Judge John Hodgman

VROOM VROOM! Buckle your seatbelts and pile in our station wagon, because this week’s episode is all about ROAD TRIPS! From passenger etiquette to divvying up the driving duties, we’re covering any and all disputes related to car travel. Should you divide up driving duties by hour or by mile? Which is the better way to road trip: getting to your destination faster or stopping and enjoying the sights - and potential ice cream - along the way? And when you’re a passenger, should you point out the sights along the road, or shut up and let th...

Andie is tired of James leaving breakable items in peril! He plates, microwave dishes full of hot food, and even his ipad hanging on the edge of their countertops and tables. James says it’s easier to pick up items when they are not flush with the surface. But it stresses Andie out! She’s worried one errant hip bump will send all the hot food flying. James argues that saving a plate from crashing to the floor is the ULTIMATE thrill. Who's right?

Thanks to reddit user u/banjo_solo for naming this week’s case! To sug...

It’s summertime, so we’re opening the member mailbag! We’ve pulled the greatest hits from our Members Only Mailbag, to give you a taste of the unfiltered JUSTICE that our members get every month. In this episode, we talk about: picking up critters in the wild, state birds, cutting a sandwich, and goth parts of Los Angeles. Plus, a classic dispute of night owl versus early bird... and hanging drywall? Judge John Hodgman, Bailiff Jesse Thorn, and Producer Jennifer Marmor (aka the J Squad) weigh in on all these issues and more!

Love the mailbag, and wa...

It’s the Members Only May Mailbag! This month: the science of moving with a moving truck, cross-country tandem bike rides, and much more! Plus, producer Jennifer gets a new catchphrase! Here's a bit from this month's episode. If you want to listen to the rest, head to your bonus content feed!

Not a member yet? You can become a member TODAY at maximumfun.org/join. Just $5 a month gets you immediate access to the full episode and our entire library of bonus content.

And thank you to all of our members for keeping this sho...

Marc is Jewish, and Marianne is Catholic. Together with their extended family (and friends!) they celebrate a LOT of holidays. The dispute? When a holiday falls in the middle of the week, as many Jewish holidays do, Marc would prefer to celebrate them on a Saturday night instead, so more of their loved ones can join. But Marianne says no! It's not kosher! Who's right?

Thanks to reddit user u/lexfri for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at reddit.com/r/ma...

We are excited to share this very special bonus episode featuring our trip to Tijuana and the border wall with the non-profit group Al Otro Lado. If you'd rather watch the full video version of this episode, tap here. Al Otro Lado is a bi-national organization that provides free legal and humanitarian aid to immigrants, deportees, and separated families. Thanks to the leadership of Jesse Thorn and his wife,  Theresa Thorn, and especially to all of our listeners, we were able to raise over $400,000 to support Al Otro Lado’s humanitarian and legal efforts. Join us as we travel to...

Erich brings the case against his wife, Allison. When they first started dating, they had a tradition called the "safety kiss." If they were driving anywhere, they would check their seatbelts, secure the dogs, and then kiss each other for safety.

They are now expecting their first child. Erich wants to reinstitute the Safety Kiss tradition. But Allison is opposed! She doesn’t want to teach her child to be fearful and superstitious. Also: when she kisses Erich, she burps. Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

Thanks to reddit user u/fille_philadelphie for naming this w...

Is Butter Pecan ice cream for old people? Or is it a flavor for all ages? It's time to clear the docket of all your coldest Ice Cream Queries. Is it okay to lie to a restaurant and tell them it’s your birthday to get free dessert? What should you do when your spouse and kids eat all your vegan ice cream - even though you buy them dairy ice cream too? What’s the best way to eat an ice cream sandwich? Plus, we get into the history of vanilla (yes, it’s a flavor!), chocolate-covered bugs in ice...

Dying to see Judge John Hodgman live? We have the episode for you! We’re flashing it back to our live show, ROAD COURT in Los Angeles. Join Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn for the most unhinged, off-the-cuff, wild live show - that also dispenses pure, unadulterated JUSTICE. We are excited to release this never-before-seen episode from our bonus feed to all of our listeners.

NIGHT COURT is coming to the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, MA on June 11th! That’s right, New Englanders, you have a chance to experience the all-new live show from...

It's the Members Only May Mailbag! This month, our favorite nostalgic commercials, the correct way to organize bookshelves with a partner, go-to summer jams and so much more in the mailbag! 

Not a member yet? You can become a member TODAY at maximumfun.org/join. Just $5 a month gets you immediate access to the full episode and our entire library of bonus content.

And thank you to all of our members for keeping this show going!

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Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes an...

Trish flushes soup down the toilet! But her friend, Marlow, wants to stop Trish from ever flushing food ever again. Trish says this is a perfectly reasonable way to dispose of soup! Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

NIGHT COURT is coming to the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, MA on June 11th!

