Judge John Hodgman

Squatters Rights

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Diane brings the case against her husband, Will. Will grew up attending a summer camp deep in the Ontario wilderness, and last year: he bought it! Dia...

Motion to Adorn

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is it ok to buy home decor for friends? Anna says that Brannon’s apartment is boring. She wants to help him create a decorative vision for his home....

Live From Van Freaks Roadshow in Charlottesville, VA

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A cursed ceramic pineapple possesses Judge John Hodgman's court this week! Live from the Van Freaks Roadshow in Charlottesville, recorded last year ON...

Junk, and this Quarterly

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How many dog magazines are TOO MANY dog magazines to have stacked next to the toilet? Simon brings his wife, Liz, to court to find out! Simon says tha...

JJHO Presents: E Pluribus Motto!

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John Hodgman has a new podcast with Janet Varney! Every episode they’ll showcase a new state and explore its iconography– especially its often com...

Judicious Minds

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Karen brings the case against her husband, Ryan. Ryan has a large piece of art that he would love to display in the living room. But Karen says it "st...

Knee High Crimes and Misdemeanors

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liana brings the case against her boyfriend, Charlie. Charlie can't stand Liana's system for sock storage. She says that she's been storing socks jus...

Van Freaks Roadshow in Portland Maine

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Whose phone number should go on a cat's collar? Should WERU's Program & Operations Director Joel Mann get a pool? These disputes and more! Recorded li...

TEASER: Members Only Mailbag September 2024

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The September Members Only Mailbag is in the Maximum Fun bonus feed! In this clip, Judge John Hodgman talks about his earliest experiences with a Tesl...

Alliums For Life

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! What is the worst way to describe eggs? Is menswear boring? Rulings on these cases and more. PLUS, Judge Hodgman's cat ...

Van Freaks Roadshow in Durham

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should two tree-loving North Carolinans chop down their fig trees? Should one be allowed to brush their teeth in bed? These disputes and more! Recorde...

Mordor in the Court

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew wants to throw a birthday party for Bilbo Baggins from Lord of the Rings. His wife, Marie, says that he is welcome to throw this party. But, sh...

(I Can't Get No) Legal Action

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should a Rolling Stones cover band be ordered to play the hit song "Start Me Up?" Aaron brings his friend and bandmate Marcus to court to try! Aaron s...

Van Freaks Roadshow in Atlanta

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's the beginning of a long holiday weekend here in the United States. Here's an extra episode for your travels! We are JUST about to hit the road on...

Teaser: Members Only Mailbag August 2024

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the August Membo Mailbag, the J Squad guesses a little DC Comics trivia! Will they get the right answer? Why are they talking about DC trivia? You'...

A Turning Client Privilege

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Does GPS turn our brains to mush? Kris says yes! But her son, Ethan, wants her to start using it! Who's right? Who's wrong?  Judge John Hodgman is me...

Case at the Bat

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Oakland Athletics are leaving Oakland. What is an A’s fan to do? Only one can decide. And this week, Judge John Hodgman recuses himself!We are o...

Cape Codable

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is it ok to take your home dishes on a camping trip? Is it ethical to shop at thrift stores if you can afford to buy new items? Judge John Hodgman and...

Van Freaks Roadshow in Austin

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is it best to watch your movie collection in alphabetical order? Should you laugh while you record home videos? What is the REAL difference between a ...

Claw and Door-der

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Maddi hates to sleep with the door open. But her boyfriend, Matt, says he's tired of their cat screaming on either side of the closed door! Who's righ...

Teaser: Members Only Mailbag July 2024

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What movies do your families watch over and over again? The J Squad talks about their heavy rotation family movies in this clip from the July Membo Ma...

Gingersnap Judgment

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Would you lightly squish a pre-wrapped cookie to ensure it's worth buying? This is exactly what Cynthia wants her husband, Joel to do. But Joel refuse...

