Judge John Hodgman

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 [email protected]. THAT IS ALL.

The Magic of Leap Year 02/26/2020

The Magic of Leap Year This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers to clear the docket! They talk about XO signoffs, movie arrival times, grocery store shopping cart return systems, cozy loungewear, birthday cake freshness, and more! /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/13317800

Live in Washington DC at the Lincoln Theatre 02/19/2020

Live in Washington DC at the Lincoln Theatre This week’s episode was recorded LIVE in Washington D.C. at the Lincoln Theatre. First up, “Emergency You In Court.” Sarah files suit against her mother Susan. Susan is a volunteer EMT in a rural community. Sarah would like her mother to refrain from responding to emergency calls when Sarah is in town visiting. Susan feels a responsibility to respond to the calls whenever they come through. Then, the judge and bailiff are joined by special guest , of NPR's , and author of . Together they’ll dispense Swift Justice on cases having to do with ordering a latte, scrambled pancakes, and confronting your neighbors. Plus music from and a cameo by Washington DC's own Jade Jones! /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/13210421

Holiday Leftovers 02/12/2020

Holiday Leftovers We're in the depths of winter and need some cheer to get us through the post-holiday season. So this week, we're going to clear the docket, which is currently full of holiday disputes! Holiday leftovers include cases about dessert breads, pre-meal prayer circles, cooking holiday meals on your parents' stove, gift wrapping, and airport pickups. Plus a letter from Friend of the Court Afton Cyrus () from about the case "!" /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/13130654

Tattoos of Limitations 02/05/2020

Tattoos of Limitations Misty files suit against her husband, Scott. Scott started getting tattoos in his mid-30s and now has tattoos covering his upper arms. Scott has intentionally not told his parents about his tattoos. Misty thinks he should come clean but Scott wants to keep them a secret. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thank you to Doug Wykstra for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/13033253

SerenDIPity 01/29/2020

SerenDIPity This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers to clear the docket! They talk about heated cat beds, setting the table, morning noise, ranch dressing, singing in the grocery store, and more! Make sure to check out the for Jackie Brown's Horseradish Carrots! /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/12937247

Live From Atlanta 2019 01/22/2020

Live From Atlanta 2019 This week's episode was recorded LIVE in Atlanta Georgia at the Variety Playhouse in 2019. First up, "Clothing Arguments." Brian files suit against his wife Kelly. When Brian is folding laundry, he places the folded clothes in piles around the house. Kelly likes to knock the piles of laundry over onto the floor. Brian would like this to stop, but Kelly insists that it’s all in good fun. Then, the judge and bailiff are joined by special guest , voice of Pam on the hit FX show ! Together they'll dispense justice on cases having to do with chocolates in trail mix, favorite colors, and more during Swift Justice. Thank you to Jon Combs for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/12850664

German Engine Hearing 01/15/2020

German Engine Hearing Bethany files suit against her husband Jeff. They have an old minivan that will need to be replaced soon. Bethany wants to buy her dream car-- a vintage VW Bus. Jeff believes these vehicles are unsafe and would like to purchase a more practical vehicle. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thank you to Justin Gibson for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/12754976

Edict of Worms 01/08/2020

Edict of Worms This week, Edict of Worms. Evan files suit against his wife Anne. Anne wants to get a vermicompost bin for their apartment. Evan claims the apartment is too small and the compost bin is too messy. He seeks an injunction prohibiting worm bins in the apartment. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Only one can decide! -- Thank you to Maren Williams for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. -- SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST in or the /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/12664565

There is No Diner Jail 01/01/2020

There is No Diner Jail This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers to clear the docket. We talk about winter holidays, slack emojis, Trichotillomania, sharing bottomless cups of coffee, cooking with garlic, and more! Special thanks to Andrew Ti of for sending us some words of wisdom regarding the case about slack emojis. — SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST in or the /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/12586679

Live in Durham at the Carolina Theatre 2019 12/18/2019

Live in Durham at the Carolina Theatre 2019 This week's episode was recorded LIVE in Durham, North Carolina at the Carolina Theatre in November of 2019. The first case is "Son of a Preacher Ban." Then, the judge and bailiff rule on cases having to do with excessive planking routines, singing in goofy manners, and birthday cakes during Swift Justice. -- Thank you to Alanna Talty for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. -- SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST in or the /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/12456233

