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Judge John HodgmanRunning Gag OrderColton brings the case against his friend, Chris, who loves to tell the same joke to his group of friends. Colton is TIRED OF IT. He says this joke comes up so much that talking to Chris gives him anxiety. But Chris says the joke is hilarious! 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...
2025-09-241h 06Judge John HodgmanKayfabeas Corpus Live in Turners Falls MAPerry Von Vicious and Delmi Exo are professional wrestlers and good friends. Perry wants to meet Delmi in a singles match just once before he retires. But Delmi refuses to fight! Who's right? Who's wrong? Plus Swift Justice: Should a man be stopped from getting his pilots license? Is it gross to blow your nose in a cloth napkin? And guest 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...
2025-07-021h 02Judge John HodgmanMay it Freeze the QuartWould 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! We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Check out the evidence this week on this episode's page on the Maximum Fun website, or follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman.Thanks to reddit users u/knumbknuts and u/Think_Leg6864 for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title fo...
2024-07-1059 minJudge John HodgmanNo-Glow ContendereMichelle brings the case against her husband, Rob. Rob is restoring an old grandfather clock to make it usable as a display case. Michelle would like to display her uranium glass collection in the clock under a blacklight. But Rob thinks adding a blacklight will look tacky. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? With Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte!Thanks to reddit user u/TheGreyBrewer for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at maximumfun.reddit.com!Judge John Hodgman’s Van Freaks Ro...
2023-08-3059 minJudge John HodgmanMandatory Sentencing GuidelinesIt's time to clear the docket! This week, it's officially Summertime Funtime in the Court of Judge John Hodgman! Judge Hodgman is back in Maine at the solar-powered studios of WERU with Joel Mann. Summertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte (New England Public Media) is sitting in for Jesse Thorn. And, we've got word and grammar disputes to discuss with Merriam-Webster's own Emily Brewster. Can you dance with the person what brought you? Is saying UPMOST the UTMOST in wrongness? And what sound do French dogs make? Listen for the answers to these questions and more!
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2023-07-121h 07Judge John HodgmanHot, Tubular, Non-Sandwich BeefCan you feel it? The changing of the seasons? The crispness of the air? The ever-growing magnetic pull in the back of your head that urges you toward the mythical land of western Massachusetts? That can only mean one thing: the return of the one and only Summertime Funtime Bailiff MONTE BELMONTE! He joins us to clear the docket and dispense justice on issues relating to wrapping paper, the game of Blank Slate, hometowns, and more. PLUS: A letter from the mysterious ROBIN HOOD CAMP!
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2023-05-111h 03Judge John HodgmanThe Egg, The Nog and the Holy Sprite (RERUN)Content Warning: This episode is entirely about eating and drinking various foods, including some alcoholic beverages. There is a brief description of cooking live lobsters during Monte Belmonte's message to the show in the last segment.It's the last episode of the year and we are celebrating with a Judge John Hodgman Office Party! Inspired by a case regarding mixing eggnog and Sprite, the Judge sent a call for our audience's favorite holiday foods and drinks. Bailiff Jesse had to miss the party unfortunately, but Producer Jennifer Marmor and WERU Program Director Joel Mann join Judge Hodgman...
2022-12-281h 21Judge John HodgmanThe Deceitful DishIt’s time to clear the docket! Monte Belmonte and Joel Mann are back again to squeeze in one last summertime fun time! Disputes about oyster sauce, The Lion King, when to sing "Happy Birthday," and a sound in a song from the musical Hamilton. Plus much more!
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2022-09-2252 minJudge John HodgmanNew England Style Justice ChowderIt's time to clear the docket! Bailiff Jesse Thorn has the week off. Monte Belmonte and Joel Mann join Judge Hodgman to dispense New England Style Justice. Hosting gatherings with your spouse, silverware sorting, maple syrup, car navigation, and sleeping with the windows open during New England winters.
Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
2022-09-0749 minJudge John HodgmanLive Upside Down or DieSummertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte joins Judge John Hodgman in saying goodbye to his New England Summer. It's the Judge's last day in his Summertime chambers with Joel Mann the Mole Mann at WERU Community Radio in Orland, Maine. The J Squad and Lil Monte clear the docket of the New England located disputes waiting for justice. Table manners, how to eat a burger, Massachusetts pronunciations, Vermont and New Hampshire orientation, New England borders, and Cape Cod geography!Thank you so much to Joel Mann and WERU for hosting our summertime chambers again this year. WERU...
2021-09-1555 minJudge John HodgmanRight to a Fair EarringBen files suit against his friend and writing partner, Graham. The two of them agreed that if they were not hired on a writing staff by the end of 2020, they would get matching ear piercings. They did end up getting hired on a show, but their start date was at the very beginning of 2021. Graham believes that since they were offered the jobs in 2020, the spirit of the pact has been fulfilled. But Ben disagrees and believes that they need to follow through with the ear piercings!Who’s right? Who’s wrong? With Summertime Funtime Guest Bail...
