to know now that the league has hosted open tryouts. A home run, indeed.

Show notes:

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This one’s totally gnarly. 

Let us introduce you to Brooke Johnson, the first woman to skateboard across the United States. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-host Ellen Hyslop sits down with Johnson to discuss her 3,266-mile journey, and Johnson’s efforts to raise $50K for spinal cord injury research in honor of her late stepfather along the way. Grab your tissues, strap on your helmet, and get ready to feel inspired.

Show notes:
The GIST’s Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to Fantasy Football
Subscribe to The GIST

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Money, money, money.

Always funny in a rich man’s world — like the WNBA, where the Connecticut Sun’s potential sale is causing some serious drama. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz break down a new report from ESPN that details the behind-the-scenes moves as the league’s smallest market tries to find a new home. From potential buyers in new cities to the W’s plan to move the team whenever they like, it’s messy, messy, messy. Buckle up.

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It’s almost time for the NFL!

Pumpkin spice and crisp leaves are just around the corner, meaning football season is nearly here. To celebrate, today’s episode of The GIST of It features NFL analyst and former tight end Greg Olsen, chatting with co-host Ellen Hyslop on everything from unexpected storylines to follow this season to the impact of his pal, Travis Kelce, and Taylor Swift. Hut, hut, here we go.

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www.youth.inc VBTV

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Buckle up.

The WNBA’s first-ever international regular-season game tips off in Vancouver tomorrow at 10 p.m. ET, marking the third Canada Game in the league’s history. Before the Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream battle for Great White North bragging rights (and fight to maintain their playoff positions), tune into today’s episode of The GIST of It to learn about this monumental moment for Canada women’s basketball, the implications for the W’s future expansion plans, and of course, to hear who co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are rooting for. Swish swish.

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