82 Toothpicks
Explore the wild world of estate planning as seen in movies and TV shows. Watch and listen along as we unpack iconic legal moments—from dramatic will readings to messy inheritance battles—and separate fact from fiction with real-life legal insights. Whether you love true stories or Hollywood drama, we’ll help you see estate planning in a whole new way!
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Count on It: Guardianship, Fiduciaries, and Family Fallout in Rain Man
11/14/2025
Count on It: Guardianship, Fiduciaries, and Family Fallout in Rain Man
🎙️ 82 Toothpicks | Estate Planning Meets the Movies What happens when an estranged son discovers his father left everything to a brother he didn’t know existed? In this episode of 82 Toothpicks, the team breaks down Rain Man—not just as a drama about family and connection, but as a surprisingly sharp case study in guardianship, fiduciary duty, and what happens when trust decisions leave emotional fallout. Ethan, Thad, and Joselyn explore the estate planning dynamics revealed through Charlie and Raymond’s journey, including the implications of Raymond’s placement in Walbrook and the role of Dr. Bruner as trustee. They examine the court hearing scene as a real-world moment of determining capacity and guardianship, and unpack the ethical (and legal) boundaries of Charlie’s actions—from attempting to leverage his relationship for financial gain to eventually advocating for his brother’s dignity. The team also reflects on how Raymond’s routine and preferences reveal a deeper truth: honoring someone’s legacy is about more than money—it’s about respect. ♟️ What We Cover: The will, the Buick, and $3 million held in trust Who controls Raymond’s care—and what it means legally The courtroom capacity hearing and honoring autonomy Fiduciary tensions between love, money, and responsibility 👉 Follow 82 Toothpicks on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell on YouTube. For more legacy lessons, check out Ethan’s It’s Not Too Late book series.
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Back to the Future: Time Travel, Trusts, and the Power of a Backup Plan
11/07/2025
Back to the Future: Time Travel, Trusts, and the Power of a Backup Plan
Back to the Future isn’t just a sci-fi classic—it’s a blueprint for what happens when you fail to plan for the unexpected. In this episode of 82 Toothpicks, Ethan, Joselyn, and Thad take a DeLorean-deep dive into the estate planning lessons hidden in Marty McFly’s journey through time. From Marty’s handwritten letter to Doc (a surprising example of fiduciary communication) to the clock tower scene as a metaphor for contingency planning, the team unpacks real-world legal strategies behind the chaos. They examine how guardianship, informed consent, and powers of attorney play out when teenagers make life-altering decisions—and how legacy can be reshaped by a single action. The episode also highlights issues of beneficiary designation, personal property transfers, and why having a backup plan (or 1.21 gigawatts) matters. 🕰️ What We Cover: Marty’s letter to Doc as an unintentional legal safeguard Estate planning backup plans mirrored in the lightning strike timing Guardianship and consent in high-stakes teen decision-making How one change in the past rewrites a family’s future and inheritance 👉 Love movies with meaning? Follow 82 Toothpicks on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell on YouTube. Because even time travelers need a solid estate plan.
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Black Flame Candles, Guardianship Gaps, and the Trouble with Undead Estate Plans: Estate Planning Lessons from Hocus Pocus
10/31/2025
Black Flame Candles, Guardianship Gaps, and the Trouble with Undead Estate Plans: Estate Planning Lessons from Hocus Pocus
Ready for a Halloween classic with a legal twist? In this episode of 82 Toothpicks, the team sinks their teeth into Hocus Pocus, unraveling the surprising estate planning lessons hiding among witches, spellbooks, and immortal cats. As Max lights the black flame candle and chaos breaks loose, the crew highlights how poor planning—and worse execution—can unleash real-world legal nightmares. Ethan, Joselyn, and Thad explore how the Sanderson sisters' return raises questions about capacity, consent, and durable powers of attorney, especially when adults are bewitched and unavailable. They dig into the dangers of powerful magical assets without proper safeguards, and how the candle itself mirrors a trust provision waiting for the wrong trigger. The conversation also covers guardianship issues, temporary authority, and why even the undead should think about the rule against perpetuities. 🕯️ What We Cover: The black flame candle as a metaphor for triggering trust provisions Salem’s absent adults and the need for clear emergency guardianship Fiduciary responsibility and controlling dangerous legacy assets (like spellbooks) Why the Sandersons are a case study in “ruling from the grave” 👉 Like what you heard? Follow 82 Toothpicks on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and subscribe + ring the bell on YouTube for more smart, curious legal breakdowns of your favorite movies. Legacy doesn’t have to be scary—unless you skip the planning.
