Judge John Hodgman

Judge John Hodgman doesn't give advice on our show. He delivers justice. But in the Members Only Mailbag? All the advice our members desire!

YIPPEE KIYAY, Judge John Lovers! A case about the movie DIE HARD. And NO, it’s not about whether or not DIE HARD is a Christmas movie!

Are 12-foot skeletons played out? What makes a good Halloween costume? Are all scary movies fair game for Halloween movie nights? With guest Jordan Morris!

Is Hearst Castle good? Is nostalgia for local tv commercials ok? All this and more! PLUS a never-before-heard chat with Jamie Loftus about vegan hot dogs!

Should Gen Z listen to more jazz? Tired of the one Android user in your group chat? All this and more as we clear the docket!

Steve likes to give the dogs kibble as a treat on walks. Abbey says the extra kibble is making the dogs too chonky. She wants him to give peas a chance!

A new Members Only Mailbag episode! Here's a little bit from the full episode. For the rest, join Maximum Fun at maximumfun.org/joinjjho.

It’s time to clear the docket with a BRAND NEW GAVEL! Beautifully crafted at Offerman Woodshop, it’s the ideal accessory to dispense Fake Internet Justice!

Are shrimp pets? Sam says his shrimp aren’t pets because they are there to clean the fish tank. But Leora says they are pets!

Dustin agreed to watch Gilmore Girls with Erin if she reads Wheel of Time. Ten years later, Dustin is all in on Stars Hollow, but Erin hasn’t read the book!

Casey is tired of Sean’s baseball game antics! Sean says that he's well within his rights to bring his own hot dogs or lie about his ticket for special beer!

We have the Hot Dog Expert of all Hot Dog Experts in chambers with us to clear an ALL-HOT DOG DOCKET! That's right, we got JAMIE LOFTUS!

What is the best way to ripen a tomato? On the vine or picked early and finished in a paper bag? Married couple Gina and Jay disagree!

It's time to go back to school! With Judge John Hodgman!

Dan says his fiancée, Elissa, sleeps poorly and that her bedtime laptop use is to blame! But she says playing video games on her laptop HELPS her sleep!

If you could have your own in-home massage chair, would you get one? Or are they just too impractical?

If you win "Best Feature" at a film festival, but the festival doesn't give you a trophy, can you make your own trophy? Or is that too cringe?

VROOM VROOM! Buckle your seatbelts and pile in our station wagon, because this week’s episode is all about ROAD TRIPS!

Andie is tired of James leaving breakable items in peril! James argues that saving a plate from crashing to the floor is the ULTIMATE thrill. Who's right?

It's summertime and we are opening the mailbag! Some of our greatest hits from the Members Only Mailbag, for all!

It’s the Members Only May Mailbag! This month: the science of moving with a moving truck, cross-country tandem bike rides, and much more!

When a Jewish holiday falls in the middle of the week, Marc wants to host the family on a Saturday night instead. But his wife, Marianne, says it's not kosher!

We are excited to share our visit with Al Otro Lado in Tijuana. They do life-saving work for immigrants, refugees, and deportees on both sides of the border.

Seatbelts? Check! Dogs secured? Check! A kiss for safety? Not so fast! Should a couple bring back their long-abandoned “safety kiss” on the road?

Is Butter Pecan ice cream for old people? Or is it a flavor for all ages? It's time to clear the docket of all your coldest Ice Cream Queries.

Dying to see Judge John Hodgman live? We have the episode for you! We’re flashing it back to our live show, ROAD COURT in Los Angeles.

It's time for the May Members Only Mailbag! Best nostalgic local TV commercials, the correct way to organize bookshelves with a partner, go-to summer jams and so much more!

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?

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are clearing the docket this week with guest star Rachel Reid, author of the Game Changers romance novel series that spawned the viral television sensation, HEATED RIVALRY! What’s a better trope, friends to lovers or enemies to lovers? What’s the weirdest romance-novel trope she’s ever read? And what’s a good entry-level romance novel to convince your judgemental book group?

Ben and Grayson have a weekly movie night with their friend group. When the movie ends, the group watches odd videos they discover on the internet. This extra viewing has led both Ben and Grayson down a public television rabbit hole. Ben found the Pennsylvania public television game show THE PENNSYLVANIA GAME. He says it’s a perfect public television quiz show. But, Grayson says the game play in the Keystone State is weak. The Maine PBS show SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW MAINE is a much better game show. Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

Is giving a "bouquet of asparagus" the same as giving a bouquet of flowers? How much screen time is too much on a flight? Is quiche good?

Lauren is serious about getting her steps in. When it's too cold to walk outside, she does laps in the house. Lex says she is driving the family nuts!

