Episode 309: Judgy Judgerson – Why Do We Judge?
Pull up a seat at the table! In this episode of Lunchtime in Rome, the guys dive into the tricky, often hilarious, and sometimes convicting world of judgment. While Chris was away recovering from a “bacchiatomy,” Brian, Jay, and Eric held down the fort with a mix of travel stories, extreme temperature therapy, and some serious soul-searching about why we look down on others.
Catching Up: Disc Golf, Cryo, and Hockey
The episode kicks off with the guys sharing what they’ve been up to. Jay recently returned from a Disc Golf Ministry conference in Florida, where he reflected on the importance of one-on-one discipleship. He also shared some funny (and slightly judgmental) stories about sports fans and the biblical mandate to “rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn”—even when it involves a Broncos quarterback’s broken ankle.
Meanwhile, Brian shared his experience of stepping into a cryo chamber at a bone-chilling -202 degrees, followed immediately by an infrared sauna. He describes the mental battle of staying in the cold and the “supercharged” feeling he had afterward. Eric rounded out the catch-up with a trip to a Penguins game, where he had to exercise some serious discernment to keep an annoying Flyers fan from ruining his daughter’s night.
The Heart of the Matter: Judgy Judgerson
The main course this week is a discussion on judgment. The guys get honest about the things that trigger their inner “Judgy Judgerson,” including:
Societal Norms: From littering and “main character syndrome” to people who park across three spots in a shopping center.
The “Know-It-All”: Jay admits he struggles with people who speak with absolute certainty on topics they haven’t fully explored.
Excuses vs. Reality: The guys talk about “quasi-righteous judgment”—like when we observe someone complaining about their health while drinking their third Coke of the morning.
Identity and Fundamentalism: Brian notes that intense judgment often comes from people who have wrapped their entire identity in a specific ideology or law, making them fragile and quick to defend it at all costs.
Can We Judge Less?
The guys wrap up the topic by discussing a noble goal: being less judgmental of judgmental people. They explore whether this grace comes with age or if it’s a byproduct of growing closer to the Lord and gaining a better perspective on our own shortcomings.
The Great Breakfast Debate
Before heading out, the guys tackle a vital question: What is the best national chain breakfast? While Brian and Eric are all-in on the “manufactured greasy spoon” glory of Waffle House, Jay makes a lone stand for IHOP and its gluten-free omelets.
What about you? What’s the one “small” thing that turns you into a Judgy Judgerson? Whether it’s grocery cart etiquette or high-beam drivers, we’ve all been there. Join the conversation on our social media!
Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast app or watch the replay on YouTube at Lunchtime in Rome.