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Secondhand Lions: Informal Guardianship, Hidden Fortunes, and the Will to Do Better
10/24/2025
Secondhand Lions: Informal Guardianship, Hidden Fortunes, and the Will to Do Better
What if your eccentric uncles were millionaires, and they hid all their money under the barn floor? In this heartwarming episode of 82 Toothpicks, the team dives into the estate planning goldmine that is Secondhand Lions. Beneath its quirky charm lies a masterclass in what happens when you skip formal documents, legal guardianship, and financial planning. Amber, Joselyn, and Thad explore how young Walter’s informal placement with Hub and Garth highlights the critical need for guardianship and conservatorship planning. They unpack the brothers’ shotgun retirement strategy (literal and metaphorical), the danger of hoarding cash instead of creating a trust, and the chaos that can erupt when greedy relatives sniff around for inheritance. They also touch on medical decision-making, incapacity, and how a true legacy is about more than dollars. It’s about the stories we leave behind. 💼 Key Topics: Informal vs. legal guardianship Trusts, wills, and the risks of hidden cash Incapacity planning and personal autonomy The legacy of character over currency 🎬 Highlights: Hub’s hospital escape and incapacity planning The one-sentence will and why that doesn’t cut it Walter’s return with new ground rules—and a grown-up perspective 👉 Follow 82 Toothpicks on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and click the bell on YouTube for more movies with meaning. Because even a secondhand lion needs a first-rate estate plan.
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Good Will Hunting: Brilliance, Brokenness, and the Blueprint for Legacy
10/17/2025
Good Will Hunting: Brilliance, Brokenness, and the Blueprint for Legacy
“How do you like them apples?” While most remember Good Will Hunting for its iconic one-liners and emotional depth, this episode of 82 Toothpicks uncovers the powerful legacy and estate planning themes woven into the film’s heart. Ethan, Thad, and Joselyn explore how a story about trauma, talent, and trust reveals critical lessons about guardianship, inheritance, and planning for those we love. The team contrasts Will’s painful upbringing in the foster care system with Skylar’s carefully planned inheritance and educational trust. They dig into how guardianship decisions—or the lack thereof—can alter a child’s entire future. They also explore what it means to build trust with professionals (whether a therapist or an estate planning attorney), and why vulnerability is essential in crafting an honest legacy. 💼 Topics Covered: Legal guardianship and foster care gaps Inherited wealth and educational trusts Professional confidentiality and trust-building End-of-life care, medical decisions, and emotional legacies 💬 Favorite Moments: [12:00] “It’s not your fault”—and why trust matters in estate planning [15:30] Chucky’s tough-love construction site speech [37:00] Skylar’s trust fund: a model for thoughtful inheritance planning 👉 Love movies with meaning? Follow 82 Toothpicks on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and like, subscribe, and click the bell on YouTube to keep legacy lessons rolling.
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When the American Dream Crashes: Estate Planning Lessons from Fun with Dick and Jane 🎬
10/10/2025
When the American Dream Crashes: Estate Planning Lessons from Fun with Dick and Jane 🎬
What happens when your career, house, and savings disappear overnight? In this hilarious yet painfully relatable episode of 82 Toothpicks, Thad, Ethan, and Joselyn dig into Fun with Dick and Jane (starring Jim Carrey and Téa Leoni) to uncover how a corporate collapse turns into an estate planning masterclass. 💸 From chaos to control: When Globodyne tanks, Dick and Jane spiral from comfort to crisis teaching hard truths about asset protection, emergency funds, and why beneficiary designations and durable powers of attorney matter before disaster strikes. 🏠 Protect what’s yours: The hosts connect the couple’s repossessed home and upside-down mortgage to trust planning and homestead protection, reminding us that how your house is titled can decide whether you keep it. ⚖️ Ethics & aftermath: From offshore accounts to pension fraud, the team explores how “creative” fixes can turn criminal and why proper planning, not panic, is the real safety net. This episode proves every comedy hides a cautionary tale—and every financial setback is a lesson in control, compassion, and long-term thinking. 👉 Subscribe, share with a movie-loving friend, and grab our free resources at . You can find Fun with Dick and Jane on IMDB .
