Best Defector Media Podcasts (2025)

1
Yowei Shaw Hosts a Party 33:10

3d ago33:10

33:10

What happens when a wallflower tries to stand in the spotlight? Check out Yowei's podcast, Proxy. Episode transcript here: Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at [email protected], or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @alexlaughs. Try Hard is hosted and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin. Editorial and production support fr…

1
Inspector Fuzz Is On The Case with Giri Nathan 1:02:12

7d ago1:02:12

1:02:12

Giri Nathan, author of the new book Changeover: A Young Rivalry and a New Era of Men's Tennis, joins Drew and Roth to tackle one of the most difficult questions of our time – how did Giri write a book and have a baby at the same time? They also talk about Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s epic new rivalry. Then, they open up the funbag to answer r…

1
Porchlight Storytelling: Touched by an Angel (episode #156) 50:10

16d ago50:10

50:10

The Bay Area’s long-running Porchlight storytelling series returned to Litquake once again for this special edition, featuring tales on the theme of Touched by an Angel: Stories of Mentors, Teachers, Guardians, and Influencers. Featuring off the cuff stories by Litquake co-founder Jack Boulware and memoirists Nico Lang, Adam Nimoy, Eugene Rodriguez…

1
Erika Casupanan Sings in Public 36:37

17d ago36:37

36:37

Erika spent her life being the person she thought she "should" be. It turns out that doing her own thing doesn't rock the world the way she thinks it will. It's actually pretty cool. Check out Erika's podcast, Happy to See Me. Episode transcript here. Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at [email protected], or you can message me…

1
This Fresca Has ATTITUDE! with Emma Baccellieri 1:03:53

21d ago1:03:53

1:03:53

Emma Baccellieri, staff writer at Sports Illustrated and creator of The Soda Fountain newsletter, joins Drew and Roth to talk baseball and the WNBA, but, mostly, sodee pop. What have the W refs been messing up lately, and what’s the fix? Can you pop into a baseball stadium for a quick hot dog? Then, they open up the fun bag to answer real questions…

1
Generation Women: Plot Twists (episode #155) 39:20

23d ago39:20

39:20

Generation Women returns to Litquake with a powerful night of live, multigenerational storytelling. Founded by author Georgia Clark in 2017, this series amplifies underheard voices and fosters intergenerational connection. In this special festival edition, one woman or non-binary storyteller from each decade—20s through 70s+—shares an original, tru…

1
This Book Could’ve Been a Pamphlet with Maitreyi Anantharaman 54:30

28d ago54:30

54:30

Maitreyi Anantharaman of Defector joins Drew and Roth to break down the latest in the WNBA: expansion, the Aces’ fall from grace, the Caitlin Clark problem - or not, as the case may be - and more. She’s got a book in the works called, You Can’t See Me: Inside the New Golden Age of Women’s Basketball. And then, with a brief stop off in Detroit to ch…

1
Modern Magic with Michelle Tea (episode #154) 34:05

30d ago34:05

34:05

Recorded at The Lost Church during Litquake 2024, this magical evening features DIY witch and literary icon Michelle Tea in conversation with The Witching Year author Diana Helmuth, guided by writer and artist MK Chavez—plus a special onstage gathering in the second half. Interested in learning more about Litquake? Visit us at www.litquake.org Conn…

1
Mattie Lubchansky Takes a Yoga Class 31:35

1M ago31:35

31:35

Cartoonist Mattie Lubchansky hates exercising in front of people, so in this first episode of Try Hard, she's trying out a real life yoga class full of real life strangers! By the way, you should buy Mattie's new book, Simplicity! Episode transcript here. Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at [email protected], or you can messag…

1
The Defector Swimsuit Issue with Pablo Torre 56:33

1M ago56:33

56:33

Pablo Torre, host of Pablo Torre Finds Out, shares with Drew and Roth what thing he’s found out about lately. For instance, he found out that the NFLPA is a flaming shitwreck! Then, will the NBA gambling stories remain mini-scandals in the public eye right up until the moment that someone openly rigs an NBA Finals? Finally, they open up the funbag …