Have a dispute that you can’t settle? No dispute is too small for the honorable Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn! Submit your cases directly to the court at: maximumfun.org/jjho

Thanks to reddit user u/ironymaiden_ for nam...

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are clearing the docket this week with guest star Rachel Reid, author of the Game Changers romance novel series that spawned the viral television sensation, HEATED RIVALRY! 

Rachel joins us in passing judgement on all things romance-tok, like: what’s a better trope, friends to lovers or enemies to lovers? What’s the weirdest romance-novel trope she’s ever read? And what’s a good entry-level romance novel to convince your judgemental book group? Also, Rachel shares what it was like to “come out” as a romance novelist to her parents, her...

Ben and Grayson have a weekly movie night with their friend group. When the movie ends, the group watches odd videos they discover on the internet.

This extra viewing has led both Ben and Grayson down a public television rabbit hole. Ben found the Pennsylvania public television game show THE PENNSYLVANIA GAME. He says it’s a perfect public television quiz show. But, Grayson says the game play in the Keystone State is weak. The Maine PBS show SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW MAINE is a much better game show. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? 

Thank...

Is giving a "bouquet of asparagus" the same as giving a bouquet of flowers? How much screen time is too much on a flight? Is quiche good? All this and more, recorded live from Revolution Hall in Portland, Oregon!

If you're in LA or Brookline, catch JJHO: NIGHT COURT LIVE! Don't miss out. For LA tickets on 5/15 click here, and for Brookline tickets on 6/11 click here.

Thanks to reddit user u/lovegiblet for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at re...

KLAXON! KLAXON! It’s the MaxFunDrive!  The best time of year for you to become a Maximum Fun member! Memberships start at just $5 a month, which gives you access to our entire library of bonus content. And for just $10 a month, you can get JJHo AD FREE! Join NOW at maximumfun.org/join! Whether you are a brand new member, current member upgrading, or longtime member at whichever level where you feel comfortable, THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO KEEP JJHO GOING!

Lex brings the case against his wife, Lauren. Lauren is serious about getting her steps in - e...

KLAXON! KLAXON! It’s the MaxFunDrive! Join us now at maximumfun.org/joinjjho! And if you are already a member, THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO KEEP JJHO GOING!

It's the middle of the MaxFunDrive! Have you heard our bonus episode for this year? The J Squad asked the audience for their favorite snacks that they might go for when they have "the munchies." What are you reaching for at the corner store at 2am? What concoctions are you putting together with whatever you can find in the pantry? Then, we tried them!

Popcorn and mix-ins, Cru...

KLAXON! KLAXON! It's the MaxFunDrive!  The best time of year for you to become a Maximum Fun member! Memberships start at just $5 a month, which gives you access to our entire library of bonus content. Our special MFD bonus episode this year is "Judge John Hodgman Gets the Munchies!"

We tried some of our audience's favorite, if not creative and shocking, munchies. But, if we get 350 NEW members by the end of Friday, 4/24, John, Jesse, and Jennifer will eat one munchie that was too scary for us to contemplate: A Peanut Butter and Spicy Tuna sandwich. Join u...

It's MaxFunDrive. And here, for the first time, we give you an exclusive look (well, listen) at the craft of podcasting: presenting Casters on Casters.

Jesse Thorn and Judge John Hodgman know a thing or two about podcasting, and in this very important podcasting event, they reveal ALL the tricks of the trade. They're joined by podcasting veterans Stuart Wellington & Dan McCoy (The Flop House). It goes without saying these four gentlemen have a very funny, and delightful, conversation. But they also get vulnerable. What does that mean? You'll have to listen to find out!

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It's time to clear the docket! Is your husband allowed to text you during the workday? Is your sister lying about a honeydew allergy? What is the correct number of lamps? All this and much more, including the best diss we ever heard yelled at a parade.

Have a dispute that you can’t settle? Are you a hockey lover, a book-tok lover, or just…a lover in general? We are gathering your most HEATED Rivalries slash disputes for a very special upcoming episode. We’ll pass judgment on everything from hockey etiquette to your favorite literary smut...

Stephanie brings the case against her husband, Lee. They live in one half of a duplex. It’s a side-by-side, two-family home in New Orleans that’s been in Lee’s family since the 70s. The other side is used by Lee’s mother and other relatives. Stephanie says it’s inconvenient to go outside from one unit to the other. She yearns for a door inside, connecting the two halves. But Lee says KEEP DREAMING. He says Stephanie's idea is ridiculous. He wants to close the non-adjoining door on the topic forever. Who's right? Who's wrong? 

Thanks to r...

