
Up on Game
From Robbing Banks to Stacking Bitcoin, My Involvement with Gangs, Bank Robbery, Prison - and Success in the Business World
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Narrated by:
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Mike Dawson
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By:
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Richard Stanley
About this listen
Bank robber turns to stacking Bitcoin: Cryptocurrency trader no longer needs banks.
The "Skinny Bandit" - a whiter-than-cocaine kid from the gang-filled streets of Otay in San Diego - who robbed banks to eat ironically no longer needs banks because of his steady success in Bitcoin trading and other cryptocurrencies.
Meticulous and calculating, Richard Stanley continually evaded capture and grew brazen with each additional bank heist in the early 2000s. The robberies continued, and it appeared the FBI would never catch the elusive yet polite robber who went from teller to teller saying, "Put the money on the counter..." and walked away with thousands in cash in a clear plastic bag.
Upon his sudden arrest, the shocking truth was finally revealed when this criminal mastermind who repeatedly outwitted authorities turned out to an 18-year-old kid from the Hispanic gang-filled streets of Otay in San Diego.
Why did he rob banks?
The first time was for cash to buy a Taco Bell grande meal.
Today, the Skinny Bandit is a successful entrepreneur, in legit business in the adult marketing world and the realm of escorts and exotic dancers, and a day trader in Bitcoin cryptocurrency.
Richard Stanley did his time - seven-plus years in Donovan, a rough Southern California prison, where he hustled to stay up on game and where he experienced the real Orange Is the New Black - and where he witnessed the worst horrors of the prison system, from guards killing inmates to rampant drug use and the lengths desperate people go to get what they need (such as snacks, drugs, cell phones, and warm clothing).
Warning to listeners: This audiobook contains offensive language and graphic descriptions of criminal activity.
©2018 Richard Stanley (P)2018 Richard StanleyListeners also enjoyed...
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This isn't some "Rah, Rah" bullshit book that's designed to make you feel good about having a f--ked up life. I wrote this book to show those of you out there that are in the struggle, what's possible if you work for it. Nothing in life is free. Everything costs money or time. Allow me to save you both by listening to this book. Some of the stories you will hear in this book will be hard to believe, but they are true nonetheless. I've replayed many of these scenes and scripts in my mind 1,000 times, trying to figure out how in the hell things went down the way they did.
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What listeners say about Up on Game
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Amazon Customer
- 02-09-19
worth it
was not sure what to expect but. it was good, hope the author keeps doing good
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1 person found this helpful
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- Adventhero
- 08-25-20
Unique Perspective
This book was a unique perspective into what gang life looks like for a teen, as well as an eye opening, first-hand account as to life in the prison system. Fascinating, all-around good book with an AWESOME narrator!
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- Corey Kilpack
- 01-01-22
Kept my attention - And More
Great book. There is a scene early in the book where a young kid makes a "hustle" and spends the money on clothes and snacks at school. That hit me hard when I heard that line. Writing about the authentic experience of a kid, and allowing others to feel the motivations of the characters is tough - Stanley pulls it off.
Mike Dawson has a hell of a voice, particularly for these characters and stories.
Writing, Performance and just keeping my interest - This had it all. Five Stars.
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- Stuart
- 07-24-19
Good story GREAT Narration
This is an interesting story that I recommend. I will listen to anything Mike Dawson narrates. He is fantastic.
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- Captain Poopy Pants
- 03-03-19
Great listen.
This was a great listen, great story, great narration. I would highly recommend this book.
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1 person found this helpful
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- jamie lepore
- 09-29-20
Great book!
I have been working some crazy shifts this month at work. This book and it’s sequel actually make me look forward to the odd work hours so that I can listen. I highly recommend this book and the
Sequel. The narration by Mike Dawson on both books is just fantastic. He is a pro and knows how to deliver a story.
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- Anonymous User
- 06-02-19
Don't waste your time
90% of the book is lame prison stories 10% is a rushed story of how he had to be paid via Bitcoin when his credit card provider dropped him. You've been warned
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- BargainSeeker646
- 02-11-23
No Remorse
The author provides some insight into the consequences of choosing instant gratification the criminal lifestyle.
But he spends no time whatsoever expressing remorse for the people he victimized over the years.
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