Middle of the Fence

Andre Spruell

Welcome to Middle of the Fence, the podcast hosted by Andre Spruell that explores what it means to grow up between two different worlds. Raised in one of New Jersey’s highest-crime areas while attending private school in one of the wealthiest counties in the country, Andre experienced firsthand the contrast between environments, perspectives, expectations, and identities. But Middle of the Fence goes beyond just one story. This podcast dives into the experiences of people who have had to navigate different sides of life...whether socioeconomic, cultural, racial, religious, professional, or personal and the lessons, struggles, and growth that come from living between those worlds. Through authentic solo episodes, thought-provoking interviews, and honest conversations, Middle of the Fence tackles topics such as identity, mental health, personal growth, relationships, success, social pressure, faith, culture, and self-discovery. At its core, the podcast is about finding common ground in a divided world and reminding people that no matter what side of the fence we grew up on, we’re all more alike than we think. New episodes every Wednesday.

  1. 5d ago

    Can You Love Someone and Still Choose Yourself? | Ep. 59

    What does it actually mean to love someone when doing what feels right might also mean disappointing them, creating distance, or even letting them go? In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre gets personal about several difficult relationship experiences that have challenged the way he thinks about love...not just romantically, but within family and friendships too. From experiencing a deep romantic connection while realizing that connection and compatibility aren't always the same thing, to navigating an emotional conversation with family, to learning that loving a struggling friend doesn't mean you can rescue them, this episode explores what mature love may actually require from us.  Andre also explores Self-Expansion Theory, why losing someone can sometimes feel like losing part of yourself, the importance of autonomy within healthy relationships, and whether we should stop measuring the success of relationships solely by how long they last.   Because maybe someone can change your life without being meant to stay in it forever. Sometimes love means staying. Sometimes it means fighting harder. Sometimes it means having the uncomfortable conversation. Sometimes it means establishing a boundary. And sometimes love means letting go. So when does fighting for someone become holding onto something we're supposed to release and when does choosing ourselves become giving up too quickly?  Like most things in life, the truth is probably somewhere in the Middle of the Fence. "No matter what side of the fence you grew up on, we're all more alike than we think." ___________ 📲 Follow & leave a 5-Star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support this show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @andrespruell __ For more Middle of the Fence, visit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/ Website: https://www.middleofthefence.com/

    Can You Love Someone and Still Choose Yourself? | Ep. 59

  2. Aug 12

    Does Race Shape the Way We See the Truth? | Ep. 58

    How much do race, upbringing and lived experience influence the way we interpret the world around us? Using the national conversation surrounding the death of Nolan Wells as a starting point, Andre explores how our personal experiences shape the conclusions we reach, and why two people can look at the same situation and see something completely different. Episode 58 examines race, trust, motivated reasoning, cognitive bias and the tension between acknowledging history and allowing evidence to challenge what we already believe. History can shape the questions we ask. But should it determine the answers we accept? "No matter what side of the fence you grew up on, we're all more alike than we think." ___________ 📲 Follow & leave a 5-Star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support this show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @andrespruell __ For more Middle of the Fence, visit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/ Website: https://www.middleofthefence.com/

    Does Race Shape the Way We See the Truth? | Ep. 58

  3. Aug 5

    Why Chasing Acceptance Keeps You From Being Yourself | With Fab | Ep. 57

    What happens when you spend years trying to fit into boxes you were never meant to fit inside? In Episode 57 of Middle of the Fence, I sit down with Fab, owner of the award-winning Fab & Jules Salon in Montclair, to explore a journey shaped by immigration, identity, faith, sexuality, authenticity, and resilience. After moving from Brazil to the United States at just 13 years old, Fab found himself caught between cultures...no longer feeling fully Brazilian, yet never completely American. As he navigated family expectations, religion, and coming out as gay, he eventually discovered that chasing acceptance from others often comes at the cost of losing yourself.  Throughout this conversation, we discuss: • Growing up between two cultures and searching for belonging  • Why authenticity is more valuable than acceptance  • The difference between respect and approval  • Building your chosen family  • Community vs. individualism  • Why social media often creates unrealistic expectations  • Learning from heartbreak, failure, and life's growing pains  • Why you should "put your own oxygen mask on first"  • Practical life advice like "Have your own back" and "When unsure what to do, do nothing."  If you've ever questioned where you belong, struggled to be your authentic self, or simply want a conversation that challenges the way we think about identity, success, and human connection, this episode is for you. Connect with Fab & Jules: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabandjules/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabandjules/ ___________ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Middle of the Fence, leave a rating and review, and share this conversation with someone who could benefit from it. 📲 Follow & leave a 5-Star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support this show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @andrespruell ___________ For more Middle of the Fence, visit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/ Website: https://www.middleofthefence.com/

