Judge John Hodgman

What movies do your families watch over and over again? The J Squad talks about their heavy rotation family movies in this clip from the July Membo Mailbag!

Published: 26 July 2024

Would you lightly squish a pre-wrapped cookie to ensure it's worth buying? This is exactly what Cynthia wants her husband, Joel to do. But Joel refuses! Who's right? Who's wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2024

If you found mice in your toaster, would you ever replace it? Or simply throw it away and live toaster-less for the rest of your life? Would you lick a 50-year-old cured ham? Did a Red Sox fan curse the 2000 Presidential Election? Answers to these disputes and more recorded in front of a LIVE Washington DC audience on the Van Freaks Roadshow! With Leila Dunbar of GBH's Antiques Roadshow and Griffin & Rachel McElroy of the Wonderful podcast!

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

Would you bring a freezer drawer to the local gelateria to maximize your home stock? Christina this is the perfect plan. Her fiance, Charlie, says there has to be a better way! Who's right? Who's wrong? With Summertime Fun Time Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte!

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2024

Stacey loves the reality show BELOW DECK. She says she would be a great stewardess on a luxury super-yacht and on the show. Her friend, Laura, says she can't handle it! So does Stacey's husband. And so does Stacey's own mom! Who's right? Who's wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2024

June is ending but the Member Mailbag is still going! Judge Hodgman, Bailiff Jesse, and Producer Jennifer discuss a fantasy novel series that has caused a letter writer to go "feral." Will Judge Hodgman let this feral letter-writer spoil the ending of the latest installment for her husband?

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2024

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!

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2024

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, disagrees. Who's right? Who's wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2024

Is Christmas more goth than Halloween? Summer says yes. Charlotte says, "Of course it isn't." Who's right? Who's wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2024

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 on the podcast!

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2024

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 to find the truth! Who's right? Who's wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2024

Family photos as decor: Only for grandparents? Morgan says yes, but James says no! Who's right? Who's wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2024

Cutting donuts in half: Yes or no? The answer is tearing a family apart! Who's right? Who's wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2024

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!

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2024

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?

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2024

Expert Witness Paul Scheer weighs in: Should Thaddeus invest in new equipment to keep his cold plunge icy?

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2024

The Rollicking J Squad is back with monthly bonus episodes! Here's a teaser for our first ever Members Only Mailbag Episode!

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2024

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?

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2024

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? Who will have a sunshine day?

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2024

Kurt Braunohler returns as we re-open Juvenile Court! Dads who gotta dance, siblings, and age minimums for William Friedkin's THE FRENCH CONNECTION!

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2024

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 Philadelphia.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2024

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?

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2024

Want to hear some of our new, members-only bonus episode, KINDING THEM WITH KINDNESS PART 2? Good news! Here's a clip.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2024

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 Zaltzman!

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2024

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!

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2024

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?

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2024

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?

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2024

An unopened Christmas present from 1999 and a case about haunted houses with Expert Witness Travis McElroy! LIVE at the Lexington Opera House!

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2024

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? Who's wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2024

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?

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2024

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, Marti just wants to live an analog lifestyle! Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2024

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 of unsolicited advice. Curtis is annoyed. He asks the court to issue a gag order on backseat curling. Who’s right, who’s wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2024

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, likes to listen to comedy podcasts! Then, James brings his fiance, Paddy, before the Judge in OBJECTIONS IN THE MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR. When the two of them are driving somewhere they play a common car game in Ireland. But, James says that when Paddy is driving he has an unfair advantage when using his mirrors. Paddy says he has to look in his mirrors to drive safely! Who's right? Who's wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2024

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!

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2024

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 try. But not before trying some new to us recipes sent in by listeners!

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2023

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?

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2023

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?

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2023

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 wants to keep it. He says that this contraption is CENTERPIECE to the living room! Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2023

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 GINGERBREAD MISCHIEF!

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2023

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?

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2023

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 Marsha Bemko. And music from Laura Valk of Skout and Fenway Park's own Josh Kantor!

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2023

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 Amelia Marino from The Doughboys podcast join us to weigh in!

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2023

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?

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2023

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 with Spirit Halloween animatronics? And what does Aidan from the Spirit Halloween Fan Wiki have to do with this? There's just one way to find out!

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2023

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 the train is unacceptable. Abby disagrees. Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2023

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! But, Katherine thinks that they can make it work. Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2023

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 India doesn’t, because it has owls on it. Who’s right? Who’s wrong?

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2023

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 not Belle can call herself a vegetarian if she eats an occasional steak. Finally, a case about "the best sandwich." Who's right? Who's wrong? With guests Benjamin Partridge (Beef & Dairy Network) and Emma-Lee Moss (fka Emmy the Great)!

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2023

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, Influence, and Power on the Internet. Judge Hodgman and Guest Bailiff Jean Grae consult Taylor on all things online: talking back within local restaurant reviews, intentional mistakes to drive engagement, meeting your troll IRL, wiki editing, and much more!

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2023