Van Freaks Roadshow in Washington DC

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you found mice in your toaster, would you ever replace it? Or simply throw it away and live toaster-less for the rest of your life? Would you lick ...

May it Freeze the Quart

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Would you bring a freezer drawer to the local gelateria to maximize your home stock? Christina this is the perfect plan. Her fiance, Charlie, says the...

J'Accruise!

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Stacey loves the reality show BELOW DECK. She says she would be a great stewardess on a luxury super-yacht and on the show. Her friend, Laura, says sh...

TEASER: Members Only Mailbag June 2024

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

June is ending but the Member Mailbag is still going! Judge Hodgman, Bailiff Jesse, and Producer Jennifer discuss a fantasy novel series that has caus...

Friends of Negin

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is it ever ok to take a photo of your friend's butt? Negin Farsad (Fake the Nation, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me) joins the judge's chambers to answer this...

Clear and Present Banger

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Your Song of the Summer 2024: Does it have to be from 2024? Or can it be a song from any year that you, personally, are digging during this summer? Su...

So Help Me Goth or Whatever

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is Christmas more goth than Halloween? Summer says yes. Charlotte says, "Of course it isn't." Who's right? Who's wrong?PASADENA GOTH CLUB tees are ava...

Van Freaks Roadshow in St. Paul

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What do you do when you find a spider in the house? Are bananas ever round? How do you deal with an outdoor cat taunting your indoor cat? Is Duck Duck...

TEASER: Members Only Mailbag May 2024

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As May comes to a close, the J Squad returns with a brand new Members Only Mailbag! In this teaser, you will hear one of many questions that John, Jes...

The Right to a Speedy Denial

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Would you hide a speeding ticket from your spouse? That's what Aram did! He eventually confessed. But he won't tell his wife, Liz, which of their frie...

In Photo Parentis

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Family photos as decor: Only for grandparents? Morgan says yes, but James says no! Who's right? Who's wrong?We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us...

Krispy Kreme and Punishment

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Cutting donuts in half: Yes or no? The answer is tearing a family apart! Steven and sister-in-law Jess say there is nothing worse than a box of donut...

Van Freaks Roadshow in Madison

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is a square-shaped pizza considered pizza? Which part of Madison is the "east side" and which is "north?" Answers to these questions and more on this ...

Star Witnesser

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should Dorin have to join her pianist husband at his post-concert meet and greets? He says yes! She says she feels awkward! Who's right? Who's wrong?H...

Submerger and Acquisitions

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Expert Witness Paul Scheer weighs in: Should Thaddeus invest in new equipment to keep his cold plunge icy? Kelsey says it's not practical! Who's right...

TEASER: Members Only Mailbag April 2024

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Rollicking J Squad is back with monthly bonus episodes! Here's a teaser for our first ever Members Only Mailbag Episode. For access to the entire ...

Property Cousins

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kasey says that he needs to buy a church and a bank. His cousin, Matthew, says that he needs to slow down and make a plan! Who's right? Who's wrong?W...

Court Martial, Martial, Martial!

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is THE BRADY BUNCH a classic sitcom? Robert says, yes of course it is! His friend, Karl says it's just not good enough to be considered classic! Neith...

Juvenile Court With Kurt Braunohler

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kurt Braunohler returns as we re-open Juvenile Court! Dads who gotta dance, siblings, and age minimums for William Friedkin's THE FRENCH CONNECTION!Ca...

Paul F. Topics

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, it's all PAUL F. TOPICS with Paul F. Tompkins! We are so excited to celebrate the second week of MaxFunDrive with him, and clear the docket...

Flush to Judgment

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Trish flushes soup down the toilet! But her friend, Marlow, wants to stop Trish from ever flushing food ever again. Trish says this is a perfectly rea...

TEASER: Kinding Them With Kindness Part 2

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Want to hear some of our new, members-only bonus episode, KINDING THEM WITH KINDNESS PART 2? Good news! Here's a clip. It's #MaxFunDrive! The best ti...

