Life's Third Act

Life's Third Act

Welcome to Life’s Third Act, hosted by attorney and CPA Joe Cordell. We explore the fascinating lessons learned from celebrity estates, uncovering insights into estate planning, wealth management, and family dynamics. Through the triumphs and pitfalls of high-profile legacies, we delve into the stories that shape lasting legacies and inspire smarter planning for the future.

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: joecordell.com

Author

Life's Third Act

Category

Education

Podcast website

joecordell.com

Latest episode

Nov 4, 2026

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Episodes

Kobe Bryant – Estate Management After Tragedy – Part 2 – EP. 124 – Life’s Third Act 05.06.2024

For part two on the Kobe Bryant story, Life’s Third Act host, Joe Cordell dives deep into the legal issues that plagued the Bryant family after the basketball star’s tragic death. Though Bryant had worked hard to provide for his family well into the future, a simple mistake in the family trust would cause havoc for the estate. Kobe had created a family trust to protect his assets and pass on his w...

Kobe Bryant – Estate Management After Tragedy – Part 1 – EP. 123 – Life’s Third Act 29.05.2024

In the latest episode of Life’s Third Act host, Joe Cordell, discusses the life and legacy of one of America’s most beloved athletes, Kobe Bryant. From humble beginnings to penning $56 million NBA contracts, uncover Black Mamba’s rise to fame, fortune, and family. With four NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards and 33,643 career points under his belt, Bryant cast a large shadow over basketball forever. The...

OJ Simpson – Who Will Benefit From His Estate? – Part 2 – EP. 122 – Life’s Third Act 22.05.2024

Host Joe Cordell, Attorney/CPA, and Life’s Third Act researcher Marlea Parson invite you to embark on a captivating exploration of O.J. Simpson’s multifaceted life. From his humble origins in San Francisco to his meteoric rise as a football sensation at USC and in the NFL, Simpson’s journey is as inspiring as it is tumultuous. In part 1, we discussed O.J. Simpson’s history, inclu...

OJ Simpson – Who Will Benefit From His Estate? – Part 1 – EP. 121 – Life’s Third Act 15.05.2024

Host Joe Cordell, Attorney/CPA, and Life’s Third Act researcher Marlea Parson invite you to embark on a captivating exploration of O.J. Simpson’s multifaceted life. From his humble origins in San Francisco to his meteoric rise as a football sensation at USC and in the NFL, Simpson’s journey is as inspiring as it is tumultuous. In this thought-provoking episode, Cordell and Parson...

Leonard Cohen – The Battle Over His Legacy – Part 2 – EP. 120 – Life’s Third Act 13.05.2024

Welcome back to part two of our exploration into the captivating life and legacy of Leonard Cohen. Join host Joe Cordell and Life’s Third Act researcher Marlea Parson as they continue their journey through Cohen’s enduring impact on music and the ongoing legal battles over his estate. In this episode, dive deeper into Cohen’s profound influence on generations of musicians and his...

Leonard Cohen – The Battle Over His Legacy – Part 1 – EP. 119 – Life’s Third Act 07.05.2024

Join host Joe Cordell and Life’s Third Act researcher Marlea Parson in part one of today’s episode as they discuss Leonard Cohen’s remarkable journey from poet and novelist to iconic singer-songwriter. In this episode, uncover Cohen’s early years in Montreal, his immersion in the Greenwich Village folk scene, and the critical acclaim of albums like “Songs of Leonard C...

John Denver – The Perils of Intestacy – Part 2 – EP. 118 – Life’s Third Act 25.04.2024

Continue exploring the captivating story of John Denver in Part 2, featuring attorney/CPA Joe Cordell and Life’s Third Act researcher Marlea Parson. This segment delves deeper into Denver’s impact on music and environmental activism. Examine how his timeless classics like “Sunshine on My Shoulders” and “Annie’s Song” not only defined a genre but also under...

John Denver – The Perils of Intestacy – Part 1– EP. 117 – Life’s Third Act 20.04.2024

Join attorney/CPA Joe Cordell and Life’s Third Act researcher Marlea Parson in Part 1 of the captivating life and legacy of John Denver. Born Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr., Denver’s journey from a military upbringing to becoming a global icon of folk music is nothing short of remarkable. From his humble beginnings to international stardom, Denver’s career was marked by hits like...

