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
Feb 4, 2021 • 53min
You Can’t Steal All the LaCroix You Want (with Justin Halpern)
Drew and Roth talk to Justin Halpern about superbowl picks, individually-wrapped dips, and the trials of working from home with kids. Plus, a round of Dead or Cancelled and a special occasion mash up! 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.
Jan 28, 2021 • 1h 2min
Why Move to New York to Make Bread? (with Pete Wells)
This week, New York Times restaurant critic Pete Wells talks to Drew and Roth about outdoor dining structures, buckwheat fennel cookies, and what a food critic writes about when all the restaurants are closed. 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.
Jan 21, 2021 • 50min
It’s a Happy Occasion
On this week’s inauguration episode, Drew and Roth discuss steampunk Bibles, Weird Al’s greatest hits, and what life was like before everyone had the internet on their phones. Plus, the Funbag! And a round of Dead or Cancelled. 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 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.
