Middle of the Fence

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 dis...

How often do you decide who someone is before they've even finished introducing themselves? Whether it's the way someone dresses, speaks, carries themselves, or the assumptions we make based on appearance, first impressions happen almost instantly. But are they actually accurate? In this episode of Middle of the Fence , Andre Spruell explores the psychology behind first impressions, why...

Can you genuinely love someone you disagree with? In this solo episode, Andre explores one of the biggest challenges facing relationships today: maintaining connection with people whose beliefs, values, and perspectives differ from our own. Through personal stories, psychological insights, and reflections from hosting Middle of the Fence, he examines the difference between understanding and agreem...

For 50 episodes, Middle of the Fence has explored the spaces between cultures, backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. But what happens when the host reflects on what he's learned from the journey itself? In this milestone episode, Andre looks back on the lessons, conversations, challenges, and personal growth that came from creating the podcast. From growing up between different world...

The FIFA World Cup is often viewed as the biggest sporting event in the world. But why does it create such a powerful emotional connection for so many people? In this special World Cup edition of Middle of the Fence, Andre explores how sports can become a gateway to identity, belonging, culture, and heritage. Drawing from his experience growing up Black American and Argentinian, he reflects on how...

Why do some people feel like they fit in almost everywhere but still struggle to feel like they truly belong? In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruell explores the hidden emotional challenges of growing up between different worlds, cultures, social circles, and expectations. From code-switching and adaptation to belonging and authenticity, Andre reflects on his own experiences navigat...

The environments we grow up in shape the way we communicate, trust, express emotion, handle conflict, and connect with others more than most people realize. In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruell discusses how environment influences relationships across friendships, family, dating, networking, mentorship, and community. Topics include: • Emotional conditioning • Code switching • Soc...

On Episode 46 of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruell sits down with Marlyn, host of The Raw Faith Podcast, for a powerful conversation about faith, identity, mental health, resilience, and navigating life between two completely different environments. Marlyn shares her experiences growing up between Harlem and suburban New Jersey while overcoming emotional struggles, learning disabilities, depressi...

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 le...

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...

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...

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 code...

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 e...

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 chap...

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...

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 s...

If you grew up between two worlds, you probably became the bridge. The one who explains both sides.  The one who keeps the peace.  The one who carries tension so others don’t have to. But over time… that role comes with a cost. In Episode 37 of Middle of the Fence , Andre Spruell explores the emotional labor of being “the bridge” — and how constantly navigating different environments, expectations...

Self-awareness is often considered one of the most important traits for personal growth and emotional intelligence. But what happens when self-awareness becomes overwhelming? Research suggests that while 95% of people believe they are self-aware, only about 10–15% actually are.   In this episode of the Middle of the Fence Podcast , Andre Spruell explores the hidden cost of hyper self-awareness and...

Many people think trauma comes from one major life event. But what if trauma is something that slowly forms through the environments we grow up in? In this episode of Middle of the Fence , Andre explores the survival mindset — the mental patterns that develop when peace, stability, or emotional safety aren’t guaranteed. Growing up in difficult environments can build resilience and strength, but th...

There comes a point in your life when you realize the parts of your story you once felt insecure about are actually the parts that shaped your strength. In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre explores what it truly means to own your story. Not just the highlights, but the vulnerabilities too. From growing up between two very different environments to struggling with a childhood stutter and...

In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruell takes you inside his early school days and the challenges and triumphs that came along with that. From not having textbooks at the start of the school year and wearing knockoff uniforms, to long daily commutes fueled by family sacrifice, these experiences revealed early lessons about resilience, belonging, and perseverance. Despite feeling diff...

What did resilience cost you and what did it give back? In Episode 32 of Middle of the Fence , Andre sits down with artist and songwriter Josh Banton to unpack resilience, sacrifice, fatherhood, faith, and redefining success. From being raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn to living in Jamaica during pivotal teenage years, Josh shares how leaving comfort shaped his perspective and built his character....

The Fear of Being Seen Trying | Stop Hiding Your Growth (Ep. 31) Have you ever wanted something so badly… but stayed quiet about it? In this episode of Middle of the Fence , Andre dives into the fear of being seen and the anxiety that comes from putting yourself out there before you feel ready. From perfectionism and over-planning to overthinking and social judgment, this episode breaks down why s...

Have you ever felt lonely? Not because you had no one, but because you were becoming someone new? In this episode of Middle of the Fence , Andre Spruell dives into The Loneliness of Becoming — a powerful and often misunderstood phase of personal growth. This episode explores why growth can feel isolating, why discipline creates distance, and why evolving into a new version of yourself can leave yo...

Have you ever felt like becoming better was somehow making you worse? In Episode 29 of Middle of the Fence , Andre Spruell dives into a feeling many of us experience but rarely talk about—the Guilt of Growth . As you grow, your routines change. Your priorities change. Your availability changes. And sometimes, the people who knew the old version of you struggle to accept the new one. This episode e...