Best Jess Branch Podcasts (2025)

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TEASER: Members Only Mailbag August 2025 3:12

Play Pause

4d ago3:12

3:12

Is this creature an ape or no? The J Squad isn't sure. They talk about this and much more on the August Members Only Mailbag episode! If you're a member, make sure you check your bonus feed now for the full episode. If you aren't a member, it's never to late! Join for just $5 a month and get immediate access to the entire catalog of MaxFun bonus co…

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Probable Jaws 1:11:19

5d ago1:11:19

1:11:19

Do you think you could fight a shark and win? Jessica thinks she can do it! But her friend, Natasha, says she can't! Natasha says Jessica can't even swim! Jessica doesn't think her swimming abilities matter. Who's right? Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and humanitarian aid to refugees, deportees, and…

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The Rule of Make it Two 52:22

13d ago52:22

52:22

It's time to clear the docket, and Chuck Bryant (Stuff You Should Know) returns to the Court to help. Is it ok to take home keepsakes from hiking trails? What if it's a cool rock? Should moviegoers be compelled to stay for post-credits scenes? Plus Judge Hodgman and Chuck Bryant try to guess listener-submitted OBSCURE CULTURAL REFERENCES! Please co…

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Building Futures: Civil Engineering, Mentorship & Impact with Jess Hastings | Why STEM Podcast Ep 6 39:58

12d ago39:58

39:58

In Episode 6 of the Why STEM Podcast, Dr. Rameesh Madourie sits down with Jess Hastings, Senior Vice President at Benesch, to explore the intersection of civil engineering, mentorship, and shaping the next generation of STEM leaders. Jess shares his journey from being a curious kid building with LEGOs in Nebraska to leading major infrastructure pro…

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Dragonian Law 1:05:50

19d ago1:05:50

1:05:50

Erin and Bill threw a dragon-themed birthday party for their 1 year old. On the day of the event, Erin was horrified to see the menu that Bill put together. Bill named the food and drink after various things dragons shed, excrete, and throw up. Bill says it was fun. But Erin doesn’t want to see another pitcher of Dragon Pee, ever again! Who's right…

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Klutz Action Lawsuit Live in Burlington 52:22

27d ago52:22

52:22

Adrian is a little clumsy. His wife, Lisa, wants him to be more careful! But if that's not possible, all she wants his for him to stop sending her photos of himself with bloody wounds! Plus cases about mustaches, sharing shirts with a spouse, and eating paint. All recorded live at Higher Ground Ballroom in Burlington, VT! Please consider donating t…

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Turtle Power of Attorney 58:21

1M ago58:21

58:21

Kaelyn brings the case against her husband, Adam. In their neighborhood in Virginia there is a roadside sign reminding drivers to SLOW DOWN! Adam says this sign looks like a turtle. Which makes sense, because turtles are slow! Kaelyn says Adam is wrong. This sign is clearly supposed to be a child. Who's right? Who's wrong? Please consider donating …

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TEASER: Members Only Mailbag July 2025 2:40

1M ago2:40

2:40

Do you take off your shoes when you come home? Jesse has a system! Is he a monster? This month’s Members Only Mailbag dives into this, and so much more! If you want to hear the full episode, you have to be a member! Join for just $5 a month and get immediate access to the entire catalog of MaxFun bonus content! Just go to maximumfun.org/join. Judge…

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Butt Pics and Smart Dogs with Janet Varney 1:09:38

1M ago1:09:38

1:09:38

It's time to clear the docket and Friend of the Court Janet Varney is here to help us! Is the bathroom a good place for a portrait of your own butt? If you're at a sporting event, can you move to a better section if no one is sitting there? Judgments to these and more! PLEASE NOTE: There is a conversation about an ICE raid happening at MacArthur Pa…

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Texas Hold'em in Contempt 1:09:35

2M ago1:09:35

1:09:35

Colin and Nik play poker every month. Nik fondly remembers playing poker with Colin’s coworker, Joey. But here’s the kicker. Colin says Joey has never been to poker night. Joey doesn’t even play poker! Colin thinks that Nik is confused. But, Nik says Colin is bluffing! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado…