Robin Williams – The Importance of Clearly Defining Your Will – EP. 116 – Life’s Third Act 12.04.2024

In this episode of Life’s Third Act, host Joe Cordell and researcher Marlea Parson delve into the legal dispute that unfolded after the death of the legendary actor and comedian Robin Williams. Six months after his passing, tensions rose between Williams’ widow, Susan Schneider Williams, and his children from previous marriages over financial assets and personal belongings. From allega...

James Brown – A Perfect Estate Plan Gone Wrong – Part 2– EP. 115 – Life’s Third Act 04.04.2024

In the highly anticipated continuation of Life’s Third Act, host Joe Cordell and researcher Marlea Parson delve deeper into the evolving saga of James Brown’s estate. Part 2 unravels the aftermath of the 2022 Primary Wave Music deal, exploring the ambitious plans outlined by the music company to honor Brown’s legacy through projects like a Broadway musical and a museum attraction...

James Brown – A Perfect Estate Plan Gone Wrong – Part 1– EP. 114 – Life’s Third Act 30.03.2024

Join host Joe Cordell and researcher Marlea Parson in this episode of Life’s Third Act as they dissect the legal battles and family disputes surrounding the estate of music icon James Brown. From the aftermath of his death in 2006 to the groundbreaking 2022 Primary Wave Music deal, explore the complexities of managing Brown’s vast fortune, including valuable song copyrights. Delve into...

Whitney Houston – Why Generational Planning Is Important – Part 2 – EP. 113 – Life’s Third Act 26.03.2024

Host Joe Cordell and researcher Marlea Parson continue to uncover the twists and turns of the legendary Whitney Houston’s estate. Join them as they dive deeper into the legal battles surrounding Bobbi Kristina’s tragic passing, as Bobby Brown’s fight for conservatorship is thwarted, redirecting millions intended for Bobbi Kristina to Houston’s family members as per her will...

Whitney Houston – Why Generational Planning Is Important – Part 1 – EP. 112 – Life’s Third Act 11.03.2024

In this two-part episode, host Joe Cordell and researcher Marlea Parson discuss the legacy of Whitney Houston. Part 1 unfolds the financial challenges at Houston’s death, the resurgence of her estate, and the structured inheritance for her daughter, Bobbi Kristina. The episode explores the tragic aftermath, including legal battles, Bobby Brown’s unsuccessful claims, and the controversi...

Pablo Picasso – The Painting of a Not so Perfect Estate – Part 2 – EP. 111 – Life’s Third Act 08.03.2024

Welcome back to Life’s Third Act for Part 2 of our Picasso journey with hosts Joe Cordell and Marlea Parson. In this episode, we tackle recent controversies, including legal battles over Picasso’s 1931 bust of Marie-Thérèse Walter. Uncover internal family disputes, philanthropic efforts, and the ongoing strength of Picasso’s market influence. Discover the future of Picasso’s lega...

Pablo Picasso – The Painting of a Not so Perfect Estate – Part 1 – EP. 110 – Life’s Third Act 23.02.2024

Welcome to Life’s Third Act, where Attorney/CPA Joe Cordell and researcher Marlea Parson dissect the estate of Pablo Picasso. In Part 1, they unravel the saga following Picasso’s 1973 demise. When Picasso died at age 91, he passed without a will. His estate, valued at $250 million in 1980, triggered a six-year legal battle among heirs. Mr. Cordell and Ms. Parson explore the legal battl...

Jim Morrison – The Perils of ‘Simple’ Wills – Part 2 – EP. 109 – Life’s Third Act 14.02.2024

Welcome back to Part 2 of Life’s Third Act’s exploration of Jim Morrison and The Doors. In this continuation, host Joe Cordell and researcher Marlea Parson delve deeper into the captivating story of the iconic rock band’s legacy. The episode kicks off by tracing the aftermath of Jim Morrison’s death in 1971 and the impact on The Doors’ musical journey. Learn about the...

