🎙️ Middle of the Fence Podcast | In this inspiring episode, Andre Spruell sits down with Yami Soriano to share her story of growing up on the “Tough Terrain” side of the fence in East Orange, NJ. Yami opens up about her Afro-Latina identity, life in a Dominican household, and the challenges of navigating cultural perceptions while finding her confidence.

Together, Andre and Yami explore the parallels between urban and suburban worlds, how family and community shape our values, and why experiencing different environments can change the way we see ourselves and others.

💬 Whether you were raised in “Tough Terrain” or “Affluent Acres,” this episode is a powerful reminder that no matter what side of the fence we come from, we are all more alike than we think.

👉 Listen now and subscribe to the Middle of the Fence Podcast for more real, unfiltered conversations bridging both sides of life’s fence.

In this episode of Middle of the Fence, host Andre Spruell reconnects with longtime friend Drake Brown to explore what it means to grow up between two vastly different worlds: Tough Terrain (urban, high-pressure environments) and Affluent Acres (suburban, privileged spaces).

From navigating predominantly white private schools as Black men, to experiencing microaggressions, culture shock, and building resilience, this conversation dives deep into race, identity, empathy, and personal growth.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How growing up in different environments shapes identity and perspective
• The impact of microaggressions and navigating PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions)
• The role of family and older siblings in building mental toughness
• How to bridge the gap between socioeconomic and cultural divides
• Lessons in empathy, resilience, and staying true to yourself

🔥 Key Quote:
"No matter which side of the fence you grew up on, we’re all more alike than we think."

📌 Listen to More Episodes of Middle of the Fence:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeartRadio

👉 Follow the Show:
Instagram: @middleofthefence
Website: www.middleofthefence.com

What happens when a kid from a gritty urban neighborhood attends school in an elite, suburban environment? In this solo episode, host Andre Spruell dives deep into his formative years spent on the "Affluent Acres" side of the fence—a stark contrast to his everyday life in the "Tough Terrain."

Andre shares raw reflections and vivid stories about navigating privilege, unspoken social codes, and racial identity in predominantly white, wealthy spaces. From awkward classroom moments to quiet realizations about access, advantage, and assimilation, this episode explores the cost and benefit of crossing socioeconomic lines at a young age.

🔑 Key themes:

• Privilege vs. character: What access really means
• Being the “only one” in elite spaces
• Social invisibility & micro-moments of alienation
• Learning life lessons in Affluent Acres

Whether you’ve lived between worlds or you’re trying to understand what that feels like, this episode offers a candid, heartfelt lens on code-switching, resilience, and the pursuit of belonging.

👉 Subscribe, rate, and share if this conversation resonates with your experience!

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