Continuing Conversations: Sci-Fi Storytelling & Star Trek Adventures
Where does the game end and the story begin? Continuing Conversations is your weekly deep dive into the art of Science Fiction storytelling, narrative design, and the creative process—hosted by Michael Dismuke and Jim Johnson. While our roots are firmly planted in the Star Trek Adventures RPG, our mission has expanded. We are exploring how Sci-Fi worlds are built, how characters are forged, and how stories are told across every medium. Whether you are a Gamemaster crafting a campaign, an aspiring novelist, or a fan of deep lore, we bring you the insights you need to fuel your imagination. Produced by Studio Tembo, this show is dedicated to "Infinite Stories in Infinite Combinations." Whether you're rolling dice or writing chapters, let's continue the conversation. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo Science Fiction Writing, Narrative Design, Star Trek Adventures, Creative Writing, RPG Design, World Building, Sci-Fi Authors, Jim Johnson, Michael Dismuke, Studio Tembo, Speculative Fiction, Tabletop RPGs, Game Writing, Storytelling.
Episodes
Unlock the Secrets of Global Storytelling with Author Nova McBee!
How do you turn real-world adventures into an international bestselling series? In this episode of Continuing Conversations, we sit down with Nova McBee, the powerhouse author and screenwriter behind the hit young adult thriller series, Calculated.
Drawing from over 20 years of living in China, Asia, and the Middle East, Nova reveals how her cross-cultural life shap...
The definitive Star Trek history is finally here! Join the "Trekstorians"—Derek Tyler Attico, Kelli Fitzpatrick, Jim Johnson, and Michael Dismuke—for an exclusive look at the groundbreaking new release from DK Books: Star Trek Timelines. Launching November 3, 2026, for the Star Trek 60th Anniversary, this 336-page hardcover masterwork charts the entire franchise history from the Big Bang to the end of the universe. We’re diving int...
Dr. Una McCormack is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling science fiction author known for bringing depth, politics, and humanity to some of the genre’s most beloved universes. With more than twenty novels, she has written acclaimed stories for Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Firefly, including Star Trek: Picard – The Last Best Hope and the autobiographies of Spock and Kathryn Janeway.
An academic with a PhD in sociology and a lo...
Two writers. Two vantage points. One honest conversation about breaking into science fiction. In this episode, Jim and I sit down with Candace Kade, an experienced voice in the field, and Kyra Walters, a new writer navigating the path to publication. Together, we dig into flash sci-fi, storytelling craft, and the real questions every writer asks when starting out—cutting through the noise with candid insights, practical advice, and...
Thomas Marrone flies back in to Continuing Conversations to talk about 15 years of Star Trek Online goodness! For a quarter of Trek's existence, Thomas and team have been creating a portal into the Trek universe via STO for hundreds of thousands of video gamers. Now in lead of STO development, we dive into the stories that have riveted new and old Trek fans and keep them coming back for more. Also, we will take a look at some of th...
Susan and Tilly Bridges grace us with their presence as they give us the dish on their run on Star Trek Voyager comics from IDW Publishing. Ever wish for that 8th season of Voyager? Well, here it is in comic form!
Today on Continuing Conversations, we’re joined by Laurie Ulster—a New York-based writer, freelance journalist, TV producer, and seasoned copy editor whose work spans digital, print, audio, and television. Laurie’s bylines have appeared in outlets like Biography, ScreenRant, CBS Watch, and TrekMovie.com, and she’s a Senior Editor and podcast co-host for All Access Star Trek, blending deep fandom with insightful cultural commentary....
Star Trek legends Bonnie Gordon (Star Trek: Prodigy) and John Billingsley ("Phlox" on Star Trek: Enterprise) join us to banter about storytelling, boxer shorts, and amazing events like the Trek Talk Telethon to support the Hollywood Food Coalition. Join us for good laughs and great causes!
We sit down with the stunning sci-fi writer Dylan Johnson in this week's episode! YAY! Dylan emphasizes community—championing other writers, supporting their causes, and the belief that every life has worth and a story to tell. Tune in for an inspiring sit-down!
