Synopsis
John Hodgman's Today in the Past podcast is now The Judge John Hodgman Podcast. Have your pressing issues decided by Famous Minor Television Personality John Hodgman, Certified Judge. If you'd like John Hodgman to solve your pressing issue, simply email it, along with your phone number, to hodgman@maximumfun.org. THAT IS ALL.
Episodes
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Criminal In Tent
22/04/2026 Duration: 01h24minKLAXON! KLAXON! It's the MaxFunDrive! The best time of year for you to become a Maximum Fun member! Memberships start at just $5 a month, which gives you access to our entire library of bonus content. Our special MFD bonus episode this year is "Judge John Hodgman Gets the Munchies!" We tried some of our audience's favorite, if not creative and shocking, munchies. But, if we get 350 NEW members by the end of Friday, 4/24, John, Jesse, and Jennifer will eat one munchie that was too scary for us to contemplate: A Peanut Butter and Spicy Tuna sandwich. Join us now at maximumfun.org/joinjjho! And if you are already a member, THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO KEEP JJHO GOING! Blair and Kristen love to go camping in all of Utah's national parks. Blair will only use his special canvas tent. Kristen says his tent is lovely but it's too cumbersome. She wants to add a lightweight nylon tent to the rotation. But Blair says NO to nylon! He says it’s his tent or he’s going to TAKE A HIKE! Who's right? Who's wrong? Have a disput
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Casters on Casters: John Hodgman, Dan McCoy, Jesse Thorn, and Stuart Wellington
20/04/2026 Duration: 28minIt'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. 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!
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Captain Do Not Disturb
15/04/2026 Duration: 56minIt'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. Have a dispute that you can’t settle? Are you a hockey lover, a book-tok lover, or just…a lover in general? We are gathering your most HEATED Rivalries slash disputes for a very special upcoming episode. We’ll pass judgment on everything from hockey etiquette to your favorite literary smut (said with support and affection)! Submit your cases directly to the court at: maximumfun.org/jjho 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!
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Requesting an Immediate Hinge Junction
08/04/2026 Duration: 01h10minStephanie brings the case against her husband, Lee. They live in one half of a duplex. It’s a side-by-side, two-family home in New Orleans that’s been in Lee’s family since the 70s. The other side is used by Lee’s mother and other relatives. Stephanie says it’s inconvenient to go outside from one unit to the other. She yearns for a door inside, connecting the two halves. But Lee says KEEP DREAMING. He says Stephanie's idea is ridiculous. He wants to close the non-adjoining door on the topic forever. Who's right? Who's wrong? Thanks to reddit user u/kadendoo for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at reddit.com/r/maximumfun! Have a dispute that you can’t settle? No dispute is too small for the honorable Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn! Submit your cases directly to the court at: maximumfun.org/jjho Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes, discounts on our merch, and more by joinin
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Pain and Suffer Ring
01/04/2026 Duration: 01h10minDavid 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! They are too disruptive. She wants him to write out a to-do list instead. But David says his system is already perfect! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Watch Lisa and David's videos about Lisa's organization, David's babysitter instructions, and other workplace sketches at youtube.com/@McDivittLaw. You have just a couple more days to order the “And I’m Gay” t-shirt from the episode JUGGERNAUT, LEST YE BE JUDGED! It's available in heather purple, off white, or in the form of an adorable ringer tee! With gorgeous art by Sonny Ross, this shirt is available for a limited time! You have until April 3 so get over to MaxFunStore.com now! Thanks to reddit user u/SJHamilton43 for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at reddit.com/r/maximumfun! Have a dispute that you can’t settle? No dispute is too sma
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TEASER: Members Only Mailbag March 2026
30/03/2026 Duration: 07minIt's time for the March Members Only Mailbag! What is the deal with carbonated lemonade?! Is it acceptable to serve at a party? Or should the host be more concerned with non-carbonated beverages for people who don't like bubbles? This and much more in the mailbag! For the full episode, check out the members-only bonus content 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. Thank you to all of our members for keeping this show going! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes, discounts on our merch, and more by joining us at: maximumfun.org/join!
