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 ninth episode of series four, Nick sits down with Albert Jamae, the author of self-help book Shaping Tomorrow’s Man.

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.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Man Podcast: https://albertjamae.com.au/podcast 

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:

Shaping Tomorrow's Man / Albert Jamae: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/jR51Mv 

Additional books mentioned:

When Men Cry / Nick Wasiliev: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/1nNdg 

The Secret of Secrets / Dan Brown: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/5kqjX9 

The Resilience Project / Hugh van Cuylenburg: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/enQROD 

PRODUCTION NOTES: 

Host: Nick Wasiliev

Guest: Albert Jamae

Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev

Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz

Production Code: 4.9

Episode Number: #67

Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Hawkeye Publishing

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© 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.

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.

Series 4 gets back up and running with a special two-part collaboration with one of the best Aussie book podcasts going around, Talking Aussie Books!

In part two, Nick and Claudine Tinellis discuss what the future holds for debut Aussie authors in 2026, and both go through a round of rapid-fire questions.

PART ONE: https://datewithadebutpodcast.podbean.com/e/series-4-episode-8-part-1-collaboration-with-claudine-tinellis-from-talking-aussie-books/?token=766d6ad21ad6d8fe0f70e4f6842acf41 

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/

BOOKS: 

Other Books Mentioned:

Life Drawing / Emily Lighezzolo: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/aNWM9Q 

Stay Buried / Jane R. Miles: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/MK26qq 

Wake in Fright / Kenneth Cook: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/L0ObLM 

The Animals In That Country / Laura Jean McKay: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DWOX62 

The Sisters of Serendib / Ayesha Inoon: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/jRQo7P 

The Society of Literary Marauders / Sasha Wasley: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/k49BKL 

Disgraceful / Rachel Fox McLeod: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/9Vn5Ye 

Dove / Georgia Harper: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/aNjaXj 

The Couples Retreat / Mercedes Mercier: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/X4GDe5 

The Bookshop of Buried Pasts / Sarah Clutton: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/B5OZM9 

Billie King / Shannon Kelly-White:https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/zzPLVm 

PRODUCTION NOTES: 

Host: Nick Wasiliev

Guests: Claudine Tinellis

Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev

Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz

Production Code: 4:8.2

Episode Number: #66

Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Claudine Tinellis

FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):

A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed

© 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.

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.

Series 4 gets back up and running with a special collaboration with one of the best Aussie book podcasts going around, Talking Aussie Books!

In part one, Nick chats with host Claudine Tinellis around her background around starting the podcast, before diving into their own selection of debut recommendations.

PART TWO: https://datewithadebutpodcast.podbean.com/e/series-4-episode-8-part-2-talking-the-future-for-debut-authors-with-claudine-tinellis-from-talking-aussie-books/?token=fd56d85987f3599d6f8bef2eaa2a0bda

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/

BOOKS: 

Debut Features:

The Heir Apparent / Rebecca Armitage: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QYAmro

When The Party's Over / Katie Hoskins: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DWV5xn  

Solo Mum by Choice / Lorena Oates: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/eneVMO 

The Beauty of Broken Things / Melissa Sharman: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/GbOzJm 

PRODUCTION NOTES: 

Host: Nick Wasiliev

Guests: Claudine Tinellis

Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev

Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz

Production Code: 4:8.1

Episode Number: #66

Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Claudine Tinellis

FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):

A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed

© 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.

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)

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© 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.

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.

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: Feed

© 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.

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: Feed

© 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.

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)

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© 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.

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:

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: Feed

© 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.

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: Feed

© 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.

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: Feed

© 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.