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The Notebook: Dementia, Devotion, and Durable Powers of Attorney
10/03/2025
The Notebook: Dementia, Devotion, and Durable Powers of Attorney
"If I'm a bird, you're a bird," but what happens when one of them can no longer remember? This week, we're opening up the romantic classic The Notebook to reveal the heartbreaking lesson in elder law hidden beneath Noah and Allie's epic love story. 📖💔😥 While Noah reads to Allie to help her remember, we explore the critical importance of incapacity planning when facing cognitive decline. We discuss the immense challenges of long-term care, the emotional weight of nursing home decisions, and why having a durable power of attorney is non-negotiable. The team also examines how the notebook itself serves as a powerful, non-traditional tool for preserving one's personal legacy. It’s a story about choosing your person, but it’s also a powerful lesson in preparing for the unexpected. Join us as we break down: 🧠 Allie's dementia diagnosis and the gut-wrenching scenes with her children that highlight the critical need for clear legal directives. 🏡 Noah's decision to live in the facility with Allie, raising important questions about long-term care strategies for couples. 📖 The notebook serving as the ultimate legacy document, capturing memories and final wishes in a way legal papers alone cannot. Ready to see this timeless romance in a whole new light? Tune in and don't forget to subscribe, share with a fellow movie lover, and follow 82 Toothpicks for more legal deep dives into your favorite films! 🧾Protect your people. Preserve your story. Plan your legacy. You can find The Notebook on IMDB .
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Knives Out🔪💼 : Wills, Lies, and Donut-Shaped Plot Holes
09/26/2025
Knives Out🔪💼 : Wills, Lies, and Donut-Shaped Plot Holes
What do you get when you mix a murder mystery, a dysfunctional family, and one very unexpected heir? This week on 🎙 82 Toothpicks, Thad, Ethan, and Amber dissect Knives Out, a sharp-witted whodunit where the real mystery is buried in the estate plan. As Marta inherits everything from the late Harlan Thrombey, chaos erupts—and so does a conversation full of estate planning gold. From slayer statutes and will contests to disclaimers, trust fund babies, and “theatrical tax returns,” this episode dives deep into the legal twists and turns that drive the story forward. 🔍 Key takeaways include: • Why will readings (like the one in the movie) are legally outdated—but still dramatic • How disclaiming an inheritance actually works (hint: it doesn’t go back to the family) • Trust vs. probate: what Harlan should have done • The Slayer Rule, undue influence, and why being kind matters more than DNA If you’ve ever wondered what happens when someone leaves their entire estate to the housekeeper, this is your movie—and your episode. 👉 Subscribe and share with your favorite mystery lover, and check us out at .
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The Grail Diary, Daddy Issues, and a Will That Cracks the Code📜🕵️♂️
09/19/2025
The Grail Diary, Daddy Issues, and a Will That Cracks the Code📜🕵️♂️
What if your dad’s lifelong obsession came with trapdoors, Nazis, and a leather-bound treasure map? In this week’s adventure-packed episode of 🎙 82 Toothpicks, Thad, Ethan, and Joselyn dive into Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade to uncover how one archaeologist’s quest becomes a masterclass in legacy, guardianship, and what we leave behind. From Henry Jones Sr.’s Grail Diary—a literal “will replacement” with high-stakes inheritance clues—to the emotional weight of unspoken words between father and son, this episode explores how estate planning isn’t just about passing treasure... it’s about passing values. 🏆 Key takeaways include: • The Grail Diary as a metaphor for a last will and testament • How regret and legacy fuel real-world estate planning decisions • The “cup of a carpenter” and the humility of simple gifts • Guardianship and duty through the Brotherhood of the Cruciform Sword • Plus: Elsa’s betrayal, Indy’s leather jacket vs fedora, and the perfect whip-or-revolver debate 🔫 Whether you’re navigating booby traps or just wondering what your kids will actually treasure, this one’s for you. 👉 Subscribe now, share with a movie-loving friend, and check out Ethan's books at . 🧾 Stories shape legacy—make yours worth telling.
