TEASER: Members Only Mailbag June 2026

Crime and Bunishment and Mailbags

Jul 1, 202658 minSummary

In this episode of Judge John Hodgman, the hosts dive into their members-only mailbag to address an eclectic mix of listener questions and dilemmas. The conversation begins with a listener from Hull, Massachusetts, who seeks validation for her hobby of catching and photographing wild baby bunnies. The hosts debate the ethics of interacting with wildlife, ultimately cautioning against the practice due to the potential trauma caused to the animals. The discussion then shifts to a playful complaint from a listener in Evanston, Illinois, who believes he should be credited for solving a Wordle puzzle in one guess by utilizing the letters from a previous attempt. The hosts take the opportunity to share their thoughts on modern word games, the addictive nature of sharing results, and the nuances of sleep hygiene in relationships. They conclude with a relatable inquiry about managing chores and communication between an early bird and a night owl. The hosts emphasize the importance of respecting individual bedtime routines, noting that sleep is a personal, necessary ritual that should be protected from late-night drywall projects and disruptive household tasks.

Passover-ruled

Jun 24, 20261h 12mSummary

In this episode of Judge John Hodgman titled Passover-ruled, the judge presides over a long-standing domestic dispute between a married couple, Mark and Marianne. The couple, who met in a courtroom, have been together for forty-three years and host numerous large holiday dinners for their extended family. The central conflict involves their observance of Jewish holidays, which often fall on weekdays. Mark, desiring for his son and grandchildren to attend, insists that these celebrations should be moved to the weekend to accommodate their schedules. Conversely, Marianne, who takes great pride in her role as the host and primary cook, believes the holidays should be observed on their actual calendar dates to maintain tradition and avoid scheduling conflicts with other religious observances like Easter. As the judge probes the dynamics of their holiday preparations, it becomes clear that Marianne is a dedicated and meticulous host, while Mark’s requests have inadvertently increased her workload. After exploring potential solutions—including the possibility of hiring outside help for cleaning and catering to alleviate the pressure—the judge works toward a verdict that balances the couple's desire for inclusivity with the reality of hosting such complex, labor-intensive gatherings.

Special Episode: JJHo Visits Tijuana with Al Otro Lado

Jun 22, 20261h 31mSummary

In this special episode of Judge John Hodgman, the host and bailiff Jesse Thorne travel to Tijuana, Mexico, to visit the headquarters of Al Otro Lado, a binational organization dedicated to providing humanitarian and legal support to migrants, refugees, and deportees. Recorded at Friendship Park directly at the U.S.-Mexico border, the discussion features insights from Al Otro Lado co-founder Nicole Ramos and director of litigation Cassandra Lopez. The conversation highlights the harsh realities of the current immigration system, specifically the challenges faced by those seeking asylum and the isolating experience of deportees who often find themselves in unfamiliar environments. Ramos and Lopez explain the organization’s mission to provide legal representation on both sides of the border, emphasizing the importance of meeting clients where they are and empowering them with accurate information to navigate complex bureaucracies. The episode also explores the critical role of community-led advocacy, as many staff members at Al Otro Lado are former clients themselves. By sharing their personal experiences, they provide essential empathy and trust, reminding those they serve of their dignity and agency despite the systemic obstacles they face.

Pecks and Balances

Jun 17, 20261h 14mSummary

In this episode of Judge John Hodgman, the judge presides over a playful dispute between a married couple, Eric and Allison, who are expecting their first child. The core of the disagreement centers on a ritual they called the safety kiss, which they practiced at the start of their relationship. Whenever they traveled by car, they would finalize their safety checks—buckling up and securing their pets—with a kiss. While Eric wants to bring this tradition back as they prepare for parenthood, Allison is hesitant, feeling that the gesture became perfunctory and that kissing Eric often causes her to hiccup. The episode explores the balance between Eric’s self-appointed role as the household safety officer and Allison’s more relaxed approach to life. Through humorous testimony about their menagerie of pets and Eric’s tendency toward hyper-vigilance, the judge examines whether these rituals provide genuine comfort or merely impose unnecessary pressure. The conversation touches on themes of superstition, the anxieties of becoming parents, and the fine line between helpful habits and burdensome routines, all delivered with the show’s signature blend of wit and mock-judicial seriousness.

Is Butter Pecan For Old People?

Jun 10, 20261h 0mSummary

In this episode of Judge John Hodgman, the hosts begin by recounting their recent trip to Tijuana, Mexico, where they visited Al Otro Lado, an organization providing legal and humanitarian support to migrants. The hosts reflect on the overwhelming generosity of listeners who collectively raised four hundred thousand dollars for the group, emphasizing the importance of human dignity in the face of dehumanizing immigration policies. They also share personal anecdotes from the visit, including their experience trying Oaxacan grasshoppers and spotting various roof-dwelling dogs. After the serious reflection, the show transitions into a series of humorous ice cream-themed disputes. The judge rules on a case involving a father who habitually lies about birthdays to score free restaurant desserts, condemning the practice as fraudulent and insulting to hospitality workers. They also address a disagreement about the etiquette of eating ice cream sandwiches, with the judge offering a lighthearted take on the "chocolate dirt" left on one’s fingers. Finally, the judge mediates a family dispute over the theft of dairy-free ice cream, humorously advising the plaintiff to purchase unappealing alternatives to deter her family from stealing her snacks.

