Formula 1 is back, baby, with the Australian Grand Prix kicking off the new season this weekend. To celebrate, The GIST of It co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz break down the top storylines you need to know, including the lifetime legacy battle between Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. 

Then the gals have an extra special treat in part two: former USWNT star Sam Mewis joins the pod to discuss her first year as Editor-in-Chief of The Women’s Game, moving on from pro soccer, and which team she thinks will be the dark horse this upcoming NWSL season. It’s footy time. 

A special shout out to Peloton for sponsoring today’s episode! No matter where you are in your fitness journey, Peloton’s easy-to-use app is here to provide you with the workout, support, and community you need. Download the app today for a free 30-day trial.
**New members only. Terms apply. See onepeloton.com for details.

Show notes:
The Women's Game, a part of the Men in Blazers Media Network, is available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

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The name of the game? College hoops.

We’re officially five days away from Selection Sunday, so it’s time to assess the men’s and women’s college hoops landscape. In today’s episode of The GIST of It, guest host Lauren Tuiskula and co-host Steph Rotz first preview the players you need to know on the men’s side, before shifting gears to the gals and highlighting a few conference tourney–winning teams — and the controversial TCU player who still holds a starting position.  

A special shout out to FanDuel for sponsoring today’s episode! The GIST partnered with FanDuel to create our very own March Madness brackets for both the men’s and women’s tourneys. Starting this Sunday, head to thegistsports.com to make your picks, and in the meantime, check out the FanDuel app to bet on college basketball all month long.

Show notes:
Everything you need to know about conference realignment

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Hello hello!

The grass really is greener in March because the NWSL is finally back. Today’s episode of The GIST of It previews tomorrow’s Challenge Cup, the ceremonial start of the season. Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz will walk through the changes to this year’s game before picking their winner: Will it be the defending NWSL champ Orlando Pride or the runner-up Washington Spirit?

Then in part two, the gals shift gears to the NBA hardwood to weigh in on the fallout from one of the most shocking moves in NBA history. We’re just over one month removed from the bombshell trade that sent Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the LA Lakers, and while one of those teams is now on a meteoric rise, the other is down bad crying at the gym. 

A special shout out to Peloton for sponsoring today’s episode! No matter where you are in your fitness journey, Peloton’s easy-to-use app is here to provide you with the workout, support, and community you need. Download the app today for a free 30-day trial.

**New members only. Terms apply. See onepeloton.com for details.

Show notes: 

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Hello, March!

Today’s episode of The GIST of It is a classic two-parter, starting off with a WTF moment before digging into a hoop-tastic preview.First up, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz discuss an incident of homophobic chants at MLS squad San Diego FC’s first-ever home opener on Saturday. The gals dig into this pervasive and unacceptable trend in footy, including the MLS’ response to hate speech. There’s no place for hate in sports — full stop.

Then in part two, it’s off to the hardwood: the NCAA women’s basketball conference tournaments begin today, making this the perfect time to discuss how it works and what to watch before March Madness tips off later this month.  

Show notes: 

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Here’s to a legend!

Diana Taurasi, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, announced her retirement on Tuesday, so today’s episode of The GIST of It is a toast to the queen of confidence. As co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz discuss, Taurasi’s skill, starpower, and most of all, swagger, re-defined women’s hoops — the game is in a bigger, better, and brighter place because of her. Bowing to the best. 

Then in part two, the gals stay on the hardwood, previewing this weekend’s must-watch NCAA women’s hoops action as the regular season comes to a close. March is so close, we can taste it. 

Show notes:

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Ice, ice, baby.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is chasing history, now just 13 goals away from breaking Wayne “The Great One” Gretzky’s all-time NHL scoring record. So on today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz dive into Ovi’s pursuit of greatness, from his consistency across 20 (!!!) NHL seasons, to the challenges he’s overcome this year.

Then in part two, the gals zoom out to examine how record chases impact pro sports leagues and discuss the legendary athletes continuing a high level of play well into their thirties. Age is just a number, right?

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It’s time to do that hockey!

The hottest thing in sports right now is the 4 Nations Face-Off, a replacement to the NHL’s All-Star tourney that’s drawing millions of viewers and creating new hockey fans across North America. And tonight, it’s Team USA vs. Team Canada in the highly anticipated championship game, sparking new life into a storied rivalry.

In today’s episode, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz preview the final before taking a step back to consider why this tourney has been such a success — and what it means for the upcoming 2026 Milan 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. 

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The business of women’s sports is booming.

It’s all gals, all the time in this extra-special episode of The GIST of It. Today, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are digging into two major women’s sports business headlines, sponsored by our pals at Amazon Business. First, El and Steph are diving head first, fearless into the PWHL’s wildly successful Takeover Tour, which is making history across nine North American cities this season. Then in part two, it’s all about Unrivaled, the women’s basketball league that’s shaking up and reshaping the hoops landscape, from top-tier amenities to six-figure salaries. Ballin’.

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

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Happy Galentine’s Day!

Leslie Knope’s favorite day of the year is here, and to celebrate co-hosts Steph Rotz and guest host Lauren Tuiskula are diving into all the shiny and fun happenings in the sports world this coming weekend. First, the gals discuss the 74th NBA All-Star Game, airing this Sunday from San Francisco. Much like the NHL, who upgraded their All-Star situation with the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NBA All-Star Game looks a bit different this year, transforming from a team vs. team showdown to a mini-tournament. Hey now.

And stick around for part two, where Steph and Lauren preview the hottest action in women’s sports this weekend, from the finale of Unrivaled’s upset-heavy 1-on-1 tourney to the PWHL Takeover Tour’s visit to Edmonton. Women supporting women is always the right call.

Show notes:
Buy our Leveling the Playing Field crewneck
Episode #426: PWHL Takeover Tour success, plus an Unrivaled basketball explainer

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Hi!

Today’s episode of The GIST of It has a little bit of everything with one tournament preview and one WTF moment on deck. Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz start things off by discussing the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, an NHL hockey tourney that’ll pit Team USA, Team Canada, Team Finland, and Team Sweden against each other for international glory. Icy and spicy.

Then in part two, El and Steph unfortunately have to dig into a massive WTF moment following last week’s news that U.S. president Donald Trump signed an executive order barring trans athletes from competing in women’s sports. El and Steph discuss what exactly an executive order does and the devastating impact this move will have on girls’ and women’s sports. 

Show notes:
Buy our Leveling the Playing Field crewneck
A conversation with trans activist Schuyler Bailar
Athlete Ally
You Can Play
Tested podcast
Protect Trans Athletes Merch

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