Podcasts · Comedy · Society & Culture

Judge John Hodgman

John Hodgman and Maximum Fun

300 episodes

Have your real-life disputes settled in Fake Internet Court! Despite no legal background, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are the arbiters of justice that you need. No case is too big or too small. They judge them all!

More about the show

Is a hot dog a sandwich? When does a collection become a hoard? Is it ever ok to flush soup down a toilet? Only one can decide! Submit your dispute at maximumfun.org/jjho!

Episodes page 4 of 6

  1. Friends of Negin

    · 54 min · Episode 675

    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 dispute and help clear the docket! We are on TikTok and YouTube!…

  2. Clear and Present Banger

    · 55 min · Episode 674

    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? Suni says that the song should be from 2024. Her friend, Christian,…

  3. So Help Me Goth or Whatever

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 673

    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 available at the MaxFunStore NOW! We have both the black and pastel…

  4. Van Freaks Roadshow in St. Paul

    · 59 min · Episode 672

    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 Gray Duck a real game? Rulings on these disputes and more this week…

  5. TEASER: Members Only Mailbag May 2024

    · 2:09 · Bonus

    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, Jesse, and Jennifer discuss. For the full episode, check your members…

  6. The Right to a Speedy Denial

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 671

    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 friends colluded with him to keep it a secret. Liz brings Aram to court…

  7. In Photo Parentis

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 670

    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 on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram…

  8. Krispy Kreme and Punishment

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 669

    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 pieces. Joanna and brother-in-law Owen say that no one should be…

  9. Van Freaks Roadshow in Madison

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 668

    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 episode of Judge John Hodgman! LIVE IN MADISON! With Mr. Minion…

  10. Star Witnesser

    · 1 h 09 min · Episode 667

    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? Here is a video of Hsiang playing "Serpent's Kiss" by William…

  11. Submerger and Acquisitions

    · 1 h 05 min · Episode 666

    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? Who's wrong? Paul Scheer's book JOYFUL RECOLLECTIONS OF TRAUMA is…

  12. TEASER: Members Only Mailbag April 2024

    · 3:31 · Bonus

    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 episode, check your members only bonus content feed! Not yet a…

  13. Property Cousins

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 665

    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? We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both…

  14. Court Martial, Martial, Martial!

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 664

    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! Neither of them will admit defeat. UNTIL TODAY. Who’s right? Who’s wrong?…

  15. Juvenile Court With Kurt Braunohler

    · 58 min · Episode 663

    Kurt Braunohler returns as we re-open Juvenile Court! Dads who gotta dance, siblings, and age minimums for William Friedkin's THE FRENCH CONNECTION! Catch Kurt every week on The Bananas Podcast wherever you get your…

  16. Paul F. Topics

    · 1 h 04 min · Episode 662

    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. Cases about missed live shows, dog friends, hats and style, and…

  17. Flush to Judgment

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 661

    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 reasonable way to dispose of soup! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? We are on…

  18. TEASER: Kinding Them With Kindness Part 2

    · 8:41 · Bonus

    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 time of year to become a new or upgrading member of Maximum Fun! Every…

  19. It's Justice Not Cricket

    · 1 h 08 min · Episode 660

    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 explain how cricket works to this court? With Expert Witness Andy…

  20. Van Freaks Roadshow Live in Chicago

    · 59 min · Episode 659

    A finger-licking case about licking fingers! Swift Justice disputes about driving, soda on the bedside table, and half-eaten olives! AND Deborah Miller from GBH's ANTIQUES ROADSHOW! We are on TikTok and YouTube!…

  21. Cease and De-List

    · 55 min · Episode 658

    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 wrong? We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both…

  22. Motion to Diss-sis

    · 1 h 04 min · Episode 657

    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 YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! And follow us on…

  23. Live From Lexington

    · 50 min · Episode 656

    An unopened Christmas present from 1999 and a case about haunted houses with Expert Witness Travis McElroy! LIVE at the Lexington Opera House! First up is "Wrap Sheet!" Kathy gave her mom, Carol, a Christmas gift in…

  24. Reading is Fun-Defendant

    · 1 h 04 min · Episode 655

    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 her retirement rather than filling it with obligations. Who's right?…

  25. Chew Process

    · 1 h 05 min · Episode 654

    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 instinct is nothing but a bunch of *fart noises*. Who’s right? Who’s wrong?…

  26. Power Off Attorney

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 653

    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,…

  27. Obstruction of Just Ice

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 652

    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…

  28. Live From Dublin, Ireland

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 651

    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,…

  29. Spellcast! The Get Along

    · 58 min · Episode 650

    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…

  30. JJHO Office Holiday Party 2023

    · 1 h 21 min · Episode 649

    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…

  31. Clapital Offense

    · 57 min · Episode 648

    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…

  32. Car-edible Witness

    · 52 min · Episode 647

    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?…

  33. Convection Overturned

    · 53 min · Episode 646

    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…

  34. Personal Gingery Lawyer

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 645

    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…

  35. No Pun and Shut Case

    · 56 min · Episode 644

    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?…

  36. Live From Boston 2023

    · 59 min · Episode 643

    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…

  37. Condiment Crimes

    · 59 min · Episode 642

    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…

  38. You Can't Hurdle the Truth

    · 52 min · Episode 641

    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…

  39. Fearing the Shocket

    · 59 min · Episode 640

    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…

  40. Better Call Parasol

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 639

    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…

  41. S'morder in the Court

    · 59 min · Episode 638

    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!…

  42. Emotion to Dismiss

    · 56 min · Episode 637

    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…

  43. Live From London 2023

    · 1 h 11 min · Episode 636

    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…

  44. Online Beefs With Taylor Lorenz

    · 57 min · Episode 635

    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,…

  45. Injunction Junction

    · 59 min · Episode 634

    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…

  46. Case: The Rainbow

    · 1 h 07 min · Episode 633

    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!…

  47. No-Glow Contendere

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 632

    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…

  48. Statute of Lamentations

    · 1 h 05 min · Episode 631

    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…

  49. Diss Bard

    · 1 h 08 min · Episode 630

    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…

  50. Per-roll Hearing

    · 1 h 09 min · Episode 629

    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…

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