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.
 Banned for accepting tuition money: Diving into the complicated NCAA sports landscape Banned for accepting tuition money: Diving into the complicated NCAA sports landscape

The college sports landscape is a wonky place.

And that’s an understatement. Between NIL rules, the transfer portal, and constantly changing eligibility requirements, it’s tough to keep up with what is and isn’t allowed.

That’s why we’re taking today’s episode of The GIST of It to directly compare two college athletes: Baylor men’s basketball center James Nnaji and Augsburg University runner Mohammed Bati. Nnaji was drafted to the NBA in 2023 but is now competing as a college athlete, while Bati has been banned from competing after accepting $6K in donations to pay his tuition. Make it make sense.

 Looking back: Our 2025 Year in Review Looking back: Our 2025 Year in Review

Is that “Auld Lang Syne” we hear?

Must be, because it’s time for our favorite annual tradition: our Year-in-Review pod. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz share their favorite 2025 sports moments, from the Toronto Blue Jays’ World Series run to the heated rivalry before Heated Rivalry: The Four Nations tourney. Tune in and prepare to be nostalgic.

 It’s time for a College Football Playoff primer It’s time for a College Football Playoff primer

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

And not just because of the holidays. Between the final few weeks of a thrilling NFL season and the College Football Playoff, there’s no shortage of gridiron action to take in. That’s why on today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz are tossing the perfect spiral: a College Football Playoff special, breaking down the 12-team field and this weekend’s spiciest showdowns. Hut, hut, here we go.