Judge John Hodgman

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.

Direct download: jjho_090.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:37am PDT

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?

Direct download: jjho_089.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am PDT

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

Direct download: jjho_88.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: jjho_087.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am PDT

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?

Direct download: jjho_086.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:31am PDT

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?

Direct download: jjho_085.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: jjho_084.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:39am PDT

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.

Direct download: jjho_083.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

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!

Direct download: jjho_082.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:04am PDT

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.

Direct download: jjho_081.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:19am PDT

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?

Direct download: jjho_080.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

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?

Direct download: jjho_079.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

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?

Direct download: jjho_078.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

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

Direct download: jjho_077.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:03am PDT

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?

Direct download: jjho_076.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

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?

Direct download: jjho_075.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: jjho_074.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: jjho_073.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am PDT

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!

Direct download: jjho_072.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

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!

Direct download: jjho_071.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:51am PDT

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.

Direct download: jjho_070.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

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

Direct download: jjho_069.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

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

Direct download: jjho_068.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

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

Direct download: jjho_067.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

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!

Direct download: jjho_066.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

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

Direct download: jjho_065.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

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?

Direct download: jjho_064.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

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.

Direct download: jjho_063_B.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:57am PDT

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?

Direct download: jjho_062.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

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

Direct download: jjho_061.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

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?

Direct download: jjho_060.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:12am PDT

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!

Direct download: jjho_059.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

Rebekah, her mother Denise and grandmother Gloria have a case regarding memory -- specifically, is the memory of a child or an adult more reliable?  Denise insists that a grey house stood next door to her childhood home; Gloria says that's simply not true, and that the house must be a figment of Denise's imagination. Rebekah's been dragged in to adjudicate their dispute before, but she's got issues of her own with her mom's recollections of past events.  Who is right, who is wrong, who can even remember? We turn to the man who never forgets, Judge John Hodgman, to decide.

Direct download: Rashomom.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

Michael and Patrick have been best friends since high school. Michael likes to think of himself as Patrick's wingman, helping alert him to interested ladies when they're out together. Patrick thinks his friend lacks the subtlety to be a wingman and also misjudges politeness for romantic interest. Is Michael helping his friend find love and happiness, or is he steering him in the wrong direction? Only the Judge can decide.

Direct download: A_Wing_And_A_Player.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Troy believes in never being late for an appointment, party, or movie -- but in striving to avoid tardiness, he's swung the other direction and arrives extra-early. His insistence on being early is driving his wife Carmen crazy. Should they stick to their early bird ways, or should Troy live a little less by the clock?

Direct download: jjho_56.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

Leeman and his wife Rachel are American citizens who have immigrated to Toronto for school and work. They've become permanent Canadian residents, but Rachel wants to go whole hog and become citizens. Leeman finds the idea of swearing loyalty to the monarchy ideologically troubling. Should they form a united front and become citizens together?

Direct download: jjho_055.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

Two brothers, one dilapidated house, and a colony of bats - what could be more scary about this case? Noah and Adam have a bat problem, and they can't agree on how to handle it. Should they run screaming, or man up when a bat comes their way? Only one man can decide!

Direct download: jjho_054.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

THIS WEEK: Special Expert Witness Alton Brown! Ara and her mom Julia enjoy some mother-daughter bonding time while canning, but Ara insists on following USDA safety manuals, books, and other advice to make sure their canned goods are 100% safe. Julia says Ara's meticulous methods are driving her nuts, and they should rely on her own tried-and-true methods. WHO IS RIGHT?

Direct download: jjho_053.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

Is not knowing how to drive a manual transmission in this day and age A CRIME? That's the question for Cosmo and Jen, a married couple who own a manual and an automatic car, respectively.

Direct download: jjho_052.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am PDT

John and Lindsay are a married couple with two weddings to attend on the same day -- John's childhood best friend's and Lindsay's cousin's. Which argument will win? Family obligations, long-seated freindship, the better party? Only Judge Hodgman can decide.

Direct download: jjho_051.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

Marybeth and Paul are a couple of busy animal loving attorneys who already own a dog and a cat. Marybeth would like to add another dog to their family to help their current toy schnauzer, Olive, relax. Paul argues that with their busy schedule, and the already antsy Olive, another dog would only exacerbate the situation. Can Judge Hodgman resolve the pair’s puppy problem?

Direct download: jjho_050.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

Jessie and Jason are a happily married couple with a scheduling conflict. Jason is in an intensive master's program and works a full-time job, which leaves him with little to no time for household chores or time for his wife. Jason prefers to schedule his classes in sixteen-week blocks, leaving a "summer vacation" of sorts. His wife prefers that he space out his classes so that she has someone to compliment her changing hairstyles or fix a doorknob. Can Judge Hodgman find a suitable arrangement?

Direct download: jjho_049.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am PDT

Katie and Bobby are dating and are both fans of Pittsburgh Steelers football. Katie says she was born into the Steelers Nation, while Bobby came to fandom while dating Katie. Their issue is the treatment of the team's signature "Terrible Towel". Katie says it should be treated with the utmost respect as an emblem of the team; Bobby says once it's purchased, you can do with it what you please, whether that's wiping chairs or your feet. Who is right, and who is wrong? Only one man can decide.

Direct download: jjho_048.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am PDT

Blair and her sister Lisa are frequent flyers.  Blair never checks her bags due to the inconvenience of it, opting instead to carry them on.  Since she’s only 5’1”, she often relies on the generosity of fellow passengers to help maneuver her bags into the overhead compartment.  Her sister Lisa feels that Blair and people like her abuse the convenience of a carry-on -- in short, if you’re unable to completely manage your belongings on the plane, you should have to check them.  Who is right?

Direct download: jjho_047.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am PDT

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