Rosie Waterland relaunches Just The Gist (Rosie’s Version) with Acast

One of Australia’s most successful podcasters, Rosie Waterland, this week relaunches her award-winning show Just The Gist in partnership with independent podcast company Acast. To build anticipation for the new season, a new trailer was released last month and, within 24 hours, Just The Gist soared to #1 on both the Apple and Spotify charts in Australia. 

A cult hit returns

Originally launched in 2019, Just The Gist became a cult hit in Australia, amassing more than 12 million total downloads and a devoted fanbase known as ‘Gisteners.’ The podcast is known for its signature coverage of topics about anything and everything – scandals, celebrity drama, true crime and extraordinary lives. 

“Other podcasts can dive so deep you end up with a degree in the subject,” Rosie says. “That’s great, but Just The Gist’s vibe is right there in the title: we give you just the gist of what you need to know to make you sound impressive at a dinner party.”

After a two-year hiatus, Rosie is re-recording the entire back catalogue of more than 200 Just The Gist episodes – now fully owned and produced under her new independent production company, Just The Network. These refreshed versions – labelled ‘Rosie’s Version’ – ensure she owns her master recordings moving forward. The updated episodes will roll out alongside brand new ones every week.

Working alongside Rosie at Just The Network are producer and editor James Joseph, and production staff Kate Leaver and Hayley Stavely, who rotate as ‘Professional Gisteners’ on the show.

“After two years away, I was a little worried it would be tough to get the hundreds of thousands of Gisteners subscribed to the old RSS feed to come back and sign up to a new one. But they jumped on board so bloody fast,” Rosie says. “The Gisteners have been just as desperate as me to have the show back. They really are the best podcast fans on earth, and I can’t wait to have them gistening again.”

Just The Gist will be the flagship release from Just The Network, followed by a re-release of Mum Says My Memoir Is a Lie, newly re-edited and updated following the passing of Rosie’s mother and co-host, Lisa Stevens, in 2024.

What to expect

At the time production paused in 2023, Just The Gist was averaging 800,000 monthly downloads and consistently ranked in Australia’s top ten. Its success led to two sold-out national live tours.

Rosie attributes the show’s popularity to its unique approach: making compelling stories entertaining, easy to understand, and accessible to everyone.

“I created the show for people like my sister Rhiannon – a single mum with five kids, living in the suburbs,” Rosie says. “She’s smart and curious, but often doesn’t have the time or assumed knowledge needed to engage with a lot of the more detailed podcast content out there. When I saw that gap in the podcast landscape, I filled it with Just The Gist. And the way it exploded in popularity over the years proved it wasn’t just my sister desperate for that kind of content. Not intellectually elitist, but not dumbed down either.”

The mix of new and re-recorded original episodes will cover now legendary Just The Gist topics, as well as everything Rosie has been desperate to talk about since the show has been on pause. Upcoming episodes include:

1. Why Taylor Swift had to Re-Record her Entire Back Catalogue
2. Belle Gibson (Rosie’s Version)
3. Erin Patterson and the Mushroom Murders
4. The Trashman Yacht Sinking (Rosie’s Version)
5. The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders
6. Stuart Semple and Anish Kapoor (Rosie’s Version)
7. Here Comes Honey Boo Boo 
8. Sherri Papini (Rosie’s Version)
9. And other dramatic moments from pop culture, history, true crime and beyond.

Partnership with Acast

Acast will host, distribute and monetise the podcast, with audio and video episodes released twice weekly. Bonus ‘Breakin’ Nooz’ content will be available exclusively on the official Just The Gist Patreon.

“Acast puts artists first,” Rosie says. “They take no ownership of their podcasters’ creative work, which is extremely important to me. At the end of the day, I just wanted a deal that was fair, and that’s what Acast offered me.”

Guy Scott-Wilson, Content Director for Acast ANZ, says:

“As long-time Gisteners, we’re thrilled to bring back Just The Gist for its long overdue return. The incredible response to the trailer shows just how much people have really missed this podcast.

Partnering with Acast allows Rosie to relaunch on her own terms, which means some really exciting content plans. It’s also a great opportunity for brand partners to tap into her authentic voice and uniquely engaged community. Just The Gist’s return is a huge win for Australian podcasting!”

Contact the Acast sales team to discuss sponsorship opportunities.