Judge John Hodgman
Judge John Hodgman is a comedy podcast where real-life disputes are settled in a fake internet court. Despite having no legal background, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn arbitrate cases ranging from whether a hot dog is a sandwich to when a collection becomes a hoard. Listeners submit their disputes for judgment, and the show provides humorous yet thoughtful resolutions. The podcast is produced by Maximum Fun.
Episodes
Opening the Mailbag Fall 2026
We have been having a rollicking, good time in the Members Only Mailbag! As an early Halloween treat, we want to share some of our favorite letters on the main feed. Nostalgia for local tv commercials, Hearst Castle, the origins of a catch phrase, and much more! PLUS a never-before-heard chat with past guest Jamie Loftus about vegan hot dogs!And if you want to hear more of these gems, we have over
Jamaican Patties, Joey Pants, and Jazz
Is it ok to add your own items to someone else’s garage sale? Should you try to convince the one Android user in your group chat full of iPhones to make the switch? Does Gen Z need to listen to more jazz? All this and this week as we clear the docket!We’re always looking for disputes - especially from outside the non-nuclear family! Got (friendly) beef with a co-worker? Have an unresolved dispute
Admiss-kibble Evidence
When Steve takes the dogs on a walk, he loves to give them treats on the road. But Abbey says the dogs are getting too chonky. She wants Steve to give frozen peas a chance instead. Steve says: mushy, half frozen peas are NO TREAT. Who’s right? Who’s wrong?Thank you to u/Tony486 for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at reddit.
TEASER: Members Only Mailbag September 2026
It's time for a new Members Only Mailbag episode! Judge John Hodgman and Producer Jennifer Marmor have so much to yap about! Here's a little bit of their chat. For the whole thing, check your bonus feed! Or, if you're not yet a member, it's so easy to join Maximum Fun! Just go to maximumfun.org/joinjjho. It takes just a minute to become a $5/month member! Once you do, you'll be able to listen to t
A New Gavel For Judge Hodgman
It's time to clear the docket! And we have a BRAND NEW GAVEL to help! Thanks to Nick Offerman, Offerman Woodshop, and project Manager Maddy Morrison for our beautiful new gavel. This Court has never been more ready to dispense justice! What do you do with your mother-in-law’s bag of mangoes? Is it okay to talk trash while playing video games, as long as it’s to internet strangers? Plus, disputes a
Prawn and Order
Leora brings the case against her husband, Sam. Sam once brought home a SURPRISE fish tank. Sam and the kids love it, but not Leora! To add insult to injury, Sam brought home two surprise shrimp - ostensibly to clean the tank. Leora wants Sam to talk to her before adding more pets to the home, but Sam says that shrimp aren’t pets - they’re part of the tank’s filtration system! Who’s right? Who’s w
Lorelai-ing Under Oath
Dustin brings the case against his wife, Erin. Before they got married, Dustin agreed to watch Gilmore Girls with Erin - if SHE would read the first book in the Wheel of Time Series. Ten years later, Dustin has watched Gilmore Girls in its entirety several times. But Erin still has not read ONE Wheel of Time! Does Erin “owe” Dustin? Or is watching a cozy cute show that they both enjoy not comparab
Episode 789: Amicus Brief
Fresh off our Hot Dog-cket episode last week with Jamie Loftus, we can’t stop thinking about HOT DOGS! What better time is there than to bring back one of our favorite episodes of all time: AMICUS BRIEF!
Casey files suit against his friend, Sean. They go to baseball games together a lot. Casey says that Sean’s antics at the games cause great stress. One of the more appalling antics, says Casey, is
The Hot Dog-cket
Hot dog, hot dog, hot DIGGIDY DOG! We have the Hot Dog Expert of all Hot Dog Experts in chambers with us to clear an ALL-HOT DOG DOCKET! Or, a hot DOG-cket! That's right, we got JAMIE LOFTUS (RAW DOG: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs, Sixteenth Minute, Aack Cast)! Jamie helps us advise on questions like: is ketchup ever okay on a hot dog? What about mayonnaise? Why do condiments on hot dogs provoke
Night(shade) Court
What is the best way to ripen a tomato? Jay says that a tomato is best eaten straight off the vine, hot from the sun, with a little salt. His wife, Gina, says that while that sounds lovely, if they let their tomatoes ripen on the vine, the local wildlife will get to them first! She likes to pick them as they start to ripen and finish the process inside a paper bag with a banana. Jay wants her to s
School House Dock-et
Summer is almost over, which means we’re going BACK to school - Judge John Hodgman style. We’re clearing the docket of all your pressing (and not so pressing) back-to-school-related disputes: from extracurriculars to PTA conflicts, and most importantly, how to keep class supplies IN the classroom. Follow along as Judge John and Bailiff Jesse Thorn rule on cases like: should you force your daughter
Sheets and Desist
Dan says his fiancée, Elissa, sleeps poorly and that her bedtime laptop use is to blame! But she says playing video games on her laptop HELPS her sleep! They quiet her anxious thoughts and help her wind down. Dan wants to keep all screens out of the bed. He says, “If you bring the laptop into bed, I’M SLEEPING DOWNSTAIRS!” Who’s right? Who’s wrong?