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Power of My Turny
25/03/2026 Duration: 01h07minGarrett and Kara like to play board games together. Early in their relationship, they agreed to one rule: They will not harm each other’s gameplay. This way, they can keep their game nights relaxed and friendly. Kara, a former Texan, wants to spice things up a bit by going back to a more aggressive form of play. Garrett, a conflict-avoidant midwesterner, is worried that competition will ruin their good time! Is Kara actually a sore loser, or is Garrett afraid of what might happen when he unleashes his inner beast? Our "And I'm Gay" t-shirt is STILL AVAILABLE! Don't know what that means? Listen to last week's episode, JUGGERNAUT, LEST YE BE JUDGED, and fall in love with litigants Patty and Cordelia like we did. Then buy the shirt commemorating Patty’s stunning poem, “The sky is blue / the grass is green / I love X-MEN / and I’m gay.” With gorgeous art by Sonny Ross, this shirt is available for a limited time! You have until April 3 so get over to MaxFunStore.com now! Thanks to reddit user u/Halfloaf for naming
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Juggernaut, Lest Ye Be Judged
18/03/2026 Duration: 01h05minPatty loves the X-MEN. A lot. His mom, Cordelia, says that Patty turns every conversation into an X-MEN “lore dump.” She wants him to scale back on the X-MEN chat. But he wants to be understood! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? We did it. We made a T-shirt in honor of Patty's stunning poem, "The sky is blue / the grass is green / I love X-MEN / and I'm gay." With gorgeous art by Sonny Ross, this shirt is available for a limited time! You have until April 3 to get this tee for yourself or the queer, Marvel-loving person in your life! Get it now at MaxFunStore.com! Thanks to reddit user u/Admirable_Cook_5193 for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at reddit.com/r/maximumfun! Have a dispute that you can’t settle? About Sloppy Joes or any other sandwiches? No dispute is too small for the honorable Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn! Submit your cases directly to the court at: maximumfun.org/jjho Follow Judge John Hodgman on: YouTube: @judgejo
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Justice Delayed
11/03/2026 Duration: 01h01minIf you sent us a case about Pokémon Go in 2016, stay in line! You know the saying, "Justice delayed is justice denied." We attempt to clear the docket of some of our oldest, unanswered disputes. Should you go to a second restaurant for a separate dessert? Is it okay to want to be buried in a Fiat? Is teaching your children a secret family language fun or annoying? And, of course: should your girlfriend be ordered to come out and play Pokémon Go? If you spot yourself in these queries, PLEASE let us know how they played out, and come with us back…to the future! Have a dispute that you can’t settle? No dispute is too small for the honorable Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn! Submit your cases directly to the court at: maximumfun.org/jjho Follow Judge John Hodgman on: YouTube: @judgejohnhodgmanpod Instagram: @judgejohnhodgman TikTok: @judgejohnhodgmanpod Bluesky: @judgejohnhodgman Reddit: r/maximumfun Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and humanitarian ai
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Suing, and a Mistrial
04/03/2026 Duration: 01h14minMike brings the case against his coworker Brooke. Brooke wants to play baseball with her colleagues in a casual, recreational setting. She would love Mike to be part of this group. But he won’t step foot on the field unless it’s a softball field. Brooke says baseball and softball are essentially the same game! Just play ball! But, Mike strongly disagrees. For Mike's full, unedited presentation, click here. BROOKLYN! See you this weekend at the Bell House for NIGHT COURT! Get your tickets here: Friday, March 6, Saturday, March 7 Thanks to reddit user u/banjo_solo for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at reddit.com/r/maximumfun! Follow Judge John Hodgman on: YouTube: @judgejohnhodgmanpod Instagram: @judgejohnhodgman TikTok: @judgejohnhodgmanpod Bluesky: @judgejohnhodgman Reddit: r/maximumfun Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and humanitarian aid to refugees, deportees, and other migrants
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TEASER: Members Only Mailbag February 2026
28/02/2026 Duration: 04minHow late is too late to do household projects like hanging a sheet of drywall? The J Squad discusses this and much more in this month's Members Only Mailbag episode. Never listened to our mailbag episodes? Here's what they sound like. For the full episode, check out the members-only bonus content 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. Thank you to all of our members for keeping this show going! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes, discounts on our merch, and more by joining us at: maximumfun.org/join!
