Welcome to the Struggle2Success Podcast.
I’m your host, Sterling Brown — and around here, we don’t hide from the hard stuff.
I didn’t launch this podcast from a polished place — I launched it while still healing. What started as my personal story has grown into something bigger: a space where we talk real about the struggles that shape us, the systems that confine us, and the current issues that weigh on our communities.
This isn’t just about surviving — it’s about transforming. From incarceration and fatherhood to mental health, relationships, reentry, and everything in between — this is where we get honest about the climb and what it takes to keep going.
So whether you’re tuning in from your car, your crib, or somewhere in between trying to figure it all out — you’re not alone. We’re in this together. Airing every other Saturday.
This is Struggle2Success — life is trials. Stay focused.
A law enforcement professional with a big heart and a bigger mission. Raised in the tough streets of Philly, Sterling defied the odds to become a proud grad of Phi Theta Kappa and later excel at the Police Academy.
His goal? To help others shine and share their stories, and their triumphs on his show.
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Amy Krulik is the Executive Director of hope+door, bringing over 25 years of leadership in social services, including her work guiding a major hunger-relief agency in Philadelphia. She specializes in early-intervention eviction prevention, focusing on families with school-age children. Amy is known for compassionate problem-solving, simple access to help, and connecting households with resources that protect stability and dignity.
Carrie Kurtz is a reentry leader with over 20 years of experience in the social-service field. She specializes in reentry planning, stakeholder coordination, and strengthening support systems for individuals facing addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, and homelessness. Carrie leads The Power of Reentry Synergy, helping communities and agencies work together to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes. She serves on statewide reentry, housing, and trauma committees, including the PA Reentry Council, where she chairs the Housing Subcommittee. Carrie previously directed Reentry Planning for the Lancaster County Reentry Coalition and spent 12 years overseeing residential and shelter programs at Water Street Mission. She is also a SAMHSA-certified Trauma-Informed Response Trainer.
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After serving 15 years in prison, Corey Angelo transformed his pain into purpose. Behind the walls, he rebuilt his identity, found spiritual clarity, and discovered his true worth. From street life to becoming an author, coach, podcaster, and community leader, Corey proves that transformation begins with mindset. His journey shows that when you confront your past and claim your future, anything is possible. Connect with Corey Angelo.
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Meet Eloisa V. Baez, an advocate, notary public, and interpreter with over 15 years of experience in advocacy and more than a decade working in educational and court settings. As the co-owner of Baez Outdoor Home Services and a dedicated freelancer, Eloisa’s career reflects her commitment to resilience, adaptability, and purpose.
Growing up with frequent moves across countries, Eloisa developed the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. This taught her the power of emotional intelligence, faith, and a commitment to her values. Her journey has been shaped by overcoming self-doubt, embracing motherhood, and using her challenges to uplift others—especially parents navigating educational systems for their children.
Through advocacy, Eloisa empowers families, and promotes generational change. For her, success is about making a lasting impact on the lives of others. Join us to explore her inspiring story and the lessons she’s learned.
In this powerful episode of the Struggle2Success Podcast, Sterling sits down with James Ivery, founder of Transcendent Transformation Coaching, to unpack a journey shaped by addiction, loss, healing, and purpose. James shares how breaking generational cycles fueled his mission to guide others through recovery, reentry, and rebuilding their lives. From prison programs and warm handoffs to second-chance employment and personal transformation, this episode delivers truth, hope, and direction for anyone fighting to rise again. Life is trials. Stay focused.
Dr. Sarah Wright, DPT, is the Center Manager at NovaCare Rehabilitation in Lancaster, PA, known for her sharp clinical eye, patient-first advocacy, and whole-person approach to recovery. With a background in psychology and expertise in orthopedic, sports, and work-related rehab, she focuses on uncovering the root of an injury—not just treating the surface symptoms. Dr. Wright specializes in tailoring rehab to real-life demands, including high-stress professions like law enforcement. Her commitment to listening, problem-solving, and guiding patients through complex medical or insurance barriers makes her a standout clinician dedicated to helping people get their lives back.