This week we have the brain-bursting Christoper Cantwell on the show and WOW!! Some insider previews of the NEW Star Trek comic launch coming on Star Trek Day 2026 in celebration of Trek's 60th anniversary!
Christopher Cantwell is an American writer, producer, and director who has worked in television, film, and comic books. He is best known as one of the two co-creators of the TV series Halt and Catch Fire, for which he also serve...
In this episode, Michael and Jim welcome Pavel “Flour” Dąbrowski, one of the brilliant minds in the Star Trek Adventures community, to discuss his innovative reimagining of the Extended Task mechanic. Pavel explains how adapting this system for personal and professional missions adds depth to character arcs—transforming what was once a mechanical hurdle into a storytelling engine that tracks growth, struggle, and success. From star...
This week, Jim and Michael sit down with editor and publishing pro TwylaBeth Lambert for a candid conversation about the unsung hero of writing—editing. From recognizing when to hire an editor to understanding the levels of edits—developmental, line, and copy—they explore how trust, communication, and role clarity can turn revisions into revelations. Whether you’re querying agents or going indie, TwylaBeth shares expert advice on h...
In this episode, we dive deep into the creative process behind Star Trek Adventures Mission Briefs with writers Cory Belote and Marco Rafala. We explore how to craft compelling narratives for JAG-style legal dramas and expansive Five Year Missions. Cory and Marco share their tips for balancing Federation ideals with high-stakes conflict, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the storytelling techniques used to bring these mission...
This week on Continuing Conversations: We’re joined by Larry “Dr. Trek” Nemecek — legendary Star Trek authority, bestselling author of Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion, archivist, host of The Trek Files podcast, and creator of the deep-dive fan experience Portal 47. With decades of insider knowledge from behind-the-scenes archival interviews, convention stages, and documentary work, Larry breaks down Trek lore like no one e...
Ever wondered how a video game writer handles the "Kobayashi Maru" of storytelling? Dan Martin (Writer, Star Trek: Resurgence) joins us to reveal how Telltale-style branching narratives are built and why Riker makes the perfect Captain.
In this episode of Continuing Conversations, Michael and Jim sit down with Dan Martin to discuss the challenges of writing for a beloved IP like Star Trek. Dan breaks down the "Ludo-narrative disson...
Jim and Michael are joined by the writers behind the Star Trek Adventures: Species Sourcebook to talk deep Trek lore, game design, and how to bring the galaxy’s many cultures to life at your table.
Al Spader, Nathan Dowdell, Rachael Cruz, and Stephen Near gather to discuss designing iconic species, expanding player options, and giving GMs new tools to add depth, flavor, and IDIC to their campaigns.
If you’ve ever wanted your Star T...
Jim Johnson is back in the co-pilot seat this week alongside Michael Dismuke to interview best-selling romance author Alys Murray.
Alys has made a name for herself writing "sweet" romance novels that capture the cozy, heartwarming feel of a Hallmark movie—but with her latest work, she is adding a magical twist. In this episode, the trio discusses the enduring appeal of the "small town" trope, why readers crave happy endings in chao...
In this episode of Continuing Conversations, Michael Dismuke flies solo to sit down with Heather Antos, the Senior Editor of Star Trek comics at IDW Publishing.
Heather opens up about her journey from Marvel (Star Wars, Gwenpool) to reshaping the Star Trek comic landscape. We discuss the creation of the first-ever Star Trek comic universe, the massive Day of Blood crossover event, and the return of Captain Benjamin Sisko. Heather a...
It’s the first episode of 2026—and that means we’re officially in the 60th anniversary year of Star Trek. To kick things off, we’re also widening the show’s scope: we’re not just talking Star Trek Adventures at the table anymore—we’re going Beyond RPG into the more expansive Trek storytelling universe.
Tonight’s guest is Scott Pearson, a longtime editor in the Star Trek fiction space (including years as a freelance copy editor for ...
Jim and Michael recount all the Star Trek Adventures goodness that came out in 2025 and usher in 2026 with a very cool announcement.
Beam aboard for a special episode! We're reviewing the incredible year for Star Trek Adventures RPG, looking back at the amazing releases of 2025 and teasing what's to come as we approach Star Trek's 60th Anniversary in 2026! Join us as w...
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