1
How to Get Free Healing with Morgan Parker, Sam Sax, and Carvell Wallace (episode #153) 1:09:48

1M ago1:09:48

1:09:48

Three acclaimed writers—Morgan Parker, Carvell Wallace, and sam sax—offer bold, deeply personal takes on healing in a world that resists it. From mental health and identity to queerness and survival, their recent works reimagine what self-love can look like today. Interested in learning more about Litquake? Visit us at www.litquake.org Connect with…

1
Deportation dossiers: Trump's AI-driven war on immigrants and freedom of speech 12:54

1M ago12:54

12:54

With deportations from the United States on the rise since Donald Trump's return to the White House, our reporters hear from those caught up in these new procedures, deployed in the name of national security.By FRANCE 24 English

1
Rawdogging The Toilet with Justin Halpern 1:06:17

1M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

Our good buddy Justin Halpern returns to the show, giving us the on-the-ground report from LA where ICE raids are still definitely happening. Justin also wants to talk about the MLB owners: they don’t even seem to like the sport they own, so what are they even doing here? And then, having gotten what he came for, he bailed slightly early - but not …

1
Atlas Obscura’s Wild Life: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Living Wonders (episode #152) 1:09:16

1M ago1:09:16

1:09:16

Recorded live at Litquake Festival 2024, this episode celebrates Wild Life, the latest from the minds behind Atlas Obscura. Editor Cara Giaimo, journalist Marissa Ortega-Welch, and Oakland Zoo’s Amy Gotliffe share stories of Earth’s most awe-inspiring creatures—and why they matter. Interested in learning more about Litquake? Visit us at www.litquak…

1
Welcome to Try Hard 1:07

1M ago1:07

1:07

If there’s no shame in trying, why is it so hard? On Try Hard, Alex Sujong Laughlin helps people try the thing they've always wanted to do—from cartwheels to karaoke. First episode publishes July 28! Thank you to Charley Locke, Lilli Grace Barden, Yuli, and Juliana de Groot for lending your voices.By Alex Sujong Laughlin

1
Kidneys for cash: Inside Kenya's organ-trafficking network 12:51

2M ago12:51

12:51

Back in April, Kenyan authorities launched an investigation into a major kidney-trafficking ring. Wealthy international patients have been travelling to the East African country to obtain life-saving organs, while vulnerable local donors are exploited to sustain this lucrative trade. Despite government crackdowns, the network continues to operate, …

1
Schur-da-land with Mike Schur 1:05:24

2M ago1:05:24

1:05:24

Mike Schur is back! With guest co-host Rohan Nadkarni and Drew to talk about how tech brainrot has infected how TV is made, as well as trades, sandwiches, and more. Then, they open up the funbag to answer real questions from listeners. 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!…

1
Mayor of the Tenderloin: Del Seymour's Journey from Living on the Streets to Fighting Homelessness in San Francisco (Episode #151) 1:05:06

2M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

Recorded during Litquake Festival 2024, journalist Alison Owings and Del Seymour—founder of Code Tenderloin and former unhoused advocate—share a powerful conversation about recovery, resilience, and community transformation. Featuring a special performance by Skywatchers! Interested in learning more about Litquake? Visit us at www.litquake.org Conn…

1
Exclusive investigation: Is the Russian Orthodox Church in Sweden a platform for espionage? 17:01

2M ago17:01

17:01

From espionage to hybrid warfare, FRANCE 24 has been investigating a Russian Orthodox church in Sweden that's suspected of being a platform for Russian intelligence. Our reporters have discovered at least three cases of battles for influence around churches and have spoken to key witnesses.By FRANCE 24 English

1
A Fish-Eating American 54:18

2M ago54:18

54:18

It’s summer, and Drew and Roth are both sunburned, so it’s time to talk about politics. Then, they answer questions from the Funbag, full of real questions from real listeners. Happy July 4th! 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 Foot meat NYC grocer…

