

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

Oct 19, 2023 • 1h
A Farewell to Guys
Coming down off the high of seeing listeners laugh at them in person, Drew and Roth meditate about the live show, the podcast, and themselves. The Distraction marches onwards even if we leave comrades behind. And at the end of the show, they answer a slew of voicemail Funbag questions!If you want to go to a live Distraction show where you live, let us know at defector.com/livedistraction!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 Wildgrain.com/DISTRACTION Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- Subscribe to Defector! About The ShowFrom Defector Media: Former Deadspin writers Drew Magary and David Roth should really stick to sports. Sure, their new indie sports podcast will break down the week in sports: the Mets grounding into quadruple plays, NBA players getting testy on the court and horny on Instagram, Bill Belichick cutting 80% of his roster just to keep himself interested, horrifying takes from sports talk radio that need to be broken down, etc. But these two men and their guests will have their fair share of off-the-field issues they’ll also have to address: stupid Funbag questions, bad tweets from bad people, pointless food arguments, and even less. Every week is a VERY long week these days. We could all use a little 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.

Oct 12, 2023 • 1h 6min
The Distraction Live in Brooklyn! with Rohan Nadkarni
Everyone’s favorite Distraction Guest Rohan Nadkarni joins Drew and Roth at Littlefield in Brooklyn, New York! They discuss Jimmy Butler’s emo haircut, the success of the Dolphins, many real-life NYC sandwiches, and a whole lot more. Plus, they’re on the spot as the audience asks live and in-person Funbag questions. If you want to go to a live Distraction show where you live, let us know at defector.com/livedistraction! 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 blueland.com/distraction Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- Subscribe to Defector! About The ShowFrom Defector Media: Former Deadspin writers Drew Magary and David Roth should really stick to sports. Sure, their new indie sports podcast will break down the week in sports: the Mets grounding into quadruple plays, NBA players getting testy on the court and horny on Instagram, Bill Belichick cutting 80% of his roster just to keep himself interested, horrifying takes from sports talk radio that need to be broken down, etc. But these two men and their guests will have their fair share of off-the-field issues they’ll also have to address: stupid Funbag questions, bad tweets from bad people, pointless food arguments, and even less. Every week is a VERY long week these days. We could all use a little 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.

4 snips
Oct 5, 2023 • 57min
The Haterrr’s Guiiide to the 2023 MLB Playoffs!
Drew is locking Roth in to do a whole lot of baseball talking, because it’s the Haterrrrr’s Guiiiide to the 2023 MLB Playoffs! Who’s fun, who sucks, who’s gonna win it all, and who do we wish would win it all? But we also take an aside to talk about Michael Lewis, Walter Isaacson, and how they suck now. And as always, we Remember a Guy and dive into the Funbag. 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- Power Ten, available now in your podcast app!- Tab for a Cause - Raise money for charity while browsing the web at tabforacause.org/distraction Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- Subscribe to Defector! About The ShowFrom Defector Media: Former Deadspin writers Drew Magary and David Roth should really stick to sports. Sure, their new indie sports podcast will break down the week in sports: the Mets grounding into quadruple plays, NBA players getting testy on the court and horny on Instagram, Bill Belichick cutting 80% of his roster just to keep himself interested, horrifying takes from sports talk radio that need to be broken down, etc. But these two men and their guests will have their fair share of off-the-field issues they’ll also have to address: stupid Funbag questions, bad tweets from bad people, pointless food arguments, and even less. Every week is a VERY long week these days. We could all use a little 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.

Sep 28, 2023 • 54min
Taylor Swift's Elite Length with Giri Nathan & Samer Kalaf
Defector’s own Giri Nathan & Samer Kalaf join Drew and Roth to break down the best way to trade friendship bracelets at Chiefs games. We’re only joking a little bit, since everyone’s talking about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce possibly dating. But that cannot overshadow the sheer magnitude of garbage that are the Bears, Broncos, and Mac Jones. Plus, Roth breaks down how embarrassing Bob Menendez is for New Jersey and, as always, the Guy of the Week and the Funbag! 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! The Distraction Live Show in NYC, with special guest Rohan Nadkarni!October 4th! Littlefield! New York City! See Drew, Roth, and Rohan live and in person! Sponsors- Wildgrain, where you can get $30 off the first box plus free Croissants in every box using code DISTRACTION at Wildgrain.com/DISTRACTION- Betterhelp, where you can get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/distraction Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- Subscribe to Defector! About The ShowFrom Defector Media: Former Deadspin writers Drew Magary and David Roth should really stick to sports. Sure, their new indie sports podcast will break down the week in sports: the Mets grounding into quadruple plays, NBA players getting testy on the court and horny on Instagram, Bill Belichick cutting 80% of his roster just to keep himself interested, horrifying takes from sports talk radio that need to be broken down, etc. But these two men and their guests will have their fair share of off-the-field issues they’ll also have to address: stupid Funbag questions, bad tweets from bad people, pointless food arguments, and even less. Every week is a VERY long week these days. We could all use a little 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.