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“I Am Your Father”... and Your Executor? Estate Planning Lessons from The Empire Strikes Back 🌌⚔️
09/12/2025
“I Am Your Father”... and Your Executor? Estate Planning Lessons from The Empire Strikes Back 🌌⚔️
What if one of the greatest plot twists in movie history was actually a massive estate planning failure? 💥 This week on 🎙 82 Toothpicks, Thad, Ethan, and special guest Mike dive headfirst into The Empire Strikes Back—the fan-favorite Star Wars film that’s secretly packed with galactic-level legacy drama. Join the crew as they unravel the Skywalker family’s succession problems, Vader’s attempt at a hostile business takeover (“We can rule the galaxy as father and son!”), and the legal mess of having unknown heirs like Luke and Leia floating around the galaxy. We also explore what happens when a rebel base is abandoned, who inherits your Star Destroyer when you’re force-choked mid-shift, and why Obi-Wan might just be the Jedi version of a trustee. 💡 Key estate planning takeaways: ✅ Succession without communication—Vader’s legacy blunder ✅ Unknown heirs and disinheritance—when your kids surprise the galaxy ✅ Probate, adverse possession, and abandoned rebel bases ✅ Legacy leadership and trusteeship in the Jedi Order ⚔️ Stick around for a Star Wars trivia game full of deep cuts, number-based curveballs, and enough friendly trash talk to shake a lightsaber at. 🎧 Subscribe to 82 Toothpicks, share this episode with the Jedi in your life, and check out our free resources at . And remember... 🎬 Every movie is an estate planning movie—especially this one.
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Genius, Delusion, and Legal Capacity: Estate Planning Lessons from A Beautiful Mind 🧠📈
09/05/2025
Genius, Delusion, and Legal Capacity: Estate Planning Lessons from A Beautiful Mind 🧠📈
What can a Nobel Prize-winning mathematician teach us about estate planning? In this powerful episode of 🎙 82 Toothpicks, Thad, Ethan, and guest Amber break down A Beautiful Mind—and explore the legal and emotional weight of planning for a future where your mind may not be your own. John Nash’s brilliant mind is both his greatest asset and his deepest vulnerability. As his schizophrenia unfolds, the team unpacks what the movie gets right (and heartbreakingly real) about capacity: what it means to understand a decision, perform it, and who gets to decide when someone can’t. From Alicia’s refusal to commit her husband to Nash’s final moments of clarity (“I have to choose what I indulge in”), this story becomes a case study in elder law, mental health, and love’s role in legal decision-making. 💡 Key takeaways: ✅ Legal capacity—how it waxes, wanes, and why it matters in estate planning ✅ When quirks become incapacity—and how families should respond ✅ Spousal roles in healthcare decisions—and the power of believing someone can heal ✅ Legacy through intellect and recognition—including the moving “pen ceremony” Plus: a live round of the “Prisoner’s Dilemma,” a game theory lesson straight from Nash’s playbook. 🎧 Subscribe to 82 Toothpicks, share the episode with someone who thinks math is boring (they’re wrong), and check out our free resources at . 🎬 Every movie is an estate planning movie—don’t miss the next one!
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Grandmas, Golf Swings, and the IRS 🏌️♂️🧓: Estate Planning Lessons from Happy Gilmore
08/29/2025
Grandmas, Golf Swings, and the IRS 🏌️♂️🧓: Estate Planning Lessons from Happy Gilmore
This week on 🎙 82 Toothpicks, we tee off with Adam Sandler’s iconic golf comedy Happy Gilmore—and surprisingly, it’s not all just slapstick and Subway. Thad, Ethan, and Joselyn dig into the estate planning and elder law themes hidden beneath the mayhem: grandma’s house gets seized by the IRS, a nursing home cuts corners for profit, and the entire plot revolves around protecting family property from creditors. Sure, it’s ridiculous. But once you look past the alligators and gold jackets, Happy Gilmore is secretly a story about legacy, elder care, and what happens when you don’t have a plan. The team breaks down the movie’s portrayal of nursing homes (the good, the bad, and the very cringey), challenges the IRS realism, and has a lot to say about how Happy’s emotional rollercoaster reflects real-life caregiving stress. 💡 Key takeaways: ✅ Why every grandparent needs a will, a POA, and guardianship decisions made in advance ✅ How asset protection and creditor issues can jeopardize family property ✅ What elder law gets right—and wrong—in pop culture 🎮 Stick around for a hilarious “This or That” game featuring Bob Barker, shooter gold jackets, and whether you’d rather face heckling fans or a golf-course alligator. 🎧 Subscribe to 82 Toothpicks, share this with the Sandler-lover in your life, and grab a free copy of Ethan's books at . 🎬 Every movie is an estate planning movie—don’t miss the next one!
