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
What happens when tabletop roleplaying moves beyond entertainment and becomes a tool for transformation? On this episode of Continuing Conversations, Jim and Michael sit down with storyteller, educator, and game designer Marcy Brown to explore how roleplaying games can unlock creativity, build empathy, and create deeper learning experiences for young people. As Lead Storyteller with the Mycelium Youth Network, Marcy helps shape spa...
Al Spader and Alex Boer join Jim and Michael to dish out some good advice about running a one-shot Star Trek Adventures RPG. Whether your friends are short on time, you are introducing the game to newbies, or you are taking up the GM mantle at a convention or online, these tips will ensure everyone has an incredible time in 2-3 hours (or even less sometimes). https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
Al Spader and Alex Boer join Jim and Michael to explore Scars and Trauma in STA. Featured in the 23rd Century Sourcebook, scars and trauma can deepen your characters' back stories and make for amazing storytelling. Time to riff! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
In this episode of Continuing Conversations, we sit down with acclaimed cartoonist and animation director Derek Kirk Kim to explore a creative journey that moves seamlessly between indie comics and major animated series. From his Eisner and Harvey Award-winning work on Same Difference and Other Stories to his time directing on Amphibia, Derek shares how his approach to storytelling has evolved while...
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...
Popular Podcasts
Joy is essential. And it's also elusive. You can't order it, borrow it, or simply hope it into life. But now, there's a new and exciting way to start your journey toward a more joyful existence: The Joy 101 Podcast with Hoda! Best known for her Emmy-winning work and co-anchoring Today, Hoda Kotb infuses her authenticity, curiosity, and warmth into conversations with the world’s most fascinating people. Entertainment legends, sport icons, wellness experts, and everyday folks will share how they find, allow, and experience joy. Hoda will offer her own tips and takes on seeking a more balanced, harmonious life. If you're craving inspiration, support, and useful tools to maximize your joy, tune in to these candid, uplifting, and moving on-air chats. Joy after a breakup, joy as an empty-nester, joy after loss, joy as a caretaker — Hoda's new podcast will speak to you. Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb, an iHeartPodcast.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.
Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.