Shows
Before We Get There23. From Classical Perfection to Authentic Expression with Heema Izzati
In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman sits down with Heema Izzati, a young and burgeoning musician with two solo songs on Spotify and a forthcoming EP. Hema discusses her creative process, the shift from perfection to expression, and how she navigates challenges like writer's block and performance nerves. The conversation delves into her journey from classical music to singer-songwriter, the importance of authenticity in her music, and the balance of managing school and a growing music career. Heema also shares insights into the influence of her diverse musical background, the role of audience feedback, and...2025-06-2545 min
Before We Get There22. If Women Had Wives with JingJin Liu
In this insightful conversation, Nicholas welcomes a guest who shares her observations on different parenting styles between Asian and Western parents, emphasizing the implications on children's development and future workplace behavior. The guest recounts her own upbringing in China, her transformative years in Germany, and her journey through corporate life and entrepreneurship. Importantly, she discusses her venture Zuzu, aimed at improving female sexual wellbeing, and her subsequent efforts with the Elevate Group to support professional women. The dialogue navigates through cross-cultural business insights, challenges in empowering women, and personal anecdotes, providing a layered understanding of societal dynamics and individual growth.2025-06-1141 min
Before We Get There21. Kitchens, Family, and Modernizing Tradition with Ariff ZinIn this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman sits down with Ariff Zin, Head Chef at Rumah Makan Minang, one of Singapore's oldest Nasi Padang restaurants. Ariff shares insights into his lifelong journey in the food industry, from growing up in his family's restaurant to his intensive training at the Culinary Institute of America and formative experiences in New York kitchens. He discusses the significant challenges and triumphs of modernizing a beloved traditional establishment, the delicate balance of family dynamics in business, and his passion for preserving and educating people about authentic Minangkabau cuisine. Ariff also de...2025-05-2840 min
Before We Get There20. From Childhood Dreams to the Silver Screen with Joyce Harn
In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Breman sits down with Malaysian actress Joyce Harn. Known for her work in 'Fly by Night,' 'Budak Flat,' and various other shows and movies, Joyce shares insights into her acting career, passion for judo, and the challenges she faces in the industry. She discusses her upbringing, educational journey, and the audition experiences that have shaped her. Joyce also delves into her aspirations for the future, including potential directing projects, and her dream roles. Tune in to hear about her unique journey of balancing different facets of her life...2025-05-1441 min
Before We Get There19. Choosing a New Path and Preserving Singapore's Food Heritage with Yeo MinIn this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman interviews Yeo Min, an author, pastry shop owner, and co-founder of the Museum of Food Singapore. Yeo Min shares her journey from studying social work to becoming passionate about Chinese pastries. She discusses the challenges of maintaining traditional food heritage while making it profitable, the process of writing her first book on Chinese pastries, and her various projects aimed at preserving and educating people about local food heritage. The conversation covers her childhood food experiences, the transition from a nine-to-five job to pastry school, and the societal perceptions of...2025-04-3046 min
Before We Get There18. Art, Advocacy, and Authenticity with Opera TangIn 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...2025-04-1647 min
Before We Get There17. 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 pu...2025-02-1948 min
Before We Get There16. Martial Arts, Mental Health, and Moving Forward with Kenneth TayIn 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...2025-02-0547 min
Before We Get There15. Legacy, Family, and Entrepreneurship with Sanjay JegatheesonIn 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...2025-01-2247 min
Before We Get There14. From Law School Dropout to Entrepreneurial Success with Cheryl LauIn this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman chats with Cheryl Lau, a successful podcaster, business coach, and entrepreneur. Cheryl shares her story of quitting law school and a PhD program to find a career that fulfilled her. They discuss her podcast rebrand, titled Edit History, where creators critique their past work. Cheryl talks about her experiences with imposter syndrome, balancing family commitments, and the evolution of her content creation journey.
