What happens when the way you talk changes depending on the room you're in?

In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruell explores the reality of growing up between two worlds and how language plays a major role in shaping identity, perception, and belonging.

From the expressive and layered communication styles found in “Tough Terrain” environments to the more polished but often coded language of “Affluent Acres,” this episode breaks down:

•  What AAVE (African American Vernacular English) really is 
•  Why code-switching isn’t fake—it’s adaptation and survival
•  How phrases like “you talk white” or “you’re so articulate” can carry deeper meaning 
•  The subtle impact of microaggressions in everyday conversations
•  And what it feels like to constantly shift between identities 

If you’ve ever felt like you had to explain yourself in one space and defend yourself in another…this episode will hit home.

🎙️ Audience Question:
What’s a phrase, word, or way of speaking from your environment that people outside of it just don’t understand?

And have you ever had to change how you talk depending on where you are?

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Have you ever felt like you’re not just representing yourself...but everything that makes you who you are?

In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruill dives into the emotional weight of representing your identity and how navigating multiple worlds can shape the way you think, act, and show up in different environments. 

From cultural and religious identity to professional and personal expectations, this conversation explores the pressure to “get it right” and the fear of reinforcing stereotypes.

But here’s the truth, you’re not responsible for carrying everything.

This episode is a reminder that:

•  You don’t have to be the perfect representation 
•  Your story is still powerful 
•  Authenticity matters more than perception 

🎙️ Audience Question:
Have you ever felt pressure to represent your background, identity, or community in certain spaces—even when you just wanted to be seen as yourself?

—

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In this special full circle episode of Middle of the Fence, Yami Soriano—the very first recorded guest on the podcast—returns for a deeper conversation on growth, self-awareness, and stepping into your 30s.

From learning to trust your intuition to realizing not everyone deserves access to you, this episode explores the real-life lessons that come with evolving through your 20s and into a new chapter.

We also touch on life, loss, motherhood, and how your perspective shifts when you start focusing on what truly matters.

With Aries season energy and a milestone birthday around the corner, this conversation is honest, reflective, and full of moments you’ll relate to.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re navigating between who you were and who you’re becoming...this episode is for you.

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“No matter what side of the fence you grew up on, we’re all more alike than we think.”

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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 navigating an identity tug-of-war.

In this episode of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruell dives into what it really means to grow up and operate between different worlds and how that shapes your sense of self.

You’ll learn:

•  Why identity conflict is more common than you think 
•  The truth behind adapting vs. losing yourself 
•  How different environments influence who you become 
•  A 3-step framework to strengthen your self-identity: 
  •  Awareness 
  •  Alignment 
  •  Consistency 

This episode challenges you to stop choosing between versions of yourself and start becoming one integrated, authentic version that can stand in any room.

🎯 Reflection Question:
If all the different versions of you sat at the same table… which one would lead?

______________________________________

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**To support the podcast, please Follow and give us a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rating**

“No matter what side of the fence you grew up on, we’re all more alike than we think.”

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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 experience navigating survival mode, anxiety, and control from a young age, and how those patterns followed him into adulthood. Through mindfulness, breathwork, and intentional self-development, he was able to shift his mindset and take control of his life.

The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, content creation, and how Flow turned his skills with a camera into a thriving business—proving that in today’s digital world, you can monetize almost anything with the right strategy.

Topics include:

•  Survival mode vs. growth mindset 
•  The impact of environment on identity 
•  Anxiety, control, and emotional awareness 
•  Breathwork and mindfulness practices 
•  Building a business through social media 
•  The compound effect of habits 
•  Redefining masculinity and accountability 

This episode is a powerful reminder that your past may shape you, but it doesn’t have to define you.

—
Follow Flow
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TopTierContractorsOnly
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@flowmenez

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**To support the podcast, please Follow and give us a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rating**

“No matter what side of the fence you grew up on, we’re all more alike than we think.”

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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 with a cost.

In Episode 37 of Middle of the Fence, Andre Spruell explores the emotional labor of being “the bridge” — and how constantly navigating different environments, expectations, and identities can lead to burnout.

This episode breaks down:

• Why you become the “bridge”
 • The hidden emotional labor behind it
 • How Role Strain Theory explains the pressure
 • The impact of Stereotype Threat on identity
 • Why setting boundaries is key to growth

And most importantly:

You don’t have to carry everything.

Sometimes growth means choosing when to step back.

Enjoying the podcast? Here's the best ways to support...

> Rate us 5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and comment on here

> Subscribe on YouTube --> @andrespruell

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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 believe they are self-aware, only about 10–15% actually are. 

In this episode of the Middle of the Fence Podcast, Andre Spruell explores the hidden cost of hyper self-awareness and why constantly analyzing environments, conversations, and emotions can lead to emotional exhaustion.

Many people develop self-awareness through reflection or personal development.

Others develop it because their environment required them to:

• Read people’s energy
 • Watch for danger or conflict
 • Understand body language
 • Adapt to different social environments

While these skills can strengthen emotional intelligence and leadership ability, they can also create mental pressure through overthinking, emotional fatigue, and the constant feeling of needing to manage how others perceive you.

This episode explores how to balance awareness with peace, and why learning when to turn that awareness off can be just as important as developing it.

🎙 Middle of the Fence Podcast

Exploring the experience of navigating life between different environments and perspectives.

Because no matter what side of the fence you grew up on — we’re all more alike than we think.

Follow Us

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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 mindset — the mental patterns that develop when peace, stability, or emotional safety aren’t guaranteed.

Growing up in difficult environments can build resilience and strength, but those same survival traits can follow us into adulthood in ways we don’t always recognize.

Andre discusses how hyper-independence, guarded emotions, and always preparing for the worst can become ingrained survival mechanisms, and how awareness allows us to shift from simply surviving to truly evolving.

Your past explains why you move the way you do. But it doesn’t define your future.

__________________

Episode Reflection Question

What’s something you experienced growing up that you didn’t realize affected you until later in life?

__________________

Follow the Podcast

Instagram
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Host
 @andrespruell

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Give us a 5-Star rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + Follow for more!

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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 your story. Not just the highlights, but the vulnerabilities too.

From growing up between two very different environments to struggling with a childhood stutter and confidence issues, this conversation dives into:

• Why we minimize ourselves to fit in
• How your background builds awareness and adaptability
• The difference between rewriting habits vs. rewriting your past
• Why your story is your advantage

You cannot change what happened in your past.
But you can change how you stand on it.

Question to reflect on:
Have you ever hidden parts of yourself just to feel accepted?

—

Follow @middleofthefence on Instagram
Subscribe and leave a 5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating if this episode resonated with you.

No matter which side of the fence you grew up on...we’re more alike than we think.

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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 uniforms, to long daily commutes fueled by family sacrifice, these experiences revealed early lessons about resilience, belonging, and perseverance.

Despite feeling different, Andre discovered confidence through academics, sports, leadership, and friendships that crossed racial and socioeconomic lines.

This episode explores how adversity shapes identity—and how the environments that make you feel like you don’t belong can ultimately become the foundation for who you become.

Whether you grew up in Tough Terrain, Affluent Acres, or somewhere in the middle, your story matters.

—

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—

New episodes every Wednesday.

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