Popcorns, Crunchie Munchies, and PEANUT BUTTER MUNCHIES! What was good? What was a nightmare? Here’s a taste of our all-munchies bonus episode!

Blair and Kristen love to camp. Kristen says Blair's beloved canvas tent is too cumbersome! She'd like to try a nylon tent. But Blair will NOT sleep in nylon!

It's MaxFunDrive. And here, for the first time, we give you an exclusive look (well, listen) at the craft of podcasting: presenting Casters on Casters. Jesse Thorn and Judge John Hodgman know a thing or two about podcasting, and in this very important podcasting event, they reveal ALL the tricks of the trade. They're joined by podcasting veterans Stuart Wellington & Dan McCoy (The Flop House). It goes without saying these four gentlemen have a very funny, and delightful, conversation. But they also get vulnerable. What does that mean? You'll have to listen to find out! If this glamorous, in-depth journey into what makes your favorite hosts tick inspires you, support them by joining as a member at maximumfun.org/join. Edited by Marissa Flaxbart and Produced by Jennifer Marmor for Maximum Fun.

It's time to clear the docket! Is your husband allowed to text you during the workday? Is your sister lying about a honeydew allergy? What is the correct number of lamps? All this and much more, including the best diss we ever heard yelled at a parade.

One house, one property owner, two side-by-side units. Should the family that owns the house install a door inside between the two units?

David sets a phone alarm for all of his tasks. Not a reminder. An alarm. In the clock app. His sister and coworker, Lisa, is tired of hearing these alarms!

It's time for the March Members Only Mailbag! What is the deal with carbonated lemonade?! For the full episode, check out the members-only bonus content feed!

Is avoiding aggressive, competitive board game play actually the key to a healthy relationship? Only one can decide!

So your adult child is lore dumping about X-MEN. You love your kid, but you can't care this much about these mutants. What should you do? Only one can decide!

If you sent us a case about Pokémon Go in 2016, stay in line! We attempt to clear the docket of some of our oldest, unanswered disputes.

Baseball and softball. Brooke says they are essentially the same game. Her coworker Mike disagrees. Who's right?

When is it too late to hang a sheet of drywall real quick? All this and more in this month's members-only mailbag episode!

Andy says he and his fiancé Monét X Change have an adorable meet-cute story. But Monét says that this meet-cute is meet-fake: it DIDN’T HAPPEN. Who's right?

Michele and Nate are living a life free of children, and full of vehicles and pets. Michele says they should embrace pet maximalism. Nate's not sure about it.

Stephanie wants Brandon to admit that she’s lived in 11 states, damnit, and not deny her lived experience!

Breathe Right Strips, pie recipes, Benihana, and a GUILLOTINE? Only at a JJHo live show!

A dispute between spouses about a Fantasy Football trade that has already happened! What is there to adjudicate? Listen now and find out!

We’ve got some leftovers from the holidays. Let’s pull them out of the fridge and answer them once and for all!

Annie says her friend, David, is withholding a point from her in their SURVIVOR Fantasy League. David says she doesn’t deserve the point!

Does miming make for good podcasting? Walter thinks it might! Eileen is happy for any silence from Walter. She says he talks too much!

It’s the MOST, wonderful tiiiime of the year: when the J Squad tries your…favorite? Classic? UNREPEATABLE, jiggly family holiday recipes!

Which bodily functions make “fun” noises? The J Squad discusses this and much more in the last Members Only Mailbag of 2025!

It's time to clear the docket and offer some SNACK JUDGMENTS! Who better to offer expertise than Michael Ian Black and Tom Cavanagh of MIKE AND TOM EAT SNACKS!

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.

Holly's mom, Joelle, can't tell a story about her day-to-day without dissolving into laughter. Joelle says she can't help it! Holly says STOP LAUGHING!

Are you a Bronze Hotdog or a Scrooge? Does A CHRISTMAS CAROL have too many ghosts?

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.

The holiday season has officially begun. The J Squad is celebrating by opening the Members Only Mailbag and spreading some rollicking cheer!

We are back at San Francisco Sketchfest! A case about a chest freezer, a classic Groundhog Day time loop, and a dispute about Jimmy Buffett Trivia!

Is ketchup good on French Toast? Nick Offerman is here to help clear the docket and answer this important question!

Did you know there's a subreddit for people who like to pee in their sinks? Of course there is. The J Squad discusses it in the latest Members Only episode!

Mike won't let his daughter, Genevieve, pay for him when they go out. But she wants to pick up the tab!

Greg and Melinda live on a sailing catamaran. Melinda wants to learn how to fish. But Greg says fishing is boring and gross!

