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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
The Guilt of Growth – Why Personal Growth Feels Uncomfortable | Ep. 29
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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 explores the emotional side of personal growth:
• Feeling guilty for saying no
• Outgrowing old habits and relationships
• The fear of leaving people behind
• Learning to set boundaries without feeling selfish
• Why leveling up can feel lonely before it feels empowering
Andre shares personal stories about becoming more disciplined, setting healthier boundaries, and navigating the tension between loyalty to others and loyalty to yourself.
Growth doesn’t just challenge you, it challenges your relationships.
If you’ve ever felt torn between who you used to be and who you’re becoming, this conversation is for you.
Question of the Episode:
Where in your life are you holding yourself back from growing because you’re afraid of making someone else uncomfortable?
How to support the podcast?
Give us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star rating + Follow us on here
Subscribe on YouTube - @andrespruell
Follow us on Instagram - @middleofthefence
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