Best Defector Media Podcasts (2025)

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The Defector (TNG) 42:25

Play Pause

4h ago42:25

42:25

A tense moral chess match. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin ask: Was Picard right to cross the Neutral Zone? Cold War stakes, Henry V echoes, stellar acting. The post The Defector (TNG) appeared first on StarQuest Media.By SQPN, Inc.

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Irresistible (SGA) 35:13

1h ago35:13

35:13

Charisma or coercion? We unpack “Irresistible”—Richard Kind’s Lucius, sitcom framing, and the consent debate—while the Gate Bridge thread inches forward. Lisa Jones, Jeff Haecker, and Victor Lams trade laughs and sharp takes The post Irresistible (SGA) appeared first on StarQuest Media.By SQPN, Inc.

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The Nephilim (Bible Mystery: Aliens? Angels? Something Else?) 1:32:25

2h ago1:32:25

1:32:25

Were the Nephilim of Genesis 6 aliens or human-alien hybrids? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli re-visit one of the strangest passages in the Bible to consider some more theories about who they were. The post The Nephilim (Bible Mystery: Aliens? Angels? Something Else?) appeared first on StarQuest Media.…

1
Streaming Overload: Ads, Price Hikes & the Return of Bundles 1:05:24

4d ago1:05:24

1:05:24

How much are you paying just to watch one show? Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier unpack rising streaming costs, the push toward ads, bundling’s cable-like return, and why younger viewers are ditching it all for YouTube. The post Streaming Overload: Ads, Price Hikes & the Return of Bundles appeared first on StarQuest Media.…

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The Secrets of Princess Mononoke 55:27

1d ago55:27

55:27

Is Lady Eboshi the villain—or a visionary? The Ghibli Gang unpacks Princess Mononoke’s moral complexity, historical roots, and haunting beauty. With Pat Mason, Victor Lams, Jeff Haecker & Thomas Salerno. The post The Secrets of Princess Mononoke appeared first on StarQuest Media.By SQPN, Inc.

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Smack Barm Pea Wet with Eli Yudin 1:10:34

5d ago1:10:34

1:10:34

Comedian and writer Eli Yudin joins Drew and Roth to talk about his new special, Humble Offering! He shares what it’s like making a living in comedy today without having oil money offered to you. Then, they open up the funbag for sandwich talk, and try to figure out where all those crayons go. Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? …

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The Caves of Androzani (Revisited) 43:34

2d ago43:34

43:34

A ruthless tycoon, a masked fanatic, and Spectrox stakes. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss whether “Caves of Androzani” is good send-off—does the Fifth Doctor’s choice redefine heroism? The post The Caves of Androzani (Revisited) appeared first on StarQuest Media.By SQPN, Inc.

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Voyage of Earendil and the War of Wrath 1:16:04

2d ago1:16:04

1:16:04

Can mercy undo millennia of pride? Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, Jeff Haecker, and Rob Leonardi tackle Eärendil’s voyage, the Valar’s return, and Morgoth’s ruin—where hope is forged from doom. The post Voyage of Earendil and the War of Wrath appeared first on StarQuest Media.By SQPN, Inc.

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LEGO Rebuild the Galaxy 59:04

2d ago59:04

59:04

LEGO chaos with meaning: Can a Force myriad save a rebuilt galaxy? Patrick Mason, Kathryn Laffrey, and Jeff Haecker weigh Solitus, the Sig/Dev bond, and wild cameos. Building beats breaking—always? The post LEGO Rebuild the Galaxy appeared first on StarQuest Media.By SQPN, Inc.

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The Slaver Weapon (TAS) 40:55

2d ago40:55

40:55

A shape-shifting “soft weapon,” Kzinti honor, and billion-year tech—are some powers too dangerous to exist? Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin connect TAS’s “The Slaver Weapon” to Larry Niven’s Known Space. The post The Slaver Weapon (TAS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.By SQPN, Inc.

