Episodes

In the latest episode of Life’s Third Act, host Joe Cordell discusses the life of classic American comedian and entertainer, Jerry Lewis. Nicknamed “The King of Comedy”, Lewis got his big break working alongside the legendary Dean Martin as the comedy duo act, Martin, and Lewis. Lewis’ solo career was also successful, achieving acclaim on film, television and in the world of philanthropy. In 1966 the Jerry Lewis Telethon raised money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and won him two stars ...

For part two on the Frank Sinatra story, Life’s Third Act host, Joe Cordell focuses on the iconic singer’s later career successes, his legacy, and the looming family feud that surrounded the $300 million Sinatra fortune. As the world grieved Sinatra’s passing in 1998, the battle for his estate was just beginning. Unfortunately, things weren’t all easy listening for the Sinatra children, who had developed contentious relationships with their father’s multiple spouses. Frank had left much of his ...

In the latest episode of Life’s Third Act, host Joe Cordell dives into the life of a true American icon, singer and entertainer, Frank Sinatra. The son of Italian immigrants, Sinatra rose to fame thanks to his larger-than-life voice and talent for acting. The man with the golden voice defined 20th century music with classic albums like “The Voice of Frank Sinatra” and “Songs for Swingin’ Lovers” as well as smash hit songs such as “My Way” and “New York, New York”. By the time he passed away in 1...

In the latest episode of Life’s Third Act host, Joe Cordell dives into the life of one of America’s most thrilling novelists, Tom Clancy. A New York Times best-selling author of countless military and espionage thrillers, Clancy’s novels are known for their technical details and Cold War setting. Originally moonlighting as a writer while he worked as an insurance salesman, Clancy penned “The Hunt for Red October”. The book was expected to only sell 5,000 copies until it was hailed by then-Presid...

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 wealth to his wife Vanessa and daughters, Natalia, Gianna, and Bianka. However, his youngest daughte...

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 world mourned the athlete’s tragic death in 2020, but unfortunately the long battle for Bryant’s es...

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, including winning a Heisman trophy during his time at USC and moving on to become an award-winning Running Back for the Bu...

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 delve into the milestones and controversies that shaped Simpson’s narrative. Discover how his Heisman Trophy win and...

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 posthumous Grammy-winning album “You Want It Darker.” Explore the intricacies of the legal saga surrounding his esta...

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 Cohen” and “Songs of Love and Hate.” Delve into the complexities of his career, from moments of commercial success to the challeng...

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 underscored his deep passion for the natural world. In this episode, we will also explore Denver’s significant contributions to philanthropy and h...

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 “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Rocky Mountain High,” as well as his unwavering commitment to environmental and hum...

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 allegations of unilateral property removal to clashes over cherished memorabilia, the battle highlighted the complexi...

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. As legal battles persist and scholarship distribution remains uncertain, listeners witness the ongoing struggle to ...

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 the ongoing legal struggles, including challenges to Brown’s will and disputes over termination rights, sheddi...

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. Discover the controversial claims of Nick Gordon, Bobbi Kristina’s longtime boyfriend, and the legal repercussions that f...

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 controversial role of Nick Gordon. Join Mr. Cordell & Ms. Parson for a journey through the complex world of celebrity est...

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 legacy as we explore market trends and the family’s control over the estate until 2043. Join us for a look at the ever-e...

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 battles of 1973-1979, involving contentions over licensing rights, and strategic moves like selling naming rights. T...

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 legal battles surrounding Morrison’s estate, including the court’s recognition of Pamela Courson as the rightful heir in 1974, o...

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 phases, their return to blues in 1971, and the challenges they faced, including Morrison’s arrest in 1969 and his eventual...

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 between Crichton’s daughter and wife in California. The drama includes the $100 million auction of Crichton’s prized ...

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 questions raised about privacy in high-profile cases. Gandolfini’s case becomes a global conversation, ...

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 and stepmother, years of therapy, misuse of the trust fund money, and more. Mr. Cordell & Ms. Parson will help to ex...