Episodes

What can we learn from Ivana’s estate? In Part Two of our Ivana series, Life’s Third Act host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer explore the late socialite’s legacy through the lens of estate planning, family wealth, and legal strategy. From prenups and probate to inheritance law and divorce, this episode unpacks how Ivana’s estate offers real-world lessons for anyone preparing their own plan. Whether you’re building generational wealth, managing blended family dynamics, or curious about how...

In this three-part series from Life’s Third Act, host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer explore the remarkable life and estate of business icon and socialite Ivana Trump. From her rise as a model to her pivotal role in managing major Trump Organization properties like Trump Tower, the Grand Hyatt, and Trump Plaza, Ivana’s legacy extends far beyond the headlines. This episode examines the estate planning lessons we can draw from Ivana’s high-net-worth lifestyle, including how prenuptial agr...

Divorce doesn’t just end a marriage, it can unravel your entire estate plan. In Part 3 of this special Life’s Third Act series, host Joe Cordell and Cordell & Cordell litigation partner Wil Halaz explore how divorce affects key estate planning tools such as your will, trust, powers of attorney, and long-term legacy goals. They discuss how to update your estate plan after divorce, address child custody and guardianship considerations, and realign your wealth management strategy to reflect your n...

Divorce can unexpectedly disrupt your will, trust, powers of attorney, and long-term legacy goals. In Part 2 of this special series on the intersection of divorce and estate planning, host Joe Cordell and Cordell & Cordell litigation partner Wil Halaz continue their discussion on how to protect your assets, family, and future during one of life’s most challenging transitions. Whether you’re updating your estate plan after divorce, preparing for child custody considerations, or ensuring your wea...

What happens to your estate plan when you’re going through a divorce? And how can divorce unexpectedly derail your will, trust, or legacy plans? In this episode of Life’s Third Act, founder and host Joe Cordell is joined by Cordell & Cordell litigation partner Wil Halaz to explore the overlooked connection between divorce and estate planning. Whether you’re facing a later-in-life “gray divorce,” have children from a prior marriage, or simply want to protect your long-term wishes, this conversat...

This video contains discussion of suicide and mental health topics, which may be distressing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for support. In this episode of Life’s Third Act, host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer explore the life, legacy, and estate of Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Naomi Judd. As one half of The Judds, Naomi Judd ...

In part two of the Jerry Garcia series, host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer take a deeper dive into the Grateful Dead frontman’s estate plan and the legal battles that followed his death in 1995. Despite his success and amassed assets, Jerry Garcia’s multimillion dollar estate was complicated and rife with challenges. After his passing, the estate faced liquidity issues, disputes over master recording rights, child support and divorce conflicts, and several other financial and legal chal...

In this episode of Life’s Third Act, host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer explore the life, legacy, and estate plan of iconic musician and Grateful Dead lead guitarist, Jerry Garcia. Famed for his improvisational style and musical influence, Garcia left behind not only a powerful cultural legacy but also a complex and highly contested estate. Despite his success, Garcia’s estate faced serious wealth management challenges, including liquidity issues, child support disputes, and conflicts o...

In part two of the Gene Hackman series, host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer take a deeper look into the late actor’s estate plan and will. Hackman left his entire fortune to his wife, Betsy Arakawa—but her will contained an unusual clause: if the couple died within 90 days of one another, their combined estate would be donated to charity. Why would Gene Hackman structure his estate this way? Where does this leave his children? And did his advanced Alzheimer’s play a role in these decisi...

In this episode of Life’s Third Act, host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer explore the fascinating and controversial case of legendary actor Gene Hackman’s death and estate plan. Known for iconic roles in The French Connection, Mississippi Burning, and Hoosiers, Hackman was an Oscar-winning actor with a substantial net worth. After retiring from Hollywood, he lived a quiet life with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, until their unexpected deaths in February 2025 raised questions about their estate....

In Part Two of our Steve Jobs series, host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer take a deeper look into the tech icon’s estate plan—and the surprising omission of his children from his will. Why did one of the most influential minds in tech choose to disinherit his children? What can this decision teach us about estate planning, legacy protection, and managing generational wealth? Gain powerful insights from Jobs’ estate strategy and discover what steps you can take to secure your own legacy....

In the latest episode of Life’s Third Act, host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer explore the estate and legacy of one of the greatest tech visionaries of our time—Steve Jobs. A prodigy from a young age, Jobs landed his first job at Hewlett-Packard at just 13 years old. He later revolutionized the tech industry with groundbreaking innovations like the iPod, iPad, and iPhone, transforming Apple into a global powerhouse. His creative genius even extended into the film industry, playing a pivo...

