The Distraction: A Defector Podcast

Defector Media

Sports, Society & Culture

4.7 • 2.5K Ratings

Overview

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.

282 Episodes

What Goes On in the Mind of a Football Man with Mike Tanier

National football reporter and writer of the Too Deep Zone substack Mike Tanier joins Drew and Roth to get excited about the NFL Draft. How do teams come up with a coherent draft board… or do they? Is everyone watching the same Shedeur Sanders tape? And how many Twitch streams do they need to grind tape on? 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 AboutFive Years Dead for Cap Purposes: A Saints Saga Sponsors- Hims, where you can start your free online visit today at hims.com/distraction Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- 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.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

The Incredibly Late Spring Break Podcast

Here’s what Drew wrote for the agenda for this episode:- I bitch about spring break- Roth and I shoot the shitThat’s what will happen. 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- Factor, where you can use promo code distraction50off at https://factormeals.com/distraction50off to get 50% off plus FREE shipping on your first box.- ExpressVPN, where you can sign up at https://expressvpn.com/distraction- Raycon, where you can get up to 20% sitewide at https://buyraycon.com/distraction Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- 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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Why Am I Talking to the New Jags GM Right Now? with Tim Marchman

Director of politics, security, and science at Wired Tim Marchman joins Drew and Roth to explain what the hell is going on with DOGE. What exactly are they doing? How has Wired been able to investigate what’s been going? And what can Americans do to fight back? In the back half of the show, Marchman gets a chance to talk about the White Sox 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- Hims, where you can start your free online visit today at hims.com/distraction- Mint Mobile, which is offering a 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/distraction Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- 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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

I’m Not Going to Mention Where He Went to College with Maitreyi Anantharaman

Defector’s own Maitreyi Anantharaman joins Drew and Roth to talk hoops and baseball! Who should we be rooting for in the women’s final four tournament? What’s going on with Paige Bueckers and does it have anything to do with Nico Harrison? Do we like the MBB Duke team now? And is the torpedo bat cheating or do we want the Yankees not to succeed? 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- ExpressVPN, where you can sign up at https://expressvpn.com/distraction- Raycon, where you can get up to 20% off their best-selling Everyday Earbuds at https://buyraycon.com/distraction Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- 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.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

Luxury Ice Fishing Apparatus with Bob Mould

Musician Bob Mould joins Drew and Roth to talk about his newest album, Here We Go Crazy, as well as life in general! They discuss how his recent marriage has changed his songwriting, what sort of magic goes into that whole arcane process, and what keeps bringing a world-touring musician back to America, even in 2025. 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- Raycon, where you can get up to 20% off their best-selling Everyday Earbuds at https://buyraycon.com/distraction Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- 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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

The 2025 Idiot’s Guide to March Madness with Ken Pomeroy

College basketball metrics analyst Ken Pomeroy joins Drew and Roth for his annual preview of this year’s March Madness tournament! They answer your burning college basketball questions: How does Ken feel about being quoted by the governor of West Virginia? Does the fact that some players are wandering ronin affect the quality of play? What’s going on with Gonzaga’s high KenPom ranking and low NCAA seed? Is High Point University a real school? And the eternal question, WHO YA GOT? 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 AboutThe KenPom rankingsWest Virginia governor lashes out after NCAA tournament snubTubby Smith steps down as High Point Panthers men's basketball coach, son G.G. Smith takes overHas Kevin Willard changed his scheduling strategy? "Sometimes," he says, "KenPom is full of sh*t." Sponsors- Raycon, where you can get up to 20% off their best-selling Everyday Earbuds at https://buyraycon.com/distraction- Factor, where code FACTORPODCAST will get you 50% off your first box plus free shipping at factormeals.com/FACTORPODCAST Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- 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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

I Can’t Trust Hot White Dips with Jasper Wang

Defector’s own Jasper Wang joins Drew and Roth to share the true crime story that happened to him. Can you solve the mystery of the burst pipes in Montana? Speaking of, these NFL teams are busted, as revealed by their free agency performance! In the second half of the episode, they explore the possibilities of the MLB forcing Tamba Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg to sell. And they listen to some voicemail Funbag questions, answering real questions from real voicemails. 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 AboutThe Jets are SuccessionWhat's Mike Tomlin's Standard Now? | DefectorMLB and other owners pressuring Rays owner Stu Sternberg to sell the teamRob Manfred Is The Face Of An Elite Mutiny Against Rays Owner Stuart Sternberg | Defector Sponsors- Blueland, where you can get 15% off your first order at https://blueland.com/distraction- HelloFresh, where you can get up to 10 FREE meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/hellofreshpodcast- Raycon, where you can get up to 20% off their best-selling Everyday Earbuds at https://buyraycon.com/distraction Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- 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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

