The Distraction: A Defector Podcast

This week, Drew and Roth are joined by Albert Burneko and Lauren Theisen for a Double Hater’s Guide to the NHL and NBA Playoffs. Plus, questions from the Funbag! And a Guy of the Week. 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.

Drew and Roth talk to Will Leitch about writing, miserable golfers, and the eternal appeal of baseball. Plus, questions from the Funbag! Leitch's novel, How Lucky, is available now everywhere books are sold. 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.

This week, Jason Schreier joins Drew and Roth to discuss video games, messy foods, the New York Jets, and Curt Schilling’s centaur obsession. Plus, questions from the Funbag! And a double Guy of the Week. Schreier’s book, Press Reset, is available everywhere May 11th. 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.

Drew and Roth talk to Tyler Dunne about the NFL Draft, Sheetz coffee, and Sammy Watkins’s spiritual beliefs. Plus, a round of Dead or Canceled and questions from the Funbag! You can find Dunne’s daily newsletter at golongtd.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.

This week, Ashley Feinberg joins Drew and Roth to discuss baby teeth, Europe’s Soccer Super League, and Mar-a-Lago’s weirdest members. Plus, questions from the Funbag! You can find more of Ashley’s work at trashberg.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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 [email protected] (and put the name of the team in the subject of the email, dammit!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 [email protected] (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 https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 [email protected] (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 https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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.