Self-Identities Podcast

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.

Episodes

• Lisa 2026-05-11

  Lisa discusses her life, marked by early motherhood, partner violence, and a period of incarceration during pregnancy. She reflects on her experiences of survival and confronting her past.

• Melanie 2026-05-04

  Melanie's childhood was marked by instability and involvement in meth production. Despite facing profound loss, including her sister's death, and enduring a prison sentence, she draws strength from her mother's resilience.

• Season 3 - Introduction with Dr. Kathryn Whiteley and AJ Nutter 2026-05-01

  Season 3 of Self-Identities, hosted by Dr. Kathryn Whiteley and AJ Nutter at SCI Cambridge Springs, delves into the lives of women serving life sentences for murder. Drawing on criminological research, the season explores their childhoods,…

• Jamie 2025-04-01

  Jamie, incarcerated at 14 and now serving a minimum 35-year sentence at SCI-Muncy, reflects on her life-altering experience and the family she left behind.

• Shonda 2025-03-25

  Shonda reflects on her life, from a childhood shaped by divorce and strong women to a drastic change at 23 when she was arrested and sentenced to death. After 11 years on death row, her sentence was reduced to life without parole, and she…

• Tequilla 2025-03-18

  Tequilla, 52, has served nearly 20 years in prison after entering the system at 33. Her life, marked by her mother's incarceration and a sentence without parole, explores themes of generational cycles and resilience.

• Trisha 2025-03-11

  The episode features Trisha, who reflects on her life after a conviction at 25 led to a mandatory life sentence and separation from her son. Now 50, she discusses the effects of her time in prison and the life she is building.

• Brenda 2025-03-04

  Brenda, incarcerated at 64, reflects on her life starting with a happy childhood on a farm before addiction led to a life sentence. Her story explores nostalgia, hardship, and enduring resilience.

• Dorothy 2025-02-25

  Dorothy, a 75-year-old woman, is a former nurse and Vietnam War veteran. She has been incarcerated for 43 years, serving a life sentence without parole.

• Beth 2025-02-18

  This episode features Beth, who has faced significant adversity throughout her life, including abuse, addiction, and a lengthy prison sentence, ultimately serving life without parole.

• Celeste 2025-02-11

  Celeste, incarcerated at 43 for a life sentence without parole, now 73, shares her story of resilience and reflection after 30 years behind bars. The episode delves into the complexities of a life profoundly changed.

• Michelle 2025-02-04

  The podcast features Michelle, who at 55 recounts her life, including being convicted at 31, serving 14 years on death row before commutation, and navigating life in prison after facing childhood trauma.

• Yvonne 2025-01-28

  The episode features Yvonne, 62, detailing her experiences with abuse from age ten and subsequent incarcerations. She has spent 41 years serving a life sentence without parole.

• Season 2 - Introduction with Dr. Kathryn Whiteley and AJ Nutter 2025-01-21

  Dr. Kathryn Whiteley and AJ Nutter introduce Season 2, focusing on women serving life sentences for murder. Based on extensive criminological research, the season will explore their life experiences beyond their convictions.

• Heather 2024-03-07

  This episode features Heather, who was arrested at 35 and incarcerated at SCI Muncy a year later. Now 53, she has served 18 years of a life without parole sentence.

• Jessica 2024-02-29

  Jessica, incarcerated at 16 and facing a life without parole sentence, shares her experience of serving 25 years. She was resentenced as a juvenile and is now serving 35 years to life at SCI Muncy.

• Erica 2024-02-22

  This episode features Erica, who was arrested at 29 and is now 43. She has been incarcerated for about 14 years and is serving a life sentence at SCI Muncy.

• Jean 2024-02-15

  This episode features Jean, who was arrested at age 45 in 2004 and has been serving a life sentence at SCI Muncy for over 18 years.

• Nacola 2024-02-08

  Nacola, convicted at 32, has served approximately 11 years of her life sentence. She is currently incarcerated at SCI Muncy.

• Marilyn 2024-02-01

  This episode discusses Marilyn, who was arrested at 19 in 1972 and has been incarcerated for approximately 52 years, serving two consecutive life sentences at SCI Muncy.

• Tanya 2024-01-25

  Tanya entered incarceration in 1989 at age 19. She has served about 35 years of a life sentence and is currently housed at SCI Muncy.

• Elena 2024-01-18

  Elena shares her experience of being incarcerated at SCI Muncy at the age of 21. She has served approximately 6 years of her 20 to 40 year sentence.

• Patricia 2024-01-11

  The podcast features Patricia, who was incarcerated at SCI Muncy after receiving a double life sentence at age 33. She is currently 59 years old.

• Terri 2024-01-04

  Terri was arrested at age 22 and charged with second-degree murder. Sentenced to life at SCI Muncy at 24, she has been incarcerated for approximately 32 years, now being 54.

• An Introduction with Dr. Kathryn Whiteley and AJ Nutter 2023-12-25

  Dr. Kathryn Whiteley, a criminological researcher, shares her work interviewing women convicted of murder to understand their full life experiences. She argues against focusing solely on crime and motive, emphasizing that these women are m…