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From Struggling in Math to Leading: Zach Nahman’s Nonlinear STEM Journey | Why STEM Podcast Ep 5 57:07

2M ago57:07

57:07

What happens when a student struggling in precalculus becomes a tech leader in software engineering? In this episode of the Why STEM Podcast, Dr. Rameesh Madourie sits down with Zach Neihman, a mechanical engineer turned software leader, to explore how powerful mentorship, failure, and self-discovery can spark a lifelong passion for STEM. Zach open…

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Justice is Blinds 1:00:58

2M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Alex and his wife, Kim, recently bought a house in Maine. Kim wants to install blinds in the windows. Alex is opposed. He loves waking up to the sunlight. Alex says blinds will cast a shadow on his sunny mornings. But Kim doesn’t want nosy Mainers looking in her windows at night! Who's right? Who's wrong? Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. A…

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Redefining Excellence: Dr. Fernando Branch on Turnaround Leadership | Why STEM Podcast Ep 04 50:10

2M ago50:10

50:10

In this powerful episode of the Why STEM Podcast, Dr. Fernando Branch joins host Dr. Rameesh Madourie to share his remarkable journey from Memphis to becoming a transformative leader in STEAM education. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Branch reflects on his early challenges, the inequities he witnessed firsthand, and the pivotal educators who…

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Judge John Hodgman Presents: Jordan, Jesse, Go! "Potions & Lotions, with Jason Mantzoukas" 1:20:47

2M ago1:20:47

1:20:47

Did you know that Bailiff Jesse Thorn hosts another comedy podcast? Jesse and his cohost Jordan Morris talk to a celebrity guest every week, and it's simultaneously absurd, vulgar, and heart-warming. We are excited to share this recent episode with guest Jason Mantzoukas! Give it a listen and subscribe! -- On this week’s episode, we welcome back th…

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Kayfabeas Corpus Live in Turners Falls MA 1:02:37

2M ago1:02:37

1:02:37

Perry 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 Bel…

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Bold Leadership | Frannie Matthews on STEM, Risk & Resilience | Why STEM Podcast Ep. 03 1:03:30

2M ago1:03:30

1:03:30

What does bold leadership look like in the face of uncertainty, failure, and change? In this episode of the Why STEM Podcast, Frannie Matthews, tech executive, former CEO of the Colorado Technology Association, and educator, shares powerful lessons on leading through crisis, embracing failure, and trusting a beginner’s mindset. From navigating an u…

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TEASER: June 2025 Members Only Mailbag 3:11

2M ago3:11

3:11

A neighbor has been calling your dog by the wrong name. You never corrected him. It's been years. Should you let him know your dog's actual name? Or let it go? This month's Members Only Mailbag explores this topic, and much more! Here's a sneak peek. If you want to hear the full episode, you have to be a member! Join for just $5 a month and get imm…

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Mayo it Please the Court 1:05:35

2M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Brandon says that sauce is one of his major food groups. His wife, Jacqueline says the sauces take up too much fridge space! She wants to put away groceries without playing fridge Tetris. But Brandon just loves sauce! Who's right? Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and humanitarian aid to refugees, depo…

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From Military Brat to CEO | How Failure Built Nahjee Maybin’s STEM Success | Why STEM Podcast Ep. 02 50:35

2M ago50:35

50:35

What does it take to turn setbacks into leadership success? In this episode of the Why STEM Podcast, host Dr. Rameesh Madourie talks with Nahjee Maybin, CEO of Kenyatta Computer Services, about how failure, grit, and resilience shaped his path from a multicultural, military upbringing to earning two STEM degrees and leading his own tech company by …

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From Rejection to Licensed Civil Engineer | Breaking the Mold with Kemmy Mizinga | Why STEM Podcast Ep. 1 50:10

3M ago50:10

50:10

Told he couldn’t be an engineer — now a licensed Civil Engineer building bridges in Colorado. In this powerful first episode of the Why STEM Podcast, host Dr. Rameesh Madourie sits down with Kemmy Mizinga, a first-generation African-American Civil Engineer, to explore the highs and lows of pursuing a career in STEM. Kemmy shares how a high school c…

