Date With A Debut

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.

Series 3, Episode 6 - The Butterfly Women by Madeleine Cleary

ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 11th July 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 Madeleine Cleary to discuss her debut novel, The Butterfly Women.
WARNING: This book contains intense subject matter. 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:
The Butterfly Women / Madeleine Cleary: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e1BP3Q 
 
Other Books Mentioned:
The Dictionary of Lost Words / Pip Williams: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/VmRrR6 
Demon Copperhead / Barbara Kingsolver: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/aO6QbY 
Burial Rites / Hannah Kent: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/GKq3x2 
An Onslaught of Light / Natasha Rai: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/092QEJ 
Five Seasons in Seoul / Christine Newell: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Z643oz 
The Story Thief / Kyra Geddes: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/XmZ3g3 
 
OTHER LINKS:
The Book Deal Podcast: https://bit.ly/4kvtq62 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Madeleine Cleary
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:6
Episode Number: #40
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Tace Kelly (Simon and 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 5 - When The Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole by Geoff Parkes

ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 22nd June 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 Geoff Parkes to discuss his debut novel, When the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole.
WARNING: This book contains intense subject matter, including instances of abuse and violence. 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:
When the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole / Geoff Parkes: https://bit.ly/3ZI3s6W 
 
Other Books Mentioned:
Travelling / Ann Powers: https://bit.ly/3ZwM4lV 
Trainspotting / Irvine Welsh: https://bit.ly/43TZ2fR 
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest / Ken Kesey: https://bit.ly/3T0mPo5 
Catch 22 / Joseph Heller: https://bit.ly/4dDtn5z 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Geoff Parkes
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:5
Episode Number: #39
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Tessa Robinson, Grace Howe (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.

Series 3, Episode 4 - The House of Rural Realness by Curtis Campbell

ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 7th June 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 Curtis Campbell to discuss his debut novel, The House of Rural Realness.
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:
The House of Rural Realness / Curtis Campbell: https://bit.ly/4kKx3oE 
 
Other Books Mentioned:
Doppelganger / Naomi Klein: https://bit.ly/4kIxZtI 
On Freedom / Maggie Nelson: https://bit.ly/4juJKTB 
The Hobbit / J R R Tolkien: https://bit.ly/43ivnga 
 
PRODUCTION NOTES: 
Host: Nick Wasiliev
Guest: Curtis Campbell
Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev
Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz
Production Code: 3:4
Episode Number: #38
Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Chloe Mills (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
© 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.