Thanks to reddit user u/spinynorman82 for naming
Force Masseur
Natalie brings the case against her boyfriend, Mike. Mike has been living the Sharper Image dream for the last 12 years: his own in-home massage chair! It’s not just a source of relaxation for him. Mike says it’s a fun piece that makes visiting their home a unique experience! But Natalie doesn’t want their home to offer guests a unique experience. She wants their guests to have a comfortable seat
Exculpa-trophy Evidence
If you win "Best Feature" at a film festival, but the festival doesn't give you a trophy, can you make your own trophy? Or is that too cringe? Spouses and filmmakers Kaye and Mariel disagree! Their film THE REBRAND (trailer here) won several film festival awards! But most of the festival organizations did not provide trophies, or any physical representation of the win for that matter. Kaye wants t
Road Rules
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 sigh
Counter Argument
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
Crime and Bunishment and Mailbags
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 drywa
TEASER: Members Only Mailbag June 2026
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
Passover-ruled
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/lexfr
Special Episode: JJHo Visits Tijuana with Al Otro Lado
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
Pecks and Balances
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 chi
Is Butter Pecan For Old People?
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 sandwic
Lawn and Hors D’oeuvres Live in Los Angeles
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
TEASER: Members Only Mailbag May 2026
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 member
Flush to Judgment (Rerun)
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 Baili
Docket Clearing with Rachel Reid
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
Trivial Law-Suit
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 t
Asparagus Plea Live in Portland
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/lovegi
Pace Dismissed
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 fee
TEASER: Judge John Hodgman Has the Munchies
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
Criminal In Tent
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
Casters on Casters: John Hodgman, Dan McCoy, Jesse Thorn, and Stuart Wellington
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
Captain Do Not Disturb
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 Rival
Requesting an Immediate Hinge Junction
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
Pain and Suffer Ring
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 othe
TEASER: Members Only Mailbag March 2026
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/
Power of My Turny
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
Juggernaut, Lest Ye Be Judged
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
Justice Delayed
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 girlf
Suing, and a Mistrial
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, c
TEASER: Members Only Mailbag February 2026
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
Body-ody-ody of Evidence
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
Not in My Fur-isdiction
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 Gu
States Rights... and States Left
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, Ma
Let Them Eat Case at SF Sketchfest
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 Be
No Running Backsies
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
Post-Holiday Leftovers
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
Probst-bate Court
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 port
The Fight to Remain Silent
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
Oops! All Jello! JJHo Holiday Party 2025
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 happe
TEASER: Members Only Mailbag December 2025
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 h
Snack Judgment with Michael Ian Black & Tom Cavanagh
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 SNAC
I Declare a Hisstrial
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 MaxFunStor
Exposition is Nine Tenths of Guffaw
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
An Undigested Bit of Beef LIVE in Brookline
Experience the magic that is Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn LIVE in Brookline! In this episode of Road Court, the Judge decides how much of those tasty leftovers are worth saving, marvels at the wonders of a Bronze Hotdog (still not a sandwich!), and litigates whether an uncle who hates A Christmas Carol is, in fact, a Scrooge. Does an apple pie that is extremely close to a cheesecake
TEASER: Members Only Mailbag November 2025
Do you play Mancala? How satisfying are those little stones! The J Squad talks about Mancala, amongst MANY other topics, this month in the Members Only Mailbag. If you want to hear the full episode, it's available now in the bonus content feed for MaxFun members. Not a member? NO PROBLEM. You can become a member today at maximumfun.org/join. Just $5 a month gets you immediate access to our full li
Opening the Members Only Mailbag
