The Distraction: A Defector Podcast

distraction@defector.com

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What If We Tried To Win? with Justin Halpern

July 16, 2026

Justin Halpern (writer/producer, Abbott Elementary, Sh*t My Dad Says) has a new book, Get Lost, and he here’s to talk about how he wrote it with Drew and Roth. But first, Roth and Justin must commiserate about the Mets, and Drew gets recognized on the beach. Then, they open up the funbag to answer real questions from Defector readers and Distraction listeners.Go get Justin’s new book, Get Lost, out now!Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call at 909-726-3720...

We Americans Know Better with Diana Moskovitz & Dave McKenna

July 09, 2026

Drew has finally vanquished Roth, so fellow Defectors Diana Moskovitz and Dave McKenna are on the show! First, World Cup – who’s rooting for who? Are either of them for it coming ‘ome to England? How expensive are these tickets exactly?! Then, they open up the fun bag to answer real questions from Defector readers and Distraction listeners. Can this one easy rule change make soccer exciting for Americans? Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call at 909-...

Give the Lobster a Knife

July 02, 2026

It’s summer vacation season, and that means a classic Drew and Roth solo episode. Many digressions ensue, then they open up the funbag to answer real questions from real listeners, like: what’s the wildest thing they’ve done while intoxicated? and what’s the most disgusting raw food? Happy summer, everyone!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 AboutDoctor WhoA recordJasper’s Apple TV theoryWaking up wi...