Date With A Debut

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)

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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: 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)

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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: 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)

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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: 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)

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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: 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)

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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 May 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 Leesa Ronald to discuss her debut novel, Special Delivery.

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:

Special Delivery / Leesa Ronald: https://bit.ly/3F4tEBX 

Other Books Mentioned:

Nina Kenwood / Nina Kenwood: https://bit.ly/3F0YbRa 

Beach Read / Emily Henry: https://bit.ly/43pOq7c 

Five Bush Weddings / Clare Fletcher: https://bit.ly/3FbPVxJ 

PRODUCTION NOTES: 

Host: Nick Wasiliev

Guest: Leesa Ronald

Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev

Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz

Production Code: 3:3

Episode Number: #37

Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Allen & Unwin

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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 May 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 Deborah Pike to discuss her debut novel, The Players.

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 Players / Deborah Pike: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/K0gQvN 

Other Books Mentioned:

Orbital / Samantha Harvey: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/POB5ve 

Heartsease / Kate Kruimink: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/XmWJRX 

God Forgets About the Poor / Peter Polites: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/WygVzA 

The Great Undoing / Sharlene Allsopp: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/k06WGx 

The Bell Jar / Sylvia Plath: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/vPWAvv 

Paul Auster's The New York Trilogy / Paul Auster: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/MAgrVq 

PRODUCTION NOTES: 

Host: Nick Wasiliev

Guest: Deborah Pike

Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev

Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz

Production Code: 3:2

Episode Number: #36

Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Fremantle 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: 13th May 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.

For the first episode, we travel to the 2025 Newcastle Writers Festival for a live episode with Zahid Gamieldien, Lisa Kenway and Natasha Rai on their books All The Missing Children, All You Took From Me, and An Onslaught of Light.

WARNING: all three books contain intense subject matter, with An Onslaught of Light containing suicidal themes and scenes. Listener and reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you care about has been affected by this, help is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

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 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:

Zahid Gamieldien / All The Missing Children: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/K0gKr9 

Lisa Kenway / All You Took From Me: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/jeVXN0 

Natasha Rai / An Onslaught of Light: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/092QEJ 

PRODUCTION NOTES: 

Host: Nick Wasiliev

Guest: Natasha Rai, Lisa Kenway and Zahid Gamieldien

Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev

Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz

Production Code: 3:1

Episode Number: #35

Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Rosemarie Milsom, Amy Lovat (Newcastle Writers Festival), Scion Audio and Events, Transit Lounge, Ultimo 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.

We are back for our brand new series in 2025 - with new episodes every Tuesday, starting next week! 

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.

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/ 

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.

ORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 22 November 2024

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/

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.

For the twenty-first - and final -  episode of series two, Nick sits down with Raidah Shah Idil, author of How to Free a Jinn. They discuss the book, creating Malaysia on the page, drawing on Islamic faith in the creation of fantasy, smashing traditional literary tropes, and more.

BOOKS: 

Debut Feature:

• How to Free a Jinn by Raidah Shah Idil: https://angusrobertson.4tqiav.net/qzDEnN 

Other Books Mentioned:

• Hanna Alkaf Collection: https://bit.ly/48t5T0m 

PRODUCTION NOTES: 

Host: Nick Wasiliev

Guest: Raidah Shah Idil

Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev

Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz

Production Code: 2:21

Episode Number: #34

Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Reem Galal (Allen & Unwin Kids and YA)

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© 2024 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.