Date With A Debut
Welcome to Date with a Debut, a podcast about debut authors, their incredible books, and their journey to publication. If you are looking for a new author to discover, or writing inspiration, this is the place to be. Hosted by Australian author and creator Nick Wasiliev, this podcast sits down with debut authors, discussing their books, their unique journeys to release, and their own life stories. Grab a coffee, sit back, and let us introduce you to your new favourite authors! Date With a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds, which features several shows covering new releases, romance, horror, queer fiction and more. You can catch Nick, as well as main host Dani Vee and dozens of Australia’s best selling authors now.
Listen on:
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 21st December 2025
Debut Revisited is a special series hosted by ‘Date with a Debut’ host Nick Wasiliev, where established authors sit down to discuss their entire writing journey, from debut to the present day.
In our third and final episode of this miniseries - and the final episode for 2025 - Nick sits down with Jane Harper, discussing her career from The Dry all the way to the latest release, Last One Out.
Enjoy this show or Date with a Debut? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support and follow Nick on Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/
Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx
Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/
BOOKS:
Author Bibliography:
The Dry / Jane Harper: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/194mv9
Force of Nature / Jane Harper: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Z6gZMX
Exiles / Jane Harper: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/zxJ7or
The Lost Man / Jane Harper: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/6y4JYq
The Survivors / Jane Harper: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/vPA7Jv
Last One Out / Jane Harper: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/dO6mMj
Other Books Mentioned:
Mad Mabel / Sally Hepworth: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/7aYZvg
Watermelon / Marian Keyes: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/xL17g1
Killing Floor / Lee Child: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/jeqv9P
Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone / Benjamin Stevenson: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/554Vv2
The Hiding Place / Kate Mildenhall: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Vx1G7O
The Forsaken / Matt Rogers: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/raoVZQ
Big Feelings / Amy Lovat: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/zxJ7Yr
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Jane Harper
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:X3
Episode Number: #58
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Clare Keighery (Pan Macmillan Australia)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedSUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings
‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Debut Revisited is a special series hosted by ‘Date with a Debut’ host Nick Wasiliev, where established authors sit down to discuss their entire writing journey, from debut to the present day.
In the second episode of this new miniseries, Nick sits down with Tigest Girma, discussing her career from debut Immortal Dark all the way to the latest release, Eternal Ruin.
Enjoy this show or Date with a Debut? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support and follow Nick on Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/
Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx
Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/
BOOKS:
Author Bibliography:
Immortal Dark / Tigest Girma: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/7a66Bd
Eternal Ruin / Tigest Girma: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/aOEmgj
Other Books Mentioned:
Ninth House / Leigh Bardugo: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Bn4Jg9
Kindred / Octavia E. Butler: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/OePQqA
One Dark Window / Rachel Gillig: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/dO60BQ
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Tigest Girma
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:X2
Episode Number: #57
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Georgina Harrison (Hachette Australia)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedSUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings
‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Debut Revisited is a special series hosted by ‘Date with a Debut’ host Nick Wasiliev, where established authors sit down to discuss their entire writing journey, from debut to the present day.
In our maiden episode of this new series, Nick sits down with Holden Sheppard, discussing his career from debut Invisible Boys all the way to the latest release, King of Dirt.
WARNING: strong coarse language and themes in this podcast. Listener discretion is advised.
Enjoy this show or Date with a Debut? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support and follow Nick on Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/
Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx
Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/
BOOKS:
Author Bibliography:
Invisible Boys / Holden Sheppard: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Bn4AbJ
The Brink / Holden Sheppard: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/nXmboM
King of Dirt / Holden Sheppard: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/6y4qom
Other Books Mentioned:
Gus and the Burning Stones / Troy Hunter: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/3J4Oon
Breath / Tim Winton: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/vPAbxL
Holding The Man / Timothy Conigrave: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/dO6Zn2
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Holden Sheppard
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:X1
Episode Number: #56
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Fremantle Press, Text Publishing, Pantera Press
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedSUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings
‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication.
This week, in our final episode of Series 3, Nick sits down with Emma Clancey to discuss her YA fantasy debut, This Dream Will Devour Us.
Also, stay tuned for an exciting new miniseries announcement at the end of the podcast!
