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.
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Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 29 August 2024
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/
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.
For the eleventh episode of series two, Nick sits down with Amy Hutton, author of Sit, Stay Love. They discuss the book, it’s upcoming sequel Love From Scratch, the value of animals in romance, ‘soft’ love triangles, nice guys and more.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
Sit, Stay, Love by Amy Hutton: https://angusrobertson.4tqiav.net/PyLGXz
Other Books Mentioned:
Love From Scratch by Amy Hutton: https://angusrobertson.4tqiav.net/eKo79r
Here for the Right Reasons by Jodi McAlister: https://angusrobertson.4tqiav.net/anJdqW
Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding: https://angusrobertson.4tqiav.net/Gm69eV
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Amy Hutton
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:11
Episode Number: #24
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Gabby Oberman, Polly Simons (Simon & Schuster Australia)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2024 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 Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 15 August 2024
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/
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.
For the tenth episode of series two, Nick sits down with Dr. Mykaela Saunders, author of Always Will Be. They discuss the book, correcting the lack of representation of first nations culture in Australian storytelling, the value of short stories and more.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
Always Will Be by Mykaela Saunders: https://www.uqp.com.au/books/always-will-be
Other Books Mentioned:
Heat and Light by Ellen van Neerven: https://bit.ly/3WGWQF0
The Kadaitcha Sung by Sam Watson: https://bit.ly/3SuKTQq
Land of the Golden Clouds by Archie Weller: https://bit.ly/3ysZnZZ
This All Come Back Now by Mykaela Saunders: https://www.uqp.com.au/books/this-all-come-back-now
The Swan Book by Alexis Wright: https://bit.ly/3YpW40b
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Mykaela Saunders
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:10
Episode Number: #23
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Sarah Valle (University of Queensland Press)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2024 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 Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 11 July 2024
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/
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.
For the ninth episode of series two, Nick sits down with Gyan Yankovich, author of Just Friends: On the joy, influence and power of friendship. They discuss the book, how romantic relationships are prioritised over platonic ones in society, the value friendships brings to our lives, the data that goes into understanding friendships, and more.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
Just Friends: On the joy, influence and power of friendship. by Gyan Yankovich: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/k0YGML
Other Books Mentioned:
Good Material by Dolly Alderton: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/AW7X2o
Green Dot by Madeleine Gray: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/XY73OX
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Gyan Yankovich
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:9
Episode Number: #22
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Zoe Victoria (Ultimo Press)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2024 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 Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 20 June 2024
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/
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.
For the eighth episode of series two, Nick sits down with Brydie Lee-Kennedy, author of Go Lightly. They discuss the book, exploring the chaos of your twenties, how you present yourself to other people, comparing screenwriting to literature, and more..
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
Go Lightly by Brydie Lee-Kennedy: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/xkgNZ3
Other Books Mentioned:
A Real Piece of Work by Erin Riley: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QyM6b9
White Teeth by Zadie Smith: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/rQm2Xd
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Brydie Lee-Kennedy
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:8
Episode Number: #21
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Natalia Facelli (Bloomsbury Australia)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2024 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 Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 14 June 2024
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/
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.
For the seventh episode of series two, Nick sits down with Carly-Jay Metcalfe, author of Breath. They discuss the book, a childhood of living in hospital, surviving cancer, cystic fibrosis and a lung transplant, the value of humour to get through the hard times, and more.
TRIGGER WARNING: this podcast contains strong coarse language, strong themes and descriptions of surgery and addiction. Reader and listener discretion is advised.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
Breath by Carly-Jay Metcalfe: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Kjb7zx
Other Books Mentioned:
Water by John Boyne: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DKo73n
Sufficient Grace by Amy Espeseth: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/rQMYXR
OTHER LINKS:
Register for DonateLife: https://www.donatelife.gov.au/
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Carly-Jay Metcalfe
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:7
Episode Number: #20
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Sarah Valle (University of Queensland Press)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2024 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 Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 30 May 2024
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/
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.
For the sixth episode of series two, Nick sits down with Linda Margolin Royal, author of The Star on The Grave. They discuss the book, creating fictional stories with real figures of history, who Chiune Sugihara was, and more.
PROMOTION:
Words & Nerds is excited to partner with Booktopia, Australia’s Local Bookstore for a special offer. Until 22nd May 2024, get 10% off at Booktopia when using the special code WORDS10 at checkout! Ts & Cs apply!*
USE PROMO CODE: https://bit.ly/4aJgiFJ
*Ends 11.59pm, 22-May-2024. Offer applied at checkout and cannot be used with any other offer. Not applicable on eBooks, eTexts, Gift Certificates, Gift Wrapping, magazines, digital subscriptions or the cost of shipping.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
The Star on the Grave by Linda Margolin Royal: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/q4MjRY
Other Books Mentioned:
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/VmRrR6
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/jrbLEP
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/angXyR
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/AWZNro
The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Ry5a6R
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Linda Margolin Royal
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:6
Episode Number: #19
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Tace Kelly (Affirm Press)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2024 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 Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 29 May 2024
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/
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.
