Before We Get There

Nicholas Braman
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Before We Get There is a podcast about resilience, pivots, and the unfinished paths we all walk. Host Nicholas Braman sits down with creatives, athletes, chefs, entrepreneurs, and others from Singapore and across Asia to surface the moments that reshape them, what stops working, what becomes clearer, and what keeps them moving forward before anything feels settled. New episodes every other Thursday. Learn more at https://nicholasbraman.com/podcast.

  1. APR 1

    43. Walls of Memory and Fiction with Yip Yew Chong

    In this episode, Nicholas Braman sits down with Yip Yew Chong, the artist whose nostalgic murals have become a defining feature of Singapore's urban landscape. While his work captures the soul of neighborhoods like Chinatown and Tiong Bahru, the story behind the brush is one of pragmatic transition and mid-career reinvention. Yew Chong spent 25 years as a finance director before transitioning to full-time artistry at age 49. We move past the aesthetics of his work to explore the "how" of his journey—the three-year "parallel run" where he balanced international business trips with weekend painting sessions on the streets. It is a conversation about the stamina required to follow a passion without ignoring the reality of keeping food on the table. Yew Chong's links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yipyewchong/  Website: https://yipyc.com/  Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/podcast   00:00 Meet Yip Yew Chong 04:44 Breaking Into Chinatown Walls 07:34 Nostalgia Versus Reality 16:32 Finding His Signature Style 22:16 Not Starting Earlier 26:06 Pragmatic Passion Advice 34:19 Evolving And Dream Projects 40:12 Defining Success And Happiness 43:55 Where To Follow And Farewell

    45 min

  2. MAR 18

    42. Brewing Inspiring Moments with Martin Bém

    Host Nicholas Braman interviews Martin Bém, founder of Level 33, the world’s highest microbrewery, about his life path and entrepreneurship in Singapore. Martin moved to Singapore in 1999 as San Pellegrino’s Director Asia, helped grow Western brands as Asian markets opened, then left corporate life after three years to start an agency bringing European brands to Asia, only to be hit immediately by SARS, nearly running out of funds before a partner invested. He later launched his own restaurant concepts despite no operations background, emphasizing quick feedback, humility, and decision-making driven by numbers rather than attachment to ideas. Bém explains Level 33’s concept (fresh beer, serious food, and wine), adapting to trends like cocktails and sustainability, retaining talent through structured HR practices, and navigating COVID without layoffs while reflecting on exits and future health-focused concepts. Martin's links: Level33 Website: https://level33.com.sg/  Level33 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/level33_sg/  Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/podcast 00:00 Intro to Martin Bém 04:13 Taking the Leap Abroad 08:34 Building Brands and Ownership 11:26 Learning to Pivot Fast 17:15 Keeping the Concept Evolving 21:21 Coping With Setbacks 31:46 Work Life Balance Reality 36:27 Next Goals and New Concepts 42:48 Social Links and Farewell

    44 min

  3. MAR 4

    41. Breaking Back Out with Wendy Vaz

    Host Nicholas Braman interviews entrepreneur and content creator Wendy Vaz two months after she left a six-year corporate career to go all-in on her own business amid major life changes, including a wedding, a move, and a serious back fracture. Wendy describes initial self-doubt, seeking outside validation, and becoming more grounded by trusting her own plan and slowing down to calm her nervous system, drawing on past mental health struggles. She shares her long history of blogging and content creation, overcoming insecurity about her accent after studying in Vancouver on a scholarship, and choosing to stay in Malaysia due to distance from family and depression. Wendy explains adopting a “no plan B” mindset, staying open to pivots while remaining committed to helping people struggling mentally, and aiming to scale impact, earn sustainably, and eventually retire her parents. Wendy's links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyvazzy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wendyvazzy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WendyVaz Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/podcast 00:00 Meet Wendy Vaz 05:38 Why Entrepreneurship 13:12 Content Creator Origins 17:57 Authenticity Online 21:09 Scholarship to Canada 25:09 Depression and Coming Home 28:55 Quitting Without Plan B 33:51 A Year of Big Changes 39:00 Purpose Driven Business 44:32 Closing and Outro

    45 min

  4. FEB 18

    40. Facing My Mask with Charlene Chew

    In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman sits down with Charlene Chew, a creator and athlete widely recognized for her resilience following a traumatic burn accident. Charlene discusses the evolution of her relationship with fitness, moving from a bodybuilding background into calisthenics and shifting her focus toward nervous system regulation rather than pure performance. She shares a candid look at the "mask" required of a public creator and the mental health cost of maintaining a high-energy persona while processing deep, interconnected traumas. The conversation moves past the headlines of her recovery to explore the reality of her current transition, her decision to step back from the "grind" after a five-year sprint, and her search for a new identity that isn't defined by her past. Charlene also reflects on the burden of being viewed as a savior by her audience and her long-term goal of building something tangible to help others feel seen and safe. Charlene's links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlenechew/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlenechew3005  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charlenechew250  Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f       Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/podcast 00:00 Introduction to Charlene Chew 04:21 Training After the Accident: Scars, Comfort, and Nervous System Regulation 06:48 Catching the Inner Critic: Therapy, Suppression, and Self-Repair 12:34 Beyond ‘Burn Survivor’: Social Media Pressure, DMs, and Evolving Identity 18:06 What’s Next? Rest, Slowing Down, and Blending Fitness + Beauty + Regulation 23:07 The ‘Mask’ in Public: Triggers, Burn Scars, and Autopilot Mode 31:11 Slowing Down to Process Trauma: Burnout, Grief, and Interconnected Healing 37:00 Making Peace with ‘What If’: Identity, Appearance, Style, and Self-Acceptance 39:30 Five-Year Vision + Where to Find Charlene (Closing & Subscribe)

