Judge John Hodgman

This week, with guest bailiff TOM SCHARPLING of The Best Show on WFMU. Should this couple attempt an unorthodox living arrangement? 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!

Andrea and Scott bring their dispute before the Judge: must singalongs be conducted with careful attention to pitch and key? Expert witnesses Jonathan Coulton and David Rees weigh in. 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!

Steve says he's been the acting team captain of his local trivia team, and wants to make it official! His teammate Claire begs to differ. Can the Judge resolve this trivial dispute? 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!

With Expert Witness Alton Brown! Natalie brings the case against her husband Hugo. She wants to throw food away when she decides it's spoiled or too old. Hugo hates waste, and is aghast that Natalie throws away moldy but "perfectly usable" items. Who is right? Who is wrong? 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!

Aldo brings the case against his partner Sean. They decided to plan trips for each other's birthdays, but make each destination a surprise. But the secrecy is making Aldo anxious, and now he wants to know where they're going! Should Sean reveal their itinerary, or must Aldo wait for his birthday surprise? This week, with Bailiff Jesse Thorn and Monte Belmonte! 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!

Ruthie brings the case against her boyfriend Chris. Chris promised to get his driver's license years ago, but he's still in the passenger's seat. 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!

Friends quarrel over a borrowed (and broken) shop vac and its more expensive replacement. 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!

Is hipster a dirty word? We'll find out. 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!

Is Jason a book hoarder, keeping unread books from being used and loved? Or will he work his way, steadily and surely, through the stacks? 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!

Rebecca brings the case against her sister Jessica -- do their Jewish roots make them PART JEWISH? 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!

Coming to you live and direct from SF Sketchfest! Brianne, Zach and their dog Shilo go to trial. Plus a musical performance from John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats and live snap judgments! 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!

Andrea brings the case against her friend Joe -- she claims he's taking a minimalist lifestyle to an extreme degree. Must Joe acquire some creature comforts? 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!

Should a couple sit on the same side of the booth while brunching, or will Judge Hodgman mandate a great divide? 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!

Kim and her husband Chris co-habitate with a pet parrot. The bird adores Kim but behaves badly around her husband and son. How far should they go to accomodate the parrot? 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!

Nick and Sara are a married couple who disagree on interior design -- namely, should Nick be allowed to display a collection of bones and taxidermied animals within their home? 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!

Please note: explicit language in this episode! Eric and Elizabeth are a married couple who make their living doing performances together. They disagree on when it's necessary and appropriate to use curse words in art. Elizabeth objects to their use, and Eric thinks they can add necessary emphasis to his songwriting. Who is right, and who is wrong? 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!

Brad and Kyra disagree - when is the time to cut their toddler's hair? 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!

Ben and Sara are co-workers, friends, and most recently, romantically entangled. They've kept their office romance a secret for months, and Ben says it's time to go public. Sara thinks it's more fun to sneak around and wants to keep their relationship a covert operation. 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!

Jason and Kenan made a gentlemen's agreement with several of their friends as teenagers regarding the advances of the opposite sex, but there's one thing that was never clarified. Who can help them find the solution? None other than Judge John Hodgman. 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!

Marisa brings the case against her husband Jay. They've blended atheist, Jewish and Catholic traditions for their household, but they've reached an impasse on holiday decorations. They both agreed to a Christmas tree, but Jay objects to a nativity scene for both religious and aesthetic reasons. Should Marisa be allowed to display a traditional nativity scene? 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!

Judge John Hodgman decides Santa's fate in a married couple's household. 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!

Patrick and Wyatt are housemates, and their shared house was caught up in a prank war. Neighbors from each house on their street pulled pranks on one another until one final act put Wyatt over the edge -- and he took to social media to put a stop to the practical jokes. Patrick thinks Wyatt overreacted, and wants to rev up the prank war again. 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!

Shumanay has a chronic illness that's limited her physical activity in the past, but she's recently been able to take up running. Now she has her heart set on an endurance race to take full advantage of her newfound abilities. Her husband Jon objects to her participation. Jon worries about the risks to her health, and thinks she should save her energy for a more worthy form of exercise. Should Shumanay run the endurance race? 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!

Justin actively avoids dairy, claiming to HATE cheese, butter, and cream. His friend Angela is irritated by the avoidance, alleges that Justin has consumed and enjoyed dairy in the past, and thinks he should own up. Who is right in this food fight? 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!

Zoe brings the case against her mom, Rochelle. They brought home a new puppy last summer and Zoe took the lead in training and caring for the dog until she left for college. Now Zoe is thousands of miles away, but wants to retain her say in the puppy's day-to-day life. Her mom says Zoe needs to stop meddling from afar. 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!

Our second live show at WNYC's Greene Space, with musical performances from Jean Grae, Mela Machinko and DJ Mr. Len. Please note: this week's episode contains some explicit language. 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!

This week: a very special live edition of Judge John Hodgman from WNYC's Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. Featuring musical sets from Jonathan Coulton! 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!