6 snips
Sep 21, 2023 • 59min
Vintage Smarm
Drew and Roth are on their own, so we only spent, like, five minutes talking about HJ nomenclature. They hit a wide range of Distraction-specific topics: the ethics of showing gruesome injuries, Coach Priiiime, the NBA’s PPP, and Elon Musk being an objectively boring person. And as always, the Guy of the Week and a Roth-forward Funbag! The Distraction Live Show in NYC, with special guest Rohan Nadkarni!October 4th! Littlefield! New York City! See Drew, Roth, and Rohan live and in person! Sponsors- Blueland, where you can get 15% off your first order at blueland.com/distraction Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- Subscribe to Defector! About The ShowFrom Defector Media: Former Deadspin writers Drew Magary and David Roth should really stick to sports. Sure, their new indie sports podcast will break down the week in sports: the Mets grounding into quadruple plays, NBA players getting testy on the court and horny on Instagram, Bill Belichick cutting 80% of his roster just to keep himself interested, horrifying takes from sports talk radio that need to be broken down, etc. But these two men and their guests will have their fair share of off-the-field issues they’ll also have to address: stupid Funbag questions, bad tweets from bad people, pointless food arguments, and even less. Every week is a VERY long week these days. We could all use a little 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
Sep 14, 2023 • 59min
The Baseball Pathetic-Off with Justin Halpern
Executive producer of Harley Quinn and Abbott Elementary Justin Halpern joins Drew and Roth for the saddest event in baseball: The Pathetic-Off! Justin, demoralized by the Padres, challenges Roth, terrorized by the Mets, to decide who has the most upsetting experience rooting for their home team. And at the top, Justin gives us an update on the current state of the WGA strike. And as always, we Remember and Guy and dive into the Funbag! The Distraction Live Show in NYC!!October 4th! Littlefield! New York City! See Drew and Roth live and in person! Sponsors- Ravensburger CreArt, a new paint-by-numbers experience! Shop on Amazon, their website, or your local art supply store. Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- Subscribe to Defector! About The ShowFrom Defector Media: Former Deadspin writers Drew Magary and David Roth should really stick to sports. Sure, their new indie sports podcast will break down the week in sports: the Mets grounding into quadruple plays, NBA players getting testy on the court and horny on Instagram, Bill Belichick cutting 80% of his roster just to keep himself interested, horrifying takes from sports talk radio that need to be broken down, etc. But these two men and their guests will have their fair share of off-the-field issues they’ll also have to address: stupid Funbag questions, bad tweets from bad people, pointless food arguments, and even less. Every week is a VERY long week these days. We could all use a little 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.

Sep 7, 2023 • 1h 15min
It’s NFL Good/Bad 2023! with Kalyn Kahler
Senior Writer for The Athletic and former Defector comrade Kalyn Kahler is back to preview the NFL season with Drew and Roth. They’re deciding if every single team will be Good or Bad this year with absolutely no explanation in between. But at the top, Kalyn gives her perspective, as someone at the Athletic, on the New York Times shuttering its sports desk. The Distraction Live Show in NYC!!October 4th! Littlefield! New York City! See Drew and Roth live and in person! Sponsors- Wildgrain, where you can get $30 off the first box plus free Croissants in every box using code DISTRACTION at Wildgrain.com/DISTRACTION- Shaker and Spoon - Get $20 off your first box at shakerandspoon.com/distraction Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- Subscribe to Defector! About The ShowFrom Defector Media: Former Deadspin writers Drew Magary and David Roth should really stick to sports. Sure, their new indie sports podcast will break down the week in sports: the Mets grounding into quadruple plays, NBA players getting testy on the court and horny on Instagram, Bill Belichick cutting 80% of his roster just to keep himself interested, horrifying takes from sports talk radio that need to be broken down, etc. But these two men and their guests will have their fair share of off-the-field issues they’ll also have to address: stupid Funbag questions, bad tweets from bad people, pointless food arguments, and even less. Every week is a VERY long week these days. We could all use a little 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.