2021-07-1553 minJudge John HodgmanCoke or GrainIt's time to clear the docket! Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse talk about wedding gifts, computer voices, splitting burritos, the Godfather theme, plus an audio letter from a kid! And much more!If you want to remix litigant Jim's robot voice with a track from "Sports" by Huey Lewis and the News, here's the clip! LINKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:RiYL: A weekly podcast where Brian Heater talks to cartoonists, artists, musicians, and other creatives!R. Michelson GalleriesThe Montague Bookmill's Lady Killigrew CafeWRSI the River, where you can find Monte Belmonte's show!Al Otro L...
2021-05-2654 minJudge John HodgmanThe J Squad and Lil MonteIt's Extra Bailiff Day with Summertime Fun Time Bailiff Monte Belmonte! In the winter! Monte joins Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse in chambers to discuss mini golf, joke origins, winter layering, local TV stations, child names, and the return of the hit segment DRACULA OR NO!LINKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:Spicy Pony Head by Kasper HauserDogsledder Blair Braverman's Twitter thread about suiting up for Winter weatherDana Hersey of Channel 38's The Movie LoftKOFY TV 20 San Francisco (stereo!)Monte's Bed-In for Cancer Connection: bit.ly/inbedwithmonteListen to Monte's podcast A Week of Mornings!
Judge J...
2021-02-2459 minJudge John HodgmanDance Dance ResolutionC.W. brings the case against his husband, Jeff. C.W. loves to dance and wishes that Jeff would dance with him once in a while. But Jeff doesn’t like dancing at all and refuses to join C.W., even when they are alone at home! Who's right? Who's wrong? With Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte!Thank you to Jill Graves for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions.
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2020-06-2451 minJudge John HodgmanJudge of Sandwich, MassachusettsIt's time for Summertime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte! Monte joins Judge Hodgman to clear the docket. They talk about mayo and lettuce on hot sandwiches, stealing church wifi, loud laughing in public, 20 Questions, and a letter about books as devices.Here are some of the links and books mentioned in the episode:bit.ly/GETYOURFRIENDS75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justicebit.ly/JJHOTDOGThe Fifth Season by N.K. JemisinSo You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma OluoThis Book...
2020-06-1058 min
Judge John HodgmanSide Effects May Include JusticeYael brings the case against her boyfriend, Jeff. Is it ok to keep expired medication? Jeff says it’s fine, but Yael disagrees! Who's right? Who's wrong? With Summertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte and Expert Witness Dr. Sydnee McElroy! Thank you to Brian Colavito for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions.
Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
2019-08-1555 min
Judge John HodgmanCoda ConductJeanne files suit against her sister, Liz. Jeanne says that when Liz plays music on the piano, she doesn’t play a song all the way through. Liz doesn’t think it matters, but Jeanne wants her to complete the songs she plays. Who's right? Who's wrong? With Summertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte! Thank you to Jeremy Frank for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions.
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2019-08-0744 min
Judge John HodgmanLaw CucarachaRenee brings the case against her boyfriend Patrick. She thinks Patrick is too intense about insect prevention in their house. But Patrick thinks Renee doesn't take it seriously enough. Who's right? Who's wrong? With Summertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte! Thank you to Matthew Tolzmann for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions.
Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
2019-07-0355 min
Judge John HodgmanSpirit World of the LawJason brings the case against his wife, Annie. Annie's mom introduced their two kids to Annie's old Ouija Board. Annie thinks it's a silly game, but Jason is uncomfortable with his kids playing with it. Who's right? Who's wrong? With Summertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte! Thank you to Brent Harrison, Claudine Guild, Alex Butschli, Shawn Bussler, and Matt Dent for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions.
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2019-06-2653 min
Judge John HodgmanStatute of CelebrationsRick brings the case against his wife, Sarah. When Sarah’s birthday month rolls around, she likes to plan different celebrations with various groups of people in her life. Rick thinks it’s too many birthday events and would like to set a two-celebration limit. With Summertime Funtime Bailiff Monte Belmonte! Thank you to Jordan Welch & Jennifer Milner for suggesting this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions.
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2018-07-2548 min
Judge John HodgmanMuch Ado About ClothingJason brings the case against his friend, Francisco. They run a community Shakespeare theatre group together. Jason would like to try doing more contemporary and experimental Shakespeare adaptations, but Francisco is opposed. With Summertime Funtime Bailiff Monte Belmonte! Thank you to Chris Ubben for suggesting this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions.
Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
2018-07-1852 min
Judge John HodgmanNap JudgmentAnn files suit against her husband, Stephen. When they travel, Ann wants to keep a regular sleeping schedule to avoid grogginess. But, Stephen thinks the point of vacation is to relax! He wants the flexibility to sleep in. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? With Summertime Funtime Bailiff Monte Belmonte! Thank you to Stephen Lipenta for suggesting this week's title! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions.
Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join...
2017-08-0954 min
Judge John HodgmanBurden of PoochKate brings the case against her husband, Rob. Rob had a childhood dream of getting an Old English Sheepdog. Now they have one, and Kate says she is doing the majority of the dog care. She wants Rob to become dog's best friend. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? With the return of Summertime Funtime Bailiff Monte Belmonte! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman for photos from this episode! Thank you to Felipe Sobreiro for suggesting this week's title! To suggest a title for a future episode, like
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2017-08-0349 min
Judge John HodgmanLive From Turners Falls, MA 2016"May It Please The Shorts" and "Amphibious Corpus," taped in front of a live audience at Shea Theater in Turners Falls, MA during the 2016 Tour of Live Justice! Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn also catch up with friends of the court, Monte Belmonte and Emily Brewster! Plus, the return of Swift Justice and songs from Zara Bode of The Sweetback Sisters!
Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
2016-10-281h 32
Judge John HodgmanBlind JusticeJudge John Hodgman is in chambers this week with his Summertime Funtime Tribunal! Monte Belmonte and Joel Mann help the judge rule on gum etiquette, condiment sharing, hot chocolate labeling and more! Plus a listener-provided explanation of Cincinnati style chili.
Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
2016-09-2138 min
Judge John HodgmanFeast and DesistKandace brings the case against her fiance, Weston. For the last few years, the two of them have hosted their friends for an annual Thanksgiving-themed dinner party. This year, Weston would like for someone else to take charge. But Kandace loves to host and doesn’t want to give up control of the event. With Summertime Funtime Bailiff Monte Belmonte! Thanks Kimberly Mayhall for naming this week's episode! If you are in or near London, make sure to check out Judge John Hodgman, as well as other Maximum Fun shows Bullseye, International Waters and Beef & Dairy...
2016-09-1452 min
Judge John HodgmanMommy NearestJulie is filing suit against her mother, Amy. Amy has begun attending the same gym and workout class as Julie. Julie, however, wishes for her exercise time to remain her own, free from her mother. With Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte! Thanks to Eric Rapp for naming this week's episode!
Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
2016-09-0847 min
Judge John HodgmanHallmark of JusticeJudy files suit against her husband, Jayson, because he has stopped giving her Mother's Day cards. Jayson argues that she’s not his mother, so he shouldn’t be held responsible. Judy believes he should be setting a good example for their kids and would like to feel appreciated. Who's right? Who's wrong? With Summertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte!
Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
2016-08-3145 min
Judge John HodgmanOn Advice of ConsoleOn Judge John Hodgman this week, Tarah brings her husband, Jason, to court over their disagreement about video game consoles. Tarah would like to buy a console for their two kids, but Jason is strongly opposed. Who's right? Who's wrong? With Summertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte! Tickets are still available for the Judge John Hodgman Live Justice tour of the East Coast and London in September! For ticket links and more info, visit MaximumFun.org and check the right side of the page, or JohnHodgman.com/Tour. To submit a case for eithe...
2016-08-0357 min
Judge John HodgmanDivan JudgmentGlenys files suit against her husband, Jim. Glenys would like to buy a couch for their living room but Jim thinks couches are too uncomfortable. He thinks a daybed is a better solution for living room seating. With Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte! Tickets for the Judge John Hodgman Live Justice Tour are still available! Go to MaximumFun.org or JohnHodgman.com/Tour for links and information!
Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
2016-07-2856 min
Judge John HodgmanGood Time Summertime Docket Clearin'Judge Hodgman is assisted by Summertime Bailiff Monte Belmonte, taking on questions of broccoli-chomping, accidental raccoonslaughter, game night disputes, and the best construction of jokes.
Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
2015-07-3133 min
Judge John HodgmanMonte Belmonte PythonBeth loves animals and wants to get a pet snake, but her husband is opposed to slithery things.
Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
2014-07-251h 02
Judge John HodgmanCoast MortemA couple is split beween two coasts! Dan wants to move back to his home turf of Western Massachusetts, Jen wants to move to sunny LA. Guest bailiffed by Monte Belmonte!
Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
2013-08-291h 03
Judge John HodgmanThe Birthday SuitAldo 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!
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2013-04-0357 min
Judge John HodgmanGavelbangers BallTHIS 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.
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2012-08-3056 min
Judge John HodgmanProbable Cos-PlayDonald, 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! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!
2012-08-1540 min