Before We Get There

In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman welcomes Aisyah Rafaee, Singapore's first Olympian in rowing, who competed at the Rio and Paris games. Aisyah shares her journey from discovering rowing in secondary school to training in Australia and the challenges faced leading up to the Olympics. She discusses the mental and physical demands of high-level competition, overcoming identity struggles post-retirement, and her recent decision to come out of retirement for the 2024 Olympics. Now an entrepreneur and coach, Aisyah reflects on transitioning her skills and experiences into new ventures while emphasizing the importance of mental skills and adaptability. The conversation provides valuable insights into resilience, the power of community support, and finding purpose beyond athletic achievements.
Aisyah's links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariesyah/ 
Website: https://www.3hpathlete.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17bbRk72ZW/ 
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 Introducing Aisyah - Singapore's first Olympic rower
05:23 Discovering Rowing
08:24 Family Influence and Competitiveness
16:46 Balancing Life and Rowing
21:56 Training Alone and Overcoming Bullying
25:22 Experiencing the Olympics and Media Pressure
27:42 Struggles with Retirement and Identity
31:56 Finding New Purpose and Love
36:21 Deciding to Compete Again
39:47 Building a Business and Coaching
42:22 Future Goals and Closing Remarks
 

In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman converses with Rohit Jha, founder and CEO of Transcelestial. The startup aims to revolutionize global internet connectivity through space-based laser technology. Rohit shares his fascinating journey from growing up in a small industrial town in India to establishing a groundbreaking tech company in Singapore. The discussion dives into the startup's ambitious plans, which include creating a 'ring around the planet' to transmit internet from space, tackling engineering challenges, and the motivations driving Rohit's deep space vision. Listeners will gain insights into the hurdles of building a deep tech company, the evolving startup ecosystem in Asia, and the future of interstellar communication.
Rohit's links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohitrj/ 
X: https://x.com/jharohit Transcelestial Website: https://transcelestial.com/ 
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 Rohit's Journey and Inspiration
08:16 Challenges and Learnings in Building a Startup
17:34 The Asian Startup Ecosystem
19:22 Rohit's Early Life and Education
26:54 Transition to Singapore and Corporate Life
31:19 The Birth of Transcelestial
38:02 Future Goals and Vision
41:35 Conclusion and Contact Information
 

In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman interviews Singaporean stand-up comedian Jacky Ng. Jacky discusses his career journey, including performing across Southeast Asia and at major festivals, such as the Melbourne Comedy Festival. They cover topics like his joke writing process, handling hecklers, memorable bombing experiences, and the growth of the comedy scene in Singapore. Jacky also shares insights on balancing live performances and social media, the significance of local references in his comedy, and his aspirations for the future. 
Jacky's links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackyngcomedy/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jakachuu Website: https://www.jacky.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/podcast
00:00 Introduction and Opening Jokes
02:49 Bombing Stories and Handling Tough Crowds
05:23 Starting Out in Comedy with Fakkah Fuzz
09:04 The Writing Process and Open Mics
16:44 Local References and International Performances
21:02 The Evolution of Standup Comedy in Singapore
29:36 The Personal Journey of a Standup Comedian
36:20 Navigating Corporate Gigs
40:48 Future Goals and Aspirations

In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman sits down with Naomi Black, who went viral in 2025 for rejecting a first date at Singapore's Lau Pa Sat Hawker Center. Despite facing immense online backlash, Naomi reveals that her story is about much more than a controversial decision. With a diverse background in modeling, real estate, and the culinary arts, Naomi discusses her career pivots, personal challenges, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Our conversation goes into her encounters with online bullying, her resilience, and her advice on maintaining standards and saying no when necessary. We also discuss the Lau Pa Sat first date story, her other dating standards, and what her ideal first date would be. Tune in to learn more about Naomi's inspiring journey and her advocacy for women's confidence and independence.
Naomi's links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomiblackk/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@naomiblack001 Merch: https://naomiblackmerch.myshopify.com/ 
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 Naomi Black
01:46 The Viral Lau Pa Sat First Date Controversy
05:59 Handling Online Backlash
14:53 Naomi's Diverse Career Path
21:41 Starting a Culinary Journey
25:43 Returning to Singapore: Reflections and Recovery
27:03 Experiencing Racism Abroad
30:02 Lessons from Tough Experiences
36:30 Future Goals and Aspirations
42:25 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman talks with Parul Sharma, an author juggling her corporate life and writing career. Parul shares her journey from a corporate worker to a published author, discussing the emotional and logistical challenges along the way. The conversation delves into her writing process, the agony of not being able to write, and the inspiration behind her book '17 Morris Road.' Parul also reveals her thoughts on writing from personal experience, dealing with self-doubt, and her desire for reader love. They also explore the nuances of homesickness versus nostalgia, the influence of research in her work, and how the lockdown provided her the mental space to write again. 
Parul's links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parul/ 
Amazon: https://a.co/d/dhHOPw4 Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2970057.Parul_Sharma 
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 Introducing Parul Sharma
04:03 Exploring Themes of 17, Morris  Road
08:35 The Journey to Becoming a Published Author
11:12 Balancing Life and Writing
16:09 The Emotional Drive Behind Writing
21:23 Writing for an Audience of One
25:15 The Challenge of Abandoning Projects
33:11 Moving Between Corporate Life and Writing
40:22 Future Aspirations and Upcoming Works
 

