Before We Get There
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Before We Get There episodes

  • 13. 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/nicholasbraman
    Website: 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
  • 12. 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/@DadDialogue

    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 Meet Laurence Chinery

    03:39 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Stay-at-Home Dad
    07:25 Parenting Resources and Community
    15:19 Balancing Parenting Roles with a Partner
    23:24 Cultural and Societal Reflections
    26:27 Moving to Hong Kong: A Life-Changing Decision
    39:05 Future Plans and Reflections

    46 min
  • Special Ep. 1: Focus on the Journey, Not the Destination

    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 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 goals. The episode encourages listeners to apply this perspective to their careers, hobbies, and personal development.


    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 to Before We Get There

    02:25 Real-Life Examples: Jiujitsu and Career
    05:24 A Personal Story: Walking to the Playground
    09:03 Lessons from Jiujitsu: The Blue Belt Syndrome
    19:46 Applying the Journey Mindset to Your Career
    25:13 Final Thoughts: Embrace the Now

    28 min
  • 11. The Holiday Episode: Reflections on 2024 and Guest Appearances

    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 Podcast with Cheryl Lau: A candid discussion about personal branding, thought leadership, and why authenticity matters.
    2. Dad Dialogue with Lawrence Chinery: Insights into fatherhood, cultural nuances, and balancing parenting with a career in Singapore.
    3. Join us as we celebrate the journey so far, highlight key moments, and look forward to an exciting 2025 with more diverse guests and stories.

      Guest Links:

      My episode on The Thought Leader Club Podcast

      My episode on Dad Dialogue


      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 and Personal Reflections

      03:15 Year in Review: 2024 Highlights
      05:22 Travel Adventures and Memorable Moments
      06:47 Gratitude and Future Plans
      08:33 Guest Appearance on The Thought Leader Club Podcast
      10:32 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
      20:07 Balancing Life and Stress Management
      28:32 The Value of Humility in Training
      30:25 Guest Appearance on Dad Dialogue
      44:02 Balancing Work and Family Life
      47:55 Reflecting on Fatherhood
      50:02 Conclusion and Farewell

      51 min
    4. 10. Chasing Adventure and Finding Belonging with Ruby Tan

      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 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.


      Guest Links:
      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyrubytan/ 

      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 
      04:04 Discovering a Love for the Outdoors
      07:38 Career Path and Existential Crisis
      09:55 Pursuing Outdoor Education in New Zealand
      18:26 Family Reactions and Cultural Challenges
      21:18 Returning to Singapore During COVID
      24:52 Rediscovering Passion in South Korea
      31:59 Balancing Work and Personal Life in the Outdoors
      39:41 Making Friends and Building Community
      43:02 Future Aspirations and Final Thoughts
      45 min
    5. 9. Living Authentically and Embracing Failure with Bella Liu
      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, 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 personal growth, resilience, and the journey towards success.

      Guest Links:
      Bella's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-liu/
      Invincible Co: https://www.linkedin.com/company/invinciblecompany/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_invincibella/ 

      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 to the Podcast and Guest
      01:28 Bella's Mission and Goals
      12:46 Exploring Career and Passions
      17:24 The Value of Diverse Experiences
      26:44 Journey from Graphic Design to Entrepreneurship
      30:05 Embracing Failure and Learning from It
      33:15 Balancing Life and Work
      42:45 Community Building and Networking
      47:12 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Success
      48:40 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
      51 min
    6. 8. 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. She also shares how her husband joined her in running the agency and the future goals for her company and personal life. Tune in to hear about Christel's unique path and the lessons she's learned along the way.

      Guest Links:
      Christel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christelgoh/
      Grow Public Relations: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-public-relations/
      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christelyay/

      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 to the Podcast and Guest
      01:32 Christel Goh's Origin Story in PR
      05:07 Transitioning to Freelancing and Building a PR Business
      09:27 The Decision to Go Full-Time with Freelancing
      13:25 Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
      20:20 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
      24:36 Understanding Your Point of View
      27:03 Navigating the Media Industry's Changes
      30:24 Challenges and Successes in Business Growth
      36:52 The Value of Coaching and Continuous Learning
      40:57 Future Goals and Personal Aspirations
      43:06 Connecting with Christel
      44 min
    7. 7. Strength, Strategy, and Self-Motivation with Glen Lee
      In 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.

      Guest Links:
      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glen__rockstar/  https://www.instagram.com/fieldassembly/  https://www.instagram.com/physiocircle.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/before-we-get-there-podcast/ 

      00:00 Introduction and Personal Motivation
      01:29 Glenn Lee's Martial Arts Journey
      07:23 The Psychology of Competition
      15:40 Training Clients vs. Training Self
      17:50 Career Transition and COVID Challenges
      35:30 Future Goals and Personal Reflections
      38:12 Conclusion and Social Media
      40 min
    8. 6. Purposeful Careers and Work-Life Integration with Abby Ling
      In 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 for listeners at different stages of their careers.

      Guest Links:
      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbysaysthat/ 
      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbyling/ 

      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 to the Podcast and Guest
      04:55 Moving to Singapore: A Personal Journey
      08:07 Navigating Job Search Challenges
      08:54 The Importance of Networking
      16:06 Agency vs. In-House Marketing
      19:11 Cultural Differences in Companies
      21:02 The Importance of Perspective, People, and Potential
      24:41 Career Planning and Long-Term Goals
      29:42 Challenges and Strategies for Working Moms
      34:18 Gender Bias and Leadership
      40:04 Inspiring the Next Generation
      42:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
      44 min
    9. 5. 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 inspirations, and future aspirations.

      Guest links:
      Kemuri BBQ: https://www.instagram.com/kemuribbq.sg/
      BaconKing SG: https://www.instagram.com/baconking.sg/
      Davis Ng: https://www.instagram.com/davistheking/

      Podcast links:
      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman
      Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f
      Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 

      00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
      01:25 Davis Ng's Boxing Journey
      02:33 Overcoming Defeats and Challenges
      07:52 Starting a Culinary Career
      13:57 Building a Food Business
      17:00 Opening a Restaurant
      33:04 Future Plans and Reflections
      37:47 Conclusion and Contact Information
      41 min

    About Before We Get There

    From the publisher's feed

    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…