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 15, 2021 • 55min
I Hope I Get it Wrong (with Tyler Tynes)
Drew and Roth talk to GQ’s Tyler Tynes about weed legalization, NBA activism, Philly sports, and how to avoid teens at concerts. Plus, questions from the Funbag! And a topical round of Dead or Canceled. 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.
Apr 8, 2021 • 50min
That’s as Simplistic as I Can Possibly Make It (with Thang Pham)
This week, Drew and Roth discuss time zones, MLB moving its All-Star Game, Deshaun Watson, and how to make vaccines cool. Plus, Defector accomplice Thang Pham joins from Sydney, Australia for classic shenanigans like Dead or Canceled 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.
Apr 1, 2021 • 1h 2min
That Way Lies Madness (with Tom Ley and Meg Rowley)
Defector Editor-in-Chief Tom Ley and FanGraphs Managing Editor Meg Rowley join Roth to discuss the 2021 baseball season, seasonal affective disorder, and why rooting for a team is a matter of the heart. Plus, Guy of the Week and questions from the Funbag! To become a FanGraphs member, go to FanGraphs.com. 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 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.