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Remember Me? Legacy, Music, and Estate Planning Lessons from Coco
08/22/2025
Remember Me? Legacy, Music, and Estate Planning Lessons from Coco
Can a Pixar film about singing skeletons 🎸💀 really teach you something about legacy and elder law? In this heartfelt episode of 🎙82 Toothpicks, Ethan, Thad, and Joselyn dive into Coco, the visually stunning, tearjerking tale of family, memory, and what it means to truly be remembered. As Miguel journeys through the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s secrets, the hosts explore how Coco unpacks everything from guardianship and control to intergenerational caregiving and the emotional power of storytelling. And yes -- there’s also a Who Said It? quote battle, hot takes on Ernesto’s villainy, and a surprising amount of tequila for a kids' movie. 💡 Key takeaways: ✅ Backwards estate planning: when the deceased still control the living ✅ Dementia planning: and how music can unlock forgotten memories ✅ Legacy through story: who carries your memory, and what happens when they don’t ✅ Guardianship and caregiving in multigenerational households 🎶 Whether you’re a Disney parent, an estate planner, or just cry every time someone sings “Remember Me,” this episode will hit you in the feels -- and maybe even make you rethink who you’re naming in your power of attorney. 🎧 Subscribe to 82 Toothpicks, share the episode with someone who loves Coco, and check out our free resources at . 🎬 Is your favorite movie an estate planning movie? Tune in next week to find out!
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Spotlights, Sabotage, and Estate Planning from the Big Top: Lessons from The Greatest Showman
08/15/2025
Spotlights, Sabotage, and Estate Planning from the Big Top: Lessons from The Greatest Showman
Step right up! In this episode of 🎙 82 Toothpicks, Thad, Ethan, Joselyn, and special guest Amber take center stage to explore the dazzling musical The Greatest Showman and uncover legacy lessons behind the curtain. From PT Barnum’s scrappy rise to the circus spotlight to Zac Efron’s 10% savings strategy, the team dives into what this film gets right (and wrong) about family, fortune, and planning for the unexpected. Between high-flying stunts and heartbreak on stage, you’ll hear how estate planning themes like guardianship, legacy vs. reputation, and powers of attorney show up in the unlikeliest places. Spoiler: even a trapeze romance can teach you something about medical decision-making. 💡 Key takeaways: ✅ Dying without a plan—why every parent needs a will and guardianship provisions ✅ Business succession and asset protection when dreams turn to ashes ✅ Legacy vs. ego—what are you really building? ✅ Powers of attorney and who decides when someone lands in the hospital Plus: circus trivia, unfiltered reviews of Jenny Lind’s motives (👀), and one big question—are you creating a legacy, or just chasing applause? 🎧 Love turning popcorn flicks into practical wisdom? Subscribe to 82 Toothpicks, share the episode, and grab a free copy of It’s Not Too Late at itsnottoolatebooks.com. 🎬 Every movie is an estate planning movie—don’t miss the next one!
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Sword Fights, Succession Plans, and the Estate Planning Wisdom of The Princess Bride
08/08/2025
Sword Fights, Succession Plans, and the Estate Planning Wisdom of The Princess Bride
“Inconceivable!” that a fantasy adventure could double as an estate planning masterclass? Not so fast. This week on 🎙82 Toothpicks, Thad, Ethan, and Joselyn break down the cult classic The Princess Bride and uncover the unexpected legal lessons hiding behind Miracle Max, wedding crashes, and swordplay. From the rotating legacy of the Dread Pirate Roberts to the royal scheming of Prince Humperdinck, this episode dives into how inheritance, guardianship, and personal property all show up in this beloved film. The crew laughs their way through iconic scenes (yes, we’re still quoting “You keep using that word...”), debates the best lines, and highlights estate planning themes that hit surprisingly close to home. 💡 Key takeaways: ✅ Business succession planning with the legendary Dread Pirate Roberts ✅ Probate pressure and forced royal marriages for political gain ✅ Heirlooms, homicide, and honoring history through personal property bequests ✅ Powers of attorney and capacity, especially when someone’s only “mostly dead” 🎮 Plus: A lightning round of Princess Bride trivia, finish-the-quote madness, and a reminder that even fantasy flicks can spark real-world planning conversations. 🎧 Ready to turn movie night into a legacy lesson? Subscribe to 82 Toothpicks, share with your fellow film buffs, and grab our free legacy resources at . 💍 Marriage (and good planning) is what brings us together today. 🎬 Every movie is an estate planning movie. Don’t miss the next one!