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Sabrina Imbler Goes Hunting 39:19

5d ago39:19

39:19

Sabrina Imbler is afraid of bugs, but they are working on a book about bugs. What to do?! In this episode, they attempt to catch and pin dragonflies. Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zyi-6wY81SosLtcs1y0vZXufOcFwobddFQMCeO7NHzc/edit?usp=sharing Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at [email protected], o…

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Coffee Science: How Water, Grind & Roast Transform Flavor 27:36

4d ago27:36

27:36

By SQPN, Inc.

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The Pegasus Project (SG1) 40:06

9d ago40:06

40:06

By SQPN, Inc.

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Kenneth Arnold UFO Sighting (The First UFOs) 1:11:03

5d ago1:11:03

1:11:03

By SQPN, Inc.

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AI Actors: Where’s the Human Soul? 1:02:50

6d ago1:02:50

1:02:50

An AI “actress” is courting Hollywood talent agencies—but is this art or just mimicry? Dom Bettinelli and Thomas Sanjurjo unpack SAG-AFTRA’s response, the threat to human creativity, and why performance needs soul. The post AI Actors: Where’s the Human Soul? appeared first on StarQuest Media.By SQPN, Inc.

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The Secrets of The Blues Brothers 50:31

6d ago50:31

50:31

A rollicking look at The Blues Brothers: faith-fueled purpose, gospel epiphany, and R&B royalty power the chaos. With Jeff Haecker, Kathryn Laffrey, and Victor Lams. Is slapstick a vessel for grace? The post The Secrets of The Blues Brothers appeared first on StarQuest Media.By SQPN, Inc.

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MLB Playoffs Preview! with Lauren Theisen 54:01

13d ago54:01

54:01

Defector’s own Lauren Theisen joins Drew and Roth to preview the MLB playoffs, and the first game featured Lauren’s Tigers beating the Guardians on the road?? Then, they talk about the WNBA Finals being set between the Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, and the start of the NHL season. Finally, they open up the funbag to answer real questions from rea…

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Full Circle 29:58

7d ago29:58

29:58

What if the “colonists” aren’t who they think they are? Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin assess e-Space, Adric’s rocky debut, mistfall’s biology, and the Deciders’ big lie. Bold takes, sharp lore chat, plus listener feedback. The post Full Circle appeared first on StarQuest Media.By SQPN, Inc.

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Operation — Annihilate! (TOS) 38:34

13d ago38:34

38:34

Parasites, pain, and ethics: Was McCoy’s cure a betrayal? Should Kirk have tried talking to a hive mind bent on torture? Dom Bettinelli, Father Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin tackle TOS’s “Operation—Annihilate!” The post Operation — Annihilate! (TOS) appeared first on StarQuest Media.By SQPN, Inc.

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A Jubilee Pilgrimage 58:14

11d ago58:14

58:14

Can sainthood thrive in the modern world? Lindsay Sant, Lino Saubolle, and Dom Bettinelli reflect on Dom’s pilgrimage across Italy, Eucharistic miracles, relics, papal moments, and the bold holiness of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. The post A Jubilee Pilgrimage appeared first on StarQuest Media.…

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Misbegotten (SGA) 36:17

12d ago36:17

36:17

Can ethics survive war? Lisa Jones, Victor Lams, and Jeff Haecker weigh Atlantis’s retrovirus, Michael’s fate, and Woolsey’s power play—a cure or a crime? With Lisa Jones, Jeff Haecker, and Victor Lams. The post Misbegotten (SGA) appeared first on StarQuest Media.By SQPN, Inc.

