Date With A Debut

Series 3, Episode 16 - The Occupation by Chloe Adams

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.

Series 3, Episode 15 - What Did I Miss? by Holly Brunnbauer

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.

Series 3, Episode 14 - Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge

ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 26th September 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 Mikayla Bridge to discuss her debut novel, Of Flame and Fury.
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:
Of Flame and Fury / Mikayla Bridge: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/yqKKxb 
 
Other Books Mentioned:
Immortal Dark / Tigest Girma: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/7a66Bd 
The Phoenix Keeper / S. A. MacLean: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Dy66Ma 
The Complete Poppy War Trilogy Boxed Set / R. F. Kuang: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e100xX 
This is How You Lose the Time War / Amal El-Mohtar, Max Gladstone: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/APOOYN 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Mikayla Bridge
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:14
Episode Number: #48
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Kimberlea Smith (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.
 

Series 3, Episode 13 - The Forsaken by Matt Rogers

ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 20th September 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, I sit down with Matt Rogers to discuss his debut novel, The Forsaken.
TRIGGER WARNING: this podcast and book discuss 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.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support Date with a Debut on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/nickwasiliev/membership 
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 Forsaken / Matt Rogers: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/raoVZQ 
 
Other Books Mentioned:
Galveston / Nic Pizzolatto: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/19Q60d 
Denizen / James McKenzie Watson: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Xm36ba 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Matt Rogers
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:13
Episode Number: #47
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Jade Gould (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
© 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.

Series 3, Episode 12 - Luminous by Silvia Park

ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 13th September 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, I sit down with Silvia Park to discuss their debut novel, Luminous.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support Date with a Debut on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/nickwasiliev/membership 
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:
Luminous / Silvia Park: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/3Ja2Rv 
 
Other Books Mentioned:
Concerning the Future of Souls / Joy Williams: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QjXBeY 
Mortals / Ross Menzies, Rachel Menzies: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/LK1JrO 
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell / Susanna Clarke: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/xLvBbO 
The Hobbit / J.R.R. Tolkien: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QjXBez 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Silvia Park
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:12
Episode Number: #46
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Sonia Palmisano (Bloomsbury)
 
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
 
© 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.

Series 3, Episode 11 - Julie Chan is Dead by Liann Zhang

ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 6th September 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, I sit down with Liann Zhang to discuss her debut novel, Julie Chan is Dead.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support Date with a Debut on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/nickwasiliev/membership 
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:
Julie Chan is Dead / Liann Zhang: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/VxKDZM 
 
Other Books Mentioned:
Bat Eater / Kylie Lee Baker: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/JKAdJ7 
Restaurant Kid / Rachel Phan: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/XmR9db 
Yellowface / Rebecca F. Kuang: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Bn9dxW 
Such a Fun Age / Kiley Reid: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/095KmE 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Liann Zhang
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:11
Episode Number: #45
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Natalia Facelli (Bloomsbury)
 
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
© 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.

Series 3, Episode 10 - Stinkbug by Sinéad Stubbins

ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 30th August 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, I sit down with Sinéad Stubbins to discuss her debut novel, Stinkbug.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support Date with a Debut on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/nickwasiliev/membership 
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:
Stinkbug / Sinéad Stubbins: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/yqvZmy 
 
Other Books Mentioned:
Woo Woo / Ella Baxter: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/mOv42Z 
Brother of the More Famous Jack / Barbara Trapido: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DymWkq 
The Animals In That Country / Laura Jean McKay: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QjXY6z 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Sinéad Stubbins
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:10
Episode Number: #44
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Ariane Ryan, Dana Anderson (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
 
© 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.

Series 3, Episode 9 - How to Dodge Flying Sandals and Other Advice for Life by Daniel Nour

ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 23rd August 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, I sit down with Daniel Nour to discuss his debut novel, How to Dodge Flying Sandals and Other Advice for Life.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support Date with a Debut on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/nickwasiliev/membership 
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:
How to Dodge Flying Sandals and Other Advice for Life / Daniel Nour: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/BnVNEL 
 
Other Books Mentioned:
Song of Solomon / Toni Morrison: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/LKyjXY 
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous / Ocean Vuong: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/09MgGJ 
Funny Ethnics / Shirley Le: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/RGNARN 
Dirt Poor Islanders / Winnie Dunn: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DyZYQ2 
The Tribe / Michael Mohammed Ahmad: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/AP1dER 
The Lebs / Michael Mohammed Ahmad: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/XmvgNM 
The Other Half of You / Michael Mohammed Ahmad: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/2aLo5G 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Daniel Nour
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:9
Episode Number: #43
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Ariane Ryan (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
© 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.

Series 3, Episode 8 - Our New Gods by Thomas Vowles

ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 17th August 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, I sit down with Thomas Vowles to discuss his debut novel, Our New Gods.
WARNING: this book and podcast contains strong themes and subject matter. Listener and reader discretion is advised.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps out! You can also support Date with a Debut on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/nickwasiliev/membership 
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:
Our New Gods / Thomas Vowles: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Z6vye0 
 
Other Books Mentioned:
Narrow Rooms / James Purdy: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/XmvXvy 
What Belongs to You / Garth Greenwell: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/BnV2V0 
Bryan Washington Collection: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/WyvGvO 
 
OTHER LINKS:
Author Website: https://www.thomasvowles.com/ 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Thomas Vowles
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:8
Episode Number: #42
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.comYOUTUBE: @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.

Series 3, Episode 7 - Half Truth by Nadia Mahjouri

ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 8th August 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, I sit down with Nadia Mahjouri to discuss her debut novel, Half Truth.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps out! You can also support Date with a Debut on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/nickwasiliev/membership 
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:
Half Truth / Nadia Mahjouri: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/vPgdrd 
 
Other Books Mentioned:
Heartsease / Kate Kruimink: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/XmWJRX 
The Kite Runner / Khaled Hosseini: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/mOkdBe 
The God of Small Things / Arundhati Roy: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/POqG9z 
The Dictionary of Lost Words / Pip Williams: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/VmRrR6 
 
OTHER LINKS:
The Whole Truth Podcast: https://bit.ly/4lvagxS 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Nadia Mahjouri
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:7
Episode Number: #41
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Tessa Robinson and Hannah Ludbrook (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
© 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.