1
Paola Ramos on her book Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right (Episode #150) 1:10:12

2M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

On the eve of the 2024 presidential election, journalist Paola Ramos joined us to discuss her urgent new book, Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right. In conversation with KALW’s Angie Coiro, Ramos explores the complex forces—identity, race, disillusionment, and political trauma—driving a growing number of Latino voters toward conservative can…

1
Greenland, breaking the silence: The scandal of Denmark's forced contraception campaign 36:03

2M ago36:03

36:03

In 1960s Greenland, thousands of young Inuit girls – some barely teenagers – were sent to hospital. Without giving an explanation or obtaining their consent, Danish doctors fitted them with IUDs, a painful procedure that left lifelong scars. In total, more than 4,500 Greenlandic women were victims of this mass forced contraception campaign orchestr…

1
The Stupid Teams Are Even Stupider with Ray Ratto 1:05:53

2M ago1:05:53

1:05:53

Defector’s own Ray Ratto joins Drew & Roth once again! First up, the NYC mayoral race, and whether New York mayors are a special breed all their own, or if all mayors all across the country are just Like That. Will Zohran Mamdani, fresh off a trouncing of Andrew Cuomo in this week’s primary, be any different? Then, speaking of huge paradigm shifts,…

1
The battle of Harvard: When education, funding and politics collide 11:39

2M ago11:39

11:39

With the cancellation of grants to Harvard University, the revocation of visas for foreign students, and the withdrawal of research funding, the Trump administration is moving forward with its agenda to cut public spending. These measures are widely seen as an attack on the state of Massachusetts, which traditionally votes Democrat and whose econom…

1
Hartford Has It (Clinical Depression) with Megan Greenwell 1:05:16

2M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

Drew is off doing important things, so Roth is joined by co-host Kelsey McKinney and guest Megan Greenwell, author of Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream to talk about how old men with too much money destroy companies and people’s lives through private equity. Then, they dive into the Funbag, answering real questions fro…

1
Putin's recruits: The young Africans fighting for Russia in Ukraine 12:52

3M ago12:52

12:52

Nicknamed the "Black Wagners", hundreds of African men have been recruited by the Russian army to fight against Ukraine. Lured by promises of high wages, jobs or even Russian passports, some have voluntarily opted to join Russian President Vladimir Putin's army. But for others, things are far more complicated: dozens have been manipulated and forci…

1
Living For Lunch with Alan Siegel 59:08

3M ago59:08

59:08

The Ringer staff writer Alan Siegel drops by to talk about his new book, Stupid TV, Be More Funny: How the Golden Era of The Simpsons Changed Television-and America-Forever. He reveals perhaps too much information about Operation Dizzy Fox, Los Angeles’ lost utopian monorail future, and exactly how gross the Simpsons Writers’ Room (like, the physic…

1
Pakistan, broken innocence: An exclusive investigation into sexual violence at madrasas 31:35

3M ago31:35

31:35

In Pakistan, more than 2 million children frequently attend madrasas – Koranic schools that offer free religious education to the most disadvantaged. But behind the walls of these revered institutions lies a chilling reality: thousands of children are subjected to sexual violence in deafening silence. Our correspondents bring us a special 31-minute…

1
The Most Polite 30 Seconds in Podcasting History with Will Leitch 1:08:28

3M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

New York Magazine contributing editor, Washington Post columnist, and Deadspin founder Will Leitch joins Drew and Roth to talk about the creative writing process, the NBA finals, the Stanley Cup finals, and the Cardinals dropping the ball with their fans once again. His new novel, Lloyd McNeil’s Last Ride, is out now! Do you want to hear your quest…

1
North Korean defectors struggle to adapt to new life in South Korea 12:26

3M ago12:26

12:26

Every year, North Koreans risk their lives trying to escape the regime in Pyongyang. For those who do manage to flee, neighbouring South Korea is the obvious destination. More than 34,000 North Korean defectors have entered the country since 1953. But they still find it difficult to adapt to life in a nation so geographically close to their own, ye…

