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
Mar 25, 2021 • 57min
We’re Not Talking About Trolls, We’re Talking About Film (with Amy Nicholson)
Drew and Roth talk to film critic Amy Nicholson about Martian bacteria, Patrick Schwarzenegger’s filmography, and why you can skip most movies from the '50s. Plus, Dead or Cancelled and questions from the Funbag! Nicholson’s podcast, Unspooled, is streaming now. 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.
Mar 18, 2021 • 1h 1min
We Have More to Hate Here (with Maitreyi Anantharaman)
In this episode, Defector’s Maitreyi Anantharaman joins Drew and Roth to discuss mozzarella sticks, game show hosts, and the Hater’s Guide to March Madness. Plus Dead or Cancelled 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.
Mar 11, 2021 • 58min
Have I Forgotten How to Go to a Bar? (with Rachel Handler)
Drew and Roth talk to writer Rachel Handler about celebrity lunches, Meghan Markle, and the surprisingly dark plot of The Parent Trap. Plus, a fashionable 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.
Mar 4, 2021 • 51min
The Magary Conundrum (with Dan Pashman)
This week, The Sporkful’s Dan Pashman joins Drew and Roth to discuss Ozzy Osbourne, microwave settings, and Dan’s quest for the perfect pasta shape. The first two episodes of Dan’s Mission: ImPASTAble series are streaming now. 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.
Feb 25, 2021 • 52min
We Were Talking About the Weather (with Kalyn Kahler)
Drew and Roth talk to Defector’s Kalyn Kahler about inclement weather, Chicago sports, and the ideal age difference for a fist fight. Plus, more questions from the Funbag! And a possible end to the poison chalice? 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.
Feb 18, 2021 • 58min
This Is Your Legacy (with Dan McQuade)
Drew and Roth talk to Defector’s Dan McQuade about stand-up comedians, Roth’s birthday plans, and the surprisingly progressive politics of ALF. Plus, Dead or Cancelled and a drink from the poison chalice. 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.
Feb 12, 2021 • 53min
Would You Like Me to Sign This? (with Mina Kimes)
This week, ESPN’s Mina Kimes joins Drew and Roth to discuss wedding brunches, the Hilary Swank Effect, and, of course, the Super Bowl. Plus, questions from the Funbag! Kimes’s podcast, The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny, is streaming now. 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.
Feb 4, 2021 • 53min
You Can’t Steal All the LaCroix You Want (with Justin Halpern)
Drew and Roth talk to Justin Halpern about superbowl picks, individually-wrapped dips, and the trials of working from home with kids. Plus, a round of Dead or Cancelled and a special occasion mash up! 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 28, 2021 • 1h 2min
Why Move to New York to Make Bread? (with Pete Wells)
This week, New York Times restaurant critic Pete Wells talks to Drew and Roth about outdoor dining structures, buckwheat fennel cookies, and what a food critic writes about when all the restaurants are closed. 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 21, 2021 • 50min
It’s a Happy Occasion
On this week’s inauguration episode, Drew and Roth discuss steampunk Bibles, Weird Al’s greatest hits, and what life was like before everyone had the internet on their phones. Plus, the Funbag! And a round of Dead or Cancelled. Visit defector.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
