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 didn't actually speak. Who's right? Who's wrong? And, more importantly, what is a mime doing in the ...
Jan 07, 2026•49 min•Ep. 755
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 happened on Anne’s grandmother’s life-changing trip to Japan? We’ll answer all those questions, plus sett...
Dec 31, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 754
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 has come to a close but why not give yourself a lil treat? Thank you to all of our members for keep...
Dec 26, 2025•5 min
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 SNACKS is back with brand new episodes? Find it at matescast.com ! San Francisco area litigants, join u...
Dec 24, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 753
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 MaxFunStore.com ! Right and wrong caps, Pure Justice Smell candle , and cozy goth cozy clothes ! And a ticket...
Dec 17, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 752
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 right? Who’s wrong? It’s the holidays! Get your JJHo merch at MaxFunStore.com ! Right and wrong caps...
Dec 10, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 751
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 deserve an award for pie, or is it stolen culinary valor? Huge thanks to Samantha Couture from the M...
Dec 03, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 750
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 library of bonus content. Thank you to all of our members for keeping this show going! --- Judge John...
Nov 28, 2025•7 min
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 more of the J Squad yapping, we have great news! We do this once a month and it's available for all ...
Nov 26, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 749
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 Conner and Yael's skin cancer awareness fundraiser in honor of Jimmy Buffet, you may do so here ...
Nov 19, 2025•58 min•Ep. 748
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 boo...
Nov 12, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 747
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/j...
Nov 06, 2025•5 min
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 mig...
Nov 05, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 746
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 ...
Oct 29, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 745
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...
Oct 22, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 744
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/...
Oct 15, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 743
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 pr...
Oct 08, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 742
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...
Oct 01, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 741
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! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes and more. Member...
Sep 26, 2025•3 min
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...
Sep 24, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 740
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 a...
Sep 17, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 739
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 trappe...
Sep 10, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 738
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 Go...
Sep 03, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 737
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! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes and more. Members...
Aug 29, 2025•3 min
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 @judgejohnhod...
Aug 27, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 736
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 t...
Aug 20, 2025•52 min•Ep. 735
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...
Aug 13, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 734
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. Do...
Aug 06, 2025•52 min•Ep. 733
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. D...
Jul 30, 2025•58 min•Ep. 732
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 member to unlock special bonus episodes and more. Memberships start at just $5 a month. Just tap here...
Jul 25, 2025•3 min
