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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025

ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 7 March 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/
 
Welcome to the miniseries hosted by author, podcaster and book fanatic, Nick Wasiliev. This is Date With A Debut: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books and their journeys to publication.
 
For the first episode of our new series, Nick sits down with Eleanor Elliot Thomas, author of The Opposite of Success. They discuss the book, setting a story over the course of a day, the moment where things just got to hell, and more.
 
WARNING: this podcast contains coarse language
 
BOOKS: 
 
Debut Feature:
The Opposite of Success by Eleanor Elliot Thomas: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/R5qRmb 
 
Other Books Mentioned:
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/y2Ar9W 
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Waot by Junot Diaz: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/75qboQ 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest:  Eleanor Elliot Thomas
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:1
Episode Number: #14
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds) and Emily Booth (Text Publishing)
 
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.

© 2024 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings. All rights reserved.

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