Before We Get There

Nicholas Braman
Before We Get There

Exploring life’s journeys from family, hobbies, careers, personal growth, and more with your host Nicholas Braman. During frank conversations with a wide variety of guests from Singapore and beyond, we talk about how people got to where they are, how they keep moving forward, and where they want to get to. You’ll hear from entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, creatives, athletes, people carving out their own paths, and more. As we dig into these stories I aim to not only learn from their journeys and expertise but also see how similar everyone is, finding our way through life, doing the best we can. Most times in life when we meet people, they just pass through our lives, and we don’t take the time to get to know them and understand their stories. In Before We Get There, we aim to do just that, by exploring people’s stories and sharing them with you. I’m excited to start this podcast with you and share what our journeys are like Before We Get There.

  1. APR 16

    Art, Advocacy, and Authenticity with Opera Tang

    In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman talks with Opera Tang, a drag artist and performer, about her transition from a tech sales career to full-time drag performing. Opera shares her inspiring journey, starting from her retrenchment to finding her artistic voice by reconnecting with her Chinese heritage. They discuss the balance between art and commerce, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Opera also opens up about her future goals, including her desire to engage with the elderly community and make a positive impact on society through her art. Tune in for a heartfelt and engaging conversation filled with valuable insights on creativity, resilience, and personal growth.   Opera's links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opera.tang/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theoperatang Linktree: https://linktr.ee/opera.tang 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/before-we-get-there-podcast/     00:00 Introduction 01:08 Meet Opera Tang: Drag Artist and Storyteller 01:54 From Tech Sales to Full-Time Drag 03:59 Building a Personal Brand 19:29 Navigating Imposter Syndrome 23:35 The Power of Delusional Optimism 24:45 Exciting Collaborations and Partnerships 29:54 Balancing Work and Rest 38:48 Future Aspirations and Community Impact 43:09 Emotional Reflections and Future Goals 47:17 Conclusion and Farewell

    48 min
  2. FEB 19

    The Journey to Growth Through Adventure with Rob Lilwall

    In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman interviews Rob Lilwall, a professional adventurer, author, and motivational speaker. They discuss Rob's transformative three-year bicycle journey from Siberia to London, his struggles with shyness, the challenges and motivations driving his expeditions, and the lessons learned along the way. Rob shares insights from his adventure, including the importance of resilience and the idea of 'never quitting on a bad day,' and reflects on his subsequent journeys, personal growth, and what the future holds. Tune in to explore Rob’s incredible story of overcoming self-doubt, embracing challenges, and finding purpose through adventure.Rob's links: Website: https://roblilwall.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roblilwall/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roblilwall/ 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/nicholasbramanWebsite: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/    00:00 Meet Rob Lilwall: Adventurer and Author 03:04 The Start of an Epic Adventure 09:27 Public Speaking and Financial Challenges 19:37 Unexpected Encounters and Opportunities 24:31 New Expeditions and Career Beginnings 30:19 Publicity and Becoming a Professional Adventurer 34:17 Lessons from a Stressful Journey 37:57 A Healing Expedition in the Desert 44:33 Future Plans and Reflections 47:29 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    48 min
  3. FEB 5

    Martial Arts, Mental Health, and Moving Forward with Kenneth Tay

    In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman interviews Kenneth Tay, a BJJ black belt and co-founder of Trinity Combat Sports in Suzhou, China. Kenneth shares his journey of living in China and Australia, dealing with mental health issues, and finding solace in martial arts. He discusses how he transitioned from a career in F&B and tech startups to founding the first Jiu-jitsu gym in Suzhou, and eventually coaching full-time in Singapore at Field Assembly. Kenneth highlights the importance of sports in his life, his experiences training in China, and the growth of the BJJ community in Asia.Kenneth's links: Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/pandaramic/ Trinity Combat Sports: https://www.instagram.com/trinitycombatsports/ Field Assembly: https://www.instagram.com/fieldassembly/ 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/nicholasbramanWebsite: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/  00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey 01:32 Living and Studying in China 11:41 Career Beginnings and Transitions 19:34 Discovering Martial Arts 23:56 Connecting in Suzhou 25:56 Overcoming Depression 29:14 Founding a Gym in Suzhou 38:43 Transitioning to Full-Time Coaching 44:45 Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations 46:37 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    48 min
  4. JAN 22