    Why Chasing Acceptance Keeps You From Being Yourself | With Fab | Ep. 57

  4. Jul 29

    Have We Misunderstood Black Excellence? | Ep. 56

    When you hear the phrase "Black excellence," what comes to mind? For many people, it means extraordinary achievement—championships, wealth, awards, or public recognition. But what if we've been defining excellence too narrowly? In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre explores the historical origins of the phrase Black excellence, why it became an important form of recognition, and how psychology helps explain why representation matters. Along the way, he reflects on his own experiences growing up Black American and Argentinian, the role identity played in shaping his perspective, and the moment that challenged him to think differently about the impact he wanted to leave on the world. Most importantly, this conversation asks a bigger question: What if true excellence isn't measured by fame or titles...but by character, integrity, service, compassion, and the lives we influence every day? Whether you're interested in personal growth, leadership, psychology, history, race, culture, or meaningful conversations that challenge conventional thinking, this episode invites you to redefine what excellence looks like—not just for one community, but for all of us. In this episode: • What "Black excellence" really means and where the phrase comes from  • Why recognition and representation matter  • The psychology behind Social Identity Theory and role models  • Personal reflections on identity and belonging  • Why character may matter more than accomplishments  • How to define excellence beyond wealth, fame, and status  • What legacy we leave through our impact on others Question of the episode: What does excellence look like in your own life? ___________ 📲 Follow & leave a 5-Star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support this show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @andrespruell __ For more Middle of the Fence, visit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/ Website: https://www.middleofthefence.com/

    Have We Misunderstood Black Excellence? | Ep. 56

  5. Jul 22

    Why Society Wants You to Pick a Side | Ep. 55

    Have you ever felt like the world wanted you to choose just one version of yourself? Whether it's your culture, career, beliefs, relationships, or identity, society often encourages us to simplify who we are so we fit neatly into a category. But life isn't that simple and neither are people. In Episode 55 of Middle of the Fence, Andre explores why humans naturally seek belonging, how conformity shapes the decisions we make, and why authenticity often requires the courage to stand apart from the crowd. Drawing from psychology, personal experiences, and thoughtful reflection, this episode challenges listeners to embrace every part of who they are instead of feeling pressured to "pick a side." In this episode, we discuss:  Why society encourages conformity  The psychology behind social identity and belonging  How social media rewards certainty over nuance  Why authenticity attracts the right people  Learning to embrace every part of your identity  The power of thinking for yourself Question of the Episode: Have you ever felt like people wanted you to choose between different parts of who you are? What did that experience teach you? ___________ 📲 Follow & leave a 5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support this show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @andrespruell __ For more Middle of the Fence, visit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/ Website: https://www.middleofthefence.com/

    Why Society Wants You to Pick a Side | Ep. 55

  6. Jul 15

    Can We Call an Entire Country Racist? | Argentina's History, Afro-Argentines & The Bigger Question | Ep. 54 (Part 2) ⭐

    Can a nation's history define the people living there today? In Part 2 of this two-part documentary special, we move beyond headlines and explore the history behind one of the biggest conversations surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From the history of Afro-Argentines and European immigration to the stories nations choose to remember—and the ones they often forget—we examine how Argentina's past has shaped its identity while asking a much larger question: How should history influence the way we see people today? As someone who is both Black and Argentinian, this episode is deeply personal. I share my family's story, my experiences traveling to Argentina, and why I believe understanding history requires both honesty and consistency. This isn't about defending Argentina. It isn't about condemning Argentina. It's about asking whether we're willing to apply the same standard to every nation—including our own.  In this episode:  The overlooked history of Afro-Argentines  European immigration and Argentina's national identity  Why Black Argentina became less visible over time  My family's experience with prejudice  Comparing Argentina's history with the United States, Brazil, France, Spain, and Portugal  Why consistency matters when discussing race and history  My personal experiences visiting Argentina  Why conversations and cultural experiences reduce prejudice  The bigger lesson behind this documentary special My hope for this series isn't to tell you what to think. It's to encourage you to ask better questions. Because no matter what side of the fence you grew up on... We're all more alike than we think. ___________ 📲 Follow & leave a 5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support this show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @andrespruell __ For more Middle of the Fence, visit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/ Website: https://www.middleofthefence.com/ About Middle of the Fence Hosted by Andre Spruell, Middle of the Fence explores the experiences of people who grew up between different worlds, cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. Our mission is simple: To remind people that no matter what side of the fence they grew up on... we're all more alike than we think.

