Episodi
-
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)
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. -
Michelle Mitchell and Dani Vee chat about her new book TWEENS.
They talk about this time being the most rapid period of development for a child, the difference between concrete and formal thinkers and how we can improve our connections with our tweens.
They also chat about screen time, building positive relationships, mental illness and how we're all just trying our best to be the positive adults our kids need
Michelle Mitchell is a bestselling author and speaker, sought after for her compassionate and grounded advice for parenting tweens and teens.
LISTEN NOW! -
Episodi mancanti?
-
ANGE CRAWFORD
🎙️ New QWS Podcast Episode! 🌈✨ Season 4 Continues!
In QWS S4E6, Troy Hunter (he/him) has a yarn with Ange Crawford (she/her) about her award-winning debut YA novel How To Be Normal, out now with Walker Books.
Ange discusses some of the key elements of the novel, including friendships, family and queer love. But How To Be Normal also tackles darker themes like coercive control and anxiety. She also opens up about how her own autism influences and impacts her writing.
There’s a great chat about how music influences her work and her life, and how our identities are fluid as we author ourselves in real time.
Plus there is squeeing over Angie Thomas books and Chappell Roan.
📚 Plus, Ange recommends some must-read queer books:
• Where You Left Us by Rhiannon Wilde
• The Spider and Her Demons by sydney khoo
• The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Organisations - Switchboard and Minus 18
📖 More about Ange on Insta @ange_e_crawford
🔗 Hosted by Troy Hunter (he/him)
🌟 Gus and the Missing Boy – out now
🔥 Gus and the Burning Stones – coming August 2025
📖 More about Troy on Insta @troyhunterwriter -
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)
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. -
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
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. -
Dani and Joel chat about his brand new book Heist: The Great Chocolate Caper, planning vs the benefits of spontaneous writing, word counts and trends.
Joel also confesses something about his past that inspired the book - and it's shocking!
They also chat about the importance of self-care when touring, the power of poetry in bringing out the vulnerability of students, particularly boys, unraveling the patriarchy and practising courageous vulnerability. -
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
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. -
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
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. -
🎙️ New QWS Podcast Episode! 🌈✨ Season 4 Continues!
In QWS S4E5, Troy Hunter (he/him) sits down with Gary Lonesborough (he/him), a proud gay Yuin man and YA writer, to chat about his three acclaimed novels The Boy from the Mish, We Didn’t Think It Through, and I’m Not Really Here.
They dig into the history of each novel, including Gary’s path to publication, as well as the stories behind the stories. Gary gives hints about his new novel due in 2026 and why it is the favourite thing he has written.
Gary describes his books as like sending a time-travelling branch of hope back in time to teenagers like him at 17.
Plus he explains why he wishes his cats (and Kylie Minogue) could read his books!
Plus, Gary recommends:
📚 • We Could Be Something by Will Kostakis
📚 • Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
📺 • It’s A Sin (streaming on Stan)
Gary will be at the Melbourne Writers Festival on 7-8 May.
🔗 Hosted by Troy Hunter
🌟 Gus and the Missing Boy by Troy Hunter
🔥 Gus and the Burning Stones – coming July 2025
📖 More about Troy: Website | Instagram
#QWSPodcast #GaryLonesborough #LoveOzYA #IndigenousWriting #Gayauthor #Queerwriting #WordsandNerds #LGBTQIABooks #YoungAdult #KylieMinogue #Cats -
True crime fans will love this episode!
TAKEOVER: Adam Wallace gets dark and serious in this episode chatting to Jeffrey Pfeifer, a professor of forensic psychology who has worked with police and prison services around the world.
His books explore the stories of the men and women executed for their crimes in Canada and Australia, and two of his books have now been optioned as movie productions.
His books are available at: www.academic-rp.com
Jeffrey Pfeifer received his Ph.D. and M.Leg.St. (Master of Legal Studies) from the University of Nebraska and has been teaching and conducting research in forensic psychology for the past 30 years. In addition to his research on jury decision-making, policing, and corrections, he has also conducted training workshops and program evaluations for security agencies across the world. He has testified as an expert witness in criminal trials and his research has been cited by the Supreme Court of Canada. -
Superstar Adrian Beck chats to Dani Vee about his new middle grade book VILLAIN. The switch board lit up like Taylor Swift at a Chiefs game (enjoy my footy reference ADRIAN!) and we heard from 7 special and not at all planted creative guests who asked questions that ranged from the ridiculous (Adam Wallace) to the profound ... um someone did ask something profound didn't they?
Just as Adrian Bec-k thought he was out of woods, Dani asked him some hard hitting questions that left him speechless
They may have talked about his new book VILLAIN, but definitely had a chat about the impact of Al, how he keeps his finger on the pulse of publishing, bathing cavoodles and his lush hair. Industry information, random conversations, writing, and donuts vs croissants. What more could you want? get ready to laugh! -
Dani Vee and Chris Flynn chat about his new supernatural thriller novel Orpheus Nine. Described as Australia's Stephen King, Chris writes a satire about world problems through small town conversations. They explore doomsday culture and impact of a catastrophising media on mental health and desensitisation. They discuss why people are so worried about wrong or learning from their mistakes and what it is about the internet that makes people double down on their ideas. They also chat about the impact of AI, critical thinking and staying curious. Chris also confesses something about his personal journey when moving from Belfast to Australia, and why he needed to reset.