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Demons: Ask Me Anything 1:53:44

12d ago1:53:44

1:53:44

Are demons real beings or just symbols of evil? Jimmy Akin and Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live tackle questions on their nature, powers, why they fell, and how to resist them. Possession, oppression, obsession—what’s the difference? The post Demons: Ask Me Anything appeared first on StarQuest Media.…

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Control Your InBox with Email Hygiene 1:04:49

17d ago1:04:49

1:04:49

Inbox clutter, spam traps, and email hygiene—Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott unpack smarter habits for digital sanity. Plus, the Pope rejects an AI “avatar Pope.” Should faith ever be left to algorithms? The post Control Your InBox with Email Hygiene appeared first on StarQuest Media.…

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Doing Less With Less with Andy Behrens and Chris Harris 1:00:20

20d ago1:00:20

1:00:20

The NFL is back in full swing, and so our good buddy Andy Behrens returns to the pod along with his cohort Chris Harris. We’re looking at analytics, and how fantasy football butts up against football reality. When does the math go too far? Is it even possible to pick a team so safe they’re immune to a single dude tripping and falling? We’ll check i…

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Ceara Jane O'Sullivan Tries to Cartwheel 31:08

17d ago31:08

31:08

Ceara Jane O'Sullivan takes a gymnastics class in an attempt to finally master the ultimate cool girl trick: the cartwheel. Check out Ceara's podcast, Petty Crimes, here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/petty-crimes/id1612693094 Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zWovNgFBG7w9b41zkZ5Fs95LX6uhj6y5UHykd0URIU/edit?usp=s…

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The Greatest Garbage Time Performance Ever 1:08:43

27d ago1:08:43

1:08:43

Defector’s own Dan McQuade joins Drew and Roth! Dan updates them on his cancer diagnosis (he’s doing well!), then football – what can Drew expect with Carson Wentz? What’s going on with the Eagles? Does Dan fear the Packers? Finally, baseball! How do the Phillies stack up? And Roth tells us about the Mets’ postseason prospects. Do you want to hear …

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Defector Turns Five! 1:09:46

1M ago1:09:46

1:09:46

It’s just Drew and Roth, here to celebrate Defector’s five year anniversary! Where will this company be in another five years? Then: baseball! How is Roth liking the Big Dumper? Football! Can the AFC be rigged so that Buffalo and Baltimore meet in the conference title game? Finally, they discuss the Bears’ dysfunction, Ty Dunne, and Caleb Williams.…

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Diana Moskovitz Rides a Bike 26:54

1M ago26:54

26:54

Diana Moskovitz never learned to ride a bike when she was a child. Can she make her K-drama Han River bike riding dream come true? Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CR1x7BM2vyw_t44kvnvXehKfZLjkTLbYgwQCid3vgEQ/edit?usp=sharing Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at [email protected], or you can message m…

1
NFL Good/Bad with Mina Kimes (Part 2) 59:49

1M ago59:49

59:49

Mina Kimes of ESPN joins Drew and Roth to complete this year’s NFL Good/Bad! This week, it’s the AFC, and there’s no equivocating allowed. 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 Jones family black hole AFC Good/Bad Mina’s very good boy, Lenny Spons…

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NFL Good/Bad with Kalyn Kahler (Part 1) 1:05:11

2M ago1:05:11

1:05:11

Our guest is Kalyn Kahler, which can only mean one thing: NFL Good/Bad time has arrived! We’re splitting the show up this year, so Kalyn will go through the NFC with us today, and Mina Kimes will join us next week to break down the AFC. OMG FOOTBALL. Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call at 909-726-3720. That i…

1
Yowei Shaw Hosts a Party 33:10

1M ago33:10

33:10

What happens when a wallflower tries to stand in the spotlight? Check out Yowei's podcast, Proxy. Episode transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q866ZRKA_MsysRPo1QQlBBESRfIksmQeZNFmbS_DUOg/edit?usp=sharing Send me voice memos about the things YOU'RE trying at [email protected], or you can message me or tag me on Instagram @alexlau…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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Erika Casupanan Sings in Public 36:37

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

2M 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…

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Mattie Lubchansky Takes a Yoga Class 31:35

2M 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…

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The Defector Swimsuit Issue with Pablo Torre 56:33

3M 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 …

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

3M 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…

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Rawdogging The Toilet with Justin Halpern 1:06:17

3M 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 …

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

3M 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…

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Welcome to Try Hard 1:07

3M 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

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

3M 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!…

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

3M 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
A Fish-Eating American 54:18

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

4M 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,…

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

4M 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…