Cheryl's links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory/
Podcast Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/edithistorypod/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wQ...2025-01-1545 min
Before We Get There13. Bringing Life to Art and Stories with Erica EngIn 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 wh...2025-01-0840 min
Before We Get There12. Redefining Success Through Parenthood with Laurence ChineryIn 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):
...2025-01-0145 min
Before We Get ThereSpecial Ep. 1: Focus on the Journey, Not the DestinationJoin host Nicholas Braman for the first solo episode of Before We Get There. He discusses the importance of focusing on the journey rather than the destination. He emphasizes how the journey, with its challenges and learning experiences, is crucial for personal growth and ultimate success. Nicholas shares personal anecdotes, particularly highlighting his experiences with Jiujitsu and parenting, to illustrate how embracing each step can lead to greater fulfillment. He advises listeners to be mindful of their current stage in any endeavor and to derive satisfaction from every part of the journey, rather than fixating solely on the end...2024-12-2827 min
Before We Get There11. The Holiday Episode: Reflections on 2024 and Guest AppearancesIn this special holiday episode, Nicholas reflects on an amazing 2024 filled with personal growth, travel, and podcasting milestones. From watching his daughter grow into a bubbly toddler to launching Before We Get There and connecting with incredible guests, Nicholas shares his favorite moments and lessons from the year.
You'll also get to hear clips from two guest appearances Nicholas made this year:
The Thought Leader Club Podcast with Cheryl Lau: A candid discussion about personal branding, thought leadership, and why authenticity matters.
Dad Dialogue with Lawrence Chinery: Insights into fatherhood, cultural nuances, and balancing parenting with...2024-12-2550 min
Before We Get There10. Chasing Adventure and Finding Belonging with Ruby TanIn this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman sits down with Ruby Tan, a Singaporean who pursued her dream of becoming an outdoor adventure guide, leading her to New Zealand. Ruby shares her story of leaving a traditional 9 to 5 job, dealing with cultural and personal challenges, and finding her true calling in the outdoors. The conversation covers her struggles with family expectations, the impact of COVID-19, and the personal growth that came from following her passions. Ruby candidly discusses her mental health journey and the resilience needed to live a life true to herself.
...2024-12-1844 min
Before We Get There9. Living Authentically and Embracing Failure with Bella LiuIn this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman interviews Isabella Liu, a serial entrepreneur, speaker, and podcaster with over a decade of experience in marketing and business strategy. Isabella shares insights from her varied career, including working over 50 jobs before the age of 22 and founding multiple businesses. She discusses her views on failure, the interconnectedness of life aspects like business, spirituality, relationships, and finance, and the importance of enjoying everyday moments. Isabella also emphasizes self-reflection, taking prompt action, and balancing multiple interests while maintaining emotional and financial security. Join Nicholas and Isabella for an inspiring conversation about...2024-12-1150 min
Before We Get There8. The Unexpected Path to PR Success & Entrepreneurship with Christel Goh
In this episode of Before We Get There, your host Nicholas Braman talks with Christel Goh, founder and CEO of Grow Public Relations. Christel shares her inspiring journey from working in PR for big brands to starting her own social enterprise and eventually founding a successful PR firm. The conversation covers how her personal experiences, such as caring for her grandmother which led her to create a game for seniors and eventually take the leap into entrepreneurship. Christel discusses balancing motherhood and growing a business, the importance of origin stories in PR, and how she leverages LinkedIn for personal branding...2024-12-0443 min
Before We Get There7. Strength, Strategy, and Self-Motivation with Glen LeeIn this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman interviews Glen Lee, an amateur MMA fighter, and coach from Singapore. Glen discusses his early interest in martial arts, the rigorous training schedules, and the unique challenges of balancing multiple combat sports disciplines. He also reflects on his transition from business studies to sports science, his commitment to staying motivated, and the nuances of coaching clients with different fitness needs. Throughout his journey, Glen emphasizes the importance of mental toughness, learning from losses, and making impacts on others' lives, all while pursuing his passion for MMA and coaching.
