Before We Get There

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

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
 

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

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
 

From Law School Dropout to Entrepreneurial Success with Cheryl Lau

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 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/5wQUAEUHdtyDROGdVUTS4w?si=9771ad2368ea47d3 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory 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 Introducing Cheryl Lau
02:17 The Birth of 'Edit History' Podcast
04:52 Transitioning to Guest Conversations
11:11 The Journey of Quitting School Twice
28:42 Navigating Imposter Syndrome
36:31 Balancing Family and Traditions
41:25 Looking Ahead: Future Success
43:46 Conclusion and Farewell

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

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

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/id1775182252Instagram: 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

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:
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 a career in Singapore.
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 DialoguePodcast 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 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

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/nicholasbramanWebsite: 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