1
An Apology to Brad Lohaus 1:07:07

3M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

It’s just Drew and Roth this week, and guess what? They’re gonna talk NBA playoffs, because Drew actually knows what he’s talking about this year! For real! He has thoughts on these teams! Then, they open up the funbag to answer real questions from real listeners like you! Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call …

1
Egypt's resource crisis: Water, food, and a surging population 12:46

3M ago12:46

12:46

Egypt, the most populous country in the Arab world, is facing a crisis: a growing shortage of food and water. How do you feed a population of 113 million people – estimated to grow to 160 million over the next 25 years – when even water is running short? The Nile, Egypt’s lifeline, is under stress. The government is drilling deep into the Sahara to…

1
Crazy Mid-Air Adjustments with Jason Steinhauer 1:01:21

3M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Jason Steinhauer, public historian and author of History, Disrupted: How Social Media and the World Wide Web Have Changed the Past, lays out for Drew & Roth whether the current system is actually Fascism or merely sparkling Authoritarianism, and if historical precedent can even predict our modern times at all. And then after that, somehow, they als…

1
Italy: The women taking on the mafia 26:14

3M ago26:14

26:14

Italy's southern Puglia region is the territory of the Sacra Corona Unita, also known as the "fourth mafia". Less well known than Cosa Nostra, the Camorra or the 'Ndrangheta, the criminal group is still very powerful. It has infiltrated all sections of Italian society, from local firms to public administration. Our reporters went to meet a group of…

1
A Very Grim Place To Have A Beauty Pageant with Brandy Jensen 1:07:18

3M ago1:07:18

1:07:18

Defector’s Culture Editor Brandy Jensen doesn’t follow any sports, so she joins Drew and Roth to talk about other topics! Should Drew continue watching Reacher if episode one didn’t hook him? Can Brandy save the state of modern design in America? Would any of them accept a $400 million 747 from Qatar, no questions asked? Then, they open up the Funb…

1
The mullahs’ voice: How conservatives seek to win over Iran's youth 12:52

4M ago12:52

12:52

In a country in the midst of change, where more and more women refuse to wear the veil despite the rules, conservatives are looking to maintain their grip on power. Nearly 180,000 clerics, or mullahs, preach the words of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran, but not all of them are ultra-conservative. Some have understood the need for dialogue, in a soci…

1
1995 Man of the Year President Bill Climpton with Ben Collins 1:10:26

4M ago1:10:26

1:10:26

CEO of The Onion Ben Collins joins Roth to talk about running The Onion. How does a private citizen actually buy a long-standing-and-at-the-time-languishing satirical newspaper? Do you just sit there and clap your hands as they make jokes? How do you stand back up beloved bits and programs in the media landscape of 2025? And Ben shares two importan…

1
PFAS 'forever chemicals': Citizens take on industrial giants in quest for justice 12:36

4M ago12:36

12:36

PFAS, better known as "forever chemicals", are ultra-resistant to water and heat – so much so that they are virtually indestructible in nature. These chemicals are everywhere in our daily lives – in clothes, cosmetics and kitchen utensils – and are poisoning us. FRANCE 24's reporters Cécile Khindria and Juliette Lacharnay went to meet the citizens …

1
Bernie Sanders Liz Phair Lyrics with Patrick Redford 1:05:28

4M ago1:05:28

1:05:28

Defector’s own and basketball podcaster Patrick Redford joins Drew and Roth to talk about the NBA playoffs! What teams are zagging with Hyperball? How capital-G Good are the Cavs and the Thunder? Should Steve Ballmer just come out as a ball-knower? And in the back half of the show, Patrick has to respond to breaking Sacramento Kings news and they d…

1
Migrants in limbo: With US out of reach, Mexico becomes their final destination 13:08

4M ago13:08

13:08

The banks of the Suchiate River in southern Mexico, on the border with Guatemala, are sometimes called "the silent border" of the United States. Tens of thousands of migrants pass through there every year. Although the United States is their goal, Mexico often ends up being their final destination. FRANCE 24's Laurence Cuvillier, Matthieu Comin and…

