Date With A Debut

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)

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© 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.

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)

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© 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.

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)

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© 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.

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)

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© 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.

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)

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© 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.

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)

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© 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.

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)

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© 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.

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)

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© 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.

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)

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© 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.

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: Feed

© 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.