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.
Episodes

3 days ago
3 days ago
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 18 October 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 eighteenth episode of series two, Nick sits down with Michelle See-Tho, author of Jade and Emerald. They discuss the book, winning the 2023 Penguin Literary Prize, creating the contrasting migrant experience in Australia on the page, and more.
TRIGGER WARNING: this book contains scenes of abuse, reader discretion is advised.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
Jade and Emerald by Michelle See-Tho: https://bit.ly/3zvJ6Ek
Other Books Mentioned:
I'm a Fan by Sheena Patel: https://bit.ly/3XIzGx8
Kokomo by Victoria Hannan: https://bit.ly/47EYYRs
Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami, Sam Bett (Translator), David Boyd (Translator): https://bit.ly/3MYzcy4
Melanie Cheng Collection: https://bit.ly/3THAzF8
Growing Up Asian in Australia, edited by Alice Pung: https://bit.ly/4eDjJiF
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Michelle See-Tho
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:18
Episode Number: #31
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Tessa Robinson (Penguin Random House 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 May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 17 October 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 seventeenth episode of series two, Nick sits down with Mark Wales, author of Outrider. They discuss the book, transforming Australia into a war-torn landscape, the challenges of writing action on the page, working on the set of a major blockbuster, and more.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
Outrider by Mark Wales: https://bit.ly/3Bcuc6k
Other Books Mentioned:
Blind Man's Bluff by Christopher Drew, Sherry Sontag & Annette Lawrence Drew: https://bit.ly/47CYYSa
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy: https://bit.ly/4gps23k
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline: https://bit.ly/3TACcEE
The Passenger by Cormac McCarthy: https://bit.ly/4ddPcad
Stella Maris by Cormac McCarthy: https://bit.ly/4gu3x5d
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King: https://bit.ly/4dm2sd2
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Mark Wales
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:17
Episode Number: #30
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Candice Wyman (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 May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 4 October 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 sixteenth episode of series two, Nick sits down with Melissa Goode, author of Ordinary Human Love. They discuss the book, how your values come into conflict with the needs of others, love and obligation, and more.
TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast and book discuss mental health and adult themes, so reader and listener discretion is advised.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
Ordinary Human Love by Melissa Goode: https://bit.ly/4d4jmMX
Other Books Mentioned:
Light Years by James Salter: https://bit.ly/3TucYrc
Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson: https://bit.ly/3B3mSKb
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Melissa Goode
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:16
Episode Number: #29
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Zoe Victoria (Ultimo Press 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 Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 27 September 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 fifteenth episode of series two, Nick sits down with Susannah Begbie, author of The Deed. They discuss the book, winning the Richell Prize, chaotic family dynamics, how siblings view their parents in different ways, creating country Australia on the page, and more.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
The Deed by Susannah Begbie: https://bit.ly/3XIDZcY
Other Books Mentioned:
The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje: https://bit.ly/3Tu6ZTr
Lost & Found by Brooke Davis: https://bit.ly/4eoxcuS
Sidelines by Karen Viggers: https://bit.ly/3BdADG7
Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson: https://bit.ly/3B3mSKb
My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin: https://bit.ly/4gkUQdn
The Shiralee by D'Arcy Niland: https://bit.ly/47pjplb
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Susannah Begbie
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:15
Episode Number: #28
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Holly Jeffrey (Hachette 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 Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 20 September 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 fourteenth episode of series two, Nick sits down with Jordan Prosser, author of Big Time. They discuss the book, the world of bands, the commodification of art, creating a dystopian Australia, the creeping mindset of conservatism as you age, and more.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
Big Tim by Jordan Prosser: https://bit.ly/4dXLtPm
Other Books Mentioned:
Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield: https://bit.ly/3B2x4T6
The Secret History by Donna Tartt: https://bit.ly/3ZblpLN
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Jordan Prosser
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:14
Episode Number: #27
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 Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 12 September 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 thirteenth episode of series two, Nick sits down with Ernest Price, author of The Pyramid of Needs. They discuss the book, releasing it on the International Transgender Day of Visibility, family dynamics, different forms of truth, and more.
TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast and book discuss topics of mental health and transphobia, so reader and listener discretion is advised. If these topics cause distress, know there is help out there. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
The Pyramid of Needs by Ernest Price: https://angusrobertson.4tqiav.net/Y9OV1q
Other Books Mentioned:
Erasure by Percival Everett: https://angusrobertson.4tqiav.net/KjVBJz
Chemistry by Weike Wang: https://bit.ly/474BDZ6
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters: https://bit.ly/47dawv1
Pageboy by Elliot Page: https://angusrobertson.4tqiav.net/Y9OVqK
Nothing to Hide: Voices of Trans and Gender Diverse Australia, edited by Yves Rees, Sam Elkin, Alex Gallagher and Bobuq Sayed: https://bit.ly/4e11Da9
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Ernest Price
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:13
Episode Number: #26
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Ariane Ryan, 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 Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 5 September 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 twelfth episode of series two, Nick sits down with Anton Clifford-Motopi, author of To and Fro. They discuss the book, bringing his lived experience in, crafting the world of a twelve-year-old, the value of a good voice in a story, and more.
BOOKS:
Debut Feature:
To and Fro by Anton Clifford-Motopi: https://bit.ly/3XnYtYF
Other Books Mentioned:
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: https://bit.ly/3T905CR
The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness: https://angusrobertson.4tqiav.net/B0jEyB
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: https://angusrobertson.4tqiav.net/nLakEV
PRODUCTION NOTES:
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Anton Clifford-Motopi
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 2:12
Episode Number: #25
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Reem Galal (Allen & Unwin Kids)
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 Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
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.