Marti brings the case against her husband, Andrew. Andrew has created automated systems in their home, controlled by voice commands. Marti HATES IT. Andrew says that she just needs time to get used to the system. But, Marti just wants to live an analog lifestyle! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/mkbecker 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 ! Our show at SF Sketchfest is SATURDAY! ...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 653
Curtis brings the case against his friend, Andy. Curtis and Andy are both passionate about the ice sport called curling. Andy quit their team last year. But he still watches Curtis play. And he offers his friend a lot of unsolicited advice. Curtis is annoyed. He asks the court to issue a gag order on backseat curling. Who’s right, who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/mkbecker for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at maximum...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 652
This episode was recorded LIVE at Liberty Hall in Dublin, Ireland! With two cases this week! Up first is GERMANSPRUDENCE. Andrea likes to listen to Deutschlandfunk public radio in the house. But her husband, Paul, likes to listen to comedy podcasts! Then, James brings his fiance, Paddy, before the Judge in OBJECTIONS IN THE MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR. When the two of them are driving somewhere they play a common car game in Ireland. But, James says that when Paddy is driving he has an un...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 651
It's a new year and it's time to clear the docket! This week, it's all about Magic: The Gathering. MTG enthusiast and Friend of the Court John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats joins us to adjudicate these cases! Huge thanks to John for joining us. Check out the Mountain Goats ' new album "Jenny From Thebes," which is out now on Merge Records. And see them on tour! Also, make sure to see US in San Francisco at SF Sketchfest! We are going to be at the Palace of Fine Arts on Sat 1/27 at 4pm. Get you...
Jan 03, 2024•58 min•Ep. 650
It's the end of 2023 and the Judge John Hodgman team is having a little holiday party! Bailiff Jesse Thorn finally gets to try Pam from Seattle's famous Eggnog and Orange Soda. Pam gives us a new festive concoction to try. But not before trying some new to us recipes sent in by listeners! HAPPY NEW YEAR! --- 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 !...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 649
Michele brings the case against her sister, Kristyn. Michele’s husband introduced a new tradition to their family’s Christmas morning. Michelle loves it. Kristyn thinks it’s silly. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/elouiseinmaine 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 ! SF Sketchfest tickets are on sale now! We are going to be at the Palace of Fine Arts on Sat 1/27 at 4pm. Get your ti...
Dec 20, 2023•57 min•Ep. 648
Nicole brings the case against her partner, Scott. Nicole says that Scott razzes her too much because of her road trip snacking system. Scott says her messy snacks deserve to be razzed! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/jackalkaboom 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 ! SF Sketchfest tickets are on sale now! We are going to be at the Palace of Fine Arts on Sat 1/27 at 4pm. Get your...
Dec 13, 2023•52 min•Ep. 647
Jeff brings the case against his wife, Jen. Their home came with a very unusual appliance. When they moved in, Jen gave Jeff one year to enjoy this device before removing it from the house. The year is now up, and Jeff wants to keep it. He says that this contraption is CENTERPIECE to the living room! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/mkbecker 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 ! S...
Dec 06, 2023•53 min•Ep. 646
Andrea brings the case against her lifelong friend Jennifer. For years they’ve had a holiday tradition of getting together to bake a gingerbread house. And for years, Andrea says that Jennifer messes it all up--WITH GINGERBREAD MISCHIEF! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/JustLooking0209 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 ! SF Sketchfest tickets are on sale now! We are going to be ...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 645
Mary brings the case against her roommate Salma. They’re both fans of the card game called PUNDERDOME. But Mary says Salma is a cheater. When they play, Salma doesn’t make puns: just jokes. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? With Expert Witness Jo Firestone (Dr. Gameshow, Ziwe)! Check out her new novel Murder and Sex Island and her new game Fruits ! 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 maximumf...
Nov 22, 2023•56 min•Ep. 644
This episode was recorded in front of a LIVE audience on the Van Freaks Roadshow! All the way from The Wilbur in Boston, we have "Order in Decor!" and Swift Justice! Plus GBH'S ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Executive Producer Marsha Bemko. And music from Laura Valk of Skout and Fenway Park's own Josh Kantor ! Like this episode? You won't want to miss THE VAN FREAKS ROADSHOW STREAMING EVENT: From the Opera House in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Premiering November 18 at 8pm ET! Tickets are on sale NOW at stagepilo...
Nov 15, 2023•59 min•Ep. 643
It's time to clear the docket and this week we are adjudicating CONDIMENT CRIMES! Is ketchup sweet? What foods are acceptable to eat with ketchup? Which condiment is the MAIN ONE? Condiment experts Nick Wiger and Amelia Marino from The Doughboys podcast join us to weigh in! The Van Freaks Roadshow has come to an end. But the fun's not over yet! We are excited to announce: THE VAN FREAKS ROADSHOW STREAMING EVENT: From the Opera House in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Premiering November 18 at 8pm ET! Ti...
Nov 08, 2023•59 min•Ep. 642
Zack brings the case against his brother, Nick. Zack claims to have been a member of their high school track team. Nick says: IT NEVER HAPPENED! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? 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’s Van Freaks Roadshow is on! Visit vanfreaksroadshow.com for ticket links, other dates, cities, and more information! And SUBMIT YOUR C...