This week, daughter squares off against father in a temperature tiff! Olivia brings the case against her father Mike. Mike lives in Arizona where temperatures often soar, and he drives a car without air conditioning. Olivia believes this is a health hazard and disapproves of her father's homemade solutions to cool his vehicle, citing specific times when his efforts have embarrassed him. Mike contends plenty of people have survived without air conditioning in the past and claims he enjoys employing his improvised fixes. Who is right in this coolness quarrel? Judge John Hodgman will decide. 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!

Family-issued nicknames and a clash between two sisters! Evelyn hates the nickname that followed her into adulthood and demands that the family stop using it, but Frances loves her sister Evie (and the ability to use the name as she sees fit!). Who is right? 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!

Jessica gave away most of her possessions when she left for the Peace Corps -- including a video game system that went to her sister Eden. The system broke under Eden's care and she says she's not obligated to return a working system to Jessica. Is restitution due? 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!

Matthew and Y want to raise their children to be bilingual in English and in Y's native language, Vietnamese. Matthew's Vietnamese is pretty rusty, so he thinks Y should teach him and their children at the same time. Y thinks that Matthew needs to study on his own until he can keep up. Who is right? 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!

Erin brings the case against her co-worker Abby, whom she accuses of ducking out of pre-planned happy hour events. 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!

Ben brings the case against his wife Jenna, who insists on wringing every last bit of sleep she can before arising for work. Ben's partial to a gentle wakeup and says his wife's approach stresses him out. Who is right? 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!

YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE: This episode contains some talk that may not be appropriate for children, including discussion of smoking and drug use. Robert brings the case against his friend Bradley, who's given up tobacco cigarettes for e-cigarettes. The electronic cigarettes are technically allowed where "real" smoking isn't -- so where is it "appropriate" to smoke them? 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!

Raj brings the case against his girlfriend Surita, claiming her high-falutin' taste in movies is getting in the way of their shared enjoyment in entertainment. 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!

THIS WEEK: with guest bailiff Monte Bailiff Belmonte and a SECRET expert witness. Caroline brings this case against her boyfriend Will, who's been trying to sell her on his favorite metal bands to no avail. 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!

Jordan and his friend Charles bring an unresolved bet, instigated by a discussion of the DC comics villain Mr. Myxlptlk. Could Jordan's friends trick him into say his own name backwards? namdgoH nhoJ egduJ rules! 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!

Donald, Jessie and their son are planning a trip to a Star Wars convention for their family vacation. Donald thinks Jessie should him and their son Josh in costume; Jessie thinks she's doing enough simply by attending. Who is right? This week: guest bailiffed by Monte Belmonte! 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!

Harry says his best friend Dan is spinning his wheels back in their hometown, and should come join him in Los Angeles. Should Dan venture to LA or stay put? Only one man can decide. 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!

Trips for late night fast food and fraternal bonding cause a rift in a relationship -- and only one man can help repair it. 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!

Lauren foresees a Green-Acres type situation for her new suburban backyard, but her husband's vision differs. 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!

Katy brings this case against her older brother Steve, who refuses to leave voicemails. 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!

Lauren brings this case against her friend work-spouse Mike. When is it rude to use your phone in the company of a friend? How much texting is too much? Only one man can decide! 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!

Scott and Jennifer are a married couple who both admit they're kind of messy -- but who's the real slob 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!

BE WARNED: If you're sensitive to spoilers, be ready to turn down the volume! Andrew and Adam are roommates and avid media consumers. Andrew badgered Adam to start watching one of his own favorite shows, and Adam eventually gave in. However, Adam says an off-hand comment from Andrew -- spoiler alert! -- ruined one of the character's story arcs for his friend. Should Andrew be held responsible for ruining his friend's viewing experience? 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!

Alex and Kristina are a couple of admittedly nerdy people, and they disagree about where to send their future children for summer camp -- to nerd camp to indulge in whatever geeky pursuits they desire, or to a typical summer camp to play Capture the Flag. 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!

Holly and Todd are writing partners who meet at the same restaurants every week. Holly feels their habitual meals are stifling her creativity; Todd thinks it frees up his mind to focus on other things. Who is right? 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!

Luis insists his big sister Alejandra monopolizes the use of their shared vehicle. Alejandra says Luis refuses rides and then pouts. Who is right? 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!

Patrick and his his girlfriend Hannah moved to Portland, Oregon last year and used Patrick's trusty Camaro to get there. Hannah has since bought Patrick's car from him to use on her commute to work, and sees it as a strictly utilitarian possession – car washing is unnecessary. Patrick is rankled by her lack of care for the Camaro's appearance and thinks she should show some pride of ownership. Who is right? 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!

Gail believes she and her nephew Ray are similarly sensitive kindred spirits. As a loving aunt, she thinks she should be able to comfort Ray when he's upset, even over rule-breaking, and help him handle his feelings. Her sister Aimee believes Gail is unnecessarily coddling Ray and encouraging him to become an overly emotional child. Who is right? Only Judge John Hodgman can decide! 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!