The Distraction: A Defector Podcast

Drew and Roth dive into the excitement of the World Series, debating its status as the best in years. They explore the implications of the NBA gambling scandal and discuss innovative solutions for ensuring game integrity. As they preview the NYC mayoral race, they analyze candidates' messaging, pointing out the power of simple slogans. The conversation also touches on the effects of a grueling 18-inning game on players, travel woes, and the joys of finishing off a specialty bottle of fish sauce.

Justin Halpern, the witty writer behind hits like Harley Quinn and Abbott Elementary, dives into the thrill of baseball, previewing the World Series. He passionately critiques the Dodgers' stronghold on the game, questioning whether analytics have dimmed its excitement. Halpern shares his heartwarming experience taking his son to a historic Shohei Ohtani game and delivers a memorable rant on the Savannah Bananas, challenging their quirky vibe and marketing. Expect laughter, insights, and a few hot takes on sports culture!

Seth Wickersham, senior writer at ESPN (and former high school quarterback) joins Drew and Roth to talk about his latest book, American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback. They talk about what being a quarterback at all levels asks of you. Then, Drew catches Roth up on J.J. McCarthy, and they open up the funbag to answer questions from listeners like you!Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0!Stuff We Talked AboutWriting sports mythosThe lifestyle of a quarterbackThe deal with J.J. McCarthy right nowHeavenly foodsWhy aren’t you getting the scraps?Sponsors- Blueland, where you can get 15% off your first orderCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer & Editor: Mischa Stanton- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- Subscribe to Defector!About The ShowThe Distraction is Defector's flagship podcast about sports (and movies, and art, and sandwiches, and certain coastal states) from longtime writers Drew Magary and David Roth. Every week, Drew and Roth tackle subjects, both serious and impossibly stupid, with a parade of guests from around the world of sports and media joining in the fun! Roth and Drew also field Funbag questions from Defector readers, answer listener voicemails, and get upset about the number of people who use speakerphone while in a public bathroom stall. This is a show where everything matters, because everyone could use a Distraction. Head to defector.com for more info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian and writer Eli Yudin joins Drew and Roth to talk about his new special, Humble Offering! He shares what it’s like making a living in comedy today without having oil money offered to you. Then, they open up the funbag for sandwich talk, and try to figure out where all those crayons go.Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0!Stuff We Talked AboutThe density of candle waxThe Ravens’ end zone designBeing gaslit by Raw DogVisible stink lines of loneliness30 seconds of Jon BernthalSponsors- HIMS, where you can get a free online visitCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer & Editor: Mischa Stanton- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- Subscribe to Defector!About The ShowThe Distraction is Defector's flagship podcast about sports (and movies, and art, and sandwiches, and certain coastal states) from longtime writers Drew Magary and David Roth. Every week, Drew and Roth tackle subjects, both serious and impossibly stupid, with a parade of guests from around the world of sports and media joining in the fun! Roth and Drew also field Funbag questions from Defector readers, answer listener voicemails, and get upset about the number of people who use speakerphone while in a public bathroom stall. This is a show where everything matters, because everyone could use a Distraction. Head to defector.com for more info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Defector’s own Lauren Theisen joins Drew and Roth to preview the MLB playoffs, and the first game featured Lauren’s Tigers beating the Guardians on the road?? Then, they talk about the WNBA Finals being set between the Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, and the start of the NHL season. Finally, they open up the funbag to answer real questions from real listeners.Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0!Stuff We Talked AboutWhat are their strengths?What are their weaknesses?Do they have any wet guys?Sponsors- Mint Mobile, where you can get premium wireless for $15/mo- Raycon, where you can get 20% off the Everyday Earbuds ClassicCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer & Editor: Mischa Stanton- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- Subscribe to Defector!About The ShowThe Distraction is Defector's flagship podcast about sports (and movies, and art, and sandwiches, and certain coastal states) from longtime writers Drew Magary and David Roth. Every week, Drew and Roth tackle subjects, both serious and impossibly stupid, with a parade of guests from around the world of sports and media joining in the fun! Roth and Drew also field Funbag questions from Defector readers, answer listener voicemails, and get upset about the number of people who use speakerphone while in a public bathroom stall. This is a show where everything matters, because everyone could use a Distraction. Head to defector.com for more info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NFL is back in full swing, and so our good buddy Andy Behrens returns to the pod along with his cohort Chris Harris. We’re looking at analytics, and how fantasy football butts up against football reality. When does the math go too far? Is it even possible to pick a team so safe they’re immune to a single dude tripping and falling? We’ll check in with Andy’s Bears, Chris’s Pats, and Roth’s Giants, and a few other stand-out teams from this week’s matchups (even some college teams), and then dive into the Funbag to answer real questions from listeners.Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0!Stuff We Talked AboutSports fans vs math fansWhen to punt, and when not to puntThe question we apparently can’t get enough of, “Is Daniel Jones good?”The firing of Mike GundyThe dreaded return of the Toilet SandwichCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer & Editor: Mischa Stanton- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- Subscribe to Defector!About The ShowThe Distraction is Defector's flagship podcast about sports (and movies, and art, and sandwiches, and certain coastal states) from longtime writers Drew Magary and David Roth. Every week, Drew and Roth tackle subjects, both serious and impossibly stupid, with a parade of guests from around the world of sports and media joining in the fun! Roth and Drew also field Funbag questions from Defector readers, answer listener voicemails, and get upset about the number of people who use speakerphone while in a public bathroom stall. This is a show where everything matters, because everyone could use a Distraction. Head to defector.com for more info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Defector’s own Dan McQuade joins Drew and Roth! Dan updates them on his cancer diagnosis (he’s doing well!), then football – what can Drew expect with Carson Wentz? What’s going on with the Eagles? Does Dan fear the Packers? Finally, baseball! How do the Phillies stack up? And Roth tells us about the Mets’ postseason prospects.Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0!Stuff We Talked AboutHow to pull the cancer card with your bossThe best pain medication is from the civil warRoth’s fantasy draftboard stickersThe Black Eyed Peas pre-FergieOld Bay goldfish may be a bit muchSponsors- Factor, where you can get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box- HIMS, where you can get a free online visitCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Brandon Grugle- Editor: Mischa Stanton- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- Subscribe to Defector!About The ShowThe Distraction is Defector's flagship podcast about sports (and movies, and art, and sandwiches, and certain coastal states) from longtime writers Drew Magary and David Roth. Every week, Drew and Roth tackle subjects, both serious and impossibly stupid, with a parade of guests from around the world of sports and media joining in the fun! Roth and Drew also field Funbag questions from Defector readers, answer listener voicemails, and get upset about the number of people who use speakerphone while in a public bathroom stall. This is a show where everything matters, because everyone could use a Distraction. Head to defector.com for more info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s just Drew and Roth, here to celebrate Defector’s five year anniversary! Where will this company be in another five years? Then: baseball! How is Roth liking the Big Dumper? Football! Can the AFC be rigged so that Buffalo and Baltimore meet in the conference title game? Finally, they discuss the Bears’ dysfunction, Ty Dunne, and Caleb Williams.Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0!Stuff We Talked AboutFavorite Defector memories, and its futureKawhi Leonard’s Aspiration sponsorshipWe got a pepper barThe Big DumperBears dysfunctionSponsors- Blueland, where you can get 15% off your first orderCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Brandon Grugle- Editor: Mischa Stanton- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- Subscribe to Defector!About The ShowThe Distraction is Defector's flagship podcast about sports (and movies, and art, and sandwiches, and certain coastal states) from longtime writers Drew Magary and David Roth. Every week, Drew and Roth tackle subjects, both serious and impossibly stupid, with a parade of guests from around the world of sports and media joining in the fun! Roth and Drew also field Funbag questions from Defector readers, answer listener voicemails, and get upset about the number of people who use speakerphone while in a public bathroom stall. This is a show where everything matters, because everyone could use a Distraction. Head to defector.com for more info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mina Kimes of ESPN joins Drew and Roth to complete this year’s NFL Good/Bad! This week, it’s the AFC, and there’s no equivocating allowed.Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0!Stuff We Talked AboutThe Jones family black holeAFC Good/BadMina’s very good boy, LennySponsors- Mint Mobile, where new customers can get a 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month- Raycon, where you can get 20% off sitewideCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Brandon Grugle- Editor: Mischa Stanton- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- Subscribe to Defector!About The ShowThe Distraction is Defector's flagship podcast about sports (and movies, and art, and sandwiches, and certain coastal states) from longtime writers Drew Magary and David Roth. Every week, Drew and Roth tackle subjects, both serious and impossibly stupid, with a parade of guests from around the world of sports and media joining in the fun! Roth and Drew also field Funbag questions from Defector readers, answer listener voicemails, and get upset about the number of people who use speakerphone while in a public bathroom stall. This is a show where everything matters, because everyone could use a Distraction. Head to defector.com for more info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our guest is Kalyn Kahler, which can only mean one thing: NFL Good/Bad time has arrived! We’re splitting the show up this year, so Kalyn will go through the NFC with us today, and Mina Kimes will join us next week to break down the AFC. OMG FOOTBALL.Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0!Stuff We Talked AboutThe state of that union now that Lloyd Howell has been oustedNFC Good/BadWhat actually happened with former Bears DC Alan Williams?Sponsors- MeUndies, where you can get get up to 50% off- Green Chef, where you can get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months, with free shippingCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Brandon Grugle- Editor: Mischa Stanton- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- Subscribe to Defector!About The ShowThe Distraction is Defector's flagship podcast about sports (and movies, and art, and sandwiches, and certain coastal states) from longtime writers Drew Magary and David Roth. Every week, Drew and Roth tackle subjects, both serious and impossibly stupid, with a parade of guests from around the world of sports and media joining in the fun! Roth and Drew also field Funbag questions from Defector readers, answer listener voicemails, and get upset about the number of people who use speakerphone while in a public bathroom stall. This is a show where everything matters, because everyone could use a Distraction. Head to defector.com for more info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.