The First Half Is About the State of the World with Denny Carter

Editor of the Bad Faith Times Denny Carter joins Drew and Roth to talk about everything that’s happening. They know what happened the last time Denny was on. That’s what they’re talking about. But don’t worry, they’re pivoting about something much more sunny in the second half of the podcasts: the Dallas Mavericks! Is this team cursed, rigged, or just plain bad? And are there other sports teams that have painted themselves into a corner like this? 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- Hims, where you can start your free online visit today at hims.com/distraction- Mint Mobile, which is offering a 3-month unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/distraction- Raycon, where you can get up to 20% off their best-selling Everyday Earbuds at https://buyraycon.com/distraction Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- 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.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

Your Kids Are Mid with Nathan Grayson

Nathan Grayson, co-founder of Aftermath and author of the new book Stream Big: The Triumphs and Turmoils of Twitch and the Stars Behind the Screen, talks to Drew and Roth about game streaming. Is Twitch a healthy company? Do the streamers like being on it? And how does this all feel in contrast to creating their worker-owned-journalism outfit? 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- ExpressVPN, where you can get an extra four months free at expressvpn.com/distraction- HelloFresh, where you can get up to 10 FREE meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/hellofreshpodcast- 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 Podcasts- 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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

The Paddington 2 of the NBA with Rohan Nadkarni

NBC News’ Rohan Nadkarni joins Drew and Roth to tell us what’s going on in the NBA after the All Star break. Who are three most interesting teams to watch in the East and the West? And in the second half of the show, they give you the sandwich talk that you’re craving, kicked off by a homemade vegan Double Down in Drew’s own home. 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- LiveGood, where you can get 10% off your first order at livegood.com/distraction- Blueland, where you can get 15% off your first order at https://blueland.com/distraction- Factor, where code FACTORPODCAST will get you 50% off your first box plus free shipping at factormeals.com/FACTORPODCAST Credits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- 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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

Disrespecting John Madden’s Name

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

Both the Eagles and the Chiefs Are Gonna Win with Dan McQuade

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

Apollo 13 Was a Well Made Movie with Will Tavlin

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2025

This Episode Cancels Out the Manhattan Project with Justin Halpern

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2025

Dresses Like Kevin Federline with Ed Zitron

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

He Lost the Slack and the Clubhouse with Diana Moskovitz

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2025

The 2024 Williams-Sonoma Catalog Price Is Right

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2024

Oprah Doesn’t Own Discovery with Susie Banikarim

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2024

A Century of Podcast Episodes! with Eric Silver

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2024

An All Pizzas Thanksgiving with Rivers McCown

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2024

The Dog’s Name Is Babydog?

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2024

Part of Our World… of Billionaires with Sabrina Imbler

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2024

Cocaine in an MRI Machine with Arif Hasan

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2024

Violator Was an Investment Banker in LA with Ray Ratto

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2024

The First Half Is About the Election with Denny Carter

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2024

Increase Revenue Across Three Fiscal Hog Moons

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2024

Skin Like Cinnabon Icing with Rohan Nadkarni

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2024

Let’s Remember Some Dad

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2024

Playing Nice with Jason Schreier and Luis Paez-Pumar

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2024

Stations of the Plaxico Burress Cross

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2024

Look at Mr. Restaurant with Maitreyi Anantharaman

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2024

Investors Demand 13 Players on the Field with Israel Daramola

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2024

The Fastest NFL Good/Bad Ever with Kalyn Kahler

Transcribed - Published: 5 September 2024

An Unironic Donald Pump T-Shirt

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2024

Sleep Number 69 with Rohan Nadkarni

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2024

Government Controlled Podcast Microphones with Rachelle Hampton

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2024

Viscosity in the Early 80s with Chris Nashawaty

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2024

Podcast Rant Protocol with Patrick Redford

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2024

Boogaloo Zones with Pablo Torre

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2024

Chief End Times Correspondent

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2024

A Pog on Society with Rohan Nadkarni

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2024

What Was 1982 Like? with Ray Ratto

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2024

Mr. Met Has Fallen Down the Stairs at the Met Gala

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2024

100 Foods to Throw in the Garbage with Megan Greenwell

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2024

It Doesn’t Matter If We’re Off Topic with Ray Ratto

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2024

It’s the Distraction, I’m Sheila, That’s Roth.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2024

Elite Old Guy Excellence with Stephen Rodrick

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2024

Jake from State Farm Invented Women’s Basketball with Maitreyi Anantharaman

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2024

The Mashup Returns

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2024

Once, Twice, Three Times a Rohan Nadkarni

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2024

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