It's Justice Not Cricket

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What is the spirit of cricket? What IS cricket? Nate and Aatif disagree about a controversial move in the game. Who's right? Who's wrong? And who can ...

Van Freaks Roadshow Live in Chicago

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A finger-licking case about licking fingers! Swift Justice disputes about driving, soda on the bedside table, and half-eaten olives! AND Deborah Mille...

Cease and De-List

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler likes to make Top 5 lists about anything and everything. But Abby says his list-making is number one annoying, with a bullet. Who's right? Who's...

Motion to Diss-sis

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Laura says that her older sister, Liz, is a NERD! Liz says that she simply doesn't fit the criteria! Who's right? who's wrong?We are on TikTok and ...

Live From Lexington

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An unopened Christmas present from 1999 and a case about haunted houses with Expert Witness Travis McElroy! LIVE at the Lexington Opera House! First u...

Reading is Fun-Defendant

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How many book clubs are too many book clubs? Emily says she's just trying to keep busy. But her daughter, Hannah, wants her hard-working mom to enjoy ...

Chew Process

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rae brings the case against their mom, Judy. Judy is adamant that you have to eat certain foods in certain orders. But Rae says her mom’s gut instin...

Power Off Attorney

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Marti brings the case against her husband, Andrew. Andrew has created automated systems in their home, controlled by voice commands. Marti HATES IT. A...

Obstruction of Just Ice

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 yea...

Live From Dublin, Ireland

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 De...

Spellcast! The Get Along

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Darniel...

JJHO Office Holiday Party 2023

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 famo...

Clapital Offense

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michele brings the case against her sister, Kristyn. Michele’s husband introduced a new tradition to their family’s Christmas morning. Michelle lo...

Car-edible Witness

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Convection Overturned

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 de...

Personal Gingery Lawyer

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Andrea brings the case against her lifelong friend Jennifer. For years they’ve had a holiday tradition of getting together to bake a gingerbread hou...

No Pun and Shut Case

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

Live From Boston 2023

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Condiment Crimes

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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? Whi...

You Can't Hurdle the Truth

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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’...

Fearing the Shocket

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Better Call Parasol

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Abby files suit against her friend, Aidan. They belong to a secret online group dedicated to complaining about other passengers on the London Undergro...

S'morder in the Court

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Katherine brings the case against her husband, Lee. They like to go camping together. Katherine recently bought a new camping chair. But, Lee says the...

Emotion to Dismiss

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

Live From London 2023

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 like...

Online Beefs With Taylor Lorenz

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 an...

Injunction Junction

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

Case: The Rainbow

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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! Ev...

No-Glow Contendere

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Statute of Lamentations

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

Diss Bard

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ca...

Per-roll Hearing

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 acc...

Criminal Elm-ement

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Marya brings the case against her husband, Clark. Their family found and cared for a Spiny Elm caterpillar in their yard. When they collected neighbor...

Special Prosciutto-cutor

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 aw...

Full Court Press

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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. Ke...

Mandatory Sentencing Guidelines

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

RERUN: Dad Nauseam

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Fight Court

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 h...

The Bicycle Grief

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

The Host with the Most, with Janie Haddad Tompkins

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Live from Los Angeles

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 L...

Persona Non Grata Catch 'Em All

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cameron brings the case against his friend Shooka. When Cameron and Shooka were in college, Cameron was obsessed with Pokémon Go. One day, Cameron wa...

Getting Justice Today

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Dolly Pardon

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Hot, Tubular, Non-Sandwich Beef

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

FlavorHub

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

This Is The Name Of Your Mullet

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 mulle...

Live from SF Sketchfest

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Grudge Match

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

Live from Denver

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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: P...

A Priori Engagement

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tanya brings the case against her husband Thomas. During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Tanya read a news story about wedding venues being bo...

No Legume to Stand On

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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. Th...

Forge Majeure

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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, a...

Kanga and Roo Court

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Butt Money with David Lindsay-Abaire

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 playw...

Live from Portland, OR

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...