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The Distraction: A Defector Podcast

The Distraction: A Defector Podcast

Written by: Defector Media
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About this listen

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.© Defector Media Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Italian-American Inspirational Magic with Kalyn Kahler
    Jan 8 2026

    Drew and Roth ring in the new year with Kalyn Kahler, and go long about the NFL post-season. First and foremost, what the hell is going on with the Raiders? Has Tom Brady been an awful shadow president for the team? And then, to the Playoffs: How is Kalyn liking the Bears’ chances? What would be the most interesting matchup?

    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 About

    • €30 Plane WiFi
    • Grinding the press conference tapes
    • Nepotism at its finest
    • Waking up with Dave Portnoy
    • Turtle death pact


    Sponsors

    - Blueland, where you can get 15% off your first order


    Credits

    - Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth

    - Producer: Brandon Grugle

    - Editor: Mischa Stanton

    - Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts

    - Subscribe to Defector!


    About The Show

    The 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.

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • It’ll Work Itself Out In No Time
    Jan 1 2026

    Drew and Roth reflect on their years, personally, professionally, and politically, and look forward to 2026 being, if not better, then maybe just a little more consistent. Then, they open the funbag to answer real questions from real listeners. Thank you for listening for another year!

    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 About

    • The J Pass
    • Lil Davie
    • Yosemite, Four Kings’ crab, & Metallica/Oasis
    • Fake cough syrup
    • Pills the size of a bialy


    Sponsors

    - Mint Mobile, where you can get 50% off Unlimited premium wireless

    - Factor, where you can get 50% off your first box plus free breakfast for a year


    Credits

    - Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth

    - Producer: Brandon Grugle

    - Editor: Mischa Stanton

    - Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts

    - Subscribe to Defector!


    About The Show

    The 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.

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Williams Sonoma Price Is Right 2025! with Matt Selman
    Dec 18 2025

    It’s the most magical time of the year once again! Drew brings Roth and guest Matt Selman, The Simpsons EP and Showrunner, a list of Williams Sonoma’s finest – who is more in tune with the everyman consumer? Does anyone need a $350 Porsche-branded Smeg toaster? No.

    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 About

    • That new upstart TV show The Simpsons
    • USB ports in the ice maker
    • No possessions enlightenment
    • The finer points of contract law


    Credits

    - Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth

    - Producer: Brandon Grugle

    - Editor: Mischa Stanton

    - Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts

    - Subscribe to Defector!


    About The Show

    The 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.

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
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