

The Distraction: A Defector Podcast
Defector Media
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 voice mails, 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Greatest Garbage Time Performance Ever
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.

12 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 10min
Defector Turns Five!
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.

8 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 60min
NFL Good/Bad with Mina Kimes (Part 2)
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.

5 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 5min
NFL Good/Bad with Kalyn Kahler (Part 1)
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.

8 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
Inspector Fuzz Is On The Case with Giri Nathan
Giri Nathan, author of the new book Changeover: A Young Rivalry and a New Era of Men's Tennis, joins Drew and Roth to tackle one of the most difficult questions of our time – how did Giri write a book and have a baby at the same time? They also talk about Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s epic new rivalry. Then, they open up the funbag to answer real questions from real 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 AboutGiri’s new book, Changeover: A Young Rivalry and a New Era of Men's TennisTitanic what-ifsToilet paper lintAds that need to try harderFascism being lubed by masculine inadequacySponsors- Factor, where you can get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box- HIMS, where you can get a free online visit- Raycon, where you can get 20% off their Everyday Earbuds Classic- MeUndies, where you can get get 20% off your first order, plus 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.

Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 4min
This Fresca Has ATTITUDE! with Emma Baccellieri
Emma Baccellieri, staff writer at Sports Illustrated and creator of The Soda Fountain newsletter, joins Drew and Roth to talk baseball and the WNBA, but, mostly, sodee pop. What have the W refs been messing up lately, and what’s the fix? Can you pop into a baseball stadium for a quick hot dog? Then, they open up the fun bag 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 AboutWhen is it okay to leave a Marlins game early?Problems with the W’s officiatingSoda seasonality and regionalityGoing Benihana on eggsSitting down on secondSponsors- HIMS, where you can get a free online visit- Raycon, where you can get 20% off their Everyday Earbuds Classic- Mint Mobile, where you can get a 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just $15 a month- IDEO, where you can get 15% 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.

Jul 31, 2025 • 55min
This Book Could’ve Been a Pamphlet with Maitreyi Anantharaman
Maitreyi Anantharaman of Defector joins Drew and Roth to break down the latest in the WNBA: expansion, the Aces’ fall from grace, the Caitlin Clark problem - or not, as the case may be - and more. She’s got a book in the works called, You Can’t See Me: Inside the New Golden Age of Women’s Basketball. And then, with a brief stop off in Detroit to check in on the Lions & Tigers (oh my), they open up the Fun Bag to answer real questions from real 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 AboutAre the Minnesota Lynx inevitable?How Paige Bueckers rookie campaign compares with Clark’sCameron Brink’s return from an ACL tearIs the talent pool deep enough for five future expansion teams?Why are people, in general, so weird about Clark? Will they ever stop? Sponsors- 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.

7 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 57min
The Defector Swimsuit Issue with Pablo Torre
Pablo Torre, host of Pablo Torre Finds Out, shares with Drew and Roth what thing he’s found out about lately. For instance, he found out that the NFLPA is a flaming shitwreck! Then, will the NBA gambling stories remain mini-scandals in the public eye right up until the moment that someone openly rigs an NBA Finals? 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 AboutTurks & Caicos and the SeychellesNFLPA head Lloyd Howell resignationNBA gamblingAll-time great company namesCredits- 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.

15 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 6min
Rawdogging The Toilet with Justin Halpern
Our good buddy Justin Halpern returns to the show, giving us the on-the-ground report from LA where ICE raids are still definitely happening. Justin also wants to talk about the MLB owners: they don’t even seem to like the sport they own, so what are they even doing here? And then, having gotten what he came for, he bailed slightly early - but not before we 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 AboutJustin is nominated for an Emmy!The vibe in LAAre the Padres legit now?Drew’s kids roasting him at dinnerWho’s your favorite Bill?Sponsors- HIMS, where you can get personalized hair loss treatment options- Factor, where you can get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box- MeUndies, where you can get get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping- 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.

16 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
Schur-da-land with Mike Schur
Mike Schur is back! With guest co-host Rohan Nadkarni and Drew to talk about how tech brainrot has infected how TV is made, as well as trades, sandwiches, and more. Then, they open up 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 AboutThe tech takeover of entertainmentPoor, sweet GrokMinkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, why?Roth as a sex symbol for moms in BrooklynBill Belichick…The Devers tradeReally great (and one really bad) sandwichesSponsors- Raycon, where you can get 15% off Raycon's best-selling Everyday EarbudsCredits- 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.