The Distraction: A Defector Podcast
Defector MediaDefector'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 listen... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 295 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | SportsSociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
Leander Shaerlaeckens (author of the book The Long Game: U.S. Men's Soccer and Its Savage, Four-Decade Journey to the Top, or Thereabouts) joins the show for a World Cup preview! We’ll get the skinny on the unique challenge that is hosting a soccer c... more
Drew and Roth are joined by David Grann, bestselling author of The Wager, Killers of the Flower Moon, and other precious tomes, and staff writer at The New Yorker! And, better yet, the Knicks made the finals for the first time since 1999! Is this the... more
Drew and Roth are joined by Ian Livengood, an NYT puzzle editor who works on Pips (Drew’s true joy) and the Midi! Ian shares behind-the-scenes info on how puzzles are constructed, edited, and sent out to solvers. Then, they all give their takes on th... more
It’s time to get serious about the NBA playoffs, so Drew and Roth welcome fellow Defector and host of Nothing But Respect and Only If You Get Caught Patrick Reford to the show! They start in the West with the Spurs and Timberwolves, then head to the ... more
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Reviews
- Early Women’s Basketball
My grandma always says that she hated the early rules and wanted to play like the boys played.
Apple Podcasts5mickloser
United States2 months ago - I miss sports lunacy
I haven’t listened to this in a while, then I saw Spencer Hall was going to be on. Cool! Then These self righteous clowns spent the whole time talking over him, not cool! Zzzzz
Apple Podcasts2stinky leftyUnited States3 months ago - Love the show!
Roth is the absolute best! Someone needs to stage an intervention for Drew to get him to stop spreading his horrendous Vikings inspired nonsense that has infiltrated an otherwise stellar podcast. Love that Mina Kimes and Roth called him out for this in the latest episode.
Aside from that, keep up the amazing work!
Apple Podcasts5:The Dude Abides:United States9 months ago - no one better
Love the show, smart, funny, great guests, I should probably start paying for this.
Apple Podcasts5Nick the ....United Statesa year ago - Hmm
I could frankly do without the theme song and Drew’s traditional show-opening catchphrase. Aside from those niggling complaints, it’s a delight.
Apple Podcasts5CM21218United Statesa year ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #169 | United States/Sports |
Apple Podcasts | #241 |  Poland/Sports |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Distraction: A Defector Podcast
What is The Distraction: A Defector Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A fast-talking, conversation-driven show that blends sharp sports analysis with culture, humor, and near-podcast-wide banter. Episodes frequently feature guests from sports media, journalism, and related entertainment worlds, who help unpack topics from college athletics economics to NFL intricacies, travel journalism, and behind-the-scenes media industry dynamics, all interwoven with personal stories, pop culture riffs, and signature reader-fueled bits. The unique rhythm comes from two hosts with strong chemistry, playful sponsor reads, and a willingness to switch from serious analysis to lighthearted riffs about sandwiches, travel, and current events, making it a distinctive mix of expert insight and irreverent humor.
Where can I find podcast stats for The Distraction: A Defector Podcast?
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How many listeners does The Distraction: A Defector Podcast get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Distraction: A Defector Podcast?
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How many subscribers and views does The Distraction: A Defector Podcast have?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Distraction: A Defector Podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Distraction: A Defector Podcast:
1. Nothing But Respect
2. Shutdown Fullcast
3. Pablo Torre Finds Out
4. The PosCast with Joe Posnanski & Michael Schur
5. Phantom Island
How many episodes of The Distraction: A Defector Podcast are there?
The Distraction: A Defector Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 295 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact The Distraction: A Defector Podcast?
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for The Distraction: A Defector Podcast?
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What guests have appeared on The Distraction: A Defector Podcast?
Recent guests on The Distraction: A Defector Podcast include:
1. Ian Livengood
2. Lily Kaplan
3. AJ Jacobs
4. Lauren Theisen
5. Aaron Schatz
6. Michael Schur
7. Ed Zitron
8. Kelsey McKinney
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.