Date With A Debut

BONUS: Second Date sneak peek with Bridie Blake and Amanda Hewitt

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.
While the main show is off for the next few weeks and will return in late June for the continuation of series four, to bridge the gap, please enjoy a sneak peek of my new newsletter show, Second Date, where authors return for a second round of rapid-fire questions.
Check out a romance special as I go spoiler-heavy with Bridie Blake and Amanda Hewitt, and if you like it, sign up below! I have a special deal currently where if you sign up to the newsletter, you can have 50% off a monthly or yearly VIP subscription for the next twelve months. That's $3 a month, or $25 a year!
Sign up to the newsletter here (you can also get a free version too!): https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ 
Get 50% off a paid VIP subscription here: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=651cc6fe 
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! 
Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ 
Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt 
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/
 
MAIN EPISODES:
Bridie Blake: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9rath-1a98846 
Amanda Hewitt: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gr9zq-1a9a11e 
 
BOOKS: 
Debut Features:
The Boyfriend Clause / Bridie Blake: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QYKVaz 
The Last Resort / Amanda Hewitt: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QYOB1P 
 
Other Books Mentioned:
An Academic Affair / Jodi McAlister: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/aNAL1N 
The Love Contract / Steph Vizard: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/GbVQjn 
What Did I Miss? / Holly Brunnbauer: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Vx5MZj 
The Good Part / Sophie Cousens: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/JkVjr2 
Melina Marchetta Collection: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/X4nrxG 
Jane Eyre / Charlotte Brontë: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/enEQ11 
Wuthering Heights / Emily Brontë: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/5kZq51 
Rebecca / Daphne du Maurier: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/1GPg9z 
Persuasion / Jane Austen: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/VOYQxj 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guests: Bridie Blake & Amanda Hewitt
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 4:X1
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Aideen Gallagher, Fruzsi Gal (Text Publishing), Maeve Carragher, Cath Hayes (Echo Publishing)
 
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
© 2026 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.

Series 4, Episode 7 - The Beauty of Broken Things by Melissa Sharman

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.
In our seventh episode of series four, Nick sits down with Melissa Sharman, the author of an incredible memoir, The Beauty of Broken Things.
WARNING: this book and podcast contains topics of mental health, self harm, domestic violence and fertility issues, listener and reader discretion is strongly advised. If this is something that affects you or your loved ones, help is available.
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA): 1300 726 306
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ 
LifeLine: 13 11 14
Egg Donation Australia: https://www.eggdonationaustralia.com.au/ 
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! 
You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ 
Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ 
Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt 
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:
The Beauty of Broken Things / Melissa Sharman: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/1G7X5m 
 
Additional books mentioned:
Know My Name / Chanel Miller: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/gRGmb9
A Language of Limbs / Dylin Hardcastle: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/oNOxem 
Solo Mum by Choice / Lorena Otes: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/yqdP4W 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Melissa Sharman
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 4.7
Episode Number: #65
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Hawkeye Publishing
 
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedNEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2026 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.

Series 4, Episode 6 - Life Drawing by Emily Lighezzolo

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.
In our sixth episode of series four, Nick sits down with Emily Lighezzolo, the author of the award-winning literary fiction debut, Life Drawing.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! 
You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ 
Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ 
Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt 
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:
Life Drawing / Emily Lighezzolo: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/aNWM9Q 
 
Additional books mentioned:
Dream State / Eric Puchner: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/GbZM4B 
Song of the Crocodile / Nardi Simpson: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/B52vV4  
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Emily Lighezzolo
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 4.6
Episode Number: #64
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Sarah Valle (University of Queensland Press)
 
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedNEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2026 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.

Series 4, Episode 5 - A Farm in Golden Clouds by Leearna Shaw

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.
In our fifth episode of series four, Nick sits down with Leearna Shaw, the debut author of contemporary rural romance, A Farm in Golden Clouds.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! 
You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ 
Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ 
Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt 
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:
A Farm in Golden Clouds / Leearna Shaw: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/L0Zo60 
 
Additional books mentioned:
The Butterfly Women / Madeleine Cleary: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e1BP3Q 
Better than the Real Thing / Brooke Crawford: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/k4oQ6V 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Leearna Shaw
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 4.5
Episode Number: #63
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Ineke Walker, Sreya VT (DMCPR Media), Shannon Edwards (Allen & Unwin)
 
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedNEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2026 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.