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Body-ody-ody of Evidence
25/02/2026 Duration: 59minAndy brings the case against his fiancé Kevin, aka World Famous Drag Queen Monét X Change. Andy says he met Monét outside of RuPaul's DragCon in New York City back in 2018. Andy was enchanted. Their first date didn’t happen for another few years. But for Andy, this meeting is a crucial part of their love story. The problem? Monét says that it NEVER HAPPENED. Who's right? BROOKLYN! Join Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn LIVE at The Bell House for NIGHT COURT (no, not that one)! Get your tickets here: Friday, March 6, Saturday, March 7 Thanks to reddit user u/IronyMaiden_ for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at reddit.com/r/maximumfun! Follow Judge John Hodgman on: YouTube: @judgejohnhodgmanpod Instagram: @judgejohnhodgman TikTok: @judgejohnhodgmanpod Bluesky: @judgejohnhodgman Reddit: r/maximumfun Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and humanitarian aid to refugees, deportees, and
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Not in My Fur-isdiction
18/02/2026 Duration: 56minMichele brings the case against her husband, Nate. Michele and Nate are living the childfree dream: three cats, two dogs, and a Subaru Baja. They have it all. But Michele wants more pets! Nate has two cars and a motorcycle. Michele says that if they are embracing vehicle maximalism, it’s only fair to embrace pet maximalism. Nate says they have enough pets for now. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? With Guest Bailiff Jean Grae!BROOKLYN! Join Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn LIVE at The Bell House for NIGHT COURT (no, not that one)! Get your tickets here: Friday, March 6, Saturday, March 7Thanks to reddit user u/Dinosaur1972 for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at reddit.com/r/maximumfun!Follow Judge John Hodgman on:YouTube: @judgejohnhodgmanpodInstagram: @judgejohnhodgmanTikTok: @judgejohnhodgmanpodBluesky: @judgejohnhodgmanReddit: r/maximumfunPlease consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and humanita
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States Rights... and States Left
11/02/2026 Duration: 01h13sStephanie wants Brandon to admit that she’s lived in 11 states, damnit, and not deny her lived experience! Brandon counters with the fact that Japan isn’t a state (valid) and that living in a state for college…doesn’t count? Who's right? Who's wrong?BROOKLYN! Join Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn LIVE at The Bell House for NIGHT COURT (no, not that one)! Get your tickets here: Friday, March 6, Saturday, March 7Thanks to reddit user u/mkbecker for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at reddit.com/r/maximumfun!Follow Judge John Hodgman on:YouTube: @judgejohnhodgmanpodInstagram: @judgejohnhodgmanTikTok: @judgejohnhodgmanpodBluesky: @judgejohnhodgmanReddit: r/maximumfunPlease 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. Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a memb
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Let Them Eat Case at SF Sketchfest
04/02/2026 Duration: 01h02minWhat a time we had at SF Sketchfest! In Swift Justice, we have cases about Breathe Right Nasal Strips (not sponsored!), pie recipes, and the Court's first ever Trial By Teppanyaki! Then in Mega Justice we say, LET THEM EAT CASE. Beth and Jim have a large, strange, item in their guest room. It was an extra curricular project Jim and their daughter, Casey, made over a decade ago. He loves it. But Beth says it's time to let it go! BROOKLYN! Join Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn LIVE at The Bell House for NIGHT COURT (no, not that one)! Get your tickets here: Friday, March 6, Saturday, March 7Thanks to reddit user u/BrianSebby for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at reddit.com/r/maximumfun!Follow Judge John Hodgman on:YouTube: @judgejohnhodgmanpodInstagram: @judgejohnhodgmanTikTok: @judgejohnhodgmanpodBluesky: @judgejohnhodgmanReddit: r/maximumfunPlease consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and
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No Running Backsies
