Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

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!

ANGE CRAWFORD

Dani Vee and Gavin Aung Than chat about his new graphic novel Creature Clinic. They also chat about the differences between Australian and US publishers, the secrets of the industry, parenting, finding creative space and whether meditation really works.

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.

Dani Vee and Sarah Clifton chat about her new book The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains. They chat about the writing process, writing, feminisms and remarkable truths. Sarah WON an interview by bidding on the Authors and Artists for Palestine Fundraiser

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.

Dani Vee chats to Karys McEwan about her new book The Paperbark Tree Committee, putting together writing festivals and why libraries change lives.

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.

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 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

In this adults only chat with Dani Vee and Holden Sheppard they chat about the brilliant STAN series Invisible Boys, brilliant casting and writing the raw and realistic episode 8. They discuss unrealistic love scenes in rom coms and how damaging they are in creating unrealistic expectations. The chat turns to shedding shame and who you are supposed to be and choosing to live authentically. Holden chat about the Invisible Boys sequel and how it is the book he was always meant to write. Holden Sheppard is an award-winning author. His debut novel Invisible Boys has now been adapted for television as an original series.   Holden's second novel The Brink won Young Adult Book of the Year at the 2023 Indie Book Awards and the 2024 Ena Noël Award. The Brink was shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, the South Australian Literary Awards, the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs) and the QLD Writers' Centre's Adaptable program. Holden's third book King of Dirt will be published in June 2025 by Pantera Press. Publisher: Fremantle Press TV: A STAN Original Music Credit: Happy Corporate Whistle, published by Four Track, Composed by Andre Albrecht

It's a Kidlit takeover! Join Ky Garvey as she chats to Picture Book creatives Rory H Mather, Brent Wilson & Kirsten Ealand on their new picture books Laugh in the Bath from Little Book Press and The Big Backyard Plan from Affirm Press. The authors share what it's like to collaborate with their fellow publishing creatives including getting creative advice from their peers and what the relationship between Author and Illustrator can be like.

✨ New Episode Alert! ✨ QWS Podcast S4E2 – Curtis Campbell On this episode of QWS Podcast, Rob chats with writer, comedian, and theatre artist Curtis Campbell about his debut YA novel The House of Rural Realness (UQP). This razor-sharp, heartfelt, and hilarious book dives into queer community, drag, and self-acceptance—all with a healthy dose of drama! Curtis shares his pathway to publication story, writing tips, the power of humour in tackling heavy themes, and the importance of community—now more than ever. Plus, drag!

Dani Vee and Victoria Brownlee, author, writer and editor, covering food, travel and lifestyle across Australia and France, chat about their passion for food, celebrity obsession and toxic work places. They talk about writing fun books and the most stressful scene of the book that makes the book unputdownable! With Victoria having had various publishers, she chats about what she has learnt about publishing including the need to survive rejection and be brave to throw away words that aren't working. They also talk about Paris and romance in books. Her latest novel, 'Eat Your Heart Out' is published by Affirm Press. Publisher: Affirm Press Music Credit: Happy Corporate Whistle, published by Four Track, Composed by Andre Albrecht

Dani Vee and her brother-from-another-mother award winning author John Larkin chat about the best publishing story ever, the signing of The Bogan Book Club at a pub on title only! Dani makes a confession to her long-time friend, and John talks about combining commercial literary fiction, and the book he was destined to write. Both Dani & John have been open with their mental health experiences and share their journeys of mental health and wellness. They also discuss how their recent surgeries and procedures unexpectedly impacted their mental health. *Trigger warning - this episode explores domestic violence and may be triggering for some listeners. Please listen with care. Publisher: Larrikin House Music Credit: Happy Corporate Whistle, published by Four Track, Composed by Andre Albrecht

In this episode Dani Vee chats to Tina Strachan about the maths ins storytelling and pantsing vs plotting when writing a manuscript. We chat about Tina's unique writing processes including Save The Cat and Story Grid methods The conversation turns to self-care and listening to the connection between our brain and body, making space for creativity, and how writing communities shape us as writers. We also talk about Neeka and the Missing Key, published by HarperCollins, the first book of the Wilder Zoo series. Publisher: Harper Collins Music Credit: Happy Corporate Whistle, published by Four Track, Composed by Andre Albrecht

MOST LOVED THROWBACKS - Alison Daddo and Dani Vee

MOST LOVED THROWBACKS - Nat's What I Reckon, Dani Vee and James Layton

MOST LOVED THROWBACKS - Matt Nable and Dani Vee

MOST LOVED THROWBACKS - Rove and Dani Vee

MOST LOVED THROWBACKS - Tara Moss and Dani Vee

MOST LOVED THROWBACKS - Scott Pape and Dani Vee

‘It's never been so important to be a mother of boys. We have to shape how our boys view the world, particularly when it comes to women.' The first episode of the Words & Nerds new season for 2025 has landed! Kell Woods and Dani Vee chat like old friends about the importance of parenting boys and teachable moments of positive masculinity. They also chat about finding a balance between mental health and creativity. Kell and Dani delve into fairytales and appropriating them for a new context where the portrayal of women and feminism becomes a central theme. Kell Woods is an Australian historical fantasy author. She studied English Literature, creative writing and librarianship, and has worked in libraries for the past twelve years. She's the author of After the Forest and Upon a Starlit Tide. Publisher: Harper Collins Music Credit: Happy Corporate Whistle, published by Four Track, Composed by Andre Albrecht

MOST LOVED THROWBACK - Clementine Ford and Dani Vee

BEST OF SERIES 2024 - Li Chen and Dani Vee

BEST OF SERIES 2024 - Date With A Debut - Sharlene Allsopp and Nick Wasiliev

BEST OF SERIES 2024 - Writers On The Road - Adrian Beck and Adam Wallace

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BEST OF SERIES 2024 - Kirsten Hunter and Dani Vee

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BEST OF SERIES 2024 - Date With A Debut: Carly-Jay Metcalfe and Nick Wasiliev on Breath

BEST OF SERIES 2024 - Belinda Murrell and Dani Vee

BEST OF SERIES 2024 - Tate James and Dani Vee

The BEST OF SERIES for 2024 showcases the most listened to episodes by Words and Nerds book lovers!

BEST OF SERIES 2024 - Date With A Debut - Eleanor Elliot Thomas and Nick Wasiliev on The Opposite of Success

BEST OF SERIES 2024 - Dinuka Mckenzie and Dani Vee

TAKEOVER: Date With a Debut - Aura Pressler and Nick Wasiliev

BEST OF SERIES 2024 - TAKEOVER: Tim Harris and Adrian Beck

The BEST OF SERIES for 2024 showcases the most listened to episodes by Words and Nerds book lovers!

The BEST OF SERIES for 2024 showcases the most listened to episodes by Words and Nerds book lovers!

14. BEST OF SERIES 2024 - Date With A Debut Brydie Lee-Kennedy and Nick Wasiliev on Go Lightly