The holiday season has officially begun. Let's celebrate with some rollicking fun with the J Squad! That's right. We are opening the Members Only Mailbag and spreading some cheer. We talk about a romantasy series that has made one of our members "feral and unwell." Plus, eating salad greens by the handful, Jesse's clothing system, changing the toilet paper roll, and much more!If you want to hear m
Why Don't We Get Drunk and Sue LIVE at SF Sketchfest
We are back at San Francisco Sketchfest! A case about a chest freezer, a classic Groundhog Day time loop with James and Rob from Kasper Hauser, and a dispute about Jimmy Buffett Trivia! With special Jimmy Buffett expertise from the recorded voice of a Friend of the Court who knew Jimmy Buffett! (whispers: it's Justin McElroy. Of course, it's Justin McElroy)SPOILER ALERT: If you'd like to donate to
There Will Be French Toast With Nick Offerman
It's time to clear the docket and Friend of the Court Nick Offerman(Parks and Recreation, Death By Lightning) is here to help! Should one bring a whole, uncut watermelon to a party? Is polyurethane better than a wood oil finish? Is walnut an overused wood? Nick helps settle these cases and much more, including the question that rocks this Court: IS KETCHUP GOOD ON FRENCH TOAST?Nick's newest book L
TEASER: October 2025 Members Only Mailbag
We are a little late getting October's Members Only Mailbag episode up, but it's here! Check your bonus feeds if you are a member. You won't want to miss this one. Did you know there is a subreddit for people who like to pee in their sinks? Why is this even a topic in the Member Mailbag? What disgusting thing was Judge Hodgman and his friend, Charles, doing in Charles' room?? The only way to find
Shut Your Payhole
Genevieve brings the case against her dad, Mike. He won't let her pay for him when they go out. If Genevieve does manage to pay, Mike keeps track so he can restore the balance later. As the father, he believes he should always pay his own way. Genevieve wants to be able to pick up the tab without Mike adding the transaction to his mental ledger. Who's right? Please consider donating to Al Otro Lad
Sole Benefishiary
Greg and Melinda live on a sailing catamaran, but life at sea isn’t busy enough for Melinda. She wants a new hobby, and she wants that hobby to be fishing. Greg says fishing is boring and gross. He'd rather just buy fish from local vendors. Who’s right? Who’s wrong?Content Warning: about 10 minutes after the first break, there is some graphic conversation involving fishing and how to kill fish pro
Bed, Bath, and Begone
Live from Seattle's Neptune Theatre: BED, BATH, AND BEGONE! Lindy is in her first year at college. Her dad, Clay, wants to redecorate her room but she says it's TOO SOON! What will become of Lindy's life-sized Oscar Isaac cutout? Plus in Swift Justice: is it ok to talk about poop at parties? Are all ketchups the same? Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance
Animal/Vegetable/Criminal
Brent brings the case against his wife, Maite. Maite likes to unwind by playing 20 Questions with Brent. But Brent doesn’t want to play the game with her anymore. He says she’s doing it wrong. Her answers are too vague. But Maite says his 20 Questions gameplay is too basic! Who’s right? Who’s wrong?Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and humanitarian ai
Pro-Betamax Court
This week, Tyler wants his wife, Abby, to keep all 450 of his physical movies when he dies. But, Abby isn’t a movie person and thinks his collection will be wasted on her. She thinks Tyler’s friends and family would enjoy it much more than she would. But Tyler thinks his vast selection of movies will be the best way for Abby to stay connected to him when he’s on the other side. Who’s right? Who’s
Nom de Broom Live in Vancouver
Live from the Hollywood Theatre in Vancouver, B.C., NOM DE BROOM: Taryn brings the case against their sister, Lauren. Taryn and Lauren are both practitioners of the king of Canadian sports, which is, obviously: CURLING! Taryn owns a controversial curling broom, and they have named it in honor of Beyoncé. But Lauren hates this broom. She will not even say its name, say its name. Who’s right? Who’s
TEASER: September 2025 Members Only Mailbag
Are you a Maximum Fun member? Check your BoCo feed because there's a new Membo Mailbag episode in there! If not, here's a preview of this month's episode. Want to hear why the J Squad is talking about cat litter? Join Maximum Fun at just $5 a month and you can hear this episode in full, along with our entire catalog of members-only bonus content. Go to maximumfun.org/join now to join us!
---Judge
Running Gag Order
Colton brings the case against his friend, Chris, who loves to tell the same joke to his group of friends. Colton is TIRED OF IT. He says this joke comes up so much that talking to Chris gives him anxiety. But Chris says the joke is hilarious! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? With Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte!Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and humanitaria
Comfort Feuds With Kenji López-Alt & Deb Perelman
Fall is nearly here and it's time to clear the docket! This week, we are talking to beloved food writers and chefs Kenji López-Alt (Serious Eats, The Recipe) and Deb Perelman (Smitten Kitchen, The Recipe) about COMFORT FOODS! Is the "mac" in chili mac supposed to be plain noodles or mac and cheese? Is canned pumpkin as good as fresh pumpkin puree? If you make green bean casserole with fresh green
I Was Dreaming When I Wrote This, So Sue Me if I Judge Too Fast LIVE in Portland, ME!
