Middle of the Fence

Andre Spruell
  • 4.0 (8)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

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. 6D AGO

    The Pressure to Have Your Life Figured Out by 30 | Ep. 45

    In this solo episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruell discusses the pressure many people feel approaching 30 years old and the emotional weight that comes with comparison culture, social media timelines, financial expectations, relationships, and success. Andre reflects on his own experiences throughout his 20s, including struggles with self-worth, confidence, unrealistic expectations, and learning how to stop chasing what life is “supposed” to look like. This episode touches on:  Feeling behind in your 20s  Social media and comparison  Financial pressure and self-worth  Trusting your own timeline  Letting go of control  Faith, consistency, and personal growth  Chasing what you actually want out of life No matter what side of the fence you grew up on, this is a conversation many people can relate to. 🎙️Audience Question Do you feel like you’re on your own timeline or chasing someone else’s? — 📲 Follow & leave a 5-star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support the show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Middle of the Fence __ 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/

    13 min

  2. MAY 6

    You Don’t Rise to Your Potential… You Fall to Your Environment | Ep. 44

    What if the reason you feel stuck isn’t your discipline… but your environment? In Episode 44 of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruell breaks down how your environment shapes your standards, your habits, and what you believe is possible for your life often without you even realizing it. From the psychology behind behavior and social influence, to personal experiences growing up between “Tough Terrain” and “Affluent Acres,” this episode explores how exposure influences everything from your expectations to your identity. Key takeaways include:  Why your environment impacts your habits more than willpower  How your standards are formed by what you see consistently  Why dysfunction can feel normal depending on your surroundings  How to shift your environment to unlock your potential If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more but can’t break through, this episode will give you a new perspective. 🎙️Audience Question Have you ever realized that something you thought was “normal”… was actually just your environment shaping your standards? — 📲 Follow & leave a 5-star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support the show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Middle of the Fence __ 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/

    12 min

  3. APR 29

    From Trauma to Healing: BPD, Family Patterns & Growth with Sarah Rose | Ep. 43

    In Episode 43 of Middle of the Fence, Andre sits down with Sarah Rose — creator of BPD Beautiful, author of Sadie’s Favorite, and musician — to discuss her journey navigating borderline personality disorder (BPD) and growing up around toxic relationship dynamics. For years, many people believed abuse was only physical. But as awareness grows, we’re beginning to understand the impact of emotional, verbal, and mental abuse, and how these patterns can carry across generations. This conversation dives into:  What BPD is and how it’s often misunderstood  The stigma surrounding mental health  Generational trauma and family dynamics  Healing, faith, and personal growth  How today’s generation has more tools to recognize and break these cycles This episode is a reminder that awareness is the first step — but action is what creates change. Connect with Sarah Rose Website: https://bpdbeautiful.com Book: https://sadiesfavorite.com Instagram:  @bpdbeautiful.blog  @diaryofsarahrose  @themvsher.music Facebook:  @bpdisbeautiful  @itssarahrose  @themvsher.music YouTube:  BPD Beautiful  Them vs. Her If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast.

    52 min

  4. APR 22

    Slang, Slip-Ups & Switching Sides | Ep. 42

    What happens when the way you talk changes depending on the room you're in? In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruell explores the reality of growing up between two worlds and how language plays a major role in shaping identity, perception, and belonging. From the expressive and layered communication styles found in “Tough Terrain” environments to the more polished but often coded language of “Affluent Acres,” this episode breaks down:  What AAVE (African American Vernacular English) really is  Why code-switching isn’t fake—it’s adaptation and survival How phrases like “you talk white” or “you’re so articulate” can carry deeper meaning  The subtle impact of microaggressions in everyday conversations And what it feels like to constantly shift between identities If you’ve ever felt like you had to explain yourself in one space and defend yourself in another…this episode will hit home. 🎙️ Audience Question: What’s a phrase, word, or way of speaking from your environment that people outside of it just don’t understand? And have you ever had to change how you talk depending on where you are? — 📲 Follow & leave a 5-star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support the show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Middle of the Fence __ 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/

