What happens when glamour meets scandal, and resilience triumphs over adversity? Join us as we sit down with Countess Ilene Medecin, the former First Lady of Nice, France, in Episode 253 of Late Boomers. Discover her electrifying journey from a family in Beverly Hills with roots stemming from legends in organized crime and the Hollywood makeup industry to the aristocratic circles of the French Riviera. Uncover the dramatic tales from her memoir, "Arrested," featuring political controversies, jail time, and high-society scandals. Tune in for a tale of strength, survival, and hope that will leave you inspired. Don't miss this captivating episode!

Countess Ilene Medecin's Bio:

Ilene Médecin’s life is a tapestry of glamour, intrigue, and resilience. As the only American, aside from Princess Grace Kelly, to attain the esteemed position of First Lady of Nice and the French Riviera, Ilene’s story is both unique and captivating. Born and raised in the heart of Beverly Hills, California, with two famous uncles—Max Factor, the iconic cosmetic mogul, and Jake the Barber, a pivotal figure in the rise of Las Vegas—Ilene’s path to prominence seemed almost destined.

“Arrested” is a riveting memoir that takes you through Ilene’s extraordinary journey, from her star-studded upbringing to her glamorous and, at times, perilous life on the French Riviera. Marrying Jacques Médecin, a Medici Count affectionately known as “King Jacquou,” Ilene found herself at the center of a century-old political dynasty. Together, they mingled with royals, celebrities, and politicians, sharing their social circle with the likes of Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier.

Ilene’s life, akin to a storybook Camelot, saw her at the pinnacle of a fantasy existence. However, this enchanting narrative took a dramatic turn, leading her from the heights of societal acclaim to the depths of a French prison cell. Amidst trysts and scandals, Ilene was unprepared for the fall of a prominent political family and her eventual arrest for her husband’s alleged misdeeds. Jacques’s career ended in a puzzling political exile in Uruguay, a stark contrast to his previous stature as Mayor of Nice, President of Alpes-Maritimes, French Minister of Tourism, and Member of Parliament.

Connect with Ilene:

Website: https://countessilenemedecin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countessilenemedecin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/countessilenemedecin

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@countessilenemedecin

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Arrested-Memoir-American-France-Riviera/dp/1667882406?&linkCode=sl1&tag=wrina...

Thank you for listening. Please check out @lateboomers on Instagram and our website lateboomers.us. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to watch it or listen to more of our episodes, you will find Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform and on our new YouTube Late Boomers Podcast Channel. We hope we have inspired you and we look forward to your becoming a member of our Late Boomers family of subscribers.

What does it take to release a new album at 69? How can passion and perseverance redefine aging? In Episode 252 of Late Boomers, we chat with Dennis Welch, an inspiring author, songwriter, and recording artist. Dennis shares his musical journey, from his family’s country music roots to his latest album, Strong. Discover how encouragement, collaboration with legends like Allen Shamblin, and a focus on storytelling have shaped his vibrant career. Tune in to hear Dennis's insights on creativity, aging, and why it's never too late to chase your dreams

Dennis Welch's Bio:
If songwriter/recording artist/author Dennis Welch could wave a wand over how the world will remember him, he would choose just one word:

Storyteller.

Over 500 songs. Two books. Concerts far and wide. It’s what he is meant to do here in this world. Tell stories and create a place to go to find yourself or answers, or maybe just a good laugh. One thing for sure. You’ll always find love there.

He has been privileged to write with some of the great songwriters: Allen Shamblin. Monte Warden. Michael Peterson. Fletch Wiley. Will Callery. He has learned from each writing partner along the way and he continues to grow.

After more than two decades away from the recording studio, Dennis recorded and released What Love Makes Us Do, his fifth studio album in 2021. It was produced by long-time Little River Band Guitarist, Rich Herring and released on Herring’s Wurld Records. It was on the first Grammy ballot in five categories.

Dennis believed at the time that it was his best work. But he always strives to do even better. In July of 2023, he released If I Live to Be a Hundred.

He and Rich have recently wrapped up the next album, due out in mid-July.

Why? Because there’s always another story to be told.

The next one.

Special Offer:
The new album, "Strong" will hit all the streaming services this Wednesday the 16th. They can buy a signed CD at our website: https://denniswelchmusic.com/

Connect with Dennis:
Website: https://denniswelchmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennis.welch.336/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dennis.welch.336/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisrwelch/

Thank you for listening. Please check out @lateboomers on Instagram and our website lateboomers.us. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to watch it or listen to more of our episodes, you will find Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform and on our new YouTube Late Boomers Podcast Channel. We hope we have inspired you and we look forward to your becoming a member of our Late Boomers family of subscribers.

What sparked the creation of the iconic musical Rent? How does one navigate the ups and downs of a creative career? Join us in episode 251 of Late Boomers, as we chat with the brilliant Billy Aronson! Known for his work on Rent, Billy shares his journey from college heartbreak to collaborating on Broadway. We dive into his ventures beyond theater, like his Emmy-winning children's TV show Peg and Cat, and his latest musical project, Love War. Tune in for a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and the art of reinvention. Don't miss it!

Billy Aronson's Bio:
Billy Aronson’s work in the musical theater includes the original concept/additional lyrics for Broadway musical Rent, libretto for Flurry Tale (Vinteryra) which premiered at Sweden’s Malmo Opera, book for TheatreWorks USA’s Click Clack Moo (Lucille Lortel nomination for Best Musical). Plays premiered at Playwrights Horizons, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth, SF Playhouse (Bay Area Critics Circle award for Outstanding Playwriting); published in 6 volumes of Best American Short Plays. TV: won 5 Emmy Awards, wrote for Beavis and Butt-head, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Wonder Pets, Sesame Street; co-created animated PBS Kids show Peg + Cat. Books include memoir/how-to book Out of My Head and one-act collection Funny Shorts. BA Princeton, MFA Yale Drama. Lives in Brooklyn, co-created animated offspring Jake and Anna with wife Lisa Vogel. (billyaronson.com)

Connect with Billy:
Website: https://billyaronson.com/

Book: Out Of My Head - Learning to Reach People Through the Arts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billy.aronson.7

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billyaronson/

Thank you for listening. Please check out @lateboomers on Instagram and our website lateboomers.us. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to watch it or listen to more of our episodes, you will find Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform and on our new YouTube Late Boomers Podcast Channel. We hope we have inspired you and we look forward to your becoming a member of our Late Boomers family of subscribers.