

Judge John Hodgman
John Hodgman and Maximum Fun
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
Mentioned books

Nov 28, 2025 • 7min
TEASER: Members Only Mailbag November 2025
This month brings a delightful dive into Mancala, where the hosts revel in the satisfying clink of its glass tokens. The conversation navigates through the complexities of grandma nicknames, with a lively debate on the best family terms. Charity gifts versus physical presents creates a heartfelt discussion, encouraging viewers to consider donations in someone's name. Plus, insights into holiday gift preferences share a personal touch, and listeners can enjoy a whimsical exploration of childhood requests intertwined with the game's allure.

Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 30min
Opening the Members Only Mailbag
The holiday season sparks lively discussions among the gang as they explore a 'romantasy' series that has left one listener feeling unwell. Topics include the woes of handling toilet paper rolls and Jesse's wardrobe management system. They delve into summer camp memories and debate the merits of eating salad greens by the handful. With a touch of humor, the hosts also ponder family movie night dilemmas and holiday viewing traditions, promising plenty of festive cheer along the way!

Nov 19, 2025 • 58min
Why Don't We Get Drunk and Sue LIVE at SF Sketchfest
This live show features a hilarious chest freezer dispute, diving deep into the logistics of ice cream and organizational skills. The antics of James and Rob from Kasper Hauser bring a comedic twist with a Groundhog Day sketch duel. The spotlight shifts to a spirited argument over hosting a Jimmy Buffett trivia night, highlighting contrasting views on Buffett fandom and bar policies. Special guest Justin McElroy throws in trivia questions, adding to the fun. It's a delightful mix of humor, pop culture, and heartfelt moments honoring Buffett's legacy.

12 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 14min
There Will Be French Toast With Nick Offerman
Nick Offerman, beloved actor and woodworker, joins to tackle some quirky disputes! He debates whether bringing an uncut watermelon is a party faux pas and hilariously taste-tests French toast with ketchup. Offerman shares insights from his new book, "Little Woodchucks," focusing on kid-friendly woodworking projects. He also discusses the merits of oil vs. polyurethane finishes and defends walnut as a classic choice in woodworking. Get ready for a mix of laughter, culinary experiments, and woodworking wisdom!

Nov 6, 2025 • 5min
TEASER: October 2025 Members Only Mailbag
Explore the quirky world of a subreddit dedicated to sink urination. Delve into the unique techniques non-penis-havers use to relieve themselves in unconventional places. The hosts debate the ethics of honesty when it comes to bathroom habits. Listen to a warning against the dangers of kitchen sink use and uncover the hilarious community dynamics of the sink pisser moderators. This mix of humor and absurdity guarantees a wild ride!

8 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 6min
Shut Your Payhole
A daughter confronts her dad over his refusal to let her pay for outings, leading to a hilarious family dispute. The father believes in the honor of paying for his own way, even keeping a mental ledger of transactions. Their back-and-forth reveals how this habit impacts their relationship and family dynamics. With a special concert planned for her birthday, the case takes a turn when the judge rules in her favor, all while exploring the emotional nuances of giving and accepting generosity.

Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 11min
Sole Benefishiary
Greg and Melinda live on a sailing catamaran, but life at sea isn’t busy enough for Melinda. She wants a new hobby, and she wants that hobby to be fishing. Greg says fishing is boring and gross. He'd rather just buy fish from local vendors. Who’s right? Who’s wrong?Content Warning: about 10 minutes after the first break, there is some graphic conversation involving fishing and how to kill fish properly. If you don't want to hear about it, skip about 5 minutes ahead.Please 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.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/acone419 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! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!

Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 7min
Bed, Bath, and Begone
Live from Seattle's Neptune Theatre: BED, BATH, AND BEGONE! Lindy is in her first year at college. Her dad, Clay, wants to redecorate her room but she says it's TOO SOON! What will become of Lindy's life-sized Oscar Isaac cutout? Plus in Swift Justice: is it ok to talk about poop at parties? Are all ketchups the same? Please 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.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/baltinerdist 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! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!

Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 10min
Animal/Vegetable/Criminal
Brent brings the case against his wife, Maite. Maite likes to unwind by playing 20 Questions with Brent. But Brent doesn’t want to play the game with her anymore. He says she’s doing it wrong. Her answers are too vague. But Maite says his 20 Questions gameplay is too basic! Who’s right? Who’s wrong?Please 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.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/LittleSadRufus 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! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!

Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 5min
Pro-Betamax Court
This week, Tyler wants his wife, Abby, to keep all 450 of his physical movies when he dies. But, Abby isn’t a movie person and thinks his collection will be wasted on her. She thinks Tyler’s friends and family would enjoy it much more than she would. But Tyler thinks his vast selection of movies will be the best way for Abby to stay connected to him when he’s on the other side. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? With Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte!Please 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.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/Footwear_Critic 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! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!