Jim Morrison – The Perils of ‘Simple’ Wills – Part 1 – EP. 108 – Life’s Third Act 06.02.2024

Join host Attorney/CPA Joe Cordell and researcher Marlea Parson in Part 1 of this two-part episode as they explore the legendary Jim Morrison and the iconic rock band, The Doors. Discover how The Doors were founded in 1965, signed with Elektra Records in 1966, and released their groundbreaking debut album in 1967 with the hit “Light My Fire.” Explore the band’s experimental phase...

Michael Crichton: The Omitted Child – Part 1 – EP. 104 – Life’s Third Act 02.01.2024

Get ready for an in-depth exploration of Michael Crichton’s estate with Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and researcher Marlea Parson. Known for creating Jurassic Park, Crichton’s posthumous tale is equally intriguing. Together the pair delve into the complexities of his $175 million fortune after his sudden 2008 demise, involving messy marriages, a son born post-will, and a court clash betwee...

James Gandolfini: Why Tax Prep Isn’t Just in the Movies – EP. 103 – Life’s Third Act 26.12.2023

Join Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and Life’s Third Act researcher, Marlea Parson, in a deep dive into the estate planning of the late James Gandolfini. In this episode, they explore the complexities of the $70 million estate, the hefty tax implications, and the public and media reactions to his will and trust structures. Delve into the controversial aspects, missed opportunities, and the broader...

Walker & Georgia Inman – The Heirs to the Doris Duke Fortune: Part 2 – EP. 102 – Life’s Third Act 20.12.2023

Join Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and Life’s Third Act researcher, Marlea Parson, as they continue to unravel the complex and tragic story of Georgian and Walker Patterson Inman III, heirs to the vast Doris Duke fortune in Part 2 of this saga. In Part 2 they’ll explore what came to be for the twins after their father’s death, including a custody battle between their biological mother...

Walker & Georgia Inman – The Heirs to the Doris Duke Fortune: Part 1 – EP. 101 – Life’s Third Act 12.12.2023

Join Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and Life’s Third Act researcher, Marlea Parson, as they unravel the complex and tragic story of Georgia and Walker Patterson Inman III, heirs to the vast Doris Duke fortune. In this episode, explore the challenges of immense wealth, family dysfunction, and the lasting impact on the twins’ lives. From troubled childhoods to legal battles, financial struggle...

Sonny Bono – The Importance of Writing a Will – EP. 100 – Life’s Third Act 04.12.2023

Join Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and Life’s Third Act researcher, Marlea Parson, in a riveting discussion on the life, career, and complex legacy of Sonny Bono. From his humble beginnings in Detroit to his rise as a songwriter and iconic performer alongside Cher, Sonny’s journey unfolds with unexpected twists and turns. Explore Sonny’s ventures into politics, his successful congress...

Casey Kasem – A Will That Didn’t Make the American Top 40 – Part 2– EP. 99 – Life’s Third Act 29.11.2023

We’re back with part 2 of our exploration of Casey Kasem’s final years. Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and Life’s Third Act researcher, Marlea Parson, further discuss the conservatorship battle as Casey’s children sought control over his care, facing obstacles and dramatic events. They tell the story of the nationwide man-hunt for Casey Kasem, detailing how each family member han...

Casey Kasem – A Will That Didn’t Make the American Top 40 – Part 1– EP. 98 – Life’s Third Act 21.11.2023

Explore the story of Casey Kasem’s final years and the ensuing legal battles in this two-part episode with Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and Life’s Third Act researcher, Marlea Parson. Delve into the family dynamics, starting with Casey’s health challenges and the strained relationship that his children had with his second wife, Jean Kasem. Learn about the legal turmoil triggered by C...

Leona Helmsley & Her Millionaire Dog – EP. 97 – Life’s Third Act 14.11.2023

Explore the life of Leona Helmsley, the renowned hotelier, with Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and researcher Marlea Parson. In this episode, they delve into the details of Leona’s journey in the real estate industry, her legal challenges, and imprisonment. Together they examine Leona’s management style, leading to her infamous title, and the legal issues, including tax evasion, that impacte...

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