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Judge John Hodgman

John Hodgman and Maximum Funmaximumfun.org
Have your real-life disputes settled in Fake Internet Court! Despite no legal background, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are the arbiters of justice that you need. No case is too big or too small. They judge them all! Is a hot dog a sandwich? When does a collection become a hoard? Is it ever ok to flush soup down a toilet? Only one can decide! Submit your dispute at maximumfun.org/jjho!
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Episodes

Live in Washington DC at the Lincoln Theatre

This week’s episode was recorded LIVE in Washington D.C. at the Lincoln Theatre. First up, “Emergency You In Court.” Sarah files suit against her mother Susan. Susan is a volunteer EMT in a rural community. Sarah would like her mother to refrain from responding to emergency calls when Sarah is in town visiting. Susan feels a responsibility to respond to the calls whenever they come through. Then, the judge and bailiff are joined by special guest Linda Holmes , of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour , a...

Feb 19, 20201 hr 17 minEp. 454

Holiday Leftovers

We're in the depths of winter and need some cheer to get us through the post-holiday season. So this week, we're going to clear the docket, which is currently full of holiday disputes! Holiday leftovers include cases about dessert breads, pre-meal prayer circles, cooking holiday meals on your parents' stove, gift wrapping, and airport pickups. Plus a letter from Friend of the Court Afton Cyrus ( JJHo Episode 282 ) from America's Test Kitchen about the case " Snickerdoodiligence !" --- Judge John...

Feb 12, 202051 minEp. 453

Tattoos of Limitations

Misty files suit against her husband, Scott. Scott started getting tattoos in his mid-30s and now has tattoos covering his upper arms. Scott has intentionally not told his parents about his tattoos. Misty thinks he should come clean but Scott wants to keep them a secret. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thank you to Doug Wykstra for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. --- Judge John Hodgman...

Feb 05, 202051 minEp. 452

SerenDIPity

This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers to clear the docket! They talk about heated cat beds, setting the table, morning noise, ranch dressing, singing in the grocery store, and more! Make sure to check out the Judge John Hodgman Instagram for Jackie Brown's Horseradish Carrots! --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes and more. Memberships start at just $5 a month. Just tap here !...

Jan 29, 202041 minEp. 451

Live From Atlanta 2019

This week's episode was recorded LIVE in Atlanta Georgia at the Variety Playhouse in 2019. First up, "Clothing Arguments." Brian files suit against his wife Kelly. When Brian is folding laundry, he places the folded clothes in piles around the house. Kelly likes to knock the piles of laundry over onto the floor. Brian would like this to stop, but Kelly insists that it’s all in good fun. Then, the judge and bailiff are joined by special guest Amber Nash , voice of Pam on the hit FX show Archer ! ...

Jan 22, 20201 hr 9 minEp. 450

German Engine Hearing

Bethany files suit against her husband Jeff. They have an old minivan that will need to be replaced soon. Bethany wants to buy her dream car-- a vintage VW Bus. Jeff believes these vehicles are unsafe and would like to purchase a more practical vehicle. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thank you to Justin Gibson for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. --- Judge John Hodgman is member-suppor...

Jan 15, 202051 minEp. 449

Edict of Worms

This week, Edict of Worms. Evan files suit against his wife Anne. Anne wants to get a vermicompost bin for their apartment. Evan claims the apartment is too small and the compost bin is too messy. He seeks an injunction prohibiting worm bins in the apartment. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Only one can decide! -- Thank you to Maren Williams for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. -- SUBSC...

Jan 08, 202050 minEp. 448

There is No Diner Jail

This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers to clear the docket. We talk about winter holidays, slack emojis, Trichotillomania, sharing bottomless cups of coffee, cooking with garlic, and more! Special thanks to Andrew Ti of Yo, Is This Racist? for sending us some words of wisdom regarding the case about slack emojis. — SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST in APPLE PODCASTS or the RSS FEED --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes...

Jan 01, 202046 minEp. 447

Live in Durham at the Carolina Theatre 2019

This week's episode was recorded LIVE in Durham, North Carolina at the Carolina Theatre in November of 2019. The first case is "Son of a Preacher Ban." Then, the judge and bailiff rule on cases having to do with excessive planking routines, singing in goofy manners, and birthday cakes during Swift Justice. -- Thank you to Alanna Talty for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. -- SUBSCR...