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support and follow Nick on Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/
Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx
Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
This Dream Will Devour Us / Emma Clancey: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/RG7z2g
Other Books Mentioned:
Bat Eater / Kylie Lee Baker: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/JKAdJ7
Of Flame and Fury / Mikayla Bridge: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Dy75Bn
The Farm / Jessica Mansour-Nahra: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/ramyxv
All The Missing Children / Zahid Gamieldien: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/K0gKr9
The Poppy War / R.F. Kuang: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/55oRKN
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Emma Clancey
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:21
Episode Number: #55
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Reem Galal (Allen & Unwin Children’s)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedSUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings
‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication.
This week, Nick sits down with Nick Croydon to discuss his debut speculative fiction novel, The Turing Protocol.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support and follow Nick on Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/
Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx
Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
The Turing Protocol / Nick Croydon: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/55ozV3
Other Books Mentioned:
The Peak / Sam Guthrie: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/N97EZb
As I Walked out One Midsummer Morning / Laurie Lee: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/MA7EJ2
Slaughterhouse 5 / Kurt Vonnegut: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/GK71e9
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Nick Croydon
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:20
Episode Number: #54
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Tace Kelly (Affirm Press), Biarta Parnham, Piper Daly (Biased)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedSUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings
‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication.
This week, Nick sits down with Dr Anastasia Hronis to discuss her debut non-fiction self-help book, The Dopamine Brain.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support and follow Nick on Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/
Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx
Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
The Dopamine Brain / Dr Anastasia Hronis: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/POMePe
Other Books Mentioned:
Smartphone Nation / Dr Kaitlyn Regehr: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/xLgeWk
When Nothing Feels Real / Nathan Dunne: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/GKMxeE
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Dr Anastasia Hronis
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:19
Episode Number: #53
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Penguin Random House Australia
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedSUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings
‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Date With A Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication.
This week, Nick sits down with Jessica Mansour-Nahra to discuss her debut novel, The Farm.
TRIGGER WARNING: this podcast and book discuss topics of depression, domestic violence and miscarriages, so reader and listener discretion is strongly advised. If you or anyone you know is struggling, help is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support and follow Nick on Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/
Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx
Date With a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
The Farm / Jessica Mansour-Nahra: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/ramyxv
Other Books Mentioned:
Feast / Emily O'Grady: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/55vG32
The Water Cure / Sophie Mackintosh: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/kOrvXL
Nightwatching / Tracy Sierra: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/aOMzmR
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Jessica Mansour-Nahra
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:18
Episode Number: #52
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Holly Jeffrey, Kirstin Corcoran (Hachette Australia)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedSUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings
‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Date With A Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication.
This week, Nick sits down with Natalia Figueroa Barroso to discuss her debut novel, Hailstones Fell Without Rain.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support and follow Nick on Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/
Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx
Date With a Debut is featured in the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
Hailstones Fell Without Rain / Natalia Figueroa Barroso: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/kOrzLV
Other Books Mentioned:
Dirt Poor Islanders / Winnie Dunn: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/VxMZoj
The Tribe / Michael Mohammed Ahmad: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/EEM9QD
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Natalia Figueroa Barroso
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:17
Episode Number: #51
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Sarah Valle (University of Queensland Press)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedSUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings
‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 25th October 2025
Date With A Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication.
This week, Nick sits down with Chloe Adams to discuss her debut novel, The Occupation - winner of the 2024 Penguin Literary Prize.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support and follow Nick on Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/
Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx
Date With a Debut is featured in the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
The Occupation / Chloe Adams: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/kO6dod
Other Books Mentioned:
A Guest of the Emperor / Russell Savage: https://bit.ly/3J2OSSr
Enter Ghost / Isabella Hammad: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/BngL2q
Cliffs of Fall and other Stories / Shirley Hazzard: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bOXdVk
Homegoing / Yaa Gyasi: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/4G9VEo
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Chloe Adams
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:16
Episode Number: #50
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Georgia Boonen (Penguin Random House Australia)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedSUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings
‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 10th October 2025
Date With A Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication.
This week, Nick sits down with Holly Brunnbauer to discuss her debut novel, What Did I Miss?
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support and follow Nick on Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/
Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx
Date With a Debut is featured in the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
What Did I Miss? / Holly Brunnbauer: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Vx5MZj
Other Books Mentioned:
Such a Small World / Jordan Clayden-Lewis: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/09NvmN
Loving Lizzie March / Susannah Hardy: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/6yNYAm
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Holly Brunnbauer
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:15
Episode Number: #49
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Hannah Lynch (HarperCollins Publishers Australia)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedSUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings
‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.