Series 4, Episode 4 - When the Party's Over by Katie Hoskins

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.
In our fourth episode of series four, Nick sits down with Katie Hoskins, the debut author of contemporary fiction drama, When the Party’s Over.
WARNING: this book and podcast contains topics of mental health and fertility issues; listener and reader discretion is strongly advised. If this is something that affects you or your loved ones, help is available:
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA): 1300 726 306
ForWhen Helpine: 1300 24 23 22
Red Nose Australia: https://rednose.org.au/
Pink Elephants Support Network: https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/ 
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! 
You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ 
Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ 
Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt 
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:
When the Party’s Over / Katie Hoskins: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DWV5xn 
 
Additional books mentioned:
The Farm / Jessica Mansour-Nahra: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/ramyxv 
Everything I Know About Love / Dolly Alderton: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/gRAYmv 
 
ADDITIONAL LINKS: 
Katie Hoskins: Turning a dream into a two-book deal (Australian Writers Centre): https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/katie-hoskins-when-the-partys-over/ 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Katie Hoskins
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 4.4
Episode Number: #62
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Lily Cameron, Dave Cain (Pan Macmillan Australia)
 
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedNEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2026 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.

Series 4, Episode 3 - The Last Resort by Amanda Hewitt

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.
In our third episode of series four, Nick sits down with Amanda Hewitt, the debut author of romance novel The Last Resort.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! 
You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ 
Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ 
Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt 
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:
The Last Resort / Amanda Hewitt: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QYOB1P 
Additional books mentioned:
Just For The Summer / Abby Jimenez: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/VOZOEa 
The Nowhere Child / Christian White: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/ZVXVOQ 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Amanda Hewitt
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 4.3
Episode Number: #61
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Maeve Carragher, Cath Hayes (Echo Publishing)
 
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedNEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2026 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.

Series 4, Episode 2 - The Boyfriend Clause by Bridie Blake

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.
In our second episode of series four, Nick sits down with Bridie Blake, the debut author of romance novel The Boyfriend Clause.
WARNING: This podcast contains coarse language.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! 
You cn also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ 
Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ 
Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt 
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:
The Boyfriend Clause / Bridie Blake: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QYKVaz 
Additional books mentioned:
The Butterfly Women / Madeleine Cleary: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/9VevmY 
What Did I Miss? / Holly Brunnbauer: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Vx5MZj 
Looking For Alibrandi / Melina Marchetta: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bay9Jb 
 
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
Bridie’s piece with the Australian Writers Centre: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/bridie-blake-the-boyfriend-clause/
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Bridie Blake
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 4.2
Episode Number: #60
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Aideen Gallagher, Fruzsi Gal (Text Publishing)
 
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedNEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2026 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.

Series 4, Episode 1 - Live at the 2026 Newcastle Writers Festival with Alejandra Martinez, Sam Elliott and Emma Pei Yin

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.
Our Series 4 opener sees Date with a Debut live at the 2026 Newcastle Writers Festival, as Nick sits down with Sam Elliott, Alejandra Martinez and Emma Pei Yin to discuss their books and journeys to publication.
WARNING: This podcast contains coarse language and adult themes.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! 
You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ 
Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ 
Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt 
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 Features:
Salsa in the Suburbs / Alejandra Martinez: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/m4nPoa 
Haze / Sam Elliott: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QYKM2x 
When Sleeping Women Wake / Emma Pei Yin: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/rEgmJy 
 
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
Newcastle Writers Festival: https://www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/ 
The Write Way Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-write-way/id1652251287 
yinfluence editorial: https://www.emmapeiyin.com/yinfluenceeditorial 
Served with Rice Podcast: https://servedwithricepoddy.com/ 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guests: Alejandra Martinez, Emma Pei Yin, Sam Elliott
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 4.1
Episode Number: #59
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Rosemarie Milsom, Cassie Gilmartin, Zoe Drew (Newcastle Writers Festival), Stefan Whitecunas (Photography), Scion Audio & Events, Pan Macmillan Australia, Puncher and Wattmann, Hachette Australia
 
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedNEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2026 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.

TRAILER: Welcome to Series 4 of Date with a Debut!

Series 4, coming this month!
Date with a Debut and Debut Revisited are back for a brand new series in 2026, with first episodes coming this month.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! 
You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ 
Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ 
Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt 
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/
 
FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):
A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: FeedNEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.comWEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_OfficialINSTAGRAM: @nickwasilievTWITTER/X: @Nick_WasilievFACEBOOK: Nick WasilievTIKTOK: @nickwasiliev
© 2026 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.
 

UPDATE - Series 4 begins April 2026... and Date with a Debut has a started a newsletter!

Date with a Debut is back for Series 4 early next month, and it's not the only exciting news!
I'm excited to announce that I've launched a brand new newsletter, which you can access (among other things), book reviews, upcoming episodes, and an exclusive new show: Second Date!
Get ready for a big year of debut authors and more podcasts!
 
A LITTLE IDEA PUBLIC PLAYLIST: https://bit.ly/4ltICC8
BOOK 'DATE WITH A DEBUT' LIVE AT THE 2026 NEWCASTLE WRITERS FESTIVAL: https://www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/date-with-a-debut/ 
SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/