Judge John Hodgman

Live from Seattle

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 bring...

Live from Port Townsend, WA

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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: A...

Acting in Bat Faith

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 c...

Blob Babies

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Tipping, packing, baby-shushing, exercise nomenclature, and much more! Plus, Kayleigh from episode 426: Blob Justice wr...

Misdenomer

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 be...

Family Feuds

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 "...

Meld in Contempt

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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’...

The Egg, The Nog and the Holy Sprite (RERUN)

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Content Warning: This episode is entirely about eating and drinking various foods, including some alcoholic beverages. There is a brief description of...

Filing For Skankruptcy

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chris brings the case against his friend and bandmate, Nat. Chris would like to incorporate some ska music into their band’s repertoire, but Nat is ...

Case Sera, Sera

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gillian brings the case against her friend, Courtney. Sometimes Gillian will say that something was “meant to be.” Courtney bristles at this idea....

Sing the Wall Song

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! It's another edition of JUVENILE COURT with Guest Judge Oscar Thorn (age 9). Time travel artifacts, parents singing in ...

Plea Cute

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jonathon brings the case against his wife, Kat. Jonathon believes that their first date was a post-class lunch in their college’s cafeteria. But, Ka...

Hodgman's Desiccation Declaration

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! With the holiday season in full swing, we are tackling LEFTOVERS. What should one do with leftover Halloween candy? Are...

Jawn Order

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel files suit against her parents, Rex and Patty. Rex insists that Patty pronounce certain words with a proper Philadelphia accent, and Patty goes...

Homer Confinement

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tamar brings the case against her husband, Aslan. Aslan reads Homer’s The Odyssey to their three year old child at bedtime. Tamar claims that this b...

Crust-ody Hearing

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lilarose brings the case against her brother, Kumar. They disagree on the best method of making a pie crust. Lilarose believes it’s important to kee...

Judge of the Darned

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Spooky Season is here! We are in chambers this week to clear the docket and it's all Halloween! We talk about costumes, trick-or-treating, scaring kid...

Birthday B.S. Corpus

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brandi files suit against her husband, Greg. Greg’s birthday falls in August, but he would like to change it to October 17th. She wants to be able t...

Bad News, Heirs

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dan brings the case against his wife, Emily. When their kids are already in a bad mood, Dan believes this is a good time to deliver a piece of news th...

Persona Non Carta

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Steven brings the case against his wife, Carrie. Steven wants to take a family photo for a Christmas card. But, he wants to include a total stranger i...

Habeas Cropus

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Alan brings the case against his wife, Tawni. Tawni has accumulated a lot of plants in their apartment. She says that some of the plants need to have ...

The Deceitful Dish

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to clear the docket! Monte Belmonte and Joel Mann are back again to squeeze in one last summertime fun time! Disputes about oyster sauce...

Trivial Lawsuit

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Becky files suit against her brother, Andrew. Sixteen years ago, they had a dispute over the correct answer in a game of Trivial Pursuit. Becky says t...

New England Style Justice Chowder

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Bailiff Jesse Thorn has the week off. Monte Belmonte and Joel Mann join Judge Hodgman to dispense New England Style Jus...

Scheduled For Adrainment

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Karen brings the case against her husband, Matt. Part of their property has a pasture that slopes downward. This creates a low spot that fills with a ...

Fast Juice and Air Cured Beef

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time again to clear the docket. This week we are also returning to Juvenile Court! Cases from kids about embarrassing dads, pigeons, knuckle crac...

Death Cab or Sue Me

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Louisa brings the case against their sister, Josie. Josie has a huge box she would like to paint to look like the Skeleton Cab from HALLOWEENTOWN. But...

Subarule of Law

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sophie brings the case against her husband, John. John would like to get a Subaru Baja. But Sophie is worried that his dream car includes a manual tra...

Marbits and a Mayo Knife

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn discuss the proper way to eat Lucky Charms, communal baked goods, adding ber...

