Middle of the Fence
Welcome to Middle of the Fence, the captivating podcast that delves into the stark duality of a unique upbringing, combining the raw experiences of being raised in one of New Jersey’s highest-crime areas while having the privilege of receiving a top-tier private school education in Morris County, one of the wealthiest counties in the nation.
In each episode, Andre Spruell uncovers the complex interplay between these two contrasting worlds, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and unique perspectives that arise from this extraordinary upbringing. Through personal anecdotes, thought-provoking interviews, and in-depth discussions, Andre sheds a light on the rich tapestry of experiences that shaped his identity and worldview.
Middle of the Fence offers an authentic and unfiltered glimpse into the dynamics of socio-economic disparities, shedding light on the intersections of privilege, resilience, and community. With a keen focus on personal growth, social justice, and understanding, this podcast aims to bridge the gap between different realities, inspiring listeners to challenge their preconceptions and foster empathy in a world marked by diversity.
Tune in to Middle of the Fence and embark on a journey that explores the complex nuances of life, unveiling the unexpected connections and shared humanity that exist even amidst divergent circumstances.
Episodes
40 episodes
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 nav...
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Episode 39
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10:44
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 experien...
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Episode 38
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58:02
The Pressure to Be the Bridge | Ep. 37
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 w...
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Episode 37
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11:22
The Hidden Cost of Self-Awareness | Ep. 36
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 beli...
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Episode 36
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13:18
The Survival Mindset | Ep. 35
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 mindse...
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Episode 35
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12:17
Own Your Story: Stop Minimizing Yourself | Ep. 34
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 you...
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Episode 34
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12:47
School Days: Biggest Challenges & Triumphs | Ep. 33
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 uniform...
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Episode 33
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15:30
Resilience, Faith & Redefining Success with Josh Banton | Ep. 32
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.<...
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Episode 32
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56:19
The Fear of Being Seen Trying | Ep. 31
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...
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Episode 31
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15:03
Loneliness of Becoming | Ep. 30
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 misunders...
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Episode 30
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11:47
The Guilt of Growth – Why Personal Growth Feels Uncomfortable | Ep. 29
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 g...
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Episode 29
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12:37
History of the Suburbs: How Affluent Acres Was Built | Ep. 28
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 ...
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Episode 28
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14:58
Stay True to Yourself: Identity, Growth & Self-Belief with Juan Gamarra | Ep. 27
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...
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Episode 27
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44:35
Goal Setting for 2026: Why Discipline Beats Motivation Every Time | Ep. 26
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 last...
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Episode 26
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21:35
Christmas on Both Sides of the Fence | Sacrifice, Gratitude & Growing Up Between Worlds | Ep. 25
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 ...
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Episode 25
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12:46
From Survival to Self-Belief: Immigrant Roots, Identity & Fitness with Sofia Nazari | Ep. 24
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 A...
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Episode 24
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39:58
Protectors or Predators? Police Brutality | Ep. 23
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 fr...
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Episode 23
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15:41
Media Perception — Representation & Reality | Ep. 22
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 wh...
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Episode 22
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23:05
Two Tables, One Thanksgiving (Thanksgiving Special) | Ep. 21
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 dishe...
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Episode 21
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11:01
Chasing Perfection, Building Legacy & Leadership with Matt Riddick | Ep. 20
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 hi...
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Episode 20
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36:41
Real Estate on Both Sides: Opportunity or Exploitation? | Middle of the Fence Ep. 19
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 re...
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Episode 19
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16:12
Bonus: WWE Glory Days – Our Top Wrestlers, Entrance Themes & Finishers (Ep. 18)
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 wres...
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8:19
Faith, Identity & Resilience: From the Bronx to NJ with Jeremy Paulino | Ep. 18
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 Bro...
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Episode 18
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42:37
From Layoffs to Life Lessons: My Sister’s Journey Through Resilience, Motherhood & Corporate Life | Ep. 17
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 Affluen...
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Episode 17
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52:28
The Power of Education in Breaking Cycles | Ep. 16
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 oppo...
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Episode 16
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16:57