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Breeches of Contract 1:06:39

3M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

Mike wears the same cargo pants every day! He says one pair is all he needs. Gabby disagrees! She believes a person needs at least 2 pairs of pants. It’s science. But Mike says he’s too tired in the morning to think about what to wear. One pair of pants is easy! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhod…

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Why STEM? | The Mission Behind the Why STEM Podcast 2:30

3M ago2:30

2:30

Welcome to the Why STEM Podcast, where we ignite curiosity, break barriers, and empower the next generation of STEM leaders. Hosted by Dr. Rameesh Madourie, this show is dedicated to students, educators, professionals, and changemakers who believe that STEM education should be accessible, inspiring, and transformative. In this brief intro episode, …

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Persimmon to Approach the Branch 1:06:59

3M ago1:06:59

1:06:59

While on a drive, Vera wanted to stop and pick some persimmons from a random tree. Matt said NO! Since they don’t know the tree owners, those persimmons are FORBIDDEN FRUIT. But Vera really wants those persimmons! They’ve been holding a grudge against Matt ever since. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgej…

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4K No Los Dos 1:07:19

3M ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Andrew loves his large television but Rachel hates it. She begged him to leave the behemoth behind before moving in together. However it’s now the main TV in their home. Rachel loves living with Andrew. But she wants to evict his huge, eyesore of a television! Who's right? Who's wrong? We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgm…

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TEASER: Members Only Mailbag May 2025 3:13

3M ago3:13

3:13

The new episode of the Members Only Mailbag is in the members-only bonus feed! Are the Hartford Whalers actually an extinct hockey team? Judge Hodgman refers to them that way, but Yael says the judge is WRONG! We hope you enjoy this short clip! For the entire episode, and the back catalog of ALL of our bonus episodes, join Maximum Fun at $5 a month…

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Cruel and Two Casserole Punishment Live in St. Paul 52:48

3M ago52:48

52:48

What should you do if the food at the neighborhood potluck is BAD? Plus cases about shorts in the winter, TV volume, and washing car mats in the dishwasher! All recorded LIVE at St. Paul, MN's beautiful Fitzgerald Theater! We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman! Thanks to reddi…

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Costco Rope Drops 1:04:01

3M ago1:04:01

1:04:01

Are you at Costco first thing in the morning? If you are browsing a store with no intention to buy anything, does that still count as shopping? What are the unspoken rules of grocery store shopping? All this and more shopping-related cases as Judge John Hodgman clears the docket! We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod!…

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Objection D'Art 1:08:42

4M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

David is an art history professor. For the last year, he has been researching an early 20th-century American impressionist named Agnes Millen Richmond. He’s started buying her paintings… and they’re expensive. Susan says they have too many already! She says her husband is obsessed! Who’s right? Who’s wrong? We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us o…

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Shelf Incrimination 1:10:38

4M ago1:10:38

1:10:38

Hayley can’t wait to move in with Natasha this summer. But Hayley wants to limit how many books Natasha can bring to their new place. Specifically, Hayley wants to set the limit at… ZERO BOOKS. If you do not want to hear about how a ball python eats (it involves rodents), please skip the bit from about 24:00-25:35. Pick back up when John asks where…

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The Meeple's Court Live in Madison 1:09:37

4M ago1:09:37

1:09:37

Beth says that her friend, Aaron, "broke" their favorite board game by working too hard to "optimize gameplay." The way Aaron plays is just NO FUN, says Beth! But Aaron says that identifying systems IS fun! Who's right? Who's wrong? Plus! Swift Justice cases about plant propagation containers and the pronunciation of the word, "hammock." We are on …

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TEASER: Members Only Mailbag April 2025 4:44

4M ago4:44

4:44

The new episode of the Members Only Mailbag is in the members-only bonus feed! This month, the J Squad is talking about an airport dog for some reason. We hope you enjoy this short clip! For the entire episode, and the back catalog of ALL of our bonus episodes, join Maximum Fun at $5 a month. Just go to maximumfun.org/join! Judge John Hodgman is me…