Live From Lincoln Center's Summer for the City

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode was recorded live in front of an audience at Lincoln Center's Summer for the City! We first hear the case, "Solstice Delayed is So...

Big Gondola Guy

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket. This week, our vehicle expert River Butcher joins us to discuss things that go! Cars, gondolas, and funiculars!  Click...

Pico de Trial

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew brings the case against his wife, Marilyn. Marilyn is entering a salsa competition at her work. When Andrew noticed her browsing the internet f...

Top Golf Mansion

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket with Guest Bailiff Jean Grae! Jean and Judge Hodgman discuss beans on display, grammar correcting, Top Golf competition,...

Hearspray

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kate and Richard bought their house a few years ago and have been spending a lot of time fixing it up. Kate believes that a paint sprayer will solve a...

All Weirdsies With Linda Holmes

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Linda Holmes (NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour), The Court's expert on Little Weirdsies, returns to help clear the weirdsiest docket we could pull togethe...

Numerical Order in the Court

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sabine thinks she can count to one million. Her husband, Cameron, says there's no way she can do it! Who's right? Who's wrong?Thank you to Twitter Use...

Snap Judgment

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Eman brings the case against his wife, Cassie. When Cassie turned 38, Eman helped her with a photoshoot. She asked him to edit the photos in photoshop...

Into The Ralphaverse

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As the school year comes to an end all around the USA, so does Prom Season. We bring in Prom and school dance expert Jordan Morris (BUBBLE, Jordan, Je...

My Legal Pony (RERUN)

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are revisiting an episode deep in the archives, fan favorite MY LEGAL PONY! Nancy brings the case against her friend Becky. They are both...

Skip The Almonds, Flush The Toilet

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Does one eat or drink soup? Should someone tell their student they look like Judge Hodgman? We rule on these disputes a...

Huzzah the Ringer!

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Huzzah! Our docket is full of Dungeons & Dragons disputes so we called upon D&D Expert Griffin McElroy (The Adventure Zone) to help us clear it! Judge...

Pleat Bargain

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ann-Elizabeth files suit against her wife, Tiffany. Ann-Elizabeth says that she doesn’t cook because she finds it too overwhelming. Tiffany says tha...

Sue Chef

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nathalie brings the case against her sister, Juliana. When they lived together last winter, they came up with a leftovers cooking challenge in order t...

Mulch and Bison

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! As we venture out into the world a bit more, how should we be dressing? What makes a men's sandal a "dad sandal?" If on...

The Duality of Jean

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Guest Bailiff Jean Grae returns to The Court to clear the docket! Spring is here. We've got (spring) cleaning disputes, cases about flowers, and seaso...

Class Bee Spellony

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kendall brings the case against her husband, Dave. They share a New York Times Games account and cannot figure out how to play the Spelling Bee game t...

Hot Bread

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! This week, Friend of the Court J. Kenji López-Alt joins us to talk about his new book, The Wok, and to help with cooki...

The Thank You Light

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn discuss Sequim, WA, Grape Nuts and eggs, car communication features, dollops...

Request For Ex-Tradition

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kyle files suit against his friend Brian. Sometime in college, Brian began a yearly tradition called “I Blame Kyle Day.” Now, 12 years later, Kyle...

Pup-Lick Defender

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Annie files suit against her husband, Jeremy. When Jeremy does the dishes, he allows the family dog to lick plates and pots before continuing the clea...

David Rees is Like the Wind

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Friend of the Court David Rees (Election Profit Makers, Going Deep With David Rees) joins Judge Hodgman this week to clear the docket. They talk about...

Suing For Soul Custody

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Elena brings the case against her husband, Jason. Jason would like to sell his soul on a blockchain. But Elena thinks that this is a terrible idea! Wh...

Potable Cause

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah brings the case against her sister, Amy. Amy says that she can taste the difference between water that has come from the bathroom tap and water ...

