Middle of the Fence

This week on Middle of the Fence , I’m joined by my sister Alexia Lawrence — the oldest of our siblings and one of my biggest inspirations. Alexia shares her journey of navigating both Tough Terrain and Affluent Acres. From growing up in diverse spaces to climbing the corporate ladder, facing an unexpected layoff the same week she found out she was pregnant, and learning that sometimes the toughes...

Education is often called the great equalizer , but depending on which side of the fence you grew up on, it can be a ladder out—or another broken promise. In this episode, Andre Spruell explores how access to education shapes opportunity, identity, and generational outcomes. From underfunded schools in the Tough Terrain to resource-rich classrooms in the Affluent Acres, Andre breaks down the syste...

Moving out can mean freedom or survival —depending on which side of the fence you grew up on. In this episode of Middle of the Fence , host Andre Spruell explores what independence looks like from both the Tough Terrain (urban environments built on resilience and self-sufficiency) and Affluent Acres (suburban upbringings rooted in stability and support). Andre breaks down how socioeconomic backgro...

Episode 14: Durags and Yerba Mate | Middle of the Fence Podcast In this episode, host Andre Spruell dives deep into his dual heritage, Black American and Argentinian , exploring how both cultures shaped his identity, values, and perspective. From sipping yerba mate with his grandfather to wearing a durag as a symbol of pride, Andre reflects on the history, meaning, and overlap between these two wo...

In this episode of Middle of the Fence, host Andre Spruell reflects on the powerful and contrasting lessons he learned from both of his parents. Growing up straddling Tough Terrain (urban challenges) and Affluent Acres (suburban privilege), Andre shares how love, consistency, absence, and resilience shaped his values, relationships, and personal growth. From his mother, he gained unwavering love,...

In Episode 12 of Middle of the Fence , I sit down with my brother, Ahmir Spruell , for a raw and heartfelt conversation on brotherhood, creativity, and identity. We share stories of growing up together between Tough Terrain and Affluent Acres , the role art played in Ahmir’s self-discovery, and navigating challenges around race, culture, and sexuality. From childhood memories to powerful lessons a...

In this episode of Middle of the Fence , host Andre Spruell breaks down the historical roots of both worlds—suburban expansion after World War II, white flight, and redlining—and connects them to his own lived experiences navigating between Orange, NJ and affluent neighboring communities. From riding past graffiti-covered streets into neighborhoods with white picket fences, to balancing two social...

What does love look like on both sides of the fence? In this episode of Middle of the Fence , host Andre Spruell explores dating and relationships through two very different lenses— Tough Terrain (urban grit, survival, and struggle love) and Affluent Acres (status, reputation, and conditional love). Andre shares his personal experiences navigating romance across both worlds—from being judged by st...

In this episode of Middle of the Fence , Andre Spruell sits down with longtime friend and former classmate Kendall Gregory to explore her journey growing up in an affluent suburban town while navigating the challenges of family divorce, addiction, and self-discovery. Kendall opens up about: Growing up in a “picture-perfect” community with hidden struggles Choosing to break generational cycles of a...

From wanting to be a doctor in first grade to chasing the dream of basketball through college, my identity was tied to aspirations that shaped my life. When two ACL injuries ended that dream, I was forced to ask myself: Who am I without basketball? In this deeply personal episode of Middle of the Fence , I open up about: The contrast of growing up between Tough Terrain and Affluent Acres . How chi...

On this episode of Middle of the Fence , Andre Spruell welcomes Michelle Murphy — a lifelong family friend and life coach who grew up on the Tough Terrain side of the fence in New York City’s Lower East Side before experiencing suburban life. Michelle shares her journey of resilience, overcoming family challenges, and developing the tough skin that shaped her path. She reflects on the value of div...

This solo episode of Middle of the Fence takes you inside my summer experiences growing up between two completely different worlds — the vibrant, gritty energy of the Tough Terrain and the structured, privilege-filled days of the Affluent Acres . From block parties, ice cream trucks, and hot city streets to beach houses, boat rides, and summer camps, I share what these contrasting summers taught m...

🎙️ Middle of the Fence Podcast | In this inspiring episode, Andre Spruell sits down with Yami Soriano to share her story of growing up on the “Tough Terrain” side of the fence in East Orange, NJ. Yami opens up about her Afro-Latina identity, life in a Dominican household, and the challenges of navigating cultural perceptions while finding her confidence. Together, Andre and Yami explore the parall...

In this episode of Middle of the Fence , host Andre Spruell reconnects with longtime friend Drake Brown to explore what it means to grow up between two vastly different worlds: Tough Terrain (urban, high-pressure environments) and Affluent Acres (suburban, privileged spaces). From navigating predominantly white private schools as Black men, to experiencing microaggressions, culture shock, and buil...

What happens when a kid from a gritty urban neighborhood attends school in an elite, suburban environment? In this solo episode, host Andre Spruell dives deep into his formative years spent on the "Affluent Acres" side of the fence—a stark contrast to his everyday life in the "Tough Terrain." Andre shares raw reflections and vivid stories about navigating privilege, unspoken so...

Episode 2: Being a Black Man as a Kid – Adultification, Resilience & Empathy | Middle of the Fence Podcast In this episode of Middle of the Fence , host Andre Spruell dives deep into the real-life experiences of growing up as a Black and Argentinian kid navigating both "Tough Terrain" (urban, underprivileged environments) and "Affluent Acres" (wealthy, suburban spaces). And...

Welcome to the premiere episode of Middle of the Fence , hosted by Andre Spruell — a storyteller and podcast creator who grew up straddling two starkly different environments: the gritty streets of Orange, NJ and the affluent suburbs of Morris County. This isn’t your typical true crime, politics, or toxic masculinity podcast. Instead, Middle of the Fence explores the reality of navigating life bet...