    Can We Call an Entire Country Racist? | Argentina's History, Afro-Argentines & The Bigger Question | Ep. 54 (Part 2) ⭐

  7. Jul 13

    Can We Call an Entire Country Racist? | The World Cup, Argentina & Why We Judge Entire Groups | Ep. 54 (Part 1)

    Can an entire country be defined by the actions of a few? As Argentina continues its 2026 FIFA World Cup run, accusations of racism have dominated headlines and social media following a viral incident involving streamer IShowSpeed. But before labeling an entire nation, are we asking the right question? In Part 1 of this two-part documentary special, I explore how viral moments shape public perception, why our brains naturally generalize entire groups, and the psychology behind stereotypes, confirmation bias, the availability heuristic, and the out-group homogeneity effect. Rather than defending or condemning Argentina, this episode challenges us to think more critically about how we judge people, cultures, and countries. As someone who is both Black and Argentinian, this conversation is deeply personal. My goal isn't to tell you what to think—it's to encourage you to ask better questions. In this episode:  The 2026 World Cup controversy involving Argentina  The IShowSpeed incident and FIFA's response  Why one viral moment can shape perceptions of an entire nation  Confirmation Bias  Availability Heuristic  Out-group Homogeneity Effect  Contact Hypothesis  Why meaningful conversations reduce prejudice  Why this topic matters to me personally Part 2 explores Argentina's racial history, Afro-Argentines, European immigration, historical erasure, and why history deserves both honesty and nuance. Remember: No matter what side of the fence you grew up on... we're all more alike than we think. ___________ 📲 Follow & leave a 5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support this show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @andrespruell __ For more Middle of the Fence, visit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/ Website: https://www.middleofthefence.com/

    Can We Call an Entire Country Racist? | The World Cup, Argentina & Why We Judge Entire Groups | Ep. 54 (Part 1)

  8. Jul 8

    Being Liked vs. Being Respected | Ep. 53

    Most of us grow up wanting to be liked. We avoid conflict. We struggle to say no. We put other people's comfort ahead of our own authenticity. But what happens when chasing approval starts costing us opportunities, confidence, and peace of mind? In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruell explores the difference between being liked and being respected and why understanding that distinction can completely change the way you approach relationships, leadership, personal growth, and everyday decisions. Drawing from personal experiences and psychological insights, Andre discusses why people pleasing is so common, how healthy boundaries actually strengthen relationships, and why lasting respect is built through integrity rather than popularity. If you've ever worried about disappointing others or felt pressured to earn everyone's approval, this conversation is for you. In this episode: • Why we naturally crave acceptance • The psychology behind people-pleasing • Why respect and popularity aren't the same • How boundaries create healthier relationships • The role authenticity plays in earning trust • Why becoming someone you respect changes everything If this episode resonates with you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who values meaningful conversations. Because no matter what side of the fence you grew up on, we're all more alike than we think. Question of the episode: What's more important to you today...being liked or being respected? ___________ 📲 Follow & leave a 5-star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support this show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: @andrespruell __ For more Middle of the Fence, visit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/ Website: https://www.middleofthefence.com/

    Being Liked vs. Being Respected | Ep. 53
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About

Welcome to Middle of the Fence, the podcast hosted by Andre Spruell that explores what it means to grow up between two different worlds. Raised in one of New Jersey’s highest-crime areas while attending private school in one of the wealthiest counties in the country, Andre experienced firsthand the contrast between environments, perspectives, expectations, and identities. But Middle of the Fence goes beyond just one story. This podcast dives into the experiences of people who have had to navigate different sides of life...whether socioeconomic, cultural, racial, religious, professional, or personal and the lessons, struggles, and growth that come from living between those worlds. Through authentic solo episodes, thought-provoking interviews, and honest conversations, Middle of the Fence tackles topics such as identity, mental health, personal growth, relationships, success, social pressure, faith, culture, and self-discovery. At its core, the podcast is about finding common ground in a divided world and reminding people that no matter what side of the fence we grew up on, we’re all more alike than we think. New episodes every Wednesday.

Information

  • Creator
    Andre Spruell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Middle of the Fence
  • Show Website
    Middle of the Fence