Reheat Offender 12/11/2019

Reheat Offender This week, Reheat Offender. Brandy files suit against her husband Shaun. Brandy believes leftovers should be consumed in a particular order. Shaun doesn’t always want to eat the leftovers according to Brandy’s schedule. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Only one can decide! Thank you to Jon Porobil for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. — SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST in or the /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/12368198

Tried Green Tomatoes 12/04/2019

Tried Green Tomatoes This week, Tried Green Tomatoes. Michael files suit against his friend and neighbor Sam. Michael is growing tomatoes on their shared rooftop and wants Sam to go onto the roof to admire his plants. Sam thinks he should never have to set foot on the roof. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Only one can decide! Thank you to Daniel Herrera for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. — SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST in or the /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/12281201

Daylight Savings Crime 11/27/2019

Daylight Savings Crime This week, Daylight Savings Crime. Kari files suit against her husband Joshua. Kari and Joshua had solar panels installed on their house in July of 2019. Since then, Joshua has been monitoring their solar production and is actively trying to make the household more energy efficient. Kari believes that Joshua’s interest in energy efficiency has gotten out of hand. Joshua would like the whole family to get on board with his energy saving goals. Guest bailiff Ify Nwadiwe from Who Shot Ya? at Maximumfun.org and Nerdificent Podcast fills in for Jesse Thorn. You can follow him on twitter @IfyNwadiwe, and send him DIY film fest recommendations. Thank you to Neil Pogorelsky for naming this week’s case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. — SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST in or the /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/12202925

Live from Toronto at the Danforth Music Hall 2019 11/20/2019

Live from Toronto at the Danforth Music Hall 2019 This week's episode was recorded live in Toronto, Canada at the Danforth Music Hall! The first case is "Larpe Diem" Then, the judge and bailiff rule on cases having to do with a cat litter box, a photo of college friend, and a shared YouTube account during Swift Justice. Thank you to Robbie Newell for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. -- SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST in or the /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/12113564

Occam's Frasier 11/14/2019

Occam's Frasier Emily files suit against her friend Aaron. Emily and Aaron are regulars at a bar which they affectionately refer to as their "Cheers." Recently they tried to decide which Cheers characters they are. Emily wants to be Martin Crane. Aaron believes that Emily cannot be Martin Crane because he is strictly a Frasier character. Emily disagrees and asks the court to rule that Martin Crane exists in the world of Cheers. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Only one can decide! Thank you to Yipee Kiyay for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/12029399

Right to Redress 11/06/2019

Right to Redress This week: Right to Redress. Morgan files suit against her sister Sarah. Sarah is getting married in November and asked Morgan to be her maid of honor. According to Sarah, Morgan has an "alternative" style. Sarah would like Morgan to alter certain aspects of her appearance for the wedding. Morgan doesn’t think she needs to change. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Only one can decide! Thank you to Michael Lande 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. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/11935553

Traffic Stopper 10/30/2019

Traffic Stopper This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers to clear the docket. They talk about pedestrian right-of-way, traffic stoppers, mail sorters, portable hot sauce, defunct hockey sports memorabilia, social media identity theft, mise en place etiquette, and more! -- SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST in or the /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/11844551

You've Got Bail! 10/23/2019

You've Got Bail! This week: You've Got Bail! Lillie files suit against her husband, Thaddeus. Thaddeus has had the same email address – Apemanson@ – for 18 years. He uses it for everything, including as his contact information for their kids’ schools. Lillie finds Thaddeus’ email address embarrassing and offensive and would like him to change it. Thaddeus would like to keep using his email address. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thank you to Nathan Detweiler for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/11758736

Stick and Move and No New Butterfinger 10/16/2019

Stick and Move and No New Butterfinger This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers to clear the docket with special guest Paula Poundstone! You've heard Paula as a frequent guest on NPR’s weekly comedy news quiz, Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me. She also hosts the Maximum Fun podcast Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone with co-host Adam Felber. Paula P. joins us to promote her debut rap single: Not My Butterfinger. We talk candy bars, bathroom trash cans, etiquette for packing bags for airport flights, cell phone plans, and more! /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/11668217

