Netflix's "How to Rob a Bank"

·53 min·5 clips

Who was the treehouse-dwelling nudist who became the FBI's most wanted bank robber in 1990s Seattle?

Roben Farzad introduces the episode by discussing the modern documentary landscape and streaming platforms. He welcomes Seth Porges, director and producer of the Netflix documentary 'How to Rob a Bank,' which tells the story of Scott Scurlock, known as the Hollywood Bandit. Porges explains that Scurlock was a prolific bank robber in Seattle during the 1990s, robbing close to 20 banks. The conversation delves into Scurlock's background: he was a nudist who lived in a treehouse, a former pre-med student expelled for making crystal meth, and the son of a pastor. Porges describes how Scurlock used Hollywood-style prosthetics, wigs, and makeup as disguises, earning his nickname. The FBI initially suspected he had inside knowledge due to his professionalism. The episode includes an audio excerpt from the documentary, highlighting the tension of the manhunt. Porges analyzes Scurlock's motivations, linking them to movies like 'Point Break' and 'Heat,' which inspired his romanticized outlaw persona. However, the reality was isolating and traumatic, both for Scurlock and his victims. The discussion covers Scurlock's money laundering through sports betting in Las Vegas and Reno. Porges shares insights from interviews with Scurlock's friends, family, and co-conspirators, revealing his internal turmoil and diaries addressed to God. The host and guest explore the documentary's production, including its animation style designed to resemble storyboards, reflecting the cinematic self-mythologizing of the subjects. Porges contrasts this project with his earlier film 'Class Action Park,' noting Netflix's support. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring journalists and filmmakers, emphasizing adaptability and passion for storytelling in a changing media landscape.

As heard by us

A sharp true-crime conversation about bank robbery, casino laundering, IRS scrutiny, and the price of making stolen money look routine.

How to Rob a Bank treats true crime less as a chase story than as a problem of financial disguise. The episode follows a cerebral Northwest bank robber who uses legal sports betting to wash stolen cash, dividing wagers across casinos so the winnings can pass as legitimate.

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Why you'd press play

Press play when a bank robbery story starts sounding like casino math and financial camouflage.

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