Juvenile Court Returns Again!

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's a special day in the Court of Judge John Hodgman! Guest Judge Oscar Thorn (age 8) joins us as we return to Juvenile Court! We clear the docket of...

Hampering With the Evidence

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katherine would like to pack for short trips in a laundry basket. But her husband, Andy, says it’s not practical! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Judg...

Dr. Goofus and Mr. Gallant

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Eye-open kissing, the John-Claude Van Damme movie HARD TARGET, tacos, walking your mom to her car at night, 20 question...

Inside the Green Monster

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Cases about lock picking, drought resistant beans, memes, toe tapping, and cut plants.  Judge John Hodgman is member-s...

A Chime For All Seasons

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Foot powders, shower plungers, winter windchimes, Blink 182, TMI at restaurants, and an update from Rudy on Big Toad Ro...

Rashomom (RERUN)

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we are revising RASHOMOM! A Judge John Hodgman Classic that originally ran nearly ten years ago! Rebekah, her mother Denise and grandmother...

The Egg, The Nog, and The Holy Sprite

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Content Warning: This episode is entirely about eating and drinking various foods. There is live consumption of an alcoholic cocktail, and accompanyin...

Eating In A-Bed-Ing

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Content Warning: This week's episode is about the relationship between food and feelings. While the episode is fun and friendly, this could be a subje...

Gruel and Unusual Punishment

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Aubrey files suit against her husband, Chris. Aubrey wants to continue a family Christmas Morning tradition involving Cream of Wheat, an almond, and l...

Cuddle Formation

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Gen X vs Zoomer text etiquette, cat names, backpack strap location, Jimmy Fallon, and jacket trades gone wrong. Plus we...

Judge, Jury, And Extra-Cushions-For-Her

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Myles files suit against his wife, Isabel. Myles says that Isabel’s graduate school work takes up too much space in the living room. But, Isabel say...

Trialceratops

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Keil files suit against his brother, Aaron, over a bet they made during their childhood. The Jurassic Park tagline is, “An Adventure 65 Million Year...

The Veil of Honor

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! When should one change the lint filter (aka lint screen)? Are raisins good? Should we be compelled to apologize for eve...

Not Today, Satanbot

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Stinky jeans, spaghetti sauce, meal beverages, metal inspired karaoke performances, and much more! Judge John Hodgman i...

Fancy Ducks vs Fancy Geese

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Bed time, snacking cheese cutting, fancy ducks and geese, dolphin butts, cats sleeping in closets, and much more! Plus ...

Spooky Day, Spooky Night

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Wearing sleep shorts out of the house, Christmas cookie types, bringing outside produce into restaurants, loud typing, ...

Fright Court

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jessie files suit against her husband Carter. Carter says he grew up in a haunted house. But Jessie doesn’t believe him! Who's right? Who's wrong?Th...

Auntie Anne-icus Brief

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Hal host the Maximum Fun show WE GOT THIS, wherein they settle small debates. In 2018, they attempted to decide the Best Pretzel Shape but ca...

Preliminary Herring

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kareena brings the case against her husband, Ian. The two of them would like to get a fish tank for their home. When they agreed on this, Kareena had ...

Double In-Dented-Ty

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we hear a dispute between two comedy writers: Andy Wood (Bridgetown Comedy Festival, Probably Science podcast) and Chip Pope (LOPEZ, It Hap...

Live Dangerously, Look Terribly

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Beard stubble, shower hair, Friendsgiving, sleeping while listening to podcasts, the difference between SUVs and trucks...

Live Upside Down or Die

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Summertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte joins Judge John Hodgman in saying goodbye to his New England Summer. It's the Judge's last day in his...

Mr. G & Professor K

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Mom jokes, room names, grungy jackets, family group texts, garden tending, and much more! Judge John Hodgman is member-...