Dec 18, 20191 hr 3 minEp. 446

Reheat Offender

This week, Reheat Offender. Brandy files suit against her husband Shaun. Brandy believes leftovers should be consumed in a particular order. Shaun doesn’t always want to eat the leftovers according to Brandy’s schedule. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Only one can decide! Thank you to Jon Porobil for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. — SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST in APPLE PODCASTS or the R...

Dec 11, 201938 minEp. 445

Tried Green Tomatoes

This week, Tried Green Tomatoes. Michael files suit against his friend and neighbor Sam. Michael is growing tomatoes on their shared rooftop and wants Sam to go onto the roof to admire his plants. Sam thinks he should never have to set foot on the roof. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Only one can decide! Thank you to Daniel Herrera for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. — SUBSCRIBE TO TH...

Dec 04, 201946 minEp. 444

Daylight Savings Crime

This week, Daylight Savings Crime. Kari files suit against her husband Joshua. Kari and Joshua had solar panels installed on their house in July of 2019. Since then, Joshua has been monitoring their solar production and is actively trying to make the household more energy efficient. Kari believes that Joshua’s interest in energy efficiency has gotten out of hand. Joshua would like the whole family to get on board with his energy saving goals. Guest bailiff Ify Nwadiwe from Who Shot Ya? at Maximu...

Nov 27, 201950 minEp. 443

Live from Toronto at the Danforth Music Hall 2019

This week's episode was recorded live in Toronto, Canada at the Danforth Music Hall! The first case is "Larpe Diem" Then, the judge and bailiff rule on cases having to do with a cat litter box, a photo of college friend, and a shared YouTube account during Swift Justice. Thank you to Robbie Newell for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. -- SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST in APPLE PODCASTS ...

Nov 20, 201959 minEp. 442

Occam's Frasier

Emily files suit against her friend Aaron. Emily and Aaron are regulars at a bar which they affectionately refer to as their "Cheers." Recently they tried to decide which Cheers characters they are. Emily wants to be Martin Crane. Aaron believes that Emily cannot be Martin Crane because he is strictly a Frasier character. Emily disagrees and asks the court to rule that Martin Crane exists in the world of Cheers. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Only one can decide! Thank you to Yipee Kiyay for naming t...

Nov 14, 201956 minEp. 441

Right to Redress

This week: Right to Redress. Morgan files suit against her sister Sarah. Sarah is getting married in November and asked Morgan to be her maid of honor. According to Sarah, Morgan has an "alternative" style. Sarah would like Morgan to alter certain aspects of her appearance for the wedding. Morgan doesn’t think she needs to change. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Only one can decide! Thank you to Michael Lande for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow Judge John Hodgm...

Nov 06, 201950 minEp. 440

Traffic Stopper

This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers to clear the docket. They talk about pedestrian right-of-way, traffic stoppers, mail sorters, portable hot sauce, defunct hockey sports memorabilia, social media identity theft, mise en place etiquette, and more! -- SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST in APPLE PODCASTS or the RSS FEED --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes and more. Memberships start at just $5 a month. Just tap here...

Oct 30, 201941 minEp. 439

You've Got Bail!

This week: You've Got Bail! Lillie files suit against her husband, Thaddeus. Thaddeus has had the same email address – Apemanson@ – for 18 years. He uses it for everything, including as his contact information for their kids’ schools. Lillie finds Thaddeus’ email address embarrassing and offensive and would like him to change it. Thaddeus would like to keep using his email address. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thank you to Nathan Detweiler for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a futur...

Oct 23, 201949 minEp. 438

Stick and Move and No New Butterfinger

This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers to clear the docket with special guest Paula Poundstone! You've heard Paula as a frequent guest on NPR’s weekly comedy news quiz, Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me . She also hosts the Maximum Fun podcast Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone with co-host Adam Felber. Paula P. joins us to promote her debut rap single: Not My Butterfinger . We talk candy bars, bathroom trash cans, etiquette for packing bags for airport flights, cell phone...

Oct 16, 201940 minEp. 437

The Skeleton Brief

Kris files suit against his fiancee, Bonnie. Bonnie loves to decorate the home for the Fall season. Kris thinks she starts decorating too early in the year. But, Bonnie says she wants to enjoy her favorite time of year as much as possible. Who's right? Who's wrong? Thank you to Susan Crum for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a mem...