2024-11-2739 min
Before We Get There6. Purposeful Careers and Work-Life Integration with Abby LingIn this episode of 'Before We Get There,' host Nicholas Braman interviews Abby Ling, an experienced marketer who currently leads the Singapore branch of an international marketing agency. Throughout the conversation, Abby shares insights into career planning, setbacks, and the challenges faced by working moms. She discusses her experiences with various organizations like TEDx Singapore and her journey from Beijing to Singapore. Abby emphasizes the importance of networking, community involvement, and the notion of 'integration' over 'balance' in managing professional and personal life. Her tips on job searching, adapting to new environments, and supporting working parents offer valuable guidance...2024-11-2043 min
Before We Get There5. From the Boxing Ring to the BBQ Pit: Chasing Passion with Davis Ng
In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman interviews Davis Ng, a professional boxer and chef. Davis recently won the WBC Silver Asia Middleweight title and runs a unique fusion restaurant in Singapore, Kemuri BBQ, which combines Texas barbecue with Japanese culinary influences. Davis shares insights into his boxing career, overcoming setbacks, starting a food business while in culinary school, and his epic internship in a famous Austin barbecue joint. He also talks about the challenges and rewards of opening and running his restaurant and balancing his boxing career. Tune in to hear about Davis's journey, his...2024-11-1340 min
Before We Get There4. Leveling Up: Lessons from Gaming and Jiujitsu with Michael ThompsonIn this episode of 'Before We Get There,' host Nicholas Braman interviews Michael Thompson, a Canadian game designer who has lived in Singapore for over 15 years. Michael discusses his extensive career in the gaming industry, working on major titles like FIFA and NHL for Electronic Arts and Ghost Recon for Ubisoft. Currently, he is the course chair for the Department of Game Design at DigiPen Institute of Technology in Singapore. Michael also shares his experiences and insights from over 20 years of training in Brazilian Jiujitsu, touching on the growth of the sport in Singapore and how to stay...2024-11-0644 min
Dad DialogueEp 18 - Nicholas Braman - Culture, Childcare, Work BalanceFor this episode of the Dad Dialogue podcast, host Laurence is joined by Nicholas Braman. Nicholas is based in Singapore and he has a 2 year old daughter. In the episode we discuss the various culture within Nicholas’ family as he himself is ethnically Korean but raised in the US after being adopted as a child. Nicholas’ wife is from China where the couple lived for some time also, so when it comes to creating their own family culture there is a lot of different voices.We discuss the role of domestic helpers and what...2024-11-0454 min
Before We Get There3. Leaving Corporate to Pursue Purpose with Eliza Koo
In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman sits down with Eliza Koo, founder of Tender Loving Milk and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Eliza shares her journey from a corporate career in B2B tech marketing to becoming an entrepreneur, driven by her passion for supporting new mothers. They discuss her gradual pivot into lactation consulting, her insights on parenting, and the life lessons she learned from building her own business. Eliza also opens up about the challenges of balancing family and entrepreneurship, her evolving perspective on success, and her future goals to expand...2024-10-3050 min
Before We Get There2. Journey to Success from Early Failures with Kyson XuIn this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman welcomes Kyson Xu, a passionate marketer and prolific LinkedIn content creator. Kyson shares his journey from his beginnings in business development to discovering his passion for marketing, while also building a strong personal brand on LinkedIn. He opens up about imposter syndrome, balancing work with family life, and his unique insights from working across industries and within diverse teams. Kyson also reflects on defining success beyond traditional measures and how his role as a father and husband shapes his personal and professional goals.
Topics Discussed:
...2024-10-3041 min
Before We Get There1. Creativity, emotion, and being a VICE star with Mathew YuhicoIn this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman sits down with Mathew Yuhico, a creative force in video production with a knack for storytelling. Mathew shares insights from his childhood, inspired by his artist mother, and his journey from graphic design to a career in video production. They delve into the evolution of his creative process, from personal projects that inspire emotion to handling constraints in client work. Mathew also reflects on finding balance between personal passion and professional commitments.
Topics Discussed:
Early Inspirations: Mathew’s childhood influences, including his artistic family and hi...2024-10-3044 min
Before We Get ThereBefore We Get There - TrailerExploring 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, we talk about how people got to where they are, how they keep moving forward, and where they want to get to. Listen to what our journeys are like Before We Get There.
2024-10-2101 min
EDIT HISTORY | Successful entrepreneurs & creators revisit, review, and roast the content that got them to where they are189. Work in Progress: Growing a LinkedIn Personal Brand & Newsletter On Top of a Well-Balanced Life (Nicholas Braman)How does a corporate professional leverage LinkedIn and a newsletter to set themselves up for more career opportunities? That is what Nicholas Braman explores with us on episode 189 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast as part of the “Work in Progress” series. Topics we touch on include: What it looks like to build a presence on LinkedIn and write a weekly LinkedIn newsletter for reasons NOT related to growing a business Building thought leadership on LinkedIn Being consistent on LinkedIn while maintaining a well-balanced life outside of work ...2024-10-1641 min