From 15 Armed Robberies to Changing Lives: The Jay Pukepuke Story
Episode Description
Jay Pukepuke went from a rugby league player with huge potential- he was a Warriors age-grade star and on track for a career in the NRL.
Then he went off the rails and committed 15 armed robberies which saw him incarcerated for six years across some of New Zealand’s toughest prisons.
Since then he has become a father, a mentor, an author, and the co-founder of an organisation called “Bros for Change.”
Inside this episode, Jay opens up about:
The adrenaline addiction that drove him into crime
Hearing another inmate being beaten to death in a neighbouring cell
The shame he still carries for the victims
The moment he finally realised he had to change and so much more
His book Inner Warrior captures this journey on the page, but hearing him speak it is something else entirely. Jay is funny, confronting, and incredibly honest about the man he used to be… and the man he’s become.
If you like redemption arcs, this one is as authentic as they come.
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Chapters
00:00 The Comfort of Home and Vulnerability of Sharing
02:51 The Inner Warrior: A Journey of Self-Discovery
05:45 Bros for Change: Making a Difference in the Community
08:49 Childhood Memories: A Transient Life
12:01 Cultural Identity: Embracing Māori Heritage
15:00 The Rise and Fall in Rugby League
17:56 The Descent into Crime: A Path of Rebellion
21:09 Consequences of Choices: The Road to Prison
24:02 Life Behind Bars: The Reality of Incarceration
29:55 Lessons Learned: Growth Through Adversity
51:05 Prison Life and Camaraderie
54:02 Misconceptions About Prison
56:49 Rehabilitation and Personal Growth
01:00:51 The Struggle of Reintegration
01:07:02 Finding Purpose Through Rugby League
01:11:17 Navigating Family and Past
01:17:19 Redemption and Public Perception
01:20:43 Future Aspirations and Legacy
Brief Summary
Jay Poke discusses his memoir, criminal past, and work with Bros for Change to mentor youth.
Key points
- Bros for Change Explained. Jay shares the mission behind Bros for Change and its impact on the community.
- Childhood Reflections. Jay reflects on his transient childhood and the memories that shaped him.
- From Shame to Strength. A journey from feeling shameful about past actions to using those experiences to help others.
- The Arrest. A surreal moment of being arrested with armed defenders surrounding the house.
- Life Lessons from Prison. Prison can teach unexpected life skills and camaraderie, as shared by the speaker.
- The Reality of Violence. Witnessing violence in prison can be shocking and haunting, as described by the speaker.
Ask about Dom Harvey
Episode highlights
- Bros for Change ExplainedJay shares the mission behind Bros for Change and its impact on the community.“We want to actually make real change, not just put plasters on.”5:07Nov 26, 2025
- Childhood ReflectionsJay reflects on his transient childhood and the memories that shaped him.“I was a bit of a loner, but it was always fun.”10:14Nov 26, 2025
- From Shame to StrengthA journey from feeling shameful about past actions to using those experiences to help others.“I call on those things to bring others in and give back my experiences.”21:16Nov 26, 2025
- The ArrestA surreal moment of being arrested with armed defenders surrounding the house.“I didn’t fight anything. I was ready for my IE.”31:51Nov 26, 2025
- Life Lessons from PrisonPrison can teach unexpected life skills and camaraderie, as shared by the speaker.“The most I ever learned was in prison.”47:25Nov 26, 2025
- The Reality of ViolenceWitnessing violence in prison can be shocking and haunting, as described by the speaker.“I heard a guy get beat to death and saw the body carried out.”49:02Nov 26, 2025
- Misconceptions About Prison LifePrison is often misunderstood, with some viewing it as a resort rather than a harsh reality.“People talk about how it’s like a holiday resort.”52:34Nov 26, 2025
- The Struggle of ReintegrationRebuilding life after prison is challenging, especially when faced with temptation.“I got the itch again and did some more robberies.”57:29Nov 26, 2025