In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman delves into the life and journey of Bow Kajeeporn Techataveekijkul, from @BowieHoneyBaby. A content creator active on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok, Bow balances her online presence with a full-time corporate job. We talk about her experiences growing up in Thailand, studying in Japan, and working in Singapore, as well as her journey in becoming a prominent influencer among the Thai community interested in Singapore. The conversation covers managing online negativity, tips for content creation, and the balance of authenticity and safety in an increasingly digital world. Bow also discusses her passion for food and travel, insights into the evolving landscape of social media, and how her content continues to bring value to her followers.
Bow's links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bowiehoneybaby/ 
Boring Singapore: https://www.facebook.com/BoringSG/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bowiehoneybaby 
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@bowiehoneybaby 
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 Bow T11:45 Balancing Content Creation with a Full-Time Job16:15 Living in Different Countries: Thailand, Japan, and Singapore21:52 Job Hunting Struggles and Resilience23:47 Exploring Singapore's Food Scene25:04 Missing Home and Thai Cuisine27:40 Reconnecting with Old Friends32:40 Handling Negativity and Safety Concerns39:03 Future Goals and Reflections41:43 Where to Find Bow's Content
 

Join host Nicholas Braman on Before We Get There as he delves into the culinary journey of Anthony Yeoh, chef-owner of Summer Hill Restaurant in Singapore. Anthony discusses his inspirations, the concept behind his 'brunch trolley' serving French comfort food in dim sum style, and the evolution of Summer Hill from a takeaway joint to a full-fledged restaurant. He shares insights on the challenges facing the F&B industry in Singapore, including the rise of home-based food businesses as the new hawkers, navigating changing customer behaviors, and maintaining culinary traditions while evolving to meet modern tastes. Anthony also offers a sneak peek into future themes for his restaurant's menu and his hopes for himself and the industry over the next five years.
Anthony's links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antyeoh/ 
Summer Hill IG: https://www.instagram.com/summerhill.sg/ Summer Hill website: https://summerhill.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 Podcast Introduction: Meet Anthony Yeoh
03:21 The Origins of Summer Hill Restaurant
06:56 Journey to Becoming a Chef
18:46 Challenges in the F&B Industry
23:08 Adapting Business Strategies Post-Pandemic
28:47 Balancing Creativity and Business in Menu Planning
34:16 Future of Hawker Culture and Home-Based Businesses
38:38 Looking Ahead: Hopes for the Future
40:51 Conclusion and Social Media Links
 

In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman 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 on regret, dealing with negative comments, and what she enjoyed about the adult film industry. Nuray sheds light on her personal growth journey, highlighting the importance of community, faith, and self-improvement.
Nuray's links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raelilblack/ New Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuray.istiqbal/ 
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@raelilblack.official 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
01:56 Muay Thai Journey
04:59 Discovering Islam
12:22 Embracing Faith and Community
14:00 Handling Criticism and Regret
19:17 Cultural and Culinary Preferences
21:13 Struggles and Realizations
23:45 Misconceptions About the Adult Film Industry
30:12 Embracing Islam and Personal Growth
40:41 Future Aspirations and Final Thoughts
 

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 years. They also discuss the importance of Asian narratives in storytelling, balancing multiple projects, and the future of community-driven initiatives. The conversation highlights the significance of human connection, continuous personal growth, and the excitement of fostering new conversations and ideas.
Vivian's links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivian-lim/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivianne.lim/ 
IdeaCo: https://www.theideaco.org/ 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 Power of Community
01:39 Defining Community with Vivian Lim
04:21 Challenges in Community Building
06:43 Vivian's Journey with TEDx
14:39 The Birth of Gen and Its Mission
20:26 Balancing Multiple Projects
22:46 Observations on Singaporean Ideas
30:47 Creating Impactful Content
40:29 Reflections and Future Aspirations

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. They also discuss the critical role of art education and the importance of representing diverse, local voices in the artistic community. Tune in for an insightful discussion about finding authenticity and connection through art.
Sarah's links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahchoojing/?hl=en Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/sarahchoojing More links: https://lnk.bio/sarahchoojing 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 Meet Sarah Choo Jing
04:14 Artistic Process and Inspirations
11:34 Balancing Art and Career
17:11 Impact of Social Media and Technology
19:30 Generative AI and Art
24:17 Themes of Isolation in Art
30:50 Capturing Inspiration and Process
37:32 The Importance of Art Education
41:42 Future Aspirations and Conclusion