Defector Media

The Distraction: A Defector Podcast

Sports EN ↓ 300 episodes

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...

Author

Defector Media

Category

Sports

Podcast website

art19.com

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

It’s a Happy Occasion 21.01.2021

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.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

It’s a Freaking Graveyard Smash (with Lauren Theisen) 14.01.2021

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.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Sublime Is the Word (with Dom Cosentino) 07.01.2021

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.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sel...

I’ve Had Dreams About Parties 24.12.2020

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.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Hater’s Guide to the Williams-Sonoma Catalog (with James Austin Johnson) 17.12.2020

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.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com...

I’ll Wait for the Movie (with Kelsey McKinney) 10.12.2020

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.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-...

A Virtual Visit with Santa (with Nathan Thornburgh & Chris Jones) 03.12.2020

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 defec...

Do You Want to Jam Some Tunes? (with Albert Burneko) 26.11.2020

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.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

It’s Awkward to Lie if You’re Not a Sociopath (with Reeves Wiedeman) 19.11.2020

Reeves Wiedeman joins Drew and Roth to talk venture capital, adult dormitories, and Justin Timberlake’s acting career. Plus, questions from the Funbag! And a brand-new game. Wiedeman’s book, Billion Dollar Loser , is available 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 .

You Can Get A Tart-Ass Kiwi (with Isaac Chotiner) 12.11.2020

Drew and Roth talk to Isaac Chotiner of The New Yorker about celebrity profiles, why the best fruit is unripe, scones, and more. Plus, Roth can't escape a mashup and questions from the Funbag! Visit defector.com And don't forget to buy this shirt . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Words Will Only Get You So Far 05.11.2020

Drew and Roth discuss what’s on everyone’s minds — toilet paper, Hallmark Christmas movies, and, of course, the election. Plus, questionable tweets and more 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 .

Nerd Bullies Are the Worst of Both Worlds (w/JUSTIN ELLIS) 29.10.2020

Drew and Roth talk to Defector’s Justin Ellis about cinematic lighting, selling souls, and what Scooby-Doo’s pals can teach us about masculinity. Plus, Funbag! And all that other good stuff. 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 .

Collecting Villains is the Fun Part (w/Anna Merlan) 22.10.2020

Drew and Roth talk to Anna Merlan of Vice about good truck stops, and conspiracy theory enthusiasts. Plus, the usual shenanigans, like the Funbag! Anna's excellent book, Republic of Lies is available 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 .

Dogs vs Blogs (w/Megan Greenwell) 15.10.2020

Drew and Roth talk to Megan Greenwell about her cute dog’s stupid bark, student newspapers, and why watching college football is inexcusable. Plus, a mash up, the return of the poison chalice, and questions from the Funbag! the 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 .

Walking Harley Quinn (w/THE LOX) 08.10.2020

The LOX join Drew & Roth to talk Jadakiss' infamous pizza order, juice bars, and which NY sports team is the absolute worst right now. Plus, the return of the Funbag! Check out the LOX's new album Living Off Xperience 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 .

Do You Ever Miss Metaphors? (w/BOB MOULD) 01.10.2020

Bob Mould (!!!) joins Drew & Roth the morning after the debate to talk why masks are easier than condoms, pro wrestling deep cuts, and more. Plus, the brief and oddly natural return of “Maine Talk.” Check out Bob’s new album Blue Hearts, available now. Visit defector.com to subscribe to their new site. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art...

You Can Finally Be a Certified Dick (w/Tim Marchman) 24.09.2020

Drew & Roth are joined by the worlds greatest parsley weirdo Tim Marchman of Vice to talk great reporting on the post office, Covid playoffs, and the final boss of quarantine yuppie self improvement. Plus, Funbag! And that other good stuff. Episode Description: Visit defector.com to subscribe to their new site. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ht...

Talking All-American: Tiger with Shane Ryan (Bonus) 22.09.2020

Drew & Roth talk to Shane Ryan about the legacy of Tiger Woods in this bonus episode originally produced for All-American: Tiger . Please note this was recorded before the 2020 U.S. Open. Subscribe to All-American: Tiger here . New episodes of The Distraction are out on Thursdays. Visit Defector.com to subscribe to Drew & Roth's site. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cal...

Talking to Pilgrims with Bomani Jones 17.09.2020

Bomani Jones joins Drew & Roth to talk Jadakiss' pizza preference, Darva Conger, and college football. Bomani shares the worst thing that could possibly happen to him and his greatest dream. Plus, Funbag! And Roth's feelings about The Mets sale. Visit defector.com to subscribe to their new site. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/...

It's a Big Week! with Lauren Theisen 10.09.2020

Drew & Roth are joined by co-Defector Lauren Theisen to talk NHL, give an NFL preview, and wonder if Drew has an affinity for other Drews. Plus, a mashup, remembering a guy, and Funbag! Visit defector.com to subscribe to their new site. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Consider the Nightgown with Ray Ratto 03.09.2020

Drew & Roth are joined by co-Defector Ray Ratto to talk college football, debate fake crowd noise, and, of course, answer questions from the Funbag! Visit defector.com to subscribe to their new site. To submit to "Why Your Team Sucks," email wyts@defector.com (and put the name of the team in the subject of the email, dammit!) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priva...

Andy Behrens and the Hater’s Guide to Fantasy Football 27.08.2020

Drew & Roth welcome their first guest, Yahoo’s Andy Behrens. But first, a note from Drew. Plus, Funbag! and bonus typing sounds. Visit defector.com to subscribe to their new site. To submit to "Why Your Team Sucks," email wyts@defector.com (and put the name of the team in the subject of the email, dammit!) This episode is brought to you by Keeps.com [ keeps.com/distraction ] See Privacy Policy...

Waiting All Day to Watch A Richard Marx Video 20.08.2020

Drew & Roth remember a guy, talk about why your team sucks, and inadvertently create a new segment called, "Maine Talk." Visit defector.com to subscribe to their new site. To submit to "Why Your Team Sucks," email wyts@defector.com (and put the name of the team in the subject of the email, dammit!) This episode is brought to you by Keeps.com [ keeps.com/distraction ] See Privacy Policy at http...

WE'RE BACK! WE'RE BACK! 13.08.2020

Drew and Roth never could stick to sports and now no one is asking them to, so...THEY'RE BACK! The guys catch up on the sports stories they didn't get to these many months, question the validity of the bay leaf as an ingredient, and try to make sense of this strange season of baseball. Plus, stupid Funbag questions! Visit defector.com to subscribe to their new site. See Privacy Policy at https://a...

Introducing: The Distraction 28.07.2020

The Distraction premieres on podcast players everywhere, August 13. 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 .

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