Self-Identities Podcast

AJ Nutter and Kathryn Whiteley
  • 4.5 (10)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Self-Identities is an educational podcast recorded within the walls of SCI Muncy and SCI Cambridge Springs—two correctional facilities for women in Pennsylvania. The podcast features in-depth conversations with incarcerated women serving life sentences, moving beyond their crimes to explore their identities, perspectives, and personal journeys. Hosted by Dr. Kathryn Whiteley and co-produced by AJ Nutter, Self-Identities shifts the focus away from sensationalized true crime and toward genuine understanding. Through honest dialogue, the series encourages listeners to engage thoughtfully with the complexities of identity, resilience, and lived experience within the criminal justice system.

  1. 2D AGO

    Melanie

    Melanie’s childhood was shaped by instability and exposure to environments no young person should have to navigate. At an early age, she was taught how to operate within the world of meth production, a reality that would heavily influence the direction of her life. Despite these circumstances, Melanie found strength in her mother, who raised her on her own and remained a steady source of resilience. As she grew older, Melanie faced deep internal struggles and profound loss, including the devastating death of her sister that marked a turning point in her life. At just 22 years old, she was sentenced to state prison for the first time. Now, Melanie reflects on the path that led her there, the weight of her experiences, and the strength it has taken to endure them.

    50 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Season 3 - Introduction with Dr. Kathryn Whiteley and AJ Nutter

    Join Dr. Kathryn Whiteley and AJ Nutter as they take Self-Identities to a new location— SCI Cambridge Springs. In this next chapter, the conversation deepens inside the historic walls of SCI Cambridge Springs, offering an even more intimate look at the lives of women serving life sentences for murder. Drawing from nearly 20 years of criminological research in maximum-security prisons across Ireland, Australia, Pennsylvania, and Texas, Dr. Whiteley brings powerful insight into the complex realities behind these cases. But this season goes further—beyond crime and motive—into the lived experiences of the women themselves. Through stories of childhood, adulthood, and incarceration, Kathryn and AJ invite listeners to reconsider what they think they know. Together, they challenge assumptions and confront stereotypes, revealing that these women are far more than their convictions—they are layered, human, and deeply complex.

    25 min

  3. 04/01/2025

    Jamie

    At just 14 years old, Jamie was charged as an adult and sent to county jail—a decision that would shape the rest of her life. Shortly after, she was incarcerated at SCI-Muncy, where she has remained ever since. Now 23, Jamie reflects on her journey, the loving family she left behind, and the reality of serving a minimum 35-year sentence.

    43 min

  4. 03/25/2025

    Shonda

    At 45, Shonda reflects on a life shaped by love, loss, and an unthinkable fate. Raised in a home filled with strong, caring women, her childhood was good, despite her parents' divorce. But at 23, everything changed. Arrested and sentenced to death, she spent 11 years on death row before her sentence was reduced to life without parole. Now, she shares her truth from behind bars. Join us as we uncover the complexities of Shonda’s journey.

    34 min

  5. 03/18/2025

    Tequilla

    Tequilla, now 52, has spent nearly two decades behind bars after entering the prison system at 33. Raised by her grandmother while her mother was incarcerated, her story is one of generational cycles, resilience, and the harsh reality of a life sentence without parole.

    28 min

  6. 03/11/2025

    Trisha

    Trisha grew up in a close, loving family, but at 25, her life took a devastating turn. Convicted and sentenced to mandatory life in prison, she was forced to leave behind her 18-month-old son in the care of his father. Now 50, she reflects on the past, the impact of her incarceration, and the life she continues to build behind bars.

    35 min

  7. 03/04/2025

    Brenda

    Brenda, now 64, was just 25 when she was first incarcerated. She cherished her childhood on the family farm, surrounded by her siblings, but her life took a dark turn as addiction took hold. Now serving a life sentence, her story is one of nostalgia, struggle, and resilience.

    36 min

  8. 02/25/2025

    Dorothy

    Dorothy, now 75, is a former nurse and Vietnam War veteran. For the past 43 years, she has been incarcerated, serving a life sentence without parole.

    40 min
See All (24)

4.5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Self-Identities is an educational podcast recorded within the walls of SCI Muncy and SCI Cambridge Springs—two correctional facilities for women in Pennsylvania. The podcast features in-depth conversations with incarcerated women serving life sentences, moving beyond their crimes to explore their identities, perspectives, and personal journeys. Hosted by Dr. Kathryn Whiteley and co-produced by AJ Nutter, Self-Identities shifts the focus away from sensationalized true crime and toward genuine understanding. Through honest dialogue, the series encourages listeners to engage thoughtfully with the complexities of identity, resilience, and lived experience within the criminal justice system.

Information

  • Creator
    AJ Nutter and Kathryn Whiteley
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023-2024
  • Show Website
    Self-Identities Podcast

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