-
🎙️ New QWS Podcast Episode! 🌈✨Season 4 continues
In QWS S4E4, Rob chats with writer and artist Catherine Johnstone (she/her) about her lyrical, hybrid memoir-in-progress and her contributions to the international anthology Stories of Place (Black Rose Writing).
They talk coming out through art, the power of queer storytelling, and how creative nonfiction can blur and bend traditional forms—lyric essays, fragments, visual structure, and more. Catherine reflects on publishing with a global collective, the joy of letting go, and her hopes for the LGBTIQA+ community.
She also shares thoughtful advice for fellow writers: the importance of daydreaming, embracing experimental forms, and ending the never-ending pursuit of perfection—letting go of work when it’s ready “enough,” rather than endlessly chasing a mythical final draft.
📚 Plus, Catherine recommends some must-read queer books:
· The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel (QWS S2E7 guest – haven’t listened yet? Go check it out!)
· My Life in Sea Creatures by Sabrina Imbler
· There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
Oh—and there’s a shout-out to Helen Garner, a launch across five countries, and the underrated magic of daydreaming ✨
Listen in for a rich, inspiring conversation about craft, vulnerability, and place.
🎧 Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts! -
⭐️ NEW EPISODE WITH MAITHREE WIJESEKARA ⭐️
Dani and Maithree chat about why the fantasy genre resonates with readers and why Maithree was compelled to write a novel in the middle of her dentistry degree.
They take a small segue into how best to look after your teeth, with some surprising tips and a unique way to drink coffee!
They discuss Maithree’s incredible pathway to publication and how she entered the publishing industry.
Maithree Wijesekara is an Australian-Sri Lankan writer
based in Melbourne. Graduating with a Masters in Dentistry in 2021, she splits her time between dentistry and writing stories inspired by the fantastical and the real world. The Prince Without Sorrow is her debut novel and is being positioned as one of 2025’s most exciting fantasy releases.
Publisher: Harper Collins
Book: The Prince Without Sorrow
Music Credit: Happy Corporate Whistle, published by Four Track, Composed by Andre Albrecht -
⭐️ NEW EPISODE WITH SARAH FOSTER ⭐️
A very feminist chat, essential listening for men and women, by women of a certain rage!
Dani and Sara have a fascinating chat about creating female characters that push back against stereotypes and tropes.
They also chat about the renegotiation and complexity of mother/daughter relationships as you age, and the paradox of what we want for our daughters (freedom) versus the safety of women in the world.
Sara delves in the toxic masculinity such as transactional relationships, power and how uncomfortable conversations have to be had in order to dismantle misogyny and toxic masculinity. Women have always been uncomfortable and have had to plan their lives around their own safety.
They also manage to chat about why thrillers engage audiences and how important they are in holding a mirror up to society.
Sara Foster is the author of acclaimed dystopian thriller The Hush and six bestselling psychological suspense novels: You Don't Know Me, The Hidden Hours, All That is Lost Between Us, Shallow Breath, Beneath the Shadows and Come Back to Me.
Her new novel is When She Was Gone.
Publisher: Harper Collins
Book: When She Was Gone
Music Credit: Happy Corporate Whistle, published by Four Track, Composed by Andre Albrecht -
Episode 728 - Dani Vee and Ashleigh Barton celebrate the new book How to Sail to Somewhere.
They chat about writing in the chaos of creativity and parenthood, and how they’re tackling the big parenting moments, while trying to remain inspired.
The conversation turns to being present, never being perfect and interesting writing process that doesn’t involve writing!
Ashleigh is a children’s author as has worked in publishing running publicity and marketing campaigns. Ashleigh had written six picture books, two junior fiction series and has been recognised on the CBCA Notables and shortlist three years running.
Listen now!
Publisher: Hachette (Lothian)
Book: How To Sail to Somewhere
Music Credit: Happy Corporate Whistle, published by Four Track, Composed by Andre Albrecht -
🎙️ New QWS Podcast Episode! 🌈✨ Season 4 Continues!
In QWS S4E3, our new co-host Troy Hunter (he/him) sits down with Lisa Tirreno (she/her), a bi fantasy and speculative fiction writer, to chat about her debut novel Prince of Fortune. They dive into Lisa’s inspirations, the evolving definitions of "romantic fantasy," and the intersection of queer storytelling and world-building. They also explore shifting ideas of masculinity, from the Regency era to today. Lisa shares insights on navigating the publishing industry, obtaining an international agent, the role of social media for authors, and how the fight for marriage equality shaped her novel.
📚 Plus, Lisa recommends some must-read queer books:
• You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson
• Dark Rise series by C.S. Pacat
• Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson
🔗 Hosted by Troy Hunter (he/him)
🌟 Gus and the Missing Boy by Troy Hunter
🔥 Gus and the Burning Stones – coming July 2025
📖 More about Troy: Website | Instagram - Mostra di più