    42 min

  5. FEB 4

    39. Building On My Own Terms with Robert Lai

    In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman converses with Robert Lai, founder of Kaliber Performance Marketing Agency and leader of the APAC Marketers community. They delve into Robert's journey through various global markets, the startup challenges he faced, and the transformative impact of fatherhood on his professional outlook. Robert emphasizes the importance of building a robust company culture based on clear values and how he pivoted his networking approach to hosting events, thus accelerating relationship-building. They also discuss the significance of balancing commercial success with personal values and the mission to attract top talent and clients that align with their ethos. The episode offers insights on overcoming insecurities, leveraging both positive and negative energy for growth, and making strategic decisions to foster success and well-being in business and life. Robert's links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjlai/  Kaliber: https://kaliber.asia/  APAC Marketers: https://apacmarketers.com/  Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f       Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/podcast 00:00 Meet Robert Lai: Founder of Kaliber 02:57 Challenges and Lessons in Business 06:21 Cultural Differences in Work Environments 10:49 Firing Clients and Building Team Culture 16:54 Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges 22:52 Networking vs. Hosting 27:40 Volunteering and Community Building 33:06 Fatherhood and Priorities 37:01 Future Goals and Aspirations 40:42 Where to Find Rob and Kaliber

    42 min

  6. JAN 21

    38. The Woman I Dress with Debbie Wong

    In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman sits down with Debbie Wong, a TV host and entrepreneur with a background in performing arts and culinary arts. Debbie shares her journey of growing up as an immigrant in Canada, her passion for food, and her venture into the world of YouTube and Food Network Asia. She talks about her transition back to Hong Kong, her experiences in front of the camera, and the lessons learned about self-worth and confidence. Debbie also dives into her new endeavor, Dressing the Woman, a personal style consultancy. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on her personal growth and the importance of stepping into her power. Debbie's links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.debbiewong/  Dressing The Woman: https://www.instagram.com/dressingthewoman/  Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f       Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/podcast   00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Debbie Wong 03:39 Starting a YouTube Channel 05:13 Performing Arts and Acting Career 10:59 Returning to Hong Kong 17:46 Challenges of Hosting a TV Show 22:18 Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs 24:30 Starting a Fashion Consultancy 28:54 Balancing Creativity and Business 39:07 Future Goals and Personal Growth 42:52 Closing Remarks and Social Media Links

    44 min

  7. JAN 7

    37. Creating A Singapore Dream with Marion Muller (swizzyinsg)

    In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Beman chats with Marion Muller, also known as swizzyinsg, about her unexpected path to becoming a successful content creator in Singapore. Marion details her journey from a struggling job seeker to a full-time content creator, sharing her experiences with identity shifts, dealing with online hate, and building a supportive community. She emphasizes the importance of passion, resilience, and continuous learning in her career. This episode is particularly insightful for those in transitional phases and highlights the behind-the-scenes challenges and rewards of the content creation industry. Swizzy's links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swizzyinsg/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@swizzyinsg  Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f       Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/podcast 00:00 Marion Introduction and Early Struggles 04:34 Starting the Content Creation Journey 12:43 Dealing with Hate and Negativity 20:12 Balancing Authenticity and Sponsorships 26:21 Mindset and Motivation 34:40 Building Local Connections 39:34 The Drive to Learn and Grow 42:13 The Reality Behind the Scenes 45:00 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    48 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    36. Behind the Red Nose with Shanice Stanislaus

    In this special Christmas episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman interviews professional clown Shanice Stanislaus. Shanice shares her unique journey from being a serious student to discovering her passion for clowning, despite cultural expectations. They discuss the challenges she faced gaining acceptance back home, how she found validation abroad, and the importance of joy and playfulness in life. Shanice also talks about her mission to introduce clowning to more people in Singapore, the barriers to creativity, and how she helps others reconnect with their inner joy. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on embracing one's true self and the transformative power of humor. Shanice's links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanicestanislaus/  Website: https://creativesinspirit.com/  Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f       Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/    Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/podcast   00:00 Meet Shanice Stanislaus: The Professional Clown 03:00 Discovering Clowning at NYU 06:52 Balancing a Marketing Job and Clowning 08:46 The Turning Point: Clown School in France 19:01 Challenges and Successes in Singapore 22:07 Facing Rejection and Perseverance 26:27 Finding Validation Abroad 31:17 Teaching Clowning in Singapore 39:12 Encouraging Playfulness in Children 42:03 Future Aspirations and Closing Remarks

    45 min
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About

Before We Get There is a podcast about resilience, pivots, and the unfinished paths we all walk. Host Nicholas Braman sits down with creatives, athletes, chefs, entrepreneurs, and others from Singapore and across Asia to surface the moments that reshape them, what stops working, what becomes clearer, and what keeps them moving forward before anything feels settled. New episodes every other Thursday. Learn more at https://nicholasbraman.com/podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Nicholas Braman
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Before We Get There