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Stranger Than Fiction: What If You Knew Your Ending? Estate Planning Lessons from Harold Crick’s Story
08/01/2025
Stranger Than Fiction: What If You Knew Your Ending? Estate Planning Lessons from Harold Crick’s Story
for resources to secure your own legacy. 🎬 Every movie is an estate planning movie - don’t miss the next one!
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Cherry Pan-Ties, Safari Hijinks, and the Hidden Estate Planning Lessons of Blended
07/03/2025
Cherry Pan-Ties, Safari Hijinks, and the Hidden Estate Planning Lessons of Blended
What can an Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore rom-com teach us about serious legal planning? In this episode, we find the surprising estate planning lessons hidden in the hilarious family chaos of the movie Blended. Joined by special guest Jessica, the 82 Toothpicks team unpacks the very real challenges faced by the film's single parents. We explore the immense complexities of creating an estate plan for blended families, from navigating the expectations of children to ensuring a new spouse is protected. The conversation also touches on the critical importance of naming a guardian for minor children and how legacy planning is ultimately about honoring the memory of those we've lost, even amidst the laughter. Come for the movie quotes, stay for the legal insights! Here's a look at what we cover: 💔 Espen's heartbreaking (and hilarious) conversations with her deceased mom's "ghost" and what it reveals about coping with loss. 👨👩👧👦 The challenges of merging two families and how that translates to the difficult conversations needed for a solid financial future. 🎤 Lauren's touching "Over the Rainbow" lullaby and the moment the kids start to see her as a new maternal figure. Ready to see your favorite movies in a whole new light? Follow 82 Toothpicks wherever you get your podcasts, check out Ethan's book series, It's Not Too Late, and subscribe on YouTube so you never miss an episode!
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Foul Water, Big Money, and One Relentless Paralegal: Estate Planning Lessons from Erin Brockovich
06/23/2025
Foul Water, Big Money, and One Relentless Paralegal: Estate Planning Lessons from Erin Brockovich
Think Erin Brockovich is just a David-versus-Goliath legal drama? Think again. In this episode of 🎙 82 Toothpicks, Thad, Ethan, and Jocelyn unpack how this powerhouse true story highlights real-life lessons about wealth, planning, and protecting your family’s future. Join the conversation as the hosts explore the ethical and legal ripple effects of a $333 million settlement—and why sudden windfalls (like the Jensens’ $5 million award) can cause as many challenges as they solve. You’ll hear why even the most compelling litigation victories need careful estate planning, from setting up a trust for future generations to making sure powers of attorney and guardianships are in place when illness strikes. 💡 Key takeaways: ✅ Why power of attorney and conservatorships matter when someone is too sick to manage decisions ✅ How a single settlement can—and should—be protected with the right trust planning ✅ What this story teaches about staying true to yourself while fighting for what’s right Plus, you’ll laugh along with the team’s take on Julia Roberts’ performance, the unforgettable lines (“They’re called boobs, Ed”), and a fun round of true-or-false movie trivia. 🎧 Ready to see estate planning in a whole new light? Subscribe to 82 Toothpicks, share this episode, and visit for free resources to protect your own legacy. 🎬 Every movie is an estate planning movie—don’t miss the next one!
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Singing Hymns and Hiding a Body: Estate Planning Lessons from Bernie
07/11/2025
Singing Hymns and Hiding a Body: Estate Planning Lessons from Bernie
🔍💼 Jack Black, murder, and a will gone wrong? This week on 🎙 82 Toothpicks, we dive into the darkly hilarious true-crime comedy Bernie to uncover the real-life estate planning lessons lurking beneath East Texas charm—and a freezer full of secrets. Whether you love quirky small-town stories or just want to learn what not to do with a power of attorney, this episode is packed with surprises (and a few gasps). Join Ethan, Thad, and Joselyn as they break down the tangled legal drama behind Bernie Tiede’s relationship with Marjorie Nugent, including: ✅ The ethics of inheritance and undue influence ✅ How holographic wills can trigger probate chaos ✅ Why a power of attorney isn’t a license to spend freely ✅ The warning signs of financial elder abuse and diminished capacity 🎬 Timestamps to explore: 00:10 – Why Bernie is the ultimate estate planning movie 28:00 – The courtroom drama: murder, motive, and money 48:00 – Real-life lessons: what would you do as the lawyer? 💡 Key Takeaway: Estate planning isn’t just paperwork—it’s about protecting people when emotions, power, and money collide. 🎧 If you’ve ever wondered how Hollywood gets estate planning right (or hilariously wrong), this episode is for you. Subscribe to 82 Toothpicks on your favorite podcast app, and visit for free resources and past episodes. 🎬🦷 Every movie is an estate planning movie—don’t miss the next one!