Lawn and Hors D’oeuvres Live in Los Angeles

Jun 3, 202642 minSummary

In this live episode of Judge John Hodgman recorded at Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles, the judge presides over a suburban dispute between a couple, Jesse and Julie. The pair are at odds over their neighbor, whom they refer to as Miss Scrappy, who has a habit of leaving food scraps—including rotisserie chicken carcasses and takeout containers—directly on her front lawn. While the neighbor maintains an otherwise well-manicured yard, the presence of the waste attracts vermin, crows, and causes significant concern for the couple, particularly regarding their dog, Nitro, who frequently attempts to eat the discarded bones during walks. Jesse is eager to confront the neighbor about the health and safety risks, while Julie is deeply uncomfortable with the potential for neighborhood conflict and social friction. Judge Hodgman weighs the importance of maintaining civility in a community against the fear of local reprisal, specifically addressing the intelligence of crows and the potential for long-held grudges. Ultimately, the judge rules that the couple must have a respectful conversation with their neighbor to address the safety hazard, advising them that engaging with one’s community, however uncomfortable, is a necessary component of civilized life.

TEASER: Members Only Mailbag May 2026

May 28, 20264 minSummary

In this teaser for the May 2026 Members Only Mailbag, Judge John Hodgman and bailiff Jesse Thorne invite listeners into a nostalgic exploration of past media and personal histories. With guest producer Rguman O’Fallen, the team revisits an iconic local television commercial for the Grand Prospect Hall, a venue that famously promised to make dreams come true before closing its doors in 2021. The hosts use the commercial as a jumping-off point to discuss the evolving nature of nostalgia across generations, contrasting the shared experience of regional broadcast advertising with the fragmented, algorithmic nature of modern media consumption. The conversation shifts to a personal reflection on the tradition of in-person phone banking during political campaigns, a practice the Judge describes as both terrifying and deeply memorable. This leads to a nuanced discussion on the role of nostalgia in contemporary life. Hodgman distinguishes between the healthy enjoyment of fond memories and the potentially toxic impulse of using those feelings to construct political movements. This episode offers a glimpse into the thoughtful, humorous, and occasionally philosophical banter that defines the exclusive monthly mailbag discussions for supporters of the program.

Flush to Judgment (Rerun)

May 27, 202659 minSummary

In this classic episode of Judge John Hodgman, the court hears the case of "Flush to Judgment." The plaintiff, Marlowe, brings a case against her friend Trish regarding a rather unusual domestic habit: Trish’s long-standing practice of disposing of uneaten soup, cereal, and other liquid-based food waste by flushing it down the toilet. While Trish maintains that her method is efficient and reasonable, provided the food does not require "prodding," her social circle—collectively known as "Try Club"—considers the behavior bizarre and unacceptable. The proceedings take a humorous turn as the parties present a complex "soup disposal algorithm" Trish created to justify her actions. The Judge examines this flowchart, which categorizes food waste by viscosity and meat content, while balancing the arguments against the realities of household plumbing and social norms. Amidst debates over whether soup has "agency" and the proper way to handle leftovers, the Judge navigates the eccentric testimony to determine if Trish’s lifelong habit is a harmless quirk or a legitimate social faux pas that warrants a permanent, court-ordered change in behavior.

Flush to Judgement (Rerun)

May 27, 202659 minSummary

In this rerun episode of Judge John Hodgman, the court examines a unique and divisive domestic habit: the disposal of food waste via the toilet. The case is brought by Marlow, who is deeply troubled by her friend Trish’s long-standing practice of flushing leftover soups and other liquid-based foods down the toilet rather than using the sink or garbage disposal. Throughout the episode, the hosts explore the origins of this habit, which dates back to Trish’s childhood. Trish defends her methods with an elaborate, self-authored "soup disposal flow chart," complete with criteria for viscosity, meat content, and fat removal, arguing that her process is both logical and efficient. The conversation highlights the absurdity of the debate, including the group’s reaction during their weekly "Try Club" gatherings when they first discovered Trish’s unconventional waste management. As the judge evaluates the case, the discussion touches on the role of plumbing, the definition of soup, and the social boundaries of acceptable household chores, culminating in a humorous and definitive ruling on whether the toilet should ever serve as a kitchen disposal alternative.

Docket Clearing with Rachel Reid

May 20, 20261h 0mSummary

In this episode of Judge John Hodgman, the hosts welcome New York Times bestselling author Rachel Reid to the court. Reid, famous for her Game Changers series, discusses the fascinating rise of hockey romance as a dominant subgenre in contemporary fiction. Throughout the conversation, she offers insights into the unique appeal of sports romance, explaining how the combination of high-stakes physical competition and emotional yearning creates a compelling backdrop for queer love stories. The discussion moves beyond the rink as the group explores broader questions regarding the romance genre itself. They address common stigmas that dismiss romance as lesser literature, with Reid articulating the intellectual rigor and emotional vulnerability required to craft effective, character-driven narratives. The episode also features a lighthearted debate over romance tropes, specifically the tension-filled appeal of enemies-to-lovers versus the comfort of friends-to-lovers dynamics. Finally, the guests and hosts delve into the concept of chirping, debating whether this brand of playful, hockey-inspired trash talk is a healthy component of a romantic relationship. It is an engaging, thoughtful, and humorous look at the craft of writing and the complexities of modern love.