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.

• Talking Aussie Books: https://claudinetinellis.com/episodes/
• Claudine Tinellis - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudinetinellis

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

© 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.

• Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA): 1300 726 306
• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
• Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• LifeLine: 13 11 14

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

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

© 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)

FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT):

A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed NEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev

© 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:

• Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA): 1300 726 306
• ForWhen Helpine: 1300 24 23 22
• Red Nose Australia: https://rednose.org.au/
• Pink Elephants Support Network: https://www.pinkelephants.org.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:

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

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

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

© 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.