The Distraction: A Defector Podcast

Musician Bob Mould joins Drew and Roth to talk about his newest album, Here We Go Crazy, as well as life in general! They discuss how his recent marriage has changed his songwriting, what sort of magic goes into that whole arcane process, and what keeps bringing a world-touring musician back to America, even in 2025.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!Sponsors- Raycon, where you can get up to 20% off their best-selling Everyday Earbuds at https://buyraycon.com/distractionCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- 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.

College basketball metrics analyst Ken Pomeroy joins Drew and Roth for his annual preview of this year’s March Madness tournament! They answer your burning college basketball questions: How does Ken feel about being quoted by the governor of West Virginia? Does the fact that some players are wandering ronin affect the quality of play? What’s going on with Gonzaga’s high KenPom ranking and low NCAA seed? Is High Point University a real school? And the eternal question, WHO YA GOT? And as always, they dive into the Funbag, answering 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 AboutThe KenPom rankingsWest Virginia governor lashes out after NCAA tournament snubTubby Smith steps down as High Point Panthers men's basketball coach, son G.G. Smith takes overHas Kevin Willard changed his scheduling strategy? "Sometimes," he says, "KenPom is full of sh*t."Sponsors- Raycon, where you can get up to 20% off their best-selling Everyday Earbuds at https://buyraycon.com/distraction- Factor, where code FACTORPODCAST will get you 50% off your first box plus free shipping at factormeals.com/FACTORPODCASTCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- 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 Jasper Wang joins Drew and Roth to share the true crime story that happened to him. Can you solve the mystery of the burst pipes in Montana? Speaking of, these NFL teams are busted, as revealed by their free agency performance! In the second half of the episode, they explore the possibilities of the MLB forcing Tamba Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg to sell. And they listen to some voicemail Funbag questions, answering real questions from real voicemails.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 Jets are SuccessionWhat's Mike Tomlin's Standard Now? | DefectorMLB and other owners pressuring Rays owner Stu Sternberg to sell the teamRob Manfred Is The Face Of An Elite Mutiny Against Rays Owner Stuart Sternberg | DefectorSponsors- Blueland, where you can get 15% off your first order at https://blueland.com/distraction- HelloFresh, where you can get up to 10 FREE meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/hellofreshpodcast- Raycon, where you can get up to 20% off their best-selling Everyday Earbuds at https://buyraycon.com/distractionCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- 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.

Denny Carter, Editor of the Bad Faith Times and a savvy commentator on politics and sports, joins the conversation to explore the unpredictable state of society. He discusses the emotional toll of current events and the importance of seeking joy amid chaos. The dialogue pivots to the Dallas Mavericks, with lighthearted banter about their struggles and the surreal nature of their season. Listeners also enjoy humorous takes on dietary dilemmas and the contrasts between health fanaticism and indulgent lifestyles.

Nathan Grayson, co-founder of Aftermath and author of the new book Stream Big: The Triumphs and Turmoils of Twitch and the Stars Behind the Screen, talks to Drew and Roth about game streaming. Is Twitch a healthy company? Do the streamers like being on it? And how does this all feel in contrast to creating their worker-owned-journalism outfit? And as always, they dive into the Funbag, answering 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!Sponsors- ExpressVPN, where you can get an extra four months free at expressvpn.com/distraction- HelloFresh, where you can get up to 10 FREE meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/hellofreshpodcast- Betterhelp, where you can get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/distractionCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- 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.

Rohan Nadkarni, a savvy NBA writer for NBC News, delivers an engaging take on the league post-All-Star break. He analyzes the standout performances of teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, sharing insights and funny anecdotes along the way. The conversation also dives into the surprising connection between food and basketball, showcasing Rohan’s culinary humor with a homemade vegan Double Down. Plus, listeners are treated to a lively debate on cultural icons Kendrick Lamar and Drake, wrapping up with laughs and tasty snack ideas.

Drew and Roth dissect The Big Game, critiquing Tom Brady's less-than-stellar commentary while praising the Eagles' defense. They delve into the cultural legacy of sports commentators like John Madden, sharing humorous anecdotes about food at Super Bowl parties. The discussion swings to NBA controversies and wild trade conspiracies surrounding Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. Plus, listener voicemails lead to entertaining debates about kitchen mishaps and culinary preferences, making for a delightful mix of sports and laughs.

Dan McQuade, Defector’s Chief Philadelphia correspondent, dives into the Super Bowl showdown between the Eagles and the Chiefs, revealing the emotional rollercoaster of being an Eagles fan. He discusses unique fan rituals and the evolution of skepticism to confidence among followers. The conversation also touches on the surprise Luka Dončić trade and its potential impact on the league, emphasizing player loyalty. With humor and insights, they reflect on the upcoming battle for football supremacy.

Will Tavlin, writer of the piece Casual Viewing in n+1, talks to Drew and Roth about why every movie on Netflix looks like that. Why does Netflix not only survives, but thrives, when no one is watching? How does the crappy look of Netflix movies fit with their initial DVD business model? And how has Will been responding to the readers who think this article is depressing?Stuff We Talked About ‘Not second screen enough’: is Netflix deliberately dumbing down TV so people can watch while scrolling? Reality Check: The boom — or glut — in streaming documentaries has sparked a reckoning among filmmakers and their subjects Ted Sarandos’s Plan to Get You to Binge Even More Netflix - The New York Times 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!Sponsors- Wildgrain, where you can get $30 off the first box plus free Croissants in every box using code DISTRACTION at https://wildgrain.com/DISTRACTION- Shipskis.com, where the code DISTRACTION will get you 20% off your first shipment at shipskis.com- Factor, where code distraction50off will get you 50% off your first box using code distraction50off at factormeals.com/distraction50offCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- 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.

Executive producer of Harley Quinn and Abbott Elementary Justin Halpern returns to Drew and Roth to talk about the Dodgers making baseball into capitalism-shaped-like-a-baseball! In the wake of even more free agent signings, they explain how the Dodgers are running their team like a company with McKinsey consultants and they’re blowing everyone else outta the water. In the second half, our group decides which two teams they want to see in the Super Bowl, regardless of how possible that scenario can be. And as always, they dive into the Funbag, answering 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!Sponsors- LiveGood, where you can get 10% off your first order at livegood.com/distraction- Hims, where you can start your free online visit today at hims.com/distraction- Betterhelp, where you can get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/distractionCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- 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.