4 snips
Aug 31, 2023 • 1h 2min
Serious, Emotional Vikings Talk
It’s for another Drew and Roth Mess Around Hour, Sponsored by Bareback Sportsbook! The first half is a dive into the emotional and mental state of being a Vikings Fan. The second hafl is a grab bag of all your favorite podcast things: Drew’s bits coming home, voicemail and written Funbag questions, B+ celebrity impressions, and more. The Distraction Live Show in NYC!!October 4th! Littlefield! New York City! See Drew and Roth live and in person! Stuff We Talked About
Drew's Vikings post on Bluesky
WBUR's Jan 6th demo breakdown
37 Record-Store Clerks Feared Dead In Yo La Tengo Concert Disaster
Sponsor- Ravensburger CreArt, a new paint-by-numbers experience! Shop on Amazon, their website, or your local art supply store. Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- Subscribe to Defector! About The ShowFrom Defector Media: Former Deadspin writers Drew Magary and David Roth should really stick to sports. Sure, their new indie sports podcast will break down the week in sports: the Mets grounding into quadruple plays, NBA players getting testy on the court and horny on Instagram, Bill Belichick cutting 80% of his roster just to keep himself interested, horrifying takes from sports talk radio that need to be broken down, etc. But these two men and their guests will have their fair share of off-the-field issues they’ll also have to address: stupid Funbag questions, bad tweets from bad people, pointless food arguments, and even less. Every week is a VERY long week these days. We could all use a little 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.

6 snips
Aug 24, 2023 • 53min
Shrimp-Fed Fools with Spencer Hall
Spencer Hall of the Shutdown Fullcast and Channel Six joins Drew and Roth for a summertime tradition like no other: previewing the college football season. Spencer prognosticates the CFB Mega League, if New Yorkers will ever care about college football, and which teams will be the most fun to watch. Plus, we Remember a Guy and dive into the Funbag! 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- Betterhelp - Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/distraction- Sports Explains the World, available on Wondery Plus. Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- Subscribe to Defector! About The ShowFrom Defector Media: Former Deadspin writers Drew Magary and David Roth should really stick to sports. Sure, their new indie sports podcast will break down the week in sports: the Mets grounding into quadruple plays, NBA players getting testy on the court and horny on Instagram, Bill Belichick cutting 80% of his roster just to keep himself interested, horrifying takes from sports talk radio that need to be broken down, etc. But these two men and their guests will have their fair share of off-the-field issues they’ll also have to address: stupid Funbag questions, bad tweets from bad people, pointless food arguments, and even less. Every week is a VERY long week these days. We could all use a little 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 17, 2023 • 1h 2min
4,000 Flipped Birds with Andy Behrens
Andy Behrens of Yahoo Sports joins Drew for the Haters’ Guiiiiiiiide to the 2023 fantasy football season. Andy explains where fantasy football stands in the face of sports gambling and how to draft for the reality of the 2023 NFL, while giving his top positional and rookie picks. Plus, we Remember a Guy and dive into the Funbag! 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! Sponsor- Blueland, where you can get 15% off your first order at blueland.com/distraction- Caldera Lab, where you can get 20% OFF with our code DISTRACTION at calderalab.com/DISTRACTION Credits- Host: Drew Magary- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude- Subscribe to Defector! About The ShowFrom Defector Media: Former Deadspin writers Drew Magary and David Roth should really stick to sports. Sure, their new indie sports podcast will break down the week in sports: the Mets grounding into quadruple plays, NBA players getting testy on the court and horny on Instagram, Bill Belichick cutting 80% of his roster just to keep himself interested, horrifying takes from sports talk radio that need to be broken down, etc. But these two men and their guests will have their fair share of off-the-field issues they’ll also have to address: stupid Funbag questions, bad tweets from bad people, pointless food arguments, and even less. Every week is a VERY long week these days. We could all use a little 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.