

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

Apr 27, 2023 • 51min
How Fast Can You Push This Button? with Rivers McCown
NBC Sports and Football Outsiders’ Rivers McCown joins Drew and Roth to preview the NFL Draft! What are the Texans going to do, is it worth drafting a supposed future superstar RB in the first round, and is the S2 Cognition test just 2Wonder2 Lic? And as always, Guy of the Week and the Funbag!Give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0! Stuff We Talked About
https://www.golongtd.com/p/part-3-qb-bryce-young-has-the-s2
https://twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1650572735809216515
https://thespun.com/more/top-stories/nfl-gm-has-brutally-honest-admission-on-this-years-draft-class
Sponsors- Betterhelp: 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.

Apr 20, 2023 • 52min
Allergy Talk! with Lauren Theisen
Defector’s own Lauren Theisen joins Drew and Roth because [Drew sings the NHL 94 organ music] the NHL playoffs are here again! We get the essential information: most fun team, most annoying team, most hateable coach, and much more. And as always, Guy of the Week and the Funbag!Give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0! Sponsors- Athletic Greens, which is giving you a free 1-year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.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.

Apr 13, 2023 • 54min
My Legacy is a Few Tweets with Kelsey McKinney
Defector’s own Kelsey McKinney joins Drew and Roth to catch up all the news that they missed when they were on spriiiiing breaaaaak, like who we should root for in the NBA Playoffs and how Mavs decided to not make the NBA playoffs. But it wouldn’t be a Kelsey episode without a Normal Gossip update and taking the temperature of Philadelphia’s sports scene. And as always, Guy of the Week and the Funbag!Give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0! Stuff We Talked About- https://twitter.com/david_j_roth/status/212767135901024256 Sponsors- 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.

Apr 6, 2023 • 45min
Distraction Spring Break!!
This episode is just like Spring Breakers, except both Drew and Roth have white dreadlocks. It’s a full spread of your favorites: spring break memories, commenters’ worst drinks ever assembled, and both voicemail and written Funbag questions!Give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0! Stuff We Talked About
https://defector.com/season-of-the-oaf-with-ken-pomeroy?commentID=43f8e58f-3ac5-470b-a770-8d97c1216415
https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/eli_manning_leaves_everyone_confused_with_sloppy_joes_photo/s1_127_33544961
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/01/magazine/the-best-sandwich-ever.html
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.

Mar 30, 2023 • 57min
Please Have Dan Call Me Immediately (with Dan McQuade)
Defector’s own Dan McQuade joins Drew and Roth to share his experiences from on-the-ground reporting of the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games at Madison Square Garden. But don’t worry, folks; the Dan McQuade experience delivers with a deeeeeep dive into the most harmful reality TV shows. And as always, Guy of the Week and the Funbag!Give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0! Stuff We Talked About
https://defector.com/florida-atlantic-really-did-it
https://defector.com/greg-kampes-been-running-the-football-inbounds-play-for-25-years-no-one-has-been-able-to-stop-it
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megan_Wants_a_Millionaire
Sponsors- Betterhelp - 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.

Mar 23, 2023 • 1h 3min
Fairly Ridiculous University (with Rohan Nadkarni)
Sports Illustrated’s Rohan Nadkarni joins Drew and Roth to talk basketball, both of the collegiate and professional varieties. But it really comes down to whether Rohan or Roth has more pride for the obscure colleges from their respective hometown states, Florida or New Jersey. And we’re delivering an extra special Guy of the Week with two Guys and the first voicemail Funbag!Give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0! Stuff We Talked About
https://twitter.com/david_j_roth/status/1618697112920928256
https://www.si.com/nba/2023/03/15/ja-morant-suspension-opportunity-redemption
https://www.si.com/nba/2023/03/09/new-york-knicks-could-actually-be-nba-title-contenders
https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/12/20/sunday-review/dialect-quiz-map.mobile.html
https://historydaily.org/night-before-halloween-devils-night-mischief-night-cabbage-night/3
Sponsors- Homefield Apparel: get 15% off your entire order with code "March" at checkout! 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.

Mar 16, 2023 • 46min
The Idiot’s Guide to March Madness (with Ken Pomeroy)
College basketball metrics analyst Ken Pomeroy returns to the Distraction to give his preview of March Madness 2023! Drew, Roth and Ken make their Final Four picks, sort out the newest college coach you love to hate, and determine if this Purdue center can be likable. And as always, Guy of the Week and the Funbag! Give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0! Sponsors- Homefield Apparel: get 15% off your entire order with code "March" at checkout! 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.

Mar 9, 2023 • 1h 3min
GE’s Fart Joke Division (with Mike Schur)
TV producer and co-host of the PosCast Mike Schur joins Drew and Roth to talk baseball and the state of the TV industry. Of course, this also includes New York Post headlines, Lorne Michaels impressions, Jeff Koons statues, and the puzzling way that conglomerates expect 9-11% profit growth from their entertainment departments. And as always, Guy of the Week and the Funbag!Give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0! Sponsors- 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.

Mar 2, 2023 • 57min
Ostensible Movie Analysis (with Vince Mancini)
Vince Mancini of Uproxx joins Drew and Roth to make Oscars predictions, and everyone is smiling and high-stepping like they’re all going to lobby. And as always, Guy of the Week and the Funbag, which cannot be missed if only for the impressions of Rob Schneider from SNL colliding with Rob Schneider now.Give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0! Stuff We Talked About
https://www.netflix.com/title/81436777
https://uproxx.com/tv/oscars-crisis-team-the-slap/
https://www.complex.com/sports/2012/12/hideki-matsui-to-retire-to-his-massive-adult-film-collection
Sponsors
Betterhelp - 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.

Feb 23, 2023 • 1h
Wasabi Peas, Smart (with Israel Daramola)
Defector’s own Israel Daramola joins Drew and Roth to celebrate the XFL. We’re kidding about 50%. We talk about if Mac McClung was a revival or a death rattle of the dunk contest, how much stock to put into a security guard’s account of what Ja Morant’s friends are doing, and what TÁR is trying (or not trying) to make us feel. And as always, Guy of the Week and the Funbag!Spoilers for TÁR starting at 46:15. Stuff We Talked About
https://defector.com/the-nba-all-star-game-was-what-it-always-is
https://defector.com/nobodys-going-to-grizzlies-games-to-watch-ja-morants-pals-on-the-court
https://theathletic.com/4157284/2023/02/05/pacers-grizzlies-laser-ja-morant-investigation/
https://defector.com/cop-city-is-a-step-toward-cop-nation
Sponsors- Shaker and Spoon - Get $20 off your first box at shakerandspoon.com/distraction- Tell someone you know about The 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.