The Skeleton Brief 10/09/2019

The Skeleton Brief Kris files suit against his fiancee, Bonnie. Bonnie loves to decorate the home for the Fall season. Kris thinks she starts decorating too early in the year. But, Bonnie says she wants to enjoy her favorite time of year as much as possible. Who's right? Who's wrong? Thank you to Susan Crum for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/11580650

Snickerdoodiligence 10/02/2019

Snickerdoodiligence Rachel files suit against her husband, Doug. Early in their marriage, she brought cookies to his family's Christmas Eve celebration. Doug and his brothers realized the cookies were similar to a beloved family recipe that had been lost to time. 20 years later, Doug and his brothers still refer to these cookies as their "Great Grandma Hebig's cookies." But, Rachel thinks she deserves the credit for cookies. Who's right? Who's wrong? Thank you to Jeremy Frank for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/11486567

Sluice Juice 09/25/2019

Sluice Juice This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers to clear the docket! They talk about making the bed, using and washing towels, and more! Plus friends of the Court and of help with a dispute regarding childcare! /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/11392973

Achoodication 09/18/2019

Achoodication Luke files suit against Stephanie. Stephanie refuses to say "bless you" whenever anyone sneezes. Luke thinks it's a pleasant practice she should engage in, but she says it's annoying. Who's right? Who's wrong? Thank you to Steve Runyon for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/11307689

Dowager Mayor 09/11/2019

Dowager Mayor This week on Judge John Hodgman, it's time to clear the docket! Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse are in chambers to discuss new neighbor etiquette, peanut butter storage, phone battery monitoring and more! Plus, the Judge catches up with a high school friend and helps him with a dispute! /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/11213456

This is the Sound of a Gamble 09/04/2019

This is the Sound of a Gamble Maria brings the case against her sister, Lesley. Lesley has been making bets with a friend about Maria's life events. Maria would like her to stop, but Lesley says it's all in good fun. Who's right? Who's wrong? Huge thanks to Joel Mann at for providing the Judge's summertime chambers once again! We look forward to your summertime cheer next year. WERU is community supported, and is always accepting donations at . And if you find yourself in Castine, Maine over the summer, don't miss Joel performing with the Night and Day Jazz Trio on the porch of the ! Thank you to Jeff Wallen for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/11130152

The Smoking Pun 08/28/2019

The Smoking Pun Content warning: This episode is almost entirely about cooking meat. If you find that subject to be unpleasant, you may want to hold out for next week's episode! Emily brings the case against her husband Eric. Eric enjoys smoking meats and brisket in particular. Emily complains that smokes brisket too often and that he doesn't manage his time properly during the smoking process. Eric says the brisket is done when it’s done. With Expert Witness of Austin's beloved ! Huge thanks to Aaron Franklin for joining us this week! His newest book is . You can also read about his brisket technique in . Thank you to Will Beecher, Daniel Gilbert, & Emily JoAnn Holasek for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/11036765

Tough Talk With LeVar Burton 08/21/2019

Tough Talk With LeVar Burton It's time to clear the docket! This week, joins the Court to dispense some justice! They all discuss Star Trek: The Next Generation, dressing your baby in controversial onesies, naming dogs, a letter from a listener about talking to home robots, and an appeal to a previous decision regarding remotely controlling the thermostat. Huge thanks to LeVar Burton for joining us this week! His podcast LeVar Burton Reads has just begun its 5th season. Check it out wherever you download podcasts or at ! /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/10947728

Side Effects May Include Justice 08/14/2019

Side Effects May Include Justice Yael 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 and ! Thank you to Brian Colavito for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, follow on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/10886321

Coda Conduct 08/07/2019

Coda Conduct Jeanne 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 ! Thank you to Jeremy Frank for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, like on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/10814798

Blob Justice 08/01/2019

Blob Justice David files suit against his wife, Kayleigh. David would like to keep a jellyfish tank in their home, but Kayleigh is opposed! Who's right? Who's wrong? Thank you to Andrew Lerchen for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, like on Facebook. We regularly put out a call for submissions. /episode/index/show/jjhodgman/id/10731371

Judge John Hodgman

TOPICS