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Judge John Hodgman

Author: John Hodgman and Maximum Fun

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John Hodgman's Today in the Past podcast is now The Judge John Hodgman Podcast. Have your pressing issues decided by Famous Minor Television Personality John Hodgman, Certified Judge. If you'd like John Hodgman to solve your pressing issue, simply email it, along with your phone number, to hodgman@maximumfun.org. THAT IS ALL.
775 Episodes
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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 Little Woodchucks: Offerman Woodshop's Guide to Tools and Tomfoolery is out NOW wherever you get books! And you can see him on DEATH BY LIGHTNING now on Netflix.New JJHo merch for the holidays and Cozy Season is available at MaxFunStore.com! Don't miss out on a chance to get your RIGHT or WRONG caps, the PURE JUSTICE SMELL candle, and your COZY GOTH comfy clothes!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. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
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 out is by listening to the full episode, for members only! Become a member TODAY at maximumfun.org/join at just $5 a month for access to our full library of bonus content.  Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
Shut Your Payhole

Shut Your Payhole

2025-11-0501:11:21

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 Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and humanitarian aid to refugees, deportees, and other migrants trapped at the US-MX border. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/SomethingFoul 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/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
Sole Benefishiary

Sole Benefishiary

2025-10-2901:17:181

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 properly. If you don't want to hear about it, skip about 5 minutes ahead.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. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/acone419 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/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
Bed, Bath, and Begone

Bed, Bath, and Begone

2025-10-2201:12:401

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 and humanitarian aid to refugees, deportees, and other migrants trapped at the US-MX border. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/baltinerdist 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/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
Animal/Vegetable/Criminal

Animal/Vegetable/Criminal

2025-10-1501:15:38

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 aid to refugees, deportees, and other migrants trapped at the US-MX border. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/LittleSadRufus 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/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
Pro-Betamax Court

Pro-Betamax Court

2025-10-0801:09:52

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 wrong? With Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte!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. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/Footwear_Critic 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/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
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 wrong?PLUS in Swift Justice we hear cases on: a family book club where just one person has read the book, proper nail clipping technique, and proper sandwich cutting technique. Make sure to stay tuned to the end for Friends of the Court Deb Perelman and Kenji López-Alt to weight in on their sandwich cut preferences!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. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/banjo_solo 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/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
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 John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
Running Gag Order

Running Gag Order

2025-09-2401:09:051

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 humanitarian aid to refugees, deportees, and other migrants trapped at the US-MX border. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/MayorPoopenmeyer 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/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
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 beans, is it still a comfort food? What is the best way to soften hard ice cream? Rulings on all of these and much more!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. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
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 Lado provides legal assistance and humanitarian aid to refugees, deportees, and other migrants trapped at the US-MX border. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/TurduckenEverest 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/maximumfun!  Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
Subpoena Royale

Subpoena Royale

2025-09-0301:12:151

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 husband wrong in internet court!With Expert Witness Matt Gourley (Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, With Gourley and Rust, James Bonding) Who's right? Who's wrong?Unrelated to CASINO ROYALE, Phaea is a kid lit author with a new book out NOW! Get PRINCESS BATTLE ROYALE wherever you get your books!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. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/Ok_Constant946 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/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
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 John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
Probable Jaws

Probable Jaws

2025-08-2701:11:11

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. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/TheRhubarbarian 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/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
The Rule of Make it Two

The Rule of Make it Two

2025-08-2057:471

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 provides legal assistance and humanitarian aid to refugees, deportees, and other migrants trapped at the US-MX border. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
Dragonian Law

Dragonian Law

2025-08-1301:11:382

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 Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and humanitarian aid to refugees, deportees, and other migrants trapped at the US-MX border. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/Oldhouse42 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/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
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 assistance and humanitarian aid to refugees, deportees, and other migrants trapped at the US-MX border. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/sjhamilton43 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/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
Turtle Power of Attorney

Turtle Power of Attorney

2025-07-3001:02:503

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 assistance and humanitarian aid to refugees, deportees, and other migrants trapped at the US-MX border. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/kmack 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/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
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! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
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Comments (130)

Patricia Noble

dragon eyeballs

Aug 16th
Reply

Marty Schiltz

I loved the BLIZZARD of puns in the intro

Jun 16th
Reply

Shawna

had to google pizza crumb... now I want one!!!

Jun 14th
Reply

Beth Sykes

Squishing is wrong! It is wrong to make future customers and the restaurant suffer the damage. I'm getting angry at this woman who says she doesn't care if she squishes other people's cookies. Teens are working to pay for college! grrrr. But I guess you wouldn't know that since you were clearly spoiled and allowed to do whatever you want regardless of the consequences on others. "I don't care." poo to you!

Jul 24th
Reply (1)

Napoleon Blownapart

Great episode!

Apr 17th
Reply

Marta Wiliams

💚WATCH>>ᗪOᗯᑎᒪOᗩᗪ>>LINK>👉https://co.fastmovies.org

Feb 5th
Reply

Laura Beeeeeee

green lighting can help reduce seizures and (this should be of more to Jesse) migraines. Red is supposed to reduce sleep disruption if you wake up in the middle of the night, but, for me, the nightmares would outweigh that

Feb 2nd
Reply

Andrew Joseph Baillargeon

These two are awesome. With all the differing angles of this debate I feel it boils down to "Happy Wife equals happy life". That said, the lights are cool.

Jan 24th
Reply

Laura Beeeeeee

what about the ground floor in a building?

Oct 15th
Reply

Laura Beeeeeee

There should be a term for a diet that's primarily vegetarian but eats cows as the only meat. Like pescatarian is for fish. Bovatarian? Something like that. I know people who won't eat little animals like chickens and fishes because it takes more deaths to get the same amount of food. Not my personal stance, but it makes a sort of philosophical sense, and enough people believe it to require a term.

Oct 3rd
Reply

Laura Beeeeeee

Gratitude to JJHo for tipping me off to another musical artist! Weird how many I've found through this show that isn't about music

Oct 3rd
Reply

Laura Beeeeeee

All the Buffy tVS fans in the audience must have been biting down on their tongue to stop themselves from yelling out

Oct 3rd
Reply

Laura Beeeeeee

Jean's fake Bronx accent 😆

Oct 3rd
Reply

Laura Beeeeeee

Getting lost in a car is impossible with a smartphone?? 🤣🤣🤣 That listener has never driven with me

May 26th
Reply

Laura Beeeeeee

"I couldn't get rid of him" lol

Jan 10th
Reply

Daniel Worby

this show continues to lose my "listens", due to the strategic ad placements and their extreme lengths. I'm yet to encounter another podcast, no matter how successful, that has this length of ad time to content ratio. especially this intricately placed. it's becoming not worth the content.

Oct 28th
Reply

Laura Beeeeeee

27:10 -- not based on an existing IP? The Lion King was based on Kimba The White Lion. There were even photos circulating at the time of one of the animators wearing a Kimba t-shirt. I adored The Lion King, and still do, but it definitely was a retelling of Kimba.

Sep 28th
Reply

ID25470990

This episode makes me So jealous! Her IT nice husband does All the housework?! And a Scottish accent. What in the hell is the problem??!

Aug 4th
Reply

Laura Beeeeeee

I used to have a thank you light. It took 4 AA batteries, suction cupped to the rear window, and was WAY too big to be safe. I would love an official light designed to work with thre car and not obstruct visibility

Mar 26th
Reply

Beth Sykes

the kid is overindulged

Feb 10th
Reply