In part two of the Tom Petty story, Life’s Third Act host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer explore the Petty estate and the legal challenges that arose after his death in 2017. Following a $5 million lawsuit filed by Petty’s daughters against his second wife, Dana, the family eventually reached a settlement. This high-profile estate dispute highlights key estate planning lessons, including the importance of clear wills, trusts, and strategies to avoid family conflict. Learn how proper estat...

In the latest episode of Life’s Third Act, host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer explore the life, legacy, and estate of rock legend Tom Petty. Rising from humble beginnings, Petty became a global icon with heartfelt songwriting and timeless hits like “Free Fallin’” and “I Won’t Back Down.” His music influenced generations, and he remained a driving force in rock until his passing in 2017. https://www.youtube.com/@lifesthirdact?sub_confirmation=1 While his success brought him great fortun...

On the latest episode of Life’s Third Act, co-host Sherry Framer uncovers another chapter in the Glen Campbell estate story with Campbell’s son, Travis who was disinherited from the country star’s will in 2006. The two are joined by Travis’ wife, Trudy Campbell, as they discuss their fight against elder abuse. Together, they also talk about their legal collaboration with the Kasem Cares Foundation in their fight for elders’ advocacy. https://www.youtube.com/@lifesthirdact?sub_confirmation=1 It...

In the third installment of the Don Everly series, Life’s Third Act host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer, continue their exclusive interview with Don Everly’s daughter, Venetia Everly. Also joined by Venetia’s daughter, Arabella, the four dive deeper into the life, times, and often strained family dynamic of the late rockstar, Don Everly, as well as an inside look into his estate. Tying together the theme of celebrity families and estates, Sherry Farmer is later joined on the show by Trav...

Venetia Everly Instagram https://www.instagram.com/venetia.everly?igsh=eHNiZGdzdXJleXBm Arabella Everly Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clovereverly?igsh=MTYxaHlnMXVyYXQyYQ%3D%3D In the second installment of the Don Everly series, Life’s Third Act host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer continue their exclusive interview with Don’s daughter Venetia Everly. Venetia discusses the life, times, and oftentimes strained family dynamic of her rockstar father as well as his estate. Venetia is j...

Venetia Everly Instagram https://www.instagram.com/venetia.everly?igsh=eHNiZGdzdXJleXBm Arabella Everly Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clovereverly?igsh=MTYxaHlnMXVyYXQyYQ%3D%3D In the latest episode of Life’s Third Act, host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer delve into the life, times and estate of Don Everly, one half of the famous rock duo, The Everly Brothers. Don and Phil Everly were known for their harmonies and influenced artists like The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and countles...

On part two of the Larry King story on Life’s Third Act, Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer delve into Larry King’s assets and lengthy estate disputes. After a wildly successful career as an award-winning journalist on CNN, Larry King had amassed an undisclosed fortune in the millions. After his death in 2021, a lengthy estate dispute brewed between King’s seven ex-wives and six children. Litigation was only further complicated by the unfortunate deaths of two of King’s children, illegibly ha...

On the latest episode of Life’s Third Act, discover the fascinating life and career of CNN broadcast legend, Larry King. Host Joe Cordell discusses the life and times of a media icon who informed the world with his unique interviewing style. From his humble beginnings as a radio broadcaster to interviewing sitting U.S. Presidents, learn about the many illustrious accomplishments of one of the most famous journalists in TV history. https://www.youtube.com/@lifesthirdact?sub_confirmation=1 King’...

Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell is back with another solo episode! This week on Life’s Third Act, Mr. Cordell is diving into the basics of asset protection. What is it, how does it help you, and how do you get started? The way that asset protection is generally understood relates to the question of how you protect the property that you have accumulated from being taken during lawsuits of various types be it personal injury cases, creditors, and beyond. Safeguarding your personal assets is important to...

Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell discusses the dangers of leaving behind an inheritance that the recipient receives access to all at once. Mr. Cordell discusses the case of the NXIVM cult in which two of the cult’s members were the recipients of a family fortune at the age of 18, which led to increased involvement in the cult. Mr. Cordell uses the story to illustrate the importance of responsible estate planning. If you have any questions about estate planning or elder law, get in touch with an attorn...

On this episode of Life’s Third Act, Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell is flying solo. He’s digging into what exactly a Durable Power of Attorney is and what it can do for you. Every day, you make important decisions about your possessions, healthcare, finances, and other vital areas of your life. But what might happen if you were suddenly unable to do this? Mr. Cordell references Missouri Statute 404.703 to help answer this question and break down the importance of a Durable Power of Attorney. Tune in ...

Welcome to another episode of Life’s Third Act with Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell. In this episode, Mr. Cordell will be discussing a topic that everyone should pay attention to: the top ten reasons why estate planning matters. Estate planning is essential for everyone, regardless of their age or wealth. In this episode, Mr. Cordell breaks down the top ten reasons why estate planning is crucial for protecting your assets and securing your legacy. From avoiding probate and minimizing taxes to providin...