Before We Get There

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. Learn more about Nicholas at www.nicholasbraman.com

Episodes

August 6, 2025 42 mins
In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Breman interviews Nuray Istiqbal, formerly known as Rae Lil Black, who transitioned from being a star in the adult film industry to a practicing Muslim. During their conversation, Nuray shares insights about discovering and embracing Islam, why she doesn't regret her former career, what her hopes are for the future, and much more. The discussion also touches on her perspectives...
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In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman speaks with Vivian Lim, a community builder for TEDx Singapore and Gen. They explore Vivian's philosophy on community building, the unique culture within TEDx, and the challenges of sustaining volunteer-driven communities. Vivian shares her experiences working with diverse teams and creating impactful events, delving into how her view on community has evolved over the yea...
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In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman sits down with multidisciplinary artist Sarah Choo Jing. Sarah delves into her creative process, focusing on her project 'Accelerated Intimacy' and her experiences connecting with strangers in hotel rooms. The conversation spans her philosophical approach to art, the impact of technology and AI on creativity, and the challenges of pursuing an art career in Singapore. The...
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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 au...
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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...
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In 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 challenge...

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In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman 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 a...
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In 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 pro...
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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 sta...
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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 a...
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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 coach...
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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. T...
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In 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 th...
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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...

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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...

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Join 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...

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In 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:

  1. The Thought Leader Club ...
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In 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 t...

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In 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, spiritual...
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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 eventuall...
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