Craig brings the case against his mother, Bettie. Bettie has had a dry cured ham hanging in her basement since the 1960s. She now wants to throw it away. But, Craig thinks that they should cook and eat it! Or, if it’s unsafe for consumption, he’d like to at least give it a proper burial. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? We are going on tour! In the UK and Europe! Visit maximumfun.org/events for more info. Tickets go on sale Friday July 28! Thanks to reddit user u/kmack for naming this week’s case! To s...
Jul 26, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 627
Rick brings the case against his friend, Ken. During the 2019-2020 NBA season, Rick and Ken made a bet about who would be named Rookie of the Year. Ken bet in favor of Zion Williamson, and Rick bet in favor of Ja Morant. While Ja Morant was named Rookie of the Year, Ken believes that he should not be compelled to pay. He says that the pandemic caused too many complications. The bet should be voided. But, Rick says that Ken needs to pay up! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Get ready for the Weird Dad Bl...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 626
It's time to clear the docket! This week, it's officially Summertime Funtime in the Court of Judge John Hodgman! Judge Hodgman is back in Maine at the solar-powered studios of WERU with Joel Mann. Summertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte (New England Public Media) is sitting in for Jesse Thorn. And, we've got word and grammar disputes to discuss with Merriam-Webster's own Emily Brewster . Can you dance with the person what brought you? Is saying UPMOST the UTMOST in wrongness? And what so...
Jul 12, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 625
This week, we're revisiting a certified Judge John Hodgman classic: DAD NAUSEAM! Daniel brings the case against his dad, Kevin. He says Kevin overuses the same joke with service industry workers, which the rest of the family finds embarrassing. Kevin thinks it’s a funny joke that brightens people’s day. Who's right? --- 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 !...
Jul 05, 2023•1 hr
William brings the case against his wife Wren. Wren is a member of an amateur boxing gym. William wants to join her gym, but Wren is concerned about him overshadowing her hobby! Who's right? Thanks to reddit user u/Ironymaiden_ for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at maximumfun.reddit.com ! --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes and more. Memberships start at just $5 a ...
Jun 28, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 624
Clare brings the case against her mother Suzanne and her stepdad David. Every summer, Clare spends a month visiting Suzanne and David at their house. Her visit always overlaps with the Tour de France. Suzanne and David watch every minute of the Tour because they don’t want to miss any of it. Clare says that’s getting in the way of them spending time with her! Thanks to reddit user u/problembearbruno for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum ...
Jun 21, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 623
It's time to clear the docket! This week, we're joined by Judge Hodgman's regular host in Los Angeles, Janie Haddad Tompkins. We tackle disputes about hosting, guesting, restocking larders, hostess gifts, and more! --- 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 !
Jun 14, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 622
This week’s episode was recorded live in front of an audience at the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles! Our first case is LINUS ITEM VETO. Sarah still sleeps with the tattered remains of her baby blanket. Her fiance, Go Fact Yourself co-host J. Keith van Straaten, finds it very upsetting to see and touch. He calls it “The Monster,” and he wants it out of their bed. Sarah wants to keep sleeping with it! Then, Jordan Morris joins to hear TATER TORT: Lucas calls himself “th...
Jun 07, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 621
Cameron brings the case against his friend Shooka. When Cameron and Shooka were in college, Cameron was obsessed with Pokémon Go. One day, Cameron was distracted with Pokémon Go, so Shooka took his phone and deleted one of his favorite Pokémon! Shooka says it’s only a game. But Cameron wants justice! 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 maximumfun.reddit.com ! --- Judge John Hodgman is mem...
May 31, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 620
It's time to clear the docket! This week, we're tackling disputes about the theater, and we have two very special expert witnesses: the award-winning duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez! Between the two of them, they've made some of the most memorable musical theater works of the modern era: Frozen , The Book of Mormon , Avenue Q and so much more. They've come by to lend their expertise to settle disputes about the ending of Pippin, post-show etiquette in community theater, and – of cours...
May 24, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 619
Leann brings the case against her daughter Abbie. Abbie has a collection of creepy dolls in their living room, on top of their piano. Leann thinks the dolls are TOO creepy! She wants Abbie to move them to her room. But Abbie wants them to stay where they are! Who's right? Thanks to reddit user u/Junk_Mutluck for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at maximumfun.reddit.com ! --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a...
May 17, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 618
Can you feel it? The changing of the seasons? The crispness of the air? The ever-growing magnetic pull in the back of your head that urges you toward the mythical land of western Massachusetts? That can only mean one thing: the return of the one and only Summertime Funtime Bailiff MONTE BELMONTE! He joins us to clear the docket and dispense justice on issues relating to wrapping paper, the game of Blank Slate, hometowns, and more. PLUS: A letter from the mysterious ROBIN HOOD CAMP! --- Judge Joh...
May 10, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 617
It’s time to clear the docket! This week, we get what we get and we cast a wide net, dispensing justice on topics like umbrella etiquette, what to wear to a rock star birthday party, a smelly sewer museum and more! PLUS: who would win – Batman or Darth Vader? --- 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 !
May 03, 2023•54 min•Ep. 616
It’s time to clear the docket! This week, we're taking on NAMING DISPUTES! Who has the naming rights to an inflatable dinosaur? What to name a mullet? And how many names of different Alpha Flight members can John and Jesse come up with? --- 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 !
Apr 26, 2023•53 min•Ep. 615
This week’s episode was recorded live in front of an audience at the Sydney Goldstein Theater! Our first case is SCOTTISH RITE OF WAY: Nate brings the case against his partner Chan. The two live together in a building that once was a Masonic lodge. One of the rooms in their apartment has a strange door that opens onto a dark and mysterious hallway. Nate wants to investigate the hallway. Chan wants him to leave the mystery door alone! Thanks to reddit user u/acone419 for naming this week's main c...
