TPR launches its first true crime podcast

TROY Public Radio (TPR) broke new ground over the summer by launching its first ever true crime podcast. Written and narrated by TROY Public Radio Digital Media Producer and Host Ann Kenda, “Inside Job: Understanding Vicky White” dives deep into the 2022 Vicky and Casey White case.  

The case follows corrections officer Vicky White as she breaks inmate Casey White out of an Alabama county jail after developing what Kenda calls an unwise and undetected romantic attachment to him.  

What followed the jailbreak was a manhunt that garnered attention from across the nation.  

Kenda said after reporting the story for National Public Radio (NPR), she found a continued hunger in both herself and those around her to further understand it. 

“What really intrigued me about this escape is just the people involved,” Kenda said. “Vicky was a responsible, professional person until she experienced this change that is hard to understand, and Casey was an inmate with a long criminal history and dismal prospects for the future. 

“As I say in the podcast, ‘they were no one’s idea of a perfectly-matched couple.’” 

TPR Director of Radio Kyle Gassiott said anyone who is a fan of true crime, listens to public radio or simply loves a well-told story with real insight behind the headlines would likely enjoy tuning in to “Inside Job.” He suggests listeners simply start with the first episode of the podcast, and after that, they’ll want to hear the rest. 

“Every interesting story has conflict, and true crime exemplifies that,” said TPR Host and Digital Media Producer Joey Hudson. “I think the value lies in the cautionary aspect of the genre. 

“Listeners can learn what warning signs to look out for, how to stay safe and how to help others avoid tragedies like the Vicky White story. ‘Inside Job’ sets itself apart by exploring how something like that could happen and how it could be prevented.” 

Gassiott said working with Kenda has been a highlight, with her true crime expertise and public radio experience making “Inside Job” both gripping and grounded. He also said the podcast has received lots of support from listeners ranging from great numbers to comments claiming to have binged the whole six-episode series.  

“We’re already discussing a season 2,” Gassiott said. “This format is perfect for other gripping real-life stories.” 

All six episodes of “Inside Job: Understanding Vicky White” and over a dozen other podcasts from TPR are available at NPR One or wherever podcasts are available.