Should dream sequences be banned from fiction? Is it ok to work on needle crafts in bed? What is the human eye actually capable of seeing? Can one sit nude on the sofa? All of these cases and more fun, recorded LIVE at The State Theater in Portland, Maine on the JJHO Road Court tour! With Joel Mann and his jazz group, The Night and Day Jazz Trio!Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro La
Subpoena Royale
Phaea brings the case against her husband, Justin. Phaea says the 2006 James Bond movie CASINO ROYALE is a remake of the CASINO ROYALE from 1967. But Justin says Phaea is wrong! Both CASINOS ROYALE are adaptations of the Ian Fleming novel from 1953. Justin says that aside from the source material, the two movies are completely unrelated. Phaea is not just shaken. Phaea’s stirred… to prove her husb
TEASER: Members Only Mailbag August 2025
Is this creature an ape or no? The J Squad isn't sure. They talk about this and much more on the August Members Only Mailbag episode! If you're a member, make sure you check your bonus feed now for the full episode. If you aren't a member, it's never to late! Join for just $5 a month and get immediate access to the entire catalog of MaxFun bonus content! Just go to maximumfun.org/join.
---Judge Jo
Probable Jaws
Do you think you could fight a shark and win? Jessica thinks she can do it! But her friend, Natasha, says she can't! Natasha says Jessica can't even swim! Jessica doesn't think her swimming abilities matter. Who's right? Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and humanitarian aid to refugees, deportees, and other migrants trapped at the US-MX border. Donat
The Rule of Make it Two
It's time to clear the docket, and Chuck Bryant (Stuff You Should Know) returns to the Court to help. Is it ok to take home keepsakes from hiking trails? What if it's a cool rock? Should moviegoers be compelled to stay for post-credits scenes? Plus Judge Hodgman and Chuck Bryant try to guess listener-submitted OBSCURE CULTURAL REFERENCES!Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provi
Dragonian Law
Erin and Bill threw a dragon-themed birthday party for their 1 year old. On the day of the event, Erin was horrified to see the menu that Bill put together. Bill named the food and drink after various things dragons shed, excrete, and throw up. Bill says it was fun. But Erin doesn’t want to see another pitcher of Dragon Pee, ever again! Who's right? Who's wrong?Please consider donating to Al Otro
Klutz Action Lawsuit Live in Burlington
Adrian is a little clumsy. His wife, Lisa, wants him to be more careful! But if that's not possible, all she wants his for him to stop sending her photos of himself with bloody wounds! Plus cases about mustaches, sharing shirts with a spouse, and eating paint. All recorded live at Higher Ground Ballroom in Burlington, VT!Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assista
Turtle Power of Attorney
Kaelyn brings the case against her husband, Adam. In their neighborhood in Virginia there is a roadside sign reminding drivers to SLOW DOWN! Adam says this sign looks like a turtle. Which makes sense, because turtles are slow! Kaelyn says Adam is wrong. This sign is clearly supposed to be a child. Who's right? Who's wrong?Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assist
TEASER: Members Only Mailbag July 2025
Do you take off your shoes when you come home? Jesse has a system! Is he a monster? This month’s Members Only Mailbag dives into this, and so much more! If you want to hear the full episode, you have to be a member! Join for just $5 a month and get immediate access to the entire catalog of MaxFun bonus content! Just go to maximumfun.org/join.
---Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a mem
Butt Pics and Smart Dogs with Janet Varney
It's time to clear the docket and Friend of the Court Janet Varney is here to help us! Is the bathroom a good place for a portrait of your own butt? If you're at a sporting event, can you move to a better section if no one is sitting there? Judgments to these and more!PLEASE NOTE: There is a conversation about an ICE raid happening at MacArthur Park in Los Angeles as we recorded this episode. This
Texas Hold'em in Contempt
Colin and Nik play poker every month. Nik fondly remembers playing poker with Colin’s coworker, Joey. But here’s the kicker. Colin says Joey has never been to poker night. Joey doesn’t even play poker! Colin thinks that Nik is confused. But, Nik says Colin is bluffing! Who’s right? Who’s wrong?Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and humanitarian aid to
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