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Baby Grand Jury 1:04:06

4M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

Lauren loved playing the piano as a child and regrets quitting. She wants to get a piano and start playing again. But John says pianos are too big and too loud. He thinks she should get a keyboard instead. Then Lauren can play in total silence with headphones on. This makes Lauren sad! Who's right? Who's wrong? Check out this episode on YouTube for…

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Bouilla-biased 1:04:47

5M ago1:04:47

1:04:47

Daryl loves soup! But her husband, Adam, hates it. Daryl has stopped making soup at home and misses it. Adam says that he wants her to stop talking about soup in public. It makes him feel bad. Daryl just wants more soup in her life. Who's right? Who's wrong? We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagra…

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A Jewelry of Your Peers in Ann Arbor 50:56

5M ago50:56

50:56

Kalee and Nik both want their dad's cool ring in the shape of a lion's head. The problem? Their dad is still alive! Who's right? Who's wrong? Plus, a woman who believes she is owed a cruise from her friend and a man who would like his good buddy to stop telling their coworkers he used to sleep without sheets on the bed! Recorded LIVE at the Ann Arb…

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Time and Rubbishment 1:10:23

5M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

The trash pickup schedule in Nick and Michele’s neighborhood is confusing. No one knows when to bring their bins out! Nick wants to put an automated digital sign in their front window that displays the schedule. But Michele is opposed! She says the sign is TACKY. Who's right? Who's wrong? With Guest Bailiff Jean Grae! Jean Grae's IN MY REMAINING YE…

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UFF8 Interview with Michael Rock - Director of The Ruck March with Spoilers at the end! 51:20

5M ago51:20

51:20

Unnamed Footage Festival is this week, and Michael Rock is bringing The Ruck March to San Fransisco the same day it comes out on the foundtv app on March 27th! He will be at Unnamed Footage Fest selling merch for his films. Pick up copies of all of Mike's films including the Cryptid centric Tahoe Joe, and Tahoe Joe 2. This interview has spoilers!!!…

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UFF8 Interview with Trey Murphy - Director of The Hedge - Complete With Spoilers at the end! 24:54

5M ago24:54

24:54

Unnamed Footage Festival is over now as I post this, but Stephen had some time to interview filmmaker Trey Murphy. Trey and his son Quaid created the comedy/horror analog short film the Hedge that played in San Fransisco on March 28th in the Short Form Footage Block at 11am at the Balboa Theater! We discussed filming on vhs, the magic of homemade h…

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UFF8 Interview with Richard O'hare - Writer of Body Worn Video - Complete with Spoilers at the end! 33:09

5M ago33:09

33:09

Unnamed Footage Festival is all done in sunny San Fransisco, but I was joined by Richard O'hare the writer, Director of Photography, and the Producer of the short film Body Worn Video. It screened at the Balboa Theater at 10:20PM on March 29th along side the film "The Lost Episode" We discuss the short films creation, the video game that is in the …

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UFF8 Interview with Carmen Perez - Director of Anniversary_6 - Complete with Spoilers at the end! 37:31

5M ago37:31

37:31

Unnamed Footage Festival is over now, but Stephen got a chance to interview filmmaker Camen Perez. Carmen brought her comedy/horror short film Anniversary_6 to San Fransisco on March 28th in the Short Form Footage Block at 11am at the Balboa Theater! We discuss guerrilla filmmaking, writing horror, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians!!! Carmen and …

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UFF8 Interview with Zeddy Chevron - Director of Trial.doc - Complete with Spoilers at the end! 1:19:53

5M ago1:19:53

1:19:53

Unnamed Footage Festival is happening, and Stephen had a wonderful discussion with filmmaker Zeddy Chevron. Zeddy is brought their short film Trial.doc to San Fransisco on March 28th at 3:05pm at the Balboa Theater! We discuss the two week pre-production, starring in your own films, and finding the title Trial.doc. Zeddy and Stephen have a lengthy …

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UFF8 Interview with Mathew Abaya - Director of Augmented - Complete with Spoilers at the end! 38:54

