Middle of the Fence

The suburbs didn’t just happen — they were built intentionally. In this solo episode of Middle of the Fence , Andre breaks down the history of American suburbs, starting earlier than most people are taught. From streetcar suburbs in the early 1900s to redlining, federal housing policy, and the construction of interstate highways, this episode explores how access, capital, and infrastructure shaped...

Juan Gamarra joins Middle of the Fence to discuss immigrating to the U.S. at a young age, navigating identity, embracing discomfort, and redefining success through value, ownership, and mindset. This episode is for anyone growing up between two worlds and learning how to stay true to themselves while building confidence and freedom. Middle of the Fence is a podcast for anyone who grew up between t...

As we head into 2026, it’s time to get honest about what actually creates change. In this episode of Middle of the Fence , Andre Spruell breaks down the truth about goal setting, including why motivation fades, why discipline lasts, and how small habit shifts can completely transform your life. Drawing from personal experience and behavioral psychology research, Andre explains why so many people f...

Christmas doesn’t look the same for everyone and that contrast can shape us for life. In this Christmas Special episode of Middle of the Fence, I reflect on growing up between Tough Terrain and Affluent Acres, where some Christmases were full of gifts and others were defined by sacrifice, gratitude, and family resilience. I share personal stories from childhood, high school, college, and my early...

In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruell is joined by Sofia Nazari for a raw and reflective conversation about immigrant roots, identity shifts, discipline, and transformation. Sofia opens up about growing up in an extended Afghan household, facing financial struggle, cultural misunderstanding, and early responsibility, experiences that shaped her mindset long before adulthood. Togeth...

In Episode 23 of Middle of the Fence, Andre breaks down a tough but necessary conversation: police brutality, systemic bias, and how policing looks drastically different on the “Tough Terrain” vs. “Affluent Acres” sides of the fence. Drawing from lived experience, academic research, traffic-stop data, and a 2006 FBI report on white supremacist infiltration in law enforcement, this episode examines...

In this episode, Andre explores how media, from TV shows and movies to news cycles and social feeds, shapes the way we view neighborhoods, people, class, race, and opportunity. Using personal experiences and academic research, he breaks down why the “hood” is often portrayed negatively, why the suburbs are glamorized, and how these narratives influence our assumptions without us noticing.  You’ll...

This Thanksgiving, we’re sitting at two different tables, but celebrating the same heart of gratitude 🦃✨ Andre reflects on:  • Thanksgiving traditions in a big Hispanic & Black family household  • Cultural dishes and making the most of what you have  • Discovering suburban holiday traditions (like cranberry sauce for the first time 😅)  • The 3 things he’s grateful for in 2025: opportunity,...

This week on Middle of the Fence , Andre Spruell welcomes Matt Riddick, JD — a respected leader, mentor, and philanthropist whose story embodies resilience and purpose. From his roots in Philadelphia’s “Tough Terrain” to his career leading organizations and mentoring future leaders, Matt shares lessons on:  – Chasing perfection without losing peace  – Building genuine connection in a disconnected...

In Episode 19 of Middle of the Fence , host Andre Spruell breaks down how real estate looks completely different depending on which side of the fence you’re on — Tough Terrain or Affluent Acres . From reverse mortgages that strip generational wealth in Black and Brown communities to lowball cash offers and heir’s property losses , Andre exposes the financial traps that keep people in urban environ...

Andre Spruell and Jeremy Paulino return with bonus content from Episode 18 of Middle of the Fence Podcast — and this one’s for the wrestling fans. 💪 The duo relives the golden era of WWE , ranking their favorite wrestlers, entrance themes, and finishers that defined the sport’s glory days. From Stone Cold and The Rock to Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker, this conversation is pure nostalgia and e...

In this episode of Middle of the Fence , Andre Spruell welcomes Jeremy Paulino (@jeremypaulin0) for a powerful conversation about faith, transformation, and personal growth. Jeremy shares his story of growing up in the Bronx, adjusting to life in New Jersey, and discovering his purpose through Christ. Together, Andre and Jeremy open up about spiritual trauma, rediscovering faith, overcoming depres...

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...