

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

Aug 8, 2024 • 54min
Viscosity in the Early 80s with Chris Nashawaty
Chris Nashawaty, author of The Future Was Now: Madmen, Mavericks, And the Epic Sci-Fi Summer of 1982, joins Drew and Roth to talk about movies in the 80s! They ask Chris about the unifying idea underneath ET, Blade Runner, Wrath of Khan, Conan The Barbarian, Poltergeist, The Thing, and The Road Warrior: moist monsters are moist monsters are better than dry monsters. And looking back on 1982, they wonder if the movie business ever made any sense, or at least did it function better with goofy cocaine-addled execs. And as always, they dive into the Funbag, figuring out which guests at Shreveport Geek'd Con '24 they’re more famous than.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- United by Blue, creators of sustainable apparel and outdoor gear. Use code distraction for 20% off at https://unitedbyblue.com- Tab for a Cause - Raise money for charity while browsing the web at tabforacause.org/distractionCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- 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 1, 2024 • 58min
Podcast Rant Protocol with Patrick Redford
Defector’s own Patrick Redford joins Drew and Roth to put on Peacock and fully emerse themselves in the Olympic games. The Opening Ceremonies were A Lot of Drama, but is reenacting Marie Antoniette’s beheading with metal music more dramatic than Steve Kerr benching Jayson Tatum? Speaking of TV, drama, and NBA, Drew, Roth, and Patrick decide who to root for in the entire NBA TV rights situation and whether or not it’s weird to root for a TV network. 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- Blueland, where you can get 15% off your first order at https://blueland.com/distraction- Mint Mobile, which is offering a 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at https://mintmobile.com/distractionCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- 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 25, 2024 • 58min
Boogaloo Zones with Pablo Torre
Pablo Torre, of Pablo Torre Finds Out, joins Drew and Roth to talk about the Olympics! In the first half, Pablo walks them through the most corrupt sport in Olympics history. And in the second half, they determine if we’re having a 90s timewarp with breakdancing, kayak cross and USA men’s basketball. 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 About
Match-Fixing, the Oligarch and the Ivy League: Inside the Most Corrupt Sport at the Olympics
Slave To The Black Line: How The Greatest Swimmer Became Human
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- Betterhelp, where you can get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/distraction Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- 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 18, 2024 • 1h 1min
Chief End Times Correspondent
It’s just Drew and Roth in this episode, but I think it captures what it’s like living in America right now. In the first half, they process all of The Stuff that’s been going on in the country. And in the second half, they talk baseball and the All-Star game, along with some Funbag questions. A microcosm of modern life, you know?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- Mint Mobile, which is offering a 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at https://mintmobile.com/distraction- Factor, where code distraction50 will get you 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next month at https://factormeals.com/distraction50Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- 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 11, 2024 • 49min
A Pog on Society with Rohan Nadkarni
Chief Sandwich Correspondant Rohan Nadkarni joins Drew to actually explain how the NBA’s CBA apron actually works. Is it making everything worse? or is all we have to talk about Bronny James so we’re keying in on it? And in the second half, Rohan delivers secret Pennsylvania buffet intel and 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- Blueland, where you can get 15% off your first order at https://blueland.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- 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
Jun 27, 2024 • 47min
What Was 1982 Like? with Ray Ratto
Chief Comrade of Defector Ray Ratto joins Roth to get really esoteric with it. We’re asking the tough questions: What’s the deal with the city of Edmonton? How did everyone not die in the late 1970s and early 80s? What do you call a run forced in by cheating? And how much semi-legal sticky stuff is too much sticky stuff for the MLB? 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 About
Willie Mays Was Baseball
Henry Aaron Did It All, All The Time
Sponsors- Blueland, where you can get 15% off your first order at https://blueland.com/distractionCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- 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
Jun 20, 2024 • 1h 1min
Mr. Met Has Fallen Down the Stairs at the Met Gala
It’s summertime and you know what that means? Drew and Roth are hanging loose, chilling out, and wondering if the flags at the beach are related to Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s wife. In the first half of the episode, they’re wrapping up an NBA season of wondering if the Celtics are good and kicking off NFL QB contract dicsussion now that the NBA season is over. And in the second half, it’s all Funbag questions, answering written and voicemail 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- Mint Mobile, which is offering a 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at https://mintmobile.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- 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
Jun 13, 2024 • 1h 4min
100 Foods to Throw in the Garbage with Megan Greenwell
Godmother of Defector Megan Greenwell joins Drew and Roth to talk about how private equity is pervasive and bad. Also pervasive and bad are the Athletics baseball team, which they discuss in the second half of the show. But it’s not just doom and economic gloom, because this episode also has loud farts, emo cows, tight doughnuts, and Zoomers using LinkedIn. 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- Garland Law Group, a criminal defense law group in the Atlanta Metro area. Check them out at https://www.garlandlawgroup.com/- Betterhelp, where you can get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/distractionCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- 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
Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 3min
It Doesn’t Matter If We’re Off Topic with Ray Ratto
Defector’s own Ray Ratto joins Drew and Roth to dive into the 2024 NBA Finals! Is Kyrie good enough at basketball to forgive all the weird things he said in the past? Are the Celtics the greatest team of the 21st century, actually bad and will lose in the finals, or maybe somewhere in between? And in the second half of the show, they hit on the media melting down about the WNBA, what the fuck is happening at the Washington Post, and if the NBA was better with 90s-style referees. 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 Abouthttps://x.com/justinbaragona/status/1798029019616792857Sponsors- Blueland, where you can get 15% off your first order at https://blueland.com/distraction- Betterhelp, where you can get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/distractionCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- 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
May 30, 2024 • 53min
It’s the Distraction, I’m Sheila, That’s Roth.
It’s time for the Annual Defector Staff Meeting, so Drew and Roth are recording a guestless ep a little ahead of time. And guestless ep means a wide breadth of topics: toothpaste talk, butter talk, consideration of the future of Defector, wrestling with the goal of Defector being the #1 website, summertime body talk, wondering if Current Age Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez can get it, and sleep pods on flights talk. And as always, they dive into the Funbag, answering real questions, both written and from the voicemail box, 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- Wildgrain, where you can get $30 off the first box plus free Croissants in every box using code DISTRACTION at https://wildgrain.com/DISTRACTIONCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- 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.