5M ago38:54

38:54

Unnamed Footage Festival is in the grave, but Mathew Abaya broguht his neon soacked horror short Augmented to San Fransisco on March 28th! Mathew was at Unnamed Footage Fest to watch his film at 10:20pm at the Balboa Theater playing with "The Unsolved Love Hotel Murder Case" We discussed in our interview the future of augmented reality, streaming d…

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UFF8 Interview with David Dawson - Director of Fam-illi and Leech - Complete with Spoilers at the end! 55:22

5M ago55:22

55:22

Unnamed Footage Festival is over, but Stephen got a chance to interview filmmaker David Dawson. David has brought two films to the screen in San Fransisco. David has a film in the Short Form Footage Block at 11am at the Balboa Theater on the 28th called FAM-ILLI! David also has his feature film Leech screening at the Balboa Theater at 3:25pm on the…

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TEASER: Members Only Mailbag March 2025 5:57

5M ago5:57

5:57

The new episode of the Members Only Mailbag is in the members-only bonus feed! Not yet a member? Here's a taste of what you can expect from the J Squad every month in the bonus content feed. For the entire episode, and the back catalog of ALL of our bonus episodes, join Maximum Fun at $5 a month. Your memberships are what make our show possible. Th…

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TCoF: Michelle Branch 1:18:00

5M ago1:18:00

1:18:00

She was EVERYWHERE in the early 00s. ALL YOU WANTED was for her song to come on the radio. Yes, I’m making Michelle Branch puns bc my good friend Mary from When They Popped joins me this week to walk through Michelle Branch’s career as she pivots from pop to rock, soft rock, pop, and country. Michelle might write a lot of songs about love, but her …

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TEASER: Lawn and Hors D'oeuvres Live in Los Angeles 10:20

5M ago10:20

10:20

There's another drop in the members-only bonus feed! Both on audio AND video! Here's a clip from Lawn and Hors D'oeuvres Live in Los Angeles! But what about the rest of the case and the episode? You'll have to be a member to hear the rest or watch the entire live show in full. Just go to maximumfun.org/join and join at the $5 a month level or highe…

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Statute of Imitations 1:08:58

5M ago1:08:58

1:08:58

Gaela and Cesca are identical twins. Gaela wants to pull some classic twin-switch pranks but Cesca thinks these types of pranks are hack! What does Judge John Hodgman think? With identical twin Expert Witnesses Jason Sklar and Randy Sklar! Who's right? Who's wrong? We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on I…

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Small Claymations Court 56:05

6M ago56:05

56:05

Brian brings the case against his wife Cheri and their daughter Lauren. The family has a long-running joke where they declare who is the Gumby. That’s right, Gumby. The mid-20th century claymation cartoon. Brian says that he is the Gumby of the family. But Lauren and Cheri disagree. He’s Pokey, AT BEST! Who's right? Who's wrong? Lauren and Cheri ha…

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TEASER: Judge John Hodgman Spring Break Party 5:40

6M ago5:40

5:40

It’s been a long, dark, and cold winter. Judge John Hodgman is ready for SPRING BREAK! We want to share a few minutes from the Judge John Hodgman Spring Break Beach House so you can hear what a great time it is! Ben Harrison (Greatest Trek) has mixed some beautiful beachside cocktails to enjoy as they all discuss Spring Break shenanigans. Grab a re…

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Juvenile Court is Back! 53:30

6M ago53:30

53:30

Juvenile Court is back in session with our Expert Juvenile, Scarlett Thorn! We hear cases from kids on playing video games with their podcaster dad, manga, tucked-in sweaters, Punch Buggy, and much more! We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman for photos from this episode! Judge…

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TCoF: Jessica Simpson 1:21:41

6M ago1:21:41

1:21:41

Blonde bombshell, southern belle, ditzy tuna connoisseur, and powerhouse belter. Jessica Simpson has been called everything in the book (and then wrote her own)! Lia (ashleeandjessicast) and I take a look through Jessica's career start all the way to her releasing NEW music. We discuss the image she was forced to portray and her constant struggle f…