    Legacy, Family, and Entrepreneurship with Sanjay Jegatheeson

    In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman speaks with Sanjay Jegatheeson, the creator of Singapore's first meadery. They delve into Sanjay's journey from discovering mead in London to establishing his own business alongside his full-time career. Sanjay discusses the challenges and victories in introducing mead to a largely unaware market and his aspirations for Lion City Meadery to expand beyond Southeast Asia. The conversation also covers Sanjay's dual-role juggling business, a full-time event production job, family, and personal hobbies like jiu-jitsu and golf. They touch on important aspects of entrepreneurship, such as consumer education, the role of a supportive business partner, and balancing multiple priorities.Sanjay's links: Lion City Meadery: https://www.instagram.com/lioncitymeadery/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/am3thystsanjay?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 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/nicholasbramanWebsite: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/ 00:00 Meet Sanjay Jegatheeson02:16 Starting the Meadery06:05 Challenges and Successes14:46 Balancing Work and Family24:59 Challenges of Business Operations28:47 Balancing Creativity and Business32:31 Parenting and Career: A Personal Journey34:47 Inspiring the Next Generation41:48 The Therapeutic Side of Jiu Jitsu44:02 Future Goals and Aspirations45:58 Where to Find Lion City Meadery

    47 min
  5. JAN 8

    Bringing Life to Art and Stories with Erica Eng

    In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman talks to Malaysian author and artist Erica Eng about her inspiring journey in the world of art and storytelling. Erica shares how her love for art began with book illustrations and developed through influences like Little House on the Prairie and Roald Dahl’s works. She discusses her creative process, the emotional impact of her experiences, and the journey of writing her Eisner Award-winning book Fried Rice. Erica also delves into her struggles and triumphs, from balancing a full-time animation career with personal projects to navigating life's challenges while staying driven by faith and family support. Erica's links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paprikapeprica/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/paprikapeprica Buy Fried Rice (SG): https://sg.shp.ee/2Ye1fzT 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/nicholasbramanWebsite: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/  00:00 Meet Erica Eng: Malaysian Author and Artist 01:22 Falling in Love with Art 03:24 Creating Fried Rice: Inspiration and Process 07:18 Handling Rejection and Moving Forward 12:09 Publishing Journey and Winning the Eisner Award 19:42 Balancing Career and Personal Projects 24:48 Creative Process and Inspirations 28:53 TEDx Talk and Overcoming Vulnerability 37:00 Future Aspirations and Closing Remarks

    41 min
  6. JAN 1

    Redefining Success Through Parenthood with Laurence Chinery

    In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman interviews Laurence Chinery, a stay-at-home dad and former educator who has lived in Hong Kong and now resides in the Netherlands. They discuss Laurence's experience of becoming a stay-at-home dad, the challenges of isolation in a new country, the decisions around childcare, and the values he hopes to instill in his children. The conversation explores cultural differences, societal expectations, and personal growth through fatherhood, culminating in insights into how Laurence balances parenthood with his personal projects, like his podcast 'Dad Dialogue.Laurence's links (Dad Dialogue): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daddialogue/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2dCWuwh4GLOuP7GD8t2XIB?si=6b1e237dde1e41f7 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DadDialoguePodcast 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/nicholasbramanWebsite: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/  00:00 Meet Laurence Chinery03:39 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Stay-at-Home Dad07:25 Parenting Resources and Community15:19 Balancing Parenting Roles with a Partner23:24 Cultural and Societal Reflections26:27 Moving to Hong Kong: A Life-Changing Decision39:05 Future Plans and Reflections

    45 min

About

Exploring life’s journeys from family, hobbies, careers, personal growth, and more with your host Nicholas Braman. During frank conversations with a wide variety of guests from Singapore and beyond, we talk about how people got to where they are, how they keep moving forward, and where they want to get to. You’ll hear from entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, creatives, athletes, people carving out their own paths, and more. As we dig into these stories I aim to not only learn from their journeys and expertise but also see how similar everyone is, finding our way through life, doing the best we can. Most times in life when we meet people, they just pass through our lives, and we don’t take the time to get to know them and understand their stories. In Before We Get There, we aim to do just that, by exploring people’s stories and sharing them with you. I’m excited to start this podcast with you and share what our journeys are like Before We Get There.

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