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Dancing on the Bar—and the Edge of a Legal Cliff: Estate Planning Lessons from Coyote Ugly
07/04/2025
Dancing on the Bar—and the Edge of a Legal Cliff: Estate Planning Lessons from Coyote Ugly
. 👍 If you enjoyed the show, follow us wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. And if you’re watching on YouTube, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell. 🎬 And remember—every movie is an estate planning movie!
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Pearls, Prom, and Probate: Lessons from 10 Things I Hate About You
06/27/2025
Pearls, Prom, and Probate: Lessons from 10 Things I Hate About You
What do Prada backpacks, prom dates, and unclaimed pearls have in common? In this episode of 82 Toothpicks, we're diving into 10 Things I Hate About You to uncover the estate planning lessons hidden beneath the teen drama and Shakespearean banter. It’s not just about high school heartbreak—when Kat and Bianca’s mom is mysteriously absent, the real question becomes: who gets what, and why? Ethan, Thad, and Joselyn unpack the subtle (and not-so-subtle) legacy themes in this '90s favorite, including sibling squabbles over heirlooms, the importance of clarity in who owns what, and how often families are left guessing when there’s no estate plan in place. Alongside quoting their favorite lines and debating who really won the movie trivia showdown, the hosts highlight why even the lightest teen comedies can reflect real-life estate issues—especially when someone’s “just helping themselves” to mom’s pearls from the drawer. 💼 Estate planning keywords: inheritance, family dynamics, missing parent, personal property disputes 🎬 Featured film: 10 Things I Hate About You 🕰️ Highlights: [21:22] Missing parent = messy assumptions [22:26] “I found them in a drawer” – why that doesn’t hold up in court [28:11] Movie gets a surprising “laugh-cry-think” score from the team Love a movie with legal implications? Subscribe, share, and never miss a cinematic estate planning breakdown. 🎧 More at
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Running Toward Legacy: Forrest Gump Through an Estate Planning Lens
06/20/2025
Running Toward Legacy: Forrest Gump Through an Estate Planning Lens
🎙️ 82 Toothpicks | Estate Planning Meets the Movies Is Forrest Gump the most estate planning-packed movie ever made? In this episode of 82 Toothpicks, the team dives into the legendary 1994 film Forrest Gump and uncovers the legacy lessons hidden in plain sight. From inheritance ethics to posthumous generosity, this surprisingly rich estate planning discussion will change how you view Forrest’s life -- and Jenny’s choices. Join Thad, Ethan, and Joselyn as they explore key estate planning themes like death as a catalyst for legacy, honoring promises after loss, and unconventional wealth transfers (hello, Bubba’s mom and that “fruit company” stock!). You'll hear how Forrest consistently “does the right thing” even when the people around him don’t, highlighting the heart of what real legacy looks like. They also tackle tough questions: Was Jenny the villain? Was Forrest really the smartest man in the Army? And yes, they settle once and for all what Jenny likely died from, and why it matters to the story. 🔑 Key Takeaways: The shrimping business as a case study in legacy fulfillment Gifting wealth with integrity (and without paperwork) The real power of “doing what you promised” 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to 82 Toothpicks and check out Ethan’s book It’s Not Too Late for practical tips on securing your legacy. And remember: every movie is an estate planning movie.
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Spare No Expense: Legacy Lessons from Jurassic Park
06/13/2025
Spare No Expense: Legacy Lessons from Jurassic Park
What does Jurassic Park have to do with estate planning? A surprising amount. In this episode of 82 Toothpicks, Ethan, Joselyn, and Thad dig into the dinosaur blockbuster that defined the '90s and uncover the legacy-building (and breaking) choices behind John Hammond’s grand vision. From chaotic park mishaps to a very expensive dream built for future generations, Jurassic Park is more than just raptors and T-Rexes—it’s a case study in unchecked ambition, poor succession planning, and the ethics of inheritance. We explore how legacy can be about more than money—how it’s often rooted in values, vision, and yes, even cloned dinosaurs. The team also touches on the cautionary tale of Dennis Nedry and what happens when key players in your “estate plan” have competing interests. 🎯 Topics include: – The dangers of building a legacy without safeguards – How life changes (like divorce) can impact estate planning – What “spare no expense” really looks like without a plan for sustainability If you’ve ever wondered how estate planning shows up in unexpected places—or just want to laugh through your legal education—this episode is for you. 🎧 Subscribe to 82 Toothpicks, leave us a review, and visit for free estate planning resources and more episodes. And remember: every movie is an estate planning movie.
