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
Jan 13, 2022 • 52min
I Will Keep Drinking That Garbage Until I Die (with Kalyn Kahler)
Kalyn Kahler joins Drew and Roth to talk about nepotism in the NFL, Italian bookmarks, and the Hater’s Guide to the NFL Playoffs. Plus, Guy of the Week and questions from the Funbag! Visit Defector.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jan 6, 2022 • 47min
I’m Sure This Guy You Picked is Some Sentient Cigarette Stain (with Tyler Tynes)
GQ's Tyler Tynes joins Drew and Roth to talk about Masai Ujiri and the Toronto Raptors, the Bass Pro Shops dining experience, and whether or not jorts will make a comeback. Plus, Guy of the Week and questions from the Funbag! Visit Defector.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dec 23, 2021 • 40min
Gonna Need You to Stop Saying “Gingerbread Boy”
It’s that time of year! Drew and Roth talk about fancy cakes, champagne sabers, obnoxious coffee people, and hand-forged knives in the 2021 Hater’s Guide To The Williams-Sonoma Catalog. Visit Defector.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dec 16, 2021 • 43min
I Try to Counteract the Bleakness Fetish of the Internet (with Jason Gay)
The Wall Street Journal’s Jason Gay joins Drew and Roth to discuss Michigan football, cyclocross racing, Omicron, and cast iron skillets. Plus, Guy of the Week and questions from the Funbag! Visit Defector.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dec 10, 2021 • 1h 7min
Nice Beer You’ve Got There (with Kelsey McKinney)
Live from New York City, Drew and Roth talk to Kelsey McKinney about Pacino performances, hockey goalies, and Roth’s least-favorite Mets. Plus, lightning round Guy of the Week and questions from the audience! Visit Defector.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dec 2, 2021 • 51min
Are You Getting Me Neutered Again? (with Lindsey Adler)
The Athletic’s Lindsey Adler joins Drew and Roth to talk about the impending MLB lockout, cheugy art, and outer space. Plus, questions from the Funbag! Join Drew and Roth on December 8th as they tape the podcast live in New York City. Tickets available here. Visit Defector.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 25, 2021 • 34min
If You're Not Wondering if You Have the Plague After Eating, Are You Even Doing It Right?
In this special Thanksgiving episode, Drew and Roth talk about boiled vegetables, the Detroit Lions, and wearing vests as a lifestyle choice. Plus, questions from the Funbag! And Guy of the Week. Visit Defector.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 18, 2021 • 49min
Do You Dare Confront the Squircle? (with Seth Wickersham)
ESPN’s Seth Wickersham joins Drew and Roth to discuss Tom Brady, NFL owners, and the best parts of elementary school. Plus, questions from the (not weirdly wet) Funbag! Wickersham’s book, It's Better to Be Feared, is available now everywhere books are sold. Visit Defector.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 11, 2021 • 51min
I’ve Dedicated Myself to Altering the Curvature of the Earth (with Lauren Theisen)
Drew and Roth talk to Defector’s Lauren Theisen about daylight savings time, sports reporting, Aaron Rodgers, and NHL updates. Plus, Guy of the Week and questions from the Funbag! Visit Defector.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 4, 2021 • 51min
This is the Media’s Fault (with Dan McQuade)
Dan McQuade joins Drew and Roth to talk about “immunized” quarterbacks, Vegas residencies, and baseball superstitions. Plus, Guy of the Week and questions from the Funbag! Visit Defector.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
