Middle of the Fence

How Environment Shapes Relationships | Ep. 47

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 • Socioeconomic pressure • The pressure to “make it out” • Feeling like you’re playing catch-up • Growth creating distance in relationships • Emotional survival vs vulnerability • The lonely chapter during personal growth • Feeling divided between different worlds This episode explores the emotional complexity of growing up between different environments and how those experiences shape identity, belonging, and human connection. ___________ 📲 Follow & leave a 5-star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support this show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Middle of the Fence __ For more Middle of the Fence, visit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/ [https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/] Website: https://www.middleofthefence.com/ [https://www.middleofthefence.com/]

Overcoming Depression, Faith & Growing Up Between Two Worlds ft. Marlyn | Ep. 46

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, depression, anxiety, and the pressure of trying to find where she truly belonged. The conversation also dives into: * Code-switching and identity * Faith and healing * Leadership lessons from her father raising 5 daughters * The impact of mentorship and teachers * Using your voice with purpose * Learning how to embrace who you are This episode is for anyone who has ever felt caught between two worlds while trying to become the best version of themselves. ___________ Follow Marlyn & The Raw Faith Podcast: Instagram: @therawfaithpodcast YouTube: The Raw Faith Podcast ___________ 📲 Follow & leave a 5-star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support this show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Middle of the Fence __ For more Middle of the Fence, visit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/ [https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/] Website: https://www.middleofthefence.com/ [https://www.middleofthefence.com/]

The Pressure to Have Your Life Figured Out by 30 | Ep. 45

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 learning how to stop chasing what life is “supposed” to look like. This episode touches on: *  Feeling behind in your 20s  *  Social media and comparison  *  Financial pressure and self-worth  *  Trusting your own timeline  *  Letting go of control  *  Faith, consistency, and personal growth  *  Chasing what you actually want out of life  No matter what side of the fence you grew up on, this is a conversation many people can relate to. 🎙️Audience Question Do you feel like you’re on your own timeline or chasing someone else’s? — 📲 Follow & leave a 5-star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support the show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Middle of the Fence __ For more Middle of the Fence, visit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/ [https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/] Website: https://www.middleofthefence.com/ [https://www.middleofthefence.com/]

You Don’t Rise to Your Potential… You Fall to Your Environment | Ep. 44

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” and “Affluent Acres,” this episode explores how exposure influences everything from your expectations to your identity. Key takeaways include: *  Why your environment impacts your habits more than willpower  *  How your standards are formed by what you see consistently  *  Why dysfunction can feel normal depending on your surroundings  *  How to shift your environment to unlock your potential  If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more but can’t break through, this episode will give you a new perspective. 🎙️Audience Question Have you ever realized that something you thought was “normal”… was actually just your environment shaping your standards? — 📲 Follow & leave a 5-star rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to support the show.  🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Middle of the Fence __ For more Middle of the Fence, visit: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/ [https://www.instagram.com/middleofthefence/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/Middle-of-the-Fence-61572183504501/] Website: https://www.middleofthefence.com/ [https://www.middleofthefence.com/]

From Trauma to Healing: BPD, Family Patterns & Growth with Sarah Rose | Ep. 43

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, verbal, and mental abuse, and how these patterns can carry across generations. This conversation dives into: *  What BPD is and how it’s often misunderstood  *  The stigma surrounding mental health  *  Generational trauma and family dynamics  *  Healing, faith, and personal growth  *  How today’s generation has more tools to recognize and break these cycles  This episode is a reminder that awareness is the first step — but action is what creates change. Connect with Sarah Rose Website: https://bpdbeautiful.com [https://bpdbeautiful.com] Book: https://sadiesfavorite.com [https://sadiesfavorite.com] Instagram:  @bpdbeautiful.blog  @diaryofsarahrose  @themvsher.music Facebook:  @bpdisbeautiful  @itssarahrose  @themvsher.music YouTube:  BPD Beautiful  Them vs. Her If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast.