Date With A Debut

Nick Wasiliev

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.

  1. 4D AGO

    Series 3, Episode 18 - The Farm by Jessica Mansour-Nahra

    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 Jessica Mansour-Nahra to discuss her debut novel, The Farm. TRIGGER WARNING: this podcast and book discuss topics of depression, domestic violence and miscarriages, so reader and listener discretion is strongly advised. If you or anyone you know is struggling, help is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. 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 as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/   BOOKS:  Debut Feature: The Farm / Jessica Mansour-Nahra: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/ramyxv    Other Books Mentioned: Feast / Emily O'Grady: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/55vG32  The Water Cure / Sophie Mackintosh: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/kOrvXL  Nightwatching / Tracy Sierra: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/aOMzmR    PRODUCTION NOTES:  Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Jessica Mansour-Nahra Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 3:18 Episode Number: #52 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Holly Jeffrey, Kirstin Corcoran (Hachette Australia)   FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed SUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @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.

    1h 1m
  2. NOV 3

    Series 3, Episode 17 - Hailstones Fell Without Rain by Natalia Figueroa Barroso

    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 Natalia Figueroa Barroso to discuss her debut novel, Hailstones Fell Without Rain. 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: Hailstones Fell Without Rain / Natalia Figueroa Barroso: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/kOrzLV    Other Books Mentioned: Dirt Poor Islanders / Winnie Dunn: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/VxMZoj  The Tribe / Michael Mohammed Ahmad: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/EEM9QD    PRODUCTION NOTES:  Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Natalia Figueroa Barroso Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 3:17 Episode Number: #51 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Sarah Valle (University of Queensland Press)   FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed SUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @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.

    54 min
  3. OCT 27

    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: Feed SUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @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.

    59 min
  4. OCT 20

    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: Feed SUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @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.

    55 min
  5. OCT 13

    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: Feed SUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @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.

    41 min
  6. OCT 6

    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: Feed WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @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.

    59 min
  7. SEP 29

    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: Feed WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @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.

    51 min
  8. SEP 22

    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: Feed WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @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.

    37 min

About

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.