Talking about poop at parties? Are all ketchups the same? When a kid goes to college, what should their parents do with their life-sized Oscar Isaac cutout?

Brent says his wife, Maite, is playing 20 Questions wrong. But Maite says that Brent's gameplay is too basic!

Tyler wants his wife, Abby, to keep all 450+ of his movies after he dies. But she’s not a movie person!

What is the best name for a curling broom? What about the best way to cut a sandwich in half? Answers to these questions and more, recorded LIVE IN VANCOUVER!

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.

Chris loves to tell the same joke to his group of friends. But his friend, Colton, is TIRED OF IT.

Fall is nearly here and it’s time to clear the docket! This week, we are talking to Kenji López-Alt and Deb Perelman about COMFORT FOODS!

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!

Is CASINO ROYALE starring Daniel Craig a remake of the CASINO ROYALE from the 60s? A married couple disagrees! With Expert Witness Matt Gourley!

Is the Demon of Hatred from the video game Sekiro an ape or no? The J Squad unpacks this and more!

Do you think you could fight a shark and win? Jessica thinks she can do it!

It's time to clear the docket, and Chuck Bryant (Stuff You Should Know) returns to the Court to help.

Does potty humor belong on the menu for a kid's birthday? Erin says no. But her husband, Bill, says calling the fruit punch "Dragon Pee" is hilarious!

Adrian is clumsy. His wife, Lisa, wants him to be more careful! Or at least for him to stop sending her photos of himself with bloody wounds!

You know those green signs with a figure reminding drivers to slow down? Is this figure a child or a turtle? Kaelyn and Adam disagree!

Do you take off your shoes when you come home? Jesse has a system! Is he a monster?

It's time to clear the docket and Friend of the Court Janet Varney is here to help us! Cases on butt pics, assigned seating, and more!

Colin and Nik play poker every month. Nik remembers playing poker with Colin’s coworker, Joey. Colin says Joey has never been to poker night! Who's right?

Alex loves waking up to the sunlight. His wife, Kim, doesn't want anyone to see inside the house! She wants to install blinds, but Alex is opposed.

JJHo Presents: Jordan Jesse Go! Bailiff Jesse Thorn's other comedy podcast that he hosts with Jordan Morris! Here, they talk to the hilarious Jason Mantzoukas!

Perry Von Vicious wants to meet his wrestling buddy Delmi Exo in a singles match just once before he retires. But Delmi refuses to fight! Who's right? Who's wrong?

A neighbor has been calling your dog by the wrong name. You never corrected him. It's been years. Should you let him know your dog's actual name?

Brandon says that sauce is one of his major food groups. His wife, Jacqueline says the sauces take up too much fridge space! She wants to put away groceries without playing fridge Tetris. But Brandon just loves sauce! Who's right?

Mike wears the same cargo pants every day! He says one pair is all he needs. Gabby says a person needs at least 2 pairs of pants. It’s science.

Is a stranger's persimmon tree fair to pick? Or is it FORBIDDEN FRUIT? A couple disagrees and one of them believes they are owed some persimmons!

Andrew loves his large television but Rachel hates it. She begged him to leave the behemoth behind before moving in together. However it’s now the main TV!

Are the Hartford Whalers actually extinct? Or is Judge Hodgman wrong for referring to them in that way?

What should you do if the food at the neighborhood potluck is BAD? Plus cases about shorts in the winter, TV volume, and washing car mats in the dishwasher! All recorded LIVE at St. Paul, MN's beautiful Fitzgerald Theater!

Are you at Costco first thing in the morning? If you are browsing a store with no intention to buy anything, does that still count as shopping? What are the unspoken rules with regards to grocery store shopping? All this and more shopping-related cases as Judge John Hodgman clears the docket!

Susan says that her art historian husband, David, is too obsessed with an artist he's studying. She wants him to stop buying paintings!

Hayley can’t wait to move in with Natasha this summer. But Hayley wants to limit how many books Natasha can bring to their new place. Specifically, Hayley wants to set the limit at… ZERO BOOKS.

Beth says that her friend, Aaron, works too hard to "optimize" board gameplay." It's just NO FUN, says Beth! But Aaron says that identifying systems IS fun!

The new episode of the Members Only Mailbag is in the members-only bonus feed! This month, the J Squad is talking about an airport dog for some reason.

Lauren loved playing the piano as a child and regrets quitting. She wants to get a piano and start playing again. But John says pianos are too big and too loud. He thinks she should get a keyboard instead. Then Lauren can play in total silence with headphones on. This makes Lauren sad! Who's right? Who's wrong?