22 episodes

14 months. 30 Banks. An all-access pass into the mind of one of Southern California’s most prolific bank robbers. 
On the show, Joe Loya - the so-called “Beirut Bandit” - reveals his story of transformation from abusive childhood to prolific bank robber, violent convict, ex-con, writer and ultimately, a reconciled son. 
Produced by Peabody-Award winning podcaster Ben Adair (The Sterling Affairs, Dr. Death, Reveal) at Western Sound in partnership with Acast Studios.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Score: Bank Robber Diaries Acast Studios & Western Sound

    • True Crime
    • 4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

14 months. 30 Banks. An all-access pass into the mind of one of Southern California’s most prolific bank robbers. 
On the show, Joe Loya - the so-called “Beirut Bandit” - reveals his story of transformation from abusive childhood to prolific bank robber, violent convict, ex-con, writer and ultimately, a reconciled son. 
Produced by Peabody-Award winning podcaster Ben Adair (The Sterling Affairs, Dr. Death, Reveal) at Western Sound in partnership with Acast Studios.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    First Time Out

    First Time Out

    Ever wonder what it's like to rob a bank?
    Breaking the rules at a young age set Joe Loya up for a descent into crime. From his first time robbing a bank, to a violent altercation behind bars, this is Joe Loya’s origin story.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 44 min
    Mama's Boy

    Mama's Boy

    After his mom dies when he’s just 9 years old, Joe’s life begins to unravel. The death wreaks havoc on his home in ways that would affect him his entire life.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 46 min
    Who's Your Daddy?

    Who's Your Daddy?

    Young Joe's relationship with his father pushes him in unexpected directions.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 41 min
    The Wolf and the Sheep, Part 1

    The Wolf and the Sheep, Part 1

    Joe's troubled home life gets complicated with the arrival of his new step mom.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 35 min
    The Wolf and the Sheep, Part 2

    The Wolf and the Sheep, Part 2

    The violence in Joe's household reaches a new level. And Joe makes a promise to his dad, his brother and himself.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 41 min
    The Hunter

    The Hunter

    Joe's relationship with his dad comes to extreme and tragic violence. The result propels him in a completely new direction — towards power and crime.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 33 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
1.5K Ratings

1.5K Ratings

lesalasel ,

Incredibly sharp insight into humanness here

Listening to this podcast, I was struck by Mr Loya’s self-awareness and lack of fear of his own vulnerability. While I don’t doubt his experiences for a second, I do not see a hardened criminal here, but a smart, remorseful, changed human. This podcast and its content are a testament to our elasticity and resilience, and this gives me great hope in what seems to be a darkening world. Please listen. Update a few years later: listening again, and I find it interesting that the host seems to expect Mr Loya to be filled with self flagellation for the rest of his life. It’s great that Mr Loya can now look back and laugh at himself. It shows mega growth and self forgiveness, which is only truly possible with REAL CHANGE. Otherwise he’d be full of excuses and equivocations.

ks488 ,

Excellent!!!!

10/10

St.Dizzle ,

Best Podcast I’ve listened to…

I’m a true crime podcast junkie. This is the best story I’ve heard thus far and I’d be surprised if you can mention an even decent one I haven’t heard…

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