Oct 09, 201944 minEp. 436

Snickerdoodiligence

Rachel files suit against her husband, Doug. Early in their marriage, she brought cookies to his family's Christmas Eve celebration. Doug and his brothers realized the cookies were similar to a beloved family recipe that had been lost to time. 20 years later, Doug and his brothers still refer to these cookies as their "Great Grandma Hebig's cookies." But, Rachel thinks she deserves the credit for cookies. Who's right? Who's wrong? Thank you to Jeremy Frank for naming this week's case! To suggest...

Oct 02, 201953 minEp. 435

Sluice Juice

This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers to clear the docket! They talk about making the bed, using and washing towels, and more! Plus friends of the Court Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn of One Bad Mother help with a dispute regarding childcare! --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes and more. Memberships start at just $5 a month. Just tap here !...

Sep 25, 201936 minEp. 434

Achoodication

Luke files suit against Stephanie. Stephanie refuses to say "bless you" whenever anyone sneezes. Luke thinks it's a pleasant practice she should engage in, but she says it's annoying. Who's right? Who's wrong? Thank you to Steve Runyon for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes and more. Members...

Sep 18, 201947 minEp. 433

Dowager Mayor

This week on Judge John Hodgman, it's time to clear the docket! Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse are in chambers to discuss new neighbor etiquette, peanut butter storage, phone battery monitoring and more! Plus, the Judge catches up with a high school friend and helps him with a dispute! --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes and more. Memberships start at just $5 a month. Just tap here !...

Sep 11, 201940 minEp. 432

This is the Sound of a Gamble

Maria brings the case against her sister, Lesley. Lesley has been making bets with a friend about Maria's life events. Maria would like her to stop, but Lesley says it's all in good fun. Who's right? Who's wrong? Huge thanks to Joel Mann at WERU for providing the Judge's summertime chambers once again! We look forward to your summertime cheer next year. WERU is community supported, and is always accepting donations at WERU.ORG . And if you find yourself in Castine, Maine over the summer, don't m...

Sep 04, 201946 minEp. 431

The Smoking Pun

Content warning: This episode is almost entirely about cooking meat. If you find that subject to be unpleasant, you may want to hold out for next week's episode! Emily brings the case against her husband Eric. Eric enjoys smoking meats and brisket in particular. Emily complains that smokes brisket too often and that he doesn't manage his time properly during the smoking process. Eric says the brisket is done when it’s done. With Expert Witness Aaron Franklin of Austin's beloved Franklin Barbecue...

Aug 28, 201953 minEp. 430

Tough Talk With LeVar Burton

It's time to clear the docket! This week, LeVar Burton joins the Court to dispense some justice! They all discuss Star Trek: The Next Generation, dressing your baby in controversial onesies, naming dogs, a letter from a listener about talking to home robots, and an appeal to a previous decision regarding remotely controlling the thermostat. Huge thanks to LeVar Burton for joining us this week! His podcast LeVar Burton Reads has just begun its 5th season. Check it out wherever you download podcas...

Aug 21, 201942 minEp. 429

Side Effects May Include Justice

Yael brings the case against her boyfriend, Jeff. Is it ok to keep expired medication? Jeff says it’s fine, but Yael disagrees! Who's right? Who's wrong? With Summertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte and Expert Witness Dr. Sydnee McElroy ! Thank you to Brian Colavito for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock s...

Aug 14, 201956 minEp. 428

Coda Conduct

Jeanne files suit against her sister, Liz. Jeanne says that when Liz plays music on the piano, she doesn’t play a song all the way through. Liz doesn’t think it matters, but Jeanne wants her to complete the songs she plays. Who's right? Who's wrong? With Summertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte ! Thank you to Jeremy Frank for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. --- Judge John Ho...

Aug 07, 201945 minEp. 427

Blob Justice

David files suit against his wife, Kayleigh. David would like to keep a jellyfish tank in their home, but Kayleigh is opposed! Who's right? Who's wrong? Thank you to Andrew Lerchen for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes and more. Memberships start at just $5 a month. Just tap here !...

Aug 01, 201952 minEp. 426

Aiding and A-petting

Eric brings the case against his wife, Karla. Karla thinks that Eric should show more affection to their dog. But Eric says he does most of the dog care in the home. The dog petting can be left to another family member to fulfill. Who's right? Who's wrong? Thank you to Peggy Beardmore for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to...

Jul 24, 201947 minEp. 425
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