The first story comes from a podcast called "First Time Last Time," from producer, host, public radio guru Ben Adair and it tells these sometimes-big sometimes-small stories that are milestones in peoples lives… Firsts and Lasts ... of all kinds.
Joe Loya was once known as the smooth-talking "Beirut Bandit," During a 14-month crime spree in the 1980's, he robbed dozens of banks all over Southern California — so many, even he lost count. Then, he got arrested. And then he robbed five more. He talked to Ben about how he got became a bank robber — how he got the idea and then the nerve… to knock over that first bank.
Produced by Ben Adair. You can subscribe to the "First Time Last Time" podcast on iTunes.
Joe Loya wrote a book about his life … his descent into crime … and how he turned his life around in prison. It’s called, "The Man Who Outgrew His Prison Cell."
Joe Loya’s mugshot
Photo courtesy Joe Loya
Joe Today
Photo courtesy Joe Loya