The Jordan Harbinger Show 1265: Joe Loya | Confessions of a Bank Robber Part Two
13 snips
Jan 1, 2026 
In a compelling conversation, Joe Loya, a former bank robber turned author and speaker, dives into the depths of his turbulent past. He reveals how childhood trauma turned him into a criminal and how survival instincts dictated his chaotic bank heists. Joe emphasizes the power of compassion over forgiveness, particularly in reconciling with his abusive father. He shares harrowing tales from prison, the emotional armor he wore, and how writing became a pathway to healing. Ultimately, Joe reflects on redemption and the complexity of self-forgiveness.
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Trauma Shrinks The Sense Of Future
- Unprocessed trauma collapses one’s sense of future and makes survival only about today.
- Joe Loya explains repeated criminal choices came from lacking imagined posterity, not just recklessness.
Trainings Gone Wrong Cost A $900 Lesson
- Joe tried to recruit and train another man to rob banks but the recruit bungled jobs and took only $900.
- The failures convinced Joe to resume robbing himself because the risk and hassle of training others wasn't worth it.
Dye Pack Exploded During A Getaway
- A dye pack/tear gas device exploded in Joe's bag and he fled while his eyes watered from the gas.
- He stuffed the smoking bag in a sports bag, zipped it, and managed to drive away despite the effects.