    15 min

  5. APR 15

    The Pressure of Representing Your Identity | Ep. 41

    Have you ever felt like you’re not just representing yourself...but everything that makes you who you are? In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruill dives into the emotional weight of representing your identity and how navigating multiple worlds can shape the way you think, act, and show up in different environments.  From cultural and religious identity to professional and personal expectations, this conversation explores the pressure to “get it right” and the fear of reinforcing stereotypes. But here’s the truth, you’re not responsible for carrying everything. This episode is a reminder that:  You don’t have to be the perfect representation  Your story is still powerful  Authenticity matters more than perception 🎙️ Audience Question: Have you ever felt pressure to represent your background, identity, or community in certain spaces—even when you just wanted to be seen as yourself? — 📲 Follow & leave a 5-star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support the show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Middle of the Fence __ 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/

    15 min
  6. Full Circle: Trust Your Gut, Boundaries & More (w/ Yami Soriano) | Ep. 40

    APR 8

    Full Circle: Trust Your Gut, Boundaries & More (w/ Yami Soriano) | Ep. 40

    In this special full circle episode of Middle of the Fence, Yami Soriano—the very first recorded guest on the podcast—returns for a deeper conversation on growth, self-awareness, and stepping into your 30s. From learning to trust your intuition to realizing not everyone deserves access to you, this episode explores the real-life lessons that come with evolving through your 20s and into a new chapter. We also touch on life, loss, motherhood, and how your perspective shifts when you start focusing on what truly matters. With Aries season energy and a milestone birthday around the corner, this conversation is honest, reflective, and full of moments you’ll relate to. If you’ve ever felt like you’re navigating between who you were and who you’re becoming...this episode is for you. ______________________________________ 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/ **To support the podcast, please Follow and give us a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rating** “No matter what side of the fence you grew up on, we’re all more alike than we think.”

    43 min

  7. APR 1

    The Identity Tug-of-War: Why You Feel Like Different People in Different Environments | Ep. 39

    Have you ever felt like you're a completely different person depending on where you are? At work, you move one way.  With family, another.  With friends, another. If that sounds familiar, you're not fake...you’re navigating an identity tug-of-war. In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruell dives into what it really means to grow up and operate between different worlds and how that shapes your sense of self. You’ll learn:  Why identity conflict is more common than you think  The truth behind adapting vs. losing yourself  How different environments influence who you become  A 3-step framework to strengthen your self-identity:  Awareness  Alignment  Consistency This episode challenges you to stop choosing between versions of yourself and start becoming one integrated, authentic version that can stand in any room. 🎯 Reflection Question: If all the different versions of you sat at the same table… which one would lead? ______________________________________ 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/ **To support the podcast, please Follow and give us a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rating** “No matter what side of the fence you grew up on, we’re all more alike than we think.”

    11 min
  8. From Survival Mode to Success: How Environment, Mindset & Discipline Shape Your Life with Flow Menez | Ep. 38

    MAR 25

    From Survival Mode to Success: How Environment, Mindset & Discipline Shape Your Life with Flow Menez | Ep. 38

    In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre sits down with entrepreneur and video strategist Flow Menez to explore how growing up in a chaotic environment can shape your mindset, behavior, and identity. Flow shares his experience navigating survival mode, anxiety, and control from a young age, and how those patterns followed him into adulthood. Through mindfulness, breathwork, and intentional self-development, he was able to shift his mindset and take control of his life. The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, content creation, and how Flow turned his skills with a camera into a thriving business—proving that in today’s digital world, you can monetize almost anything with the right strategy. Topics include:  Survival mode vs. growth mindset  The impact of environment on identity  Anxiety, control, and emotional awareness  Breathwork and mindfulness practices  Building a business through social media  The compound effect of habits  Redefining masculinity and accountability This episode is a powerful reminder that your past may shape you, but it doesn’t have to define you. — Follow Flow YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TopTierContractorsOnly TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@flowmenez 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/ **To support the podcast, please Follow and give us a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rating** “No matter what side of the fence you grew up on, we’re all more alike than we think.”

    58 min
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4
out of 5
8 Ratings

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
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Middle of the Fence
  • Show Website
    Middle of the Fence