Apr 19, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 614
It’s time to clear the docket! This week, we have a good old-fashioned GRUDGE MATCH! You wrote in with your long-festering grudges against teachers, strangers and crummy cousins, and we're dispensing some long-awaited justice! 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 !...
Apr 12, 2023•50 min•Ep. 613
This week’s episode was recorded live in front of an audience at the Gothic Theatre in Denver! Our first case is BUY ME SUBPOENAS AND CRACKERJACK: Paul brings the case against his friend Chris. Chris has stopped believing in baseball superstitions and jinxes. He says his behavior can’t affect the outcome of a baseball game. But Paul says his friend’s carelessness has jinxed his team! PLUS: Swift Justice featuring the legendary David Gborie! Thanks to reddit user u/ScrotalMigraine for naming this...
Apr 05, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 612
Tanya brings the case against her husband Thomas. During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Tanya read a news story about wedding venues being booked years in advance. She asked Thomas if he wanted to get married. He said yes. Thomas interpreted that as a proposal. But Tanya says it was just a question about logistics, NOT a proposal! Thanks to reddit user u/teabiscuit54 for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at maximum...
Mar 29, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 611
Emily brings the case against her cousin Jess. When Emily was 3, her uncle chased her around a family gathering while wearing a Mr. Peanut costume. This traumatized her! Jess was present at the event, and she still sends Emily pictures and memes of Mr. Peanut. She says it “wasn’t that bad.” Emily wants Jess to stop because she still finds it upsetting! Who's right? Who's wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/PR0T0G3N for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on t...
Mar 22, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 610
Jordan brings the case against his friend Jacob. Jordan and Jacob are both blacksmiths. Jacob has been Jordan’s apprentice for the past few years, and he says it’s time he gets a new title, like “journeyman.” Jordan says Jacob is still learning and needs more experience first! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/Beejtronic for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at maximumfun.reddit.com ! --- Judge John Hodgman ...
Mar 15, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 609
Joan brings the case against her sister, Barbara. When Joan was 8, their aunt gave her a present: a framed print of Winnie-the-Pooh. Joan hung it in the bedroom she shared with Barbara – but she left it behind when she got her own room. Now it’s 50 years later, and Barbara says the Pooh print belongs to her. Joan wants it back! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/BadArtistGoodListenr for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fu...
Mar 08, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 608
It’s time to clear the docket! This week, we’re tackling BOARD GAMES. And we get some help from a very special guest: Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and board game enthusiast David Lindsay-Abaire is here! He helps decide on issues of Monopoly house rules, the layout of the Clue board, and how to win at Life! (The board game, not, y'know, life. ) David's musical KIMBERLY AKIMBO is on Broadway right now, at the Booth Theatre. Get tickets here! --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become ...
Mar 01, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 607
This week’s episode was recorded live in front of an audience at Revolution Hall in Portland, OR! Our first case is BROCCO-LEADING THE WITNESS: Alan brings the case against his wife Christy. Alan wants to introduce broccoli into their 14-month-old daughter’s diet. Christy has a phobia of broccoli, and doesn’t want any in the house unless she’s out of town. But Alan wants to serve it to their daughter more frequently! PLUS: Swift Justice featuring the legendary Corin Tucker of Sleater-Kinney! Tha...
Feb 22, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 606
This week’s episode was recorded live in front of an audience at the Neptune Theater in Seattle! Our first case is PAUSE-ABLE DENIABILITY: Sam brings the case against his girlfriend, Angela. Angela and Sam used to watch a popular food-reaction video series together. One day, Sam discovered Angela watching a new episode without him. He says they had an unspoken agreement to always wait to watch new episodes together, but Angela says she did nothing wrong. PLUS: Swift Justice with Washington Supre...
Feb 15, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 605
This week's episode was recorded live in front of an audience at the Wheeler Theater in Port Townsend, Washington! Our first case is BURDEN OF HOOF: Amy brings the case against her husband, Toby. Amy and Toby became “accidental farmers” when they moved back to the island where Toby grew up and bought a home that came with a tractor. Now that their kids are nearly grown, they want to spend more time sailing, but the farm is too much work! Amy wants to build lodging to hire help, but Toby says it’...
Feb 09, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 604
Elyse brings the case against her wife, Erin. Erin wants to install a bat box in their yard to help manage mosquitoes. But, Elyse is opposed. She is concerned about becoming the neighborhood’s weird bat people. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/DrColossusOfRhodes for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at maximumfun.reddit.com ! --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonu...
Feb 01, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 603
It's time to clear the docket! Tipping, packing, baby-shushing, exercise nomenclature, and much more! Plus, Kayleigh from episode 426: Blob Justice writes in with an update — and a plea for a stay of justice! --- 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 25, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 602
Haley brings the case against her partner, Jonathan. Haley and Jonathan have a non-existent child named Belinda. Belinda started as a joke, but has become a symbol for their future together. Now that Haley and Jonathan are thinking seriously about having an actual child, Jonathan thinks the name Belinda would be perfect. Haley disagrees! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/SupersoftBday_party for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the M...
Jan 18, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 601
It’s time to clear the docket! This week, we're tackling FAMILY FEUDS. Is it okay to run in Crocs? Should you serve your sister old, old honey? Is "tweets" an acceptable Scrabble word? Plus: baby names, Chex mix and frosty facial hair! --- 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 11, 2023•57 min•Ep. 600
Stacey brings the case against her friend, Ellen. Stacey says that when they play canasta, Ellen changes the rules mid-game. Ellen says that this isn’t true. She’s simply reporting what the rules have always been. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thank you to Twitter User @IronyMaiden for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun Subreddit at maximumfun.reddit.com ! --- Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus...
Jan 04, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 599
