Middle of the Fence
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.
Middle of the Fence
Christmas on Both Sides of the Fence | Sacrifice, Gratitude & Growing Up Between Worlds | Ep. 25
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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 20s...from years where the living room was overflowing with gifts, to Christmases where one meaningful present had to be enough. These moments revealed deeper lessons about financial struggle, privilege, sacrifice, and emotional resilience.
This episode also explores:
- Why the Christmases with less often leave the biggest imprint
- How holidays expose financial stress more than any other time of year
- The emotional weight of returning to school after winter break
- What growing up between two worlds teaches you about gratitude and empathy
Backed by research from:
- University of Michigan Poverty Solutions
- Brookings Institution
- Harvard Center on the Developing Child
This episode isn’t about gifts — it’s about perspective, love, and the lessons that stay with us long after the holidays are over.
🎧 Whether you grew up with 20 gifts or 2, this one will hit home.
Middle of the Fence explores life between two worlds — where identity, class, culture, and experience collide — and reminds us that no matter what side of the fence you grew up on, we’re all more alike than we think.
For the full YouTube epsiodes visit 👉 @andrespruell
For all things Middle of the Fence, visit 👉 https://linktr.ee/andrespruell
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