28/01/2026 Duration: 01h06minThis week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn tackle a dispute about Fantasy Football! Litigants (and spouses) Kristen and Tom play in the same Fantasy Football league and Tom has an issue with their last round of drafts. Kristen wanted to draft Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, but couldn’t because of their league rules, so she asked husband Tom to draft him under the condition that Tom would trade him to her at a later date. The trade happened, and Kristen won their league - so why is Tom the one bringing the case before the court? While The Big Game is coming up, we are all still way too focused on the fictional world of hockey in HEATED RIVALRY. Are you also still at the cottage? How many burgers is too many for 2 people? Do you have a beef with hockey because there's not enough YEARNING? Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Don’t forget the most romantic gift you could give your partner: A Fake Internet Court Summons! No dispute is too small for the honorable Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff
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Post-Holiday Leftovers
21/01/2026 Duration: 54minWe’ve got some leftovers from the holidays. Let’s pull them out of the fridge and answer them once and for all! Is a French dip REALLY a dip? How early is too early to put up your Christmas tree? How long can you drink eggnog or wear your holiday boxers before your partner falls out of love with you? And FINALLY: are zombies the scariest monsters because they’re REAL? All this - plus an ad for Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific! Shampoo - and more, on today’s HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS edition of Judge John Hodgman!BROOKLYN! Join Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn LIVE at The Bell House for NIGHT COURT (no, not that one)! Get your tickets here: Friday, March 6, Saturday, March 7Have a question that you can’t settle? No dispute is too small for the honorable Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn! Submit your cases directly to the court at: https://maximumfun.org/jjhoFollow Judge John Hodgman on:YouTube: @judgejohnhodgmanpodInstagram: @judgejohnhodgmanTikTok: @judgejohnhodgmanpodBluesky: @judgejohnhodgmanReddit
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Probst-bate Court
14/01/2026 Duration: 01h01minAnnie brings the case against her friend, David. They belong to a Survivor Fantasy League of two people: Annie and David. Annie says David isn’t playing fair. He’s withholding a point that is technically hers. David, keeper of the Almighty Spreadsheet, is sticking to his guns. Is Annie abdicating responsibility for fair play, or is David being a weenie? And IS a below-ground garage actually a portal to hell? All these questions and more on this week’s episode of Judge John Hodgman. The Tribe has spoken! With Expert Witness, Relationship Coach, and two-time Survivor contestant Francesca Hogi!Francesca watched this season of Survivor just for us, so make sure to check out her book, HOW TO FIND TRUE LOVE. She's also on Instagram @DearFranny and @TrueLoveSocietyBay Area! It's not too late to get tickets for our show at San Francisco Sketchfest this weekend! We'll be at Marine's Memorial on Sunday 1/18! Tickets are moving fast so get them while you can!BROOKLYN! Join Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn LIVE
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The Fight to Remain Silent
07/01/2026 Duration: 48minDoes 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 studio? We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/Fukui_San86 for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at reddit.com/r/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes, discounts on our merch, and more by joining us at: maximumfun.org/join!
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Oops! All Jello! JJHo Holiday Party 2025
31/12/2025 Duration: 01h27minHappy 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 settle your holiday disputes, in this very special Holiday Office Party, JELLO edition!San Francisco area litigants, join us LIVE at San Francisco Sketchfest on Sunday, January 18th for a very special road court episode of Judge John Hodgman. Don’t wait – get your tickets now here! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Become a member to unlock special bonus episodes, discounts on our merch, and more by joining us at: maximumfun.org/join!