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)