David sets a phone alarm for all of his tasks. Not a reminder. An alarm. In the clock app. His sister and coworker, Lisa, is tired of hearing these alarms! They are too disruptive. She wants him to write out a to-do list instead. But David says his system is already perfect! Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

Watch Lisa and David's videos about Lisa's organization, David's babysitter instructions, and other workplace sketches at youtube.com/@McDivittLaw.

You have just a couple more days to order the “And I’m Gay” t-shirt from the episode JUGGERNAUT...

It's time for the March Members Only Mailbag! What is the deal with carbonated lemonade?! Is it acceptable to serve at a party? Or should the host be more concerned with non-carbonated beverages for people who don't like bubbles? This and much more in the mailbag! For the full episode, check out the members-only bonus content feed!

Not a member yet? You can become a member TODAY at maximumfun.org/join. Just $5 a month gets you immediate access to our full library of bonus content.

Thank you to all of our members for keeping this s...

Garrett and Kara like to play board games together. Early in their relationship, they agreed to one rule: They will not harm each other’s gameplay. This way, they can keep their game nights relaxed and friendly. Kara, a former Texan, wants to spice things up a bit by going back to a more aggressive form of play. Garrett, a conflict-avoidant midwesterner, is worried that competition will ruin their good time! Is Kara actually a sore loser, or is Garrett afraid of what might happen when he unleashes his inner beast?

Our "And I'm Gay" t-shirt is ST...

Patty loves the X-MEN. A lot. His mom, Cordelia, says that Patty turns every conversation into an X-MEN “lore dump.” She wants him to scale back on the X-MEN chat. But he wants to be understood! Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

We did it. We made a T-shirt in honor of Patty's stunning poem, "The sky is blue / the grass is green / I love X-MEN / and I'm gay." With gorgeous art by Sonny Ross, this shirt is available for a limited time! You have until April 3 to get this tee for yourself or the queer, Marvel-loving person in...

If you sent us a case about Pokémon Go in 2016, stay in line! You know the saying, "Justice delayed is justice denied." We attempt to clear the docket of some of our oldest, unanswered disputes. Should you go to a second restaurant for a separate dessert? Is it okay to want to be buried in a Fiat? Is teaching your children a secret family language fun or annoying? And, of course: should your girlfriend be ordered to come out and play Pokémon Go? If you spot yourself in these queries, PLEASE let us know how they played ou...

Mike brings the case against his coworker Brooke. Brooke wants to play baseball with her colleagues in a casual, recreational setting. She would love Mike to be part of this group. But he won’t step foot on the field unless it’s a softball field. Brooke says baseball and softball are essentially the same game! Just play ball! But, Mike strongly disagrees. 

For Mike's full, unedited presentation, click here.

BROOKLYN! See you this weekend at the Bell House for NIGHT COURT! Get your tickets here: Friday, March 6, Saturday, March 7

Thanks to reddit user u...

How late is too late to do household projects like hanging a sheet of drywall? The J Squad discusses this and much more in this month's Members Only Mailbag episode. Never listened to our mailbag episodes? Here's what they sound like. For the full episode, check out the members-only bonus content feed!

Not a member yet? You can become a member TODAY at maximumfun.org/join. Just $5 a month gets you immediate access to our full library of bonus content.

Thank you to all of our members for keeping this show going!

...

Andy brings the case against his fiancé Kevin, aka World Famous Drag Queen Monét X Change. Andy says he met Monét outside of RuPaul's DragCon in New York City back in 2018. Andy was enchanted. Their first date didn’t happen for another few years. But for Andy, this meeting is a crucial part of their love story. The problem? Monét says that it NEVER HAPPENED. Who's right?

BROOKLYN! Join Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn LIVE at The Bell House for NIGHT COURT (no, not that one)! Get your tickets here: Friday, March 6, Saturday...

Michele brings the case against her husband, Nate. Michele and Nate are living the childfree dream: three cats, two dogs, and a Subaru Baja. They have it all. But Michele wants more pets! Nate has two cars and a motorcycle. Michele says that if they are embracing vehicle maximalism, it’s only fair to embrace pet maximalism. Nate says they have enough pets for now. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? With Guest Bailiff Jean Grae!

BROOKLYN! Join Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn LIVE at The Bell House for NIGHT COURT (no, not that one)! Get yo...

Stephanie wants Brandon to admit that she’s lived in 11 states, damnit, and not deny her lived experience! Brandon counters with the fact that Japan isn’t a state (valid) and that living in a state for college…doesn’t count? Who's right? Who's wrong?

BROOKLYN! Join Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn LIVE at The Bell House for NIGHT COURT (no, not that one)! Get your tickets here: Friday, March 6, Saturday, March 7

Thanks to reddit user u/mkbecker for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on th...

