Welcome to the Judge John Hodgman podcast. I'm Bale if Jesse Thorn and this is a special episode

because it's Block Party time here at Maximum Fun. What is Block Party? Well, during Block Party,

Maximum Fun shows are releasing episodes that are especially welcoming to new audiences,

like this one you're listening to now. So if you're new, welcome. If you're a long time listener,

this is a perfect one to share with somebody. And we hope that you will. I feel like the biggest

question we get, whether it's on Reddit or on Twitter or whatever is, where do I start with such

and such podcast? Well, with Judge John Hodgman, here's the episode that's perfect to start with.

So share it with a friend. Block Party also has games and recommendations and a big volunteer

event in the limited edition poster and more. You can find out more about all that stuff and I

encourage you to do so at MaximumFun.org slash Block Party. Tell your friends. Let's get into it.

Welcome to the Judge John Hodgman podcast. I'm Bale if Jesse Thorn this week, Anti Anacus brief.

Mark and Hal host the Maximum Fun show. We got this where they settle small debates. In 2018,

they attempted to decide the best pretzel shape, but came to an impasse. Hal thinks that Mark was

unwilling to properly entertain a debate. Mark says, Hal betrayed the show's core by removing the

default pretzel shape from contention. Who's right? Who's wrong? Only one can decide. Please rise

as Judge John Hodgman enters the courtroom and presents an obscure cultural reference.

A guy like me who goes around the country travels a lot. You see a lot of Zambonis and every time I do,

I think, there but for the grace of God, go I. Bale of Jesse Thorn, we swear the litigants in please.

Mark Hal, please rise and raise your right hands. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth,

and nothing but the truth, so help you God or whatever I do. I do. Do you swear to abide by Judge

John Hodgman's ruling despite the fact that he only eats pretzel sticks? I do. Mark stop standing

up. I do. It's the the thick kind that you get like at the Costco. Yeah, the rods. A pretzel rod.

...