The Return of Juvenile Court

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket and this week we are bringing back JUVENILE COURT! Disputes (mostly) from kids! Book care, door locks, pet hedgehogs, pe...

The Motion is Cary Granted

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Film Fanatic Rick files suit against his wife, Nikki. Rick saves his Golden Age film viewing for his own time because Nikki is usually not interested....

Maine Hospitality

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We are clearing the docket this week! Forest walking, Christmas related small talk, egg placement, condiments, and more!TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW for ou...

Sweet Corn Season

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We are clearing the docket this week! Corn buttering, spider removal, microwave etiquette, beer gardens, and much more!TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW for our...

Hubble Jeopardy

04 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kathryn files suit against her friend, Jerome. Jerome commissioned Kathryn to paint large scale panels inspired by the Hubble telescope photos. She di...

The Full Micky

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Time to clear the docket! Disputes about accepting rent from your parents, chocolate covered pretzels, classic movies, morning text message etiquette,...

What Else Is There to Do?

21 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Time to clear that docket! Eyedrops in public, watching the Tour de France, mystery dog poop bags, gift card use, communal bookshelves, and much more!...

Right to a Fair Earring

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ben files suit against his friend and writing partner, Graham. The two of them agreed that if they were not hired on a writing staff by the end of 202...

Might As Well Judge (Rerun)

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Big thanks to John Darnielle for his expertise on this week’s episode! The Mountain Goats' latest album "Dark in Here" is OUT NOW on Merge Records. ...

Citation For Glittering

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rudy, of RUDY'S PLACE, returns to Judge John Hodgman's court and brings his wife, Mary, with him! Rudy can’t stand glitter. He says that Mary keeps ...

Docket Deep Cuts

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We are going back to the beginning of the JJHo inbox to find some DOCKET DEEP CUTS! Cases from 2010! The best fast food burgers, cats looking for milk...

Hot Drink Legend

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Clearing the docket! Ordering tea at a beer garden, sending your published book to a literary idol, nicknames, artificial plants, and the return of ou...

The Mighty Eagle of Mid-Tier Comedy Performers

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Time to clear the docket! Answering your door to unexpected visitors, lotion hands attacks, naming a camper, fresh air, pronouncing the word "album" d...

The Party Kitchen

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! How does a pile of lettuce become a salad? Plus, kitchen congregating, tapping dirty spoons on another person's face, c...

Coke or Grain

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse talk about wedding gifts, computer voices, splitting burritos, the Godfather theme, plu...

There's an APPellate Court For That

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Patrick brings the case against his dad, Rudy. Rudy says he has a billion dollar idea for an app. Patrick says this app will never work! Who’s right...

Amicus Beef

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Casey files suit against his friend, Sean. They go to baseball games together a lot. Casey says that Sean’s antics at the games cause great stress. ...

Shootin' the Bries - Episode 2

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're right in the middle of the Max Fun Drive!  Right now is the best time to support all of the Max Fun podcasts you love by starting a monthly mem...

May it Please Descartes

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

KLAXON! It's the MaxFunDrive! The best time of year to show your support for what we do. Join us at MaximumFun.org/join! Drea brings the case against...

Peter Piper's Prerogative

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to clear the docket! Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse talk about post-pandemic hugging, child-free adults dining at kids' pizza restaurants...

This Illustrated Man

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to clear the docket! Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse talk about tattoos, chalkboards, dinner time, bad neighbors, jungle cats, and more! Plu...

A Donut of One's Own

14 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bailiff Jesse Thorn is out this week so Guest Bailiff (or new judge?) Josh Gondelman fills in! He and Judge Hodgman talk about shortcuts, donuts, fant...

What Half Man Wrought

07 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn clear the docket! They talk about Jeopardy, a joke from the movie Trading Places, stops on road trips, and ...

Litter Crime

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers to clear the docket. They discuss the rules of Rock, Paper, Scissors, Appalachian turns of ...