What a time we had at SF Sketchfest! In Swift Justice, we have cases about Breathe Right Nasal Strips (not sponsored!), pie recipes, and the Court's first ever Trial By Teppanyaki! Then in Mega Justice we say, LET THEM EAT CASE. Beth and Jim have a large, strange, item in their guest room. It was an extra curricular project Jim and their daughter, Casey, made over a decade ago. He loves it. But Beth says it's time to let it go! 

BROOKLYN! Join Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn LIVE at The Bell House for NIGHT CO...

This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn tackle a dispute about Fantasy Football! Litigants (and spouses) Kristen and Tom play in the same Fantasy Football league and Tom has an issue with their last round of drafts. Kristen wanted to draft Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, but couldn’t because of their league rules, so she asked husband Tom to draft him under the condition that Tom would trade him to her at a later date. The trade happened, and Kristen won their league - so why is Tom the one bringing the case before the co...

We’ve got some leftovers from the holidays. Let’s pull them out of the fridge and answer them once and for all! Is a French dip REALLY a dip? How early is too early to put up your Christmas tree? How long can you drink eggnog or wear your holiday boxers before your partner falls out of love with you? And FINALLY: are zombies the scariest monsters because they’re REAL? All this - plus an ad for Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific! Shampoo - and more, on today’s HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS edition of Judge John Hodgman!

BROOKL...

Annie brings the case against her friend, David. They belong to a Survivor Fantasy League of two people: Annie and David. Annie says David isn’t playing fair. He’s withholding a point that is technically hers. David, keeper of the Almighty Spreadsheet, is sticking to his guns. Is Annie abdicating responsibility for fair play, or is David being a weenie? And IS a below-ground garage actually a portal to hell? All these questions and more on this week’s episode of Judge John Hodgman. The Tribe has spoken! With Expert Witness, Relationship Coach, and two-time Survivor contestant Francesca Hogi!<...

Does miming make for good podcasting? Walter thinks it might! Eileen is happy for any silence from Walter. She says he talks too much! Walter's talking can be so overwhelming for Eileen that she feels like her brain is going to explode. She challenged Walter to 3 minutes of silence, but she says he made mouth sounds. So he lost the challenge. Walter says the mouth sounds were a loophole, since he didn't actually speak. Who's right? Who's wrong? And, more importantly, what is a mime doing in the studio? 

We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on b...

Happy Holidays from the JJHo team! It’s the MOST, wonderful tiiiime of the year: when Judge John Hodgman, Bailiff Jesse Thorn, and Producer Jennifer Marmor try your…favorite? Classic? UNREPEATABLE, jiggly family holiday recipes! We’ll answer all your burning questions like: is Pretzel Salad a side dish or a dessert? What does cottage cheese blended into lime jello taste like? And what REALLY happened on Anne’s grandmother’s life-changing trip to Japan? We’ll answer all those questions, plus settle your holiday disputes, in this very special Holiday Office Party, JELLO edition!

San Francisco area litigan...

Are you a knuckle cracker? Or do you hate the sound? What other bodily functions make "fun" noises? The J Squad discusses this and much more in the last Members Only Mailbag of 2025! Available now in the members-only bonus feed!

Not a member yet? You can become a member TODAY at maximumfun.org/join. Just $5 a month gets you immediate access to our full library of bonus content. Gift-giving season has come to a close but why not give yourself a lil treat?

Thank you to all of our members for keeping this show going!<...

It's time to clear the docket and offer some SNACK JUDGMENTS! Who better to offer expertise than the best snackologists in the biz, Michael Ian Black and Tom Cavanagh of MIKE AND TOM EAT SNACKS! Should you pack road trip snacks or go wild at Buc-ee's? What is the right way to eat a Fruit Roll Up? What kind of potato chip was Jesse eating before the recording?

Did you know that MIKE AND TOM EAT SNACKS is back with brand new episodes? Find it at matescast.com!

San Francisco area litigants, join us LIVE...

Kate wants to adopt another elderly snake to replace their deceased pet Ember, but Wes is hesitant to open his heart again to another senior snake adoption. What is the optimal leg to pet ratio? Is it easier to give birth to something with no bones? Who is the placenta lady - should we be scared of her? More importantly, who's right? Who's wrong?

It’s the holidays! Get your JJHo merch at MaxFunStore.com! Right and wrong caps, Pure Justice Smell candle, and cozy gothcozyclothes! And a ticket to see us in January at SF Sketchfest makes a LOV...

Holly brings the case against her mother, Joelle. Joelle can’t tell a story about her day to day without cracking herself up. When she’s giggling, no one can understand what she’s saying. Joelle says talking to her daughters makes her so happy. She feels relaxed enough to let it all hang out, giggles and all. But Holly says STOP LAUGHING. She just wants to know what Joelle is talking about. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? 

It’s the holidays! Get your JJHo merch at MaxFunStore.com! Right and wrong caps, Pure Justice Smell candle, and cozy got...