For the fifth episode of series two, Nick sits down with Sharlene Allsopp, author of The Great Undoing. They discuss the book, transforming previous texts and recontextualising history, the different contexts of truth, first nations storytelling in speculative fiction, Ernest Scott, and more.
PROMOTION:
Words & Nerds is excited to partner with Booktopia, Australia’s Local Bookstore for a special offer. Until 22nd May 2024, get 10% off at Booktopia when using the special code WORDS10 at checkout! Ts & Cs apply!*
USE PROMO CODE: https://bit.ly/4aJgiFJ
*Ends 11.59pm, 22-May-2024. Offer applied at checkout and cannot be used with any other offer. Not applicable on eBooks, eTexts, Gift Certificates, Gift Wrapping, magazines, digital subscriptions or the cost of shipping.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
The Great Undoing by Sharlene Allsopp: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/k06WGx
Other Books Mentioned:
Taylor Jenkins Reid Collection: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/GmWg36
Terra Nullius by Claire G. Coleman: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/g10Gkv
Sense And Sensibility by Jane Austen: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/oqMOWe
Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens by Shankari Chandran: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/baXVem
Dropbear by Evelyn Araluen: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/21Dd3M
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Sharlene Allsopp
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:5
Episode Number: #18
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Zoe Victoria (Ultimo Press)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2024 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 Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 23 May 2024
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/
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.
For the fourth episode of series two, we have a very special episode: Date with A Debut LIVE at the 2024 Newcastle Writers Festival! Nick hosted a special panel on the final day of the festival, featuring debut authors Rosemary Lewis, John Morrissey and Megan Rogers.
PROMOTION:
Words & Nerds is excited to partner with Booktopia, Australia’s Local Bookstore for a special offer. Until 22nd May 2024, get 10% off at Booktopia when using the special code WORDS10 at checkout! Ts & Cs apply!*
USE PROMO CODE: https://bit.ly/4aJgiFJ
*Ends 11.59pm, 22-May-2024. Offer applied at checkout and cannot be used with any other offer. Not applicable on eBooks, eTexts, Gift Certificates, Gift Wrapping, magazines, digital subscriptions or the cost of shipping.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
Life’s Not a Paragraph by Rosemary Lewis: https://bit.ly/3w7rv41
The Heart is a Star by Megan Rogers: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/m5MGkD
Firelight by John Morrissey: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Y9eNkO
Other Books Mentioned:
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/XYkNv5
I for Isobel by Amy Witting: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/zNM45m
The Box Man by Kobo Abe: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/6ejEQN
A Year of Last Things by Michael Ondaatje: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/R5QbN7
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Rosemary Lewis, John Morrissey, Megan Rogers
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev, Scion Audio (Live Recording Production at Event), NUspace
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:4
Episode Number: #17
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Rosemarie Milsom & Amy Lovat (Newcastle Writers Festival), Text Publishing, Fourth Estate Publishing - Harpercollins Australia, Catchfire Press, NUspace, University of Newcastle
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2024 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. This episode was recorded on unceded Awabakal and Worimi Country.
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 16 May 2024
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/
Date With A Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shines a light on debut authors, their incredible books and their journeys to publication.
For the third episode of series two, Nick sits down with Trish Bolton, author of Whenever You’re Read. They discuss the book, writing compassionately and translating grief to the page, looking back on your life in your old age, and more.
TRIGGER WARNING: this podcast and book discusses topics of suicide and suicidal themes, so reader and listener discretion is advised. If you or anyone you know is struggling, help is available to you. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
Whenever You’re Ready by Trish Bolton: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/g1n2xA
Other Books Mentioned:
Never Look Desperate by Rachel Matthews: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/zNK7or
The Women in Black by Madeleine St. John: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/nLK75A
The Harp In The South by Ruth Park: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/216Av7
Enid Blyton Collection: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/R5rkMN
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Trish Bolton
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:3
Episode Number: #16
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Isabelle O'Brien and Caitlin Hester (Allen & Unwin)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2024 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 Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 5 April 2024
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/
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.
For the second episode of series two, Nick sits down with Abra Pressler, author of Love and Other Scores. They discuss the book, the value of championing homegrown queer romance, what Abra would do if Rafael Nadal would appear in front of her, and more.
WARNING: this podcast contains coarse language
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
Love and Other Scores by Abra Pressler: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/y2K1L2
Other Books Mentioned:
Book Lovers by Emily Henry: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Kj6N9x
Sit, Stay, Love by Amy Hutton: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/756Nxy
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Abra Pressler
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:2
Episode Number: #15
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds) and Chloe Patterson (Pan Macmillan Australia)
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2024 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.