Judge John Hodgman

Lisa Hanawalt, cartoonist and creator of Tuca & Bertie, joins a lively courtroom of cartoon controversies. They question Tom and Jerry’s appeal, debate Goofy’s identity, and compare his chaotic charm with Mickey’s blandness. The conversation takes on Paw Patrol, cartoon snobbery, Elmer Fudd’s politics, comic sound effects, and the case for stranger, more artist-driven animation.

A member seeks guidance on navigating a long-distance relationship, inspiring wildly impractical breakup-and-reunion schemes involving Heather, basketball legends, and a cellist. The discussion turns to virtual movie nights, online games, therapy, personal interests, and finding connection while adjusting to an empty nest and life transitions. Full advice awaits members.

Friends take their Die Hard debate to court: can holiday tape really hold John McClane’s sweaty, bloody Beretta, or is villain Karl’s survival the bigger cinematic absurdity? The arguments stretch from adhesive science and broken glass to German slang, festive toasts, and an obscure Christmas clue. A verdict, a concession, and strange holiday recipes follow.

Jordan Morris, comedian, writer, podcaster, and comic-book author, joins a spirited Halloween debate. The panel tackles oversized skeletons, decorating etiquette on a “lights out” street, and why homemade costumes beat store-bought ones. They also weigh Halloween mood against horror-movie rules, recommend essential seasonal films, rule on an unattended candy bowl, and dream up a Halloween Dad horror comedy.

A nostalgic mailbag dives into unforgettable local TV commercials, the complicated legacy of Hearst Castle, and the origins of a catchy new phrase. Other debates tackle whether factory-made ice cream can be “homemade,” if mayonnaise counts as a beverage, U-Haul’s loading claims, state dinosaurs, and the rightful place of vegan hot dogs at the dinner table.

A garage sale gets an unexpected inventory boost, while a group chat wrestles with its lone Android user. The docket also tackles cheese-filled Jamaican patties, championship ambitions, and whether Gen Z needs more jazz. Later, a lively debate explores concert nostalgia, reunions, and the magic of seeing beloved musicians perform live.

When Steve takes the dogs on a walk, he loves to give them treats on the road. But Abbey says the dogs are getting too chonky. She wants Steve to give frozen peas a chance instead. Steve says: mushy, half frozen peas are NO TREAT. Who’s right? Who’s wrong?Thank you to u/Tony486 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 and more. Memberships start at just $5 a month. Just tap here!

It's time for a new Members Only Mailbag episode! Judge John Hodgman and Producer Jennifer Marmor have so much to yap about! Here's a little bit of their chat. For the whole thing, check your bonus feed! Or, if you're not yet a member, it's so easy to join Maximum Fun! Just go to maximumfun.org/joinjjho. It takes just a minute to become a $5/month member! Once you do, you'll be able to listen to this month's episode as well as the rest of our Members Only content! Thank you for supporting Maximum Fun and helping us keep making the show! ---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!

It's time to clear the docket! And we have a BRAND NEW GAVEL to help! Thanks to Nick Offerman, Offerman Woodshop, and project Manager Maddy Morrison for our beautiful new gavel. This Court has never been more ready to dispense justice! What do you do with your mother-in-law’s bag of mangoes? Is it okay to talk trash while playing video games, as long as it’s to internet strangers? Plus, disputes about gavels and woodworking!We’re still looking for all your turn-of-the-season disputes! Are you excited for football, and your housemates aren’t? Do you love going apple picking, but your family thinks it’s boring? And what about school? We’re here to solve your problems, be they small or… smaller. Submit yours at maximumfun.org/jjho.Become a member at just $5 a month for exclusive bonus content, or join us at $10 a month for access to an AD-FREE Feed! Thank you so much for continuing to make our show possible. Join us directly here: maximumfun.org/joinjjhoThere’s a chill in the air, which means more opportunities to wear your Judge John Hodgman branded sweatpants! Get your hats, mugs, clothing, and more, at: maxfunstore.com ---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!

A surprise fish tank sparks a marital courtroom battle over whether ghost shrimp are pets or merely algae-eating equipment. The dispute revives earlier household tensions, from indoor trumpet practice to bagworm science projects and a pepperoni-loving wild roadrunner. With dreams of salamanders, frogs, and a larger aquarium on the line, the ruling hinges on consent, shared space, and the true meaning of “pet.”