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 14, 2021 • 48min
It’s a Freaking Graveyard Smash (with Lauren Theisen)
This week, Drew and Roth talk to Lauren Theisen about the Monster Mash, Aaron Sorkin scripts, and ideal Covid-19 protocols for hockey fights. Plus, the Funbag! And other shenanigans. This episode was recorded prior to 45 getting impeached AGAIN. Visit defector.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jan 7, 2021 • 53min
Sublime Is the Word (with Dom Cosentino)
theScore’s Dom Cosentino joins Drew and Roth to discuss the new year, playoff projections, and the best cold weather foods. Plus, a round of Dead or Cancelled and the poison chalice. This episode was recorded prior to the events in Washington D.C. on January 6th. Visit defector.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dec 24, 2020 • 37min
I’ve Had Dreams About Parties
As the new year draws near, Drew and Roth bid farewell to 2020 with musings on old apartments, cockney swear words, and the allure of milk-substitute eggnog. Plus, the poison chalice, Brando impressions, and questions from the Funbag! Visit defector.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dec 17, 2020 • 56min
Hater’s Guide to the Williams-Sonoma Catalog (with James Austin Johnson)
This week, James Austin Johnson and his many voices join Drew and Roth to talk waffles, coolers, and the shrill sounds of a coffee grinder for the infamous Hater’s Guide to the Williams-Sonoma Catalog — 2020 edition. Johnson’s podcast, What Things Are What Things, is streaming now. Visit defector.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dec 10, 2020 • 55min
I’ll Wait for the Movie (with Kelsey McKinney)
Kelsey McKinney joins Drew and Roth to talk tarot readings, AP U.S. History, and the pope’s sweet kicks. Plus, questions from the Funbag! And a very educational email of the week. Kelsey’s book, God Spare the Girls, is on sale June 22 and available to pre-order now. Visit defector.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dec 3, 2020 • 51min
A Virtual Visit with Santa (with Nathan Thornburgh & Chris Jones)
In this post-holiday episode Drew and Roth welcome a double-serving of guests (Roads & Kingdoms’ Nathan Thornburgh and Defector accomplice Chris Jones). The crew talks travel porn, Korean baseball, and watching Home Alone through the eyes of a nine-year-old. Plus, a compelling round of Dead or Cancelled and the ever-entertaining Funbag! Nathan’s podcast, The Trip, is streaming now. Visit defector.com [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 26, 2020 • 45min
Do You Want to Jam Some Tunes? (with Albert Burneko)
This week, Drew and Roth are joined by Defector’s Albert Burneko to talk turkey, cigar hangovers, and getting too old for World of Warcraft marathons. Plus, a debatable mashup and one of the best reactions to Guy of the Week ever recorded on our show. Visit defector.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 19, 2020 • 55min
It’s Awkward to Lie if You’re Not a Sociopath (with Reeves Wiedeman)
Reeves Wiedeman joins Drew and Roth to talk venture capital, adult dormitories, and Justin Timberlake’s acting career. Plus, questions from the Funbag! And a brand-new game. Wiedeman’s book, Billion Dollar Loser, is available now. Visit defector.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 12, 2020 • 59min
You Can Get A Tart-Ass Kiwi (with Isaac Chotiner)
Drew and Roth talk to Isaac Chotiner of The New Yorker about celebrity profiles, why the best fruit is unripe, scones, and more. Plus, Roth can't escape a mashup and questions from the Funbag! Visit defector.com And don't forget to buy this shirt. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 5, 2020 • 50min
Words Will Only Get You So Far
Drew and Roth discuss what’s on everyone’s minds — toilet paper, Hallmark Christmas movies, and, of course, the election. Plus, questionable tweets and more questions from the Funbag! Visit defector.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