Nov 01, 2023•52 min•Ep. 641
Happy Spooky Season! This week, Paul F. Tompkins joins Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse to talk Halloween disputes. How do you pronounce Reese's Pieces? And why are the Judge, Bailiff, and Paul trapped in the studio with Spirit Halloween animatronics? And what does Aidan from the Spirit Halloween Fan Wiki have to do with this? There's just one way to find out! Judge John Hodgman’s Van Freaks Roadshow is on! Visit vanfreaksroadshow.com for ticket links, other dates, cities, and more information! A...
Oct 25, 2023•59 min•Ep. 640
Abby files suit against her friend, Aidan. They belong to a secret online group dedicated to complaining about other passengers on the London Underground. One major debate? Umbrellas! Aidan says bringing an umbrella on the train is unacceptable. Abby disagrees. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/KetchupLuv 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 ! Check out the evidence from this week o...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 639
Katherine brings the case against her husband, Lee. They like to go camping together. Katherine recently bought a new camping chair. But, Lee says they bring too much stuff. There’s no room for this chair in their car! But, Katherine thinks that they can make it work. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/ToLiveAndBrianLA 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 ! Check out the evidence fro...
Oct 11, 2023•59 min•Ep. 638
Spencer and his wife, India, say that they both tend to humanize the items in their home. But now they are paring down their belongings as they’re planning a big move. Spencer wants to get rid of a particular rug. But India doesn’t, because it has owls on it. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/w3H774m 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 ! Check out the evidence at instagram.com/judg...
Oct 04, 2023•56 min•Ep. 637
This week's episode was recorded LIVE from the London Podcast Festival! First up is "Undergrounds for Dismissal." Mae likes to ride the bus. Paul likes to ride the tube. Then we hear from Tim and Belle about whether or not Belle can call herself a vegetarian if she eats an occasional steak. Finally, a case about "the best sandwich." Who's right? Who's wrong? With guests Benjamin Partridge (Beef & Dairy Network) and Emma-Lee Moss (fka Emmy the Great)! Thanks to reddit user u/mkbecker for nami...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 636
Where's the beef? ONLINE! Taylor Lorenz joins the Court this week to help clear the docket and talk about ONLINE BEEFS! Taylor is a tech journalist and author of the new book Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet . Judge Hodgman and Guest Bailiff Jean Grae consult Taylor on all things online: talking back within local restaurant reviews, intentional mistakes to drive engagement, meeting your troll IRL, wiki editing, and much more! Judge John Hodgman’s V...
Sep 20, 2023•57 min•Ep. 635
Dan brings the case against his wife, Carrie. Dan wants to build a model railroad in a small switching layout that simulates a switchyard. This type of model railroad does not move in a loop. Carrie says that a model railroad is pointless if it doesn’t move in a loop! Who's right? Who's wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/themadjuggler 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 ! Check out the evidence at ins...
Sep 13, 2023•59 min•Ep. 634
Dave brings the case against his niece, Morgan. When Morgan was around 5 years old, she stole his special collection of red skittles. And ate them! Even now, after 24 years, Dave is still mad. He demands restitution! But Morgan says: she was just a kid. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit users u/Ok-Professional-7569 & u/joftheinternet 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 ! Check out evi...
Sep 06, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 633
Michelle brings the case against her husband, Rob. Rob is restoring an old grandfather clock to make it usable as a display case. Michelle would like to display her uranium glass collection in the clock under a blacklight. But Rob thinks adding a blacklight will look tacky. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? With Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte ! Thanks to reddit user u/TheGreyBrewer for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at maximumfun....
Aug 30, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 632
Martha brings the case against her husband, Doug. Doug is a retired high school theater teacher. His last production was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Three years later, he’s still lamenting about how good the show would have been. Martha says it’s time to move on! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/skeewalker 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 ! Check out evidence from the...
Aug 23, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 631
Howie brings the case against Mark. The two of them worked at rival summer camps. When the two camps came together for a sports festival at Howie's camp, Howie was tasked with singing a "sit down song" to corral the campers. Mark's campers sat down but Mark didn't. Howie called Mark out in song, embarrassing him in front of everyone. They have since become friends, but they say this incident colors their relationship. Mark says he shouldn't have been embarrassed by a fellow staff member. Howie s...
Aug 16, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 630
Jesse brings the case against her dad, Jim. They get together once a week to play Settlers of Catan. When the dice rolls start to favor Jesse, Jim accuses her of not rolling sufficiently. He then makes her use what he calls the "Cup of Shame" to ensure that the dice are rolled properly. She says there is nothing suspect about how she rolls dice, and that the Cup of Shame is unnecessary. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Visit the episode page on the Maximum Fun website or our Instagram to check out evid...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 629
Marya brings the case against her husband, Clark. Their family found and cared for a Spiny Elm caterpillar in their yard. When they collected neighborhood leaves to feed the caterpillar, Marya was shocked to find that Clark clipped them right off the tree. She thinks that they should have only collected leaves that had fallen on the ground. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Visit the episode page on the Maximum Fun website or our Instagram to check out evidence from this week's episode! Thanks to reddit...
Aug 02, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 628
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