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The Shawshank Redemption — Inheritance, Legacy, and the Power of Planning
06/06/2025
The Shawshank Redemption — Inheritance, Legacy, and the Power of Planning
🎙️ 82 Toothpicks | Estate Planning Meets the Movies What does The Shawshank Redemption teach us about inheritance, legacy, and long-term planning? In this powerful episode of 82 Toothpicks, Ethan, Thad, and Joselyn explore one of the most celebrated films of all time—not just as a prison drama, but as a story rich in estate planning themes. From the unexpected tax consequences of an inheritance to the ethics of power and control, this episode digs deep. The team unpacks how an inmate with a rock hammer and a plan ends up influencing an entire institution—and how a hidden box under a rock becomes the perfect metaphor for a trust. Along the way, they discuss the Slayer Rule, death as a legal trigger, and why instructions left behind (like Andy’s) matter just as much as any legal document. 💼 Legal Themes Covered: Inheritance and tax planning Trusts as tools for legacy and empowerment Estate planning analogies drawn from Andy’s escape How death triggers key legal and financial processes 🎬 Highlights: [6:00] Inheritance taxes and rooftop negotiations [26:00] Trusts and legacy through Andy’s buried instructions [33:00] Full ratings using the “laugh, cry, think” system If you’ve ever thought estate planning was dry, this episode will change your mind. 👉 Follow us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and if you’re watching on YouTube, like, subscribe, and click the bell so you never miss an episode. Because every movie is an estate planning movie—you just have to know where to look.
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The Wizard of Oz: Probate, Power, and the Man Behind the Curtain
05/30/2025
The Wizard of Oz: Probate, Power, and the Man Behind the Curtain
Is the Wizard of Oz really a "good" guy, or just a charlatan deceiving an entire nation? We're following the Yellow Brick Road to find out as the 82 Toothpicks team breaks down the surprising lessons on legacy and guidance hidden in the 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz. This episode explores how Dorothy's journey through Oz mirrors a client's journey through the estate planning process. We discuss how death acts as a trigger for major events (hello, ruby slippers!) and the importance of planning for the unknown, like a spouse's dementia. Ethan also explains the evolution of trusts, detailing how they went from a tool for the ultra-wealthy to a common strategy for protecting your family and avoiding probate. You'll never see the Emerald City the same way again! Tune in as we cover: 😇 The debate over whether Glinda and the Wizard are truly "good" characters. 📜 The Munchkin coroner's official (and musical) declaration of death. 🐶 Was Toto a good judge of character for biting Miss Gulch? Ready to see classic films in a whole new light? Subscribe to 82 Toothpicks for more movie breakdowns and follow the hosts for weekly insights. You can find The Wizard of Oz on IMDB .
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Disney's The Lion King: Succession, Scar, and the Slayer Statute
05/23/2025
Disney's The Lion King: Succession, Scar, and the Slayer Statute
🎙️ 82 Toothpicks | Estate Planning Meets the Movies What if the circle of life is really about the line of succession? In our very first episode, we're breaking down Disney's The Lion King and debating whether it's the greatest animated film of all time—and a surprisingly brilliant case study in estate planning. Join Thad, Ethan, and Joselyn as they explore the legal drama of the Pride Lands. We're digging into the complexities of royal succession, what happens when an heir is wrongfully displaced, and the real-life legal principle known as the "Slayer Statute" (looking at you, Scar). You'll learn how these concepts play out in one of cinema's most iconic stories and why a good plan is crucial to protecting your kingdom. We cover key moments and lessons, including: 👑 Mufasa's presentation of Simba and Scar's jealousy-fueled plot. ✨ Mufasa's ghostly "Remember who you are" speech as a powerful legacy statement. 📜 The "Slayer Statute": Can you inherit from someone you murdered? Discover why Mufasa's wisdom is more than just fatherly advice and how "Hakuna Matata" might not be the best long-term financial plan. If you love movies and want to see them in a whole new light, you're in the right place. Be prepared! Subscribe to 82 Toothpicks and follow us for more episodes where pop culture meets planning. You can find on IMDB here.
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