1
What Goes On in the Mind of a Football Man with Mike Tanier 1:04:27

4M ago1:04:27

1:04:27

National football reporter and writer of the Too Deep Zone substack Mike Tanier joins Drew and Roth to get excited about the NFL Draft. How do teams come up with a coherent draft board… or do they? Is everyone watching the same Shedeur Sanders tape? And how many Twitch streams do they need to grind tape on? And as always, they dive into the Funbag,…

1
Thirsty giants: Big tech's data centres multiply in drought-hit Spain 12:48

4M ago12:48

12:48

In recent years, Spain has become a leading destination for tech giants to set up their data centres in Europe. Madrid even aims to become a "digital hub" on the continent, like Germany and the UK. But at what cost to the environment? To cool down their servers, data centres consume billions of litres of drinking water: a huge worry in Spain, one o…

1
The Incredibly Late Spring Break Podcast 50:52

4M ago50:52

50:52

Here’s what Drew wrote for the agenda for this episode: - I bitch about spring break - Roth and I shoot the shit That’s what will happen. And as always, they dive into the Funbag, answering real questions from real listeners. 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! Sponsors …

1
The great purge: US federal workers reel from Trump's sweeping cuts 12:54

5M ago12:54

12:54

Since his inauguration for a second term on January 20, US President Donald Trump has been shaking US democracy to its core with his executive orders. By implementing drastic budget cuts, withdrawing from international agreements and ordering massive layoffs of federal employees, he is moving so fast that the courts can't keep up. The stated aim of…

1
Why Am I Talking to the New Jags GM Right Now? with Tim Marchman 1:05:58

5M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Director of politics, security, and science at Wired Tim Marchman joins Drew and Roth to explain what the hell is going on with DOGE. What exactly are they doing? How has Wired been able to investigate what’s been going? And what can Americans do to fight back? In the back half of the show, Marchman gets a chance to talk about the White Sox and the…

1
Returning to Khartoum: In Sudan, civilians try to rebuild their lives 31:40

5M ago31:40

31:40

The Sudanese army has just won the battle of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, after two years of civil war. It is now calling on inhabitants to return home. But at what price? Our reporters were on the front line during the final phase of the offensive against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Watch their exclusive 31-minute report.…

1
I’m Not Going to Mention Where He Went to College with Maitreyi Anantharaman 1:04:29

5M ago1:04:29

1:04:29

Defector’s own Maitreyi Anantharaman joins Drew and Roth to talk hoops and baseball! Who should we be rooting for in the women’s final four tournament? What’s going on with Paige Bueckers and does it have anything to do with Nico Harrison? Do we like the MBB Duke team now? And is the torpedo bat cheating or do we want the Yankees not to succeed? An…

1
Honduras struggles to combat human trafficking 12:51

5M ago12:51

12:51

The small Central American country of Honduras has become a hub for a devastating – yet often overlooked – scourge: human trafficking, the third most profitable criminal activity in the world after drug and arms trafficking. Located between North and South America, Honduras is a key transit point for all kinds of trafficking. Endemic poverty, wides…

1
Luxury Ice Fishing Apparatus with Bob Mould 54:31

5M ago54:31

54:31

Musician Bob Mould joins Drew and Roth to talk about his newest album, Here We Go Crazy, as well as life in general! They discuss how his recent marriage has changed his songwriting, what sort of magic goes into that whole arcane process, and what keeps bringing a world-touring musician back to America, even in 2025. Do you want to hear your questi…

1
How Armenia is raising a new generation of soldiers 12:29

5M ago12:29

12:29

Armenia, a tiny country of just three million people, is dealing with a population crisis that could threaten its very survival. A deadly war with neighbouring Azerbaijan in 2020 coupled with a high infertility rate has led to demographic decline. Now, the government is trying to reverse the trend and boost Armenia's population to five million by 2…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Defector Media Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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