Continuing Conversations: Sci-Fi Storytelling & Star Trek Adventures

Studio Tembo
  • 5.0 (5)
  • HOBBIES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 14H AGO

    Star Trek Comics Insider Preview

    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 served as a producer, showrunner, screenwriter, and director. He also directed the 2019 film The Parts You Lose. Cantwell is a writer of comic books, including The Blue Flame, She Could Fly, Everything, Doctor Doom, The Mask, Iron Man, Captain America, Gold Goblin, and Star Wars: Obi-Wan. He served as an executive producer of the television adaptation of the comic book Paper Girls. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

    1h 19m

  2. FEB 27

    An Innovative Reimagining of the Extended Task Mechanic

    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 starship repairs to emotional breakthroughs, this conversation boldly explores how mechanics can serve narrative and enrich the role-playing experience.

    58 min

  3. FEB 20

    TwylaBeth Lambert

    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 how to make every edit count—creatively, professionally, and financially. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

    57 min

  4. FEB 13

    Writing Star Trek Adventures with Cory Belote & Marco Rafala

    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 briefs to life for GMs and players alike.

    1h 9m

  5. FEB 6

    Star Trek’s Living History: A Conversation with Larry Nemecek

    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 else. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the galaxy, this conversation will take you boldly where few podcasts go. Want a tour of famous Star Trek shooting locations? Check out geeknationtours.com.

    1h 2m

  6. JAN 30

    Why Your Choices Matter in Star Trek: Resurgence (feat. Dan Martin)

    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 dissonance" in game design, shares stories from the Resurgence writer's room, and explains why Spock, Kirk, and McCoy are the ultimate model for video game choices. [Key Topics] 00:00 - Intro: Writing for the 24th Century 04:15 - Why Riker should have been a Commodore hunting the Borg 08:30 - The secret to Spock’s voice: It’s an East Boston accent? 13:45 - How "Beany" tools manage thousands of script pages 23:10 - Ludo-Narrative Dissonance: When story fights gameplay 26:00 - AI in creative writing: Why Dan isn’t worried [Links & Resources] Dan Martin: DanMartinMedia.com Michael Dismuke: MichaelDismuke.com #StarTrek #StarTrekResurgence #GameDesign #NarrativeDesign #StarTrekAdventures #SciFiWriting https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

    58 min

  7. JAN 24

    Inside the Star Trek Adventures Species Sourcebook (w/ the Writers!)

    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 Trek Adventures game to feel richer, stranger, and more authentically Trek — this episode is for you. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

    1h 13m

  8. JAN 16

    Why We Love Happy Endings: Writing Cozy Romance with Alys Murray

    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 chaotic times, and Alys's shift into the paranormal rom-com genre with her new book, Small Town, Big Magic. They also dive into her writing process, her roots in fanfiction, and the specific "beats" that make a romance novel work. Topics Discussed: The definition of "Sweet Romance" vs. other sub-genres. The Magnolia Sisters series and building fictional flower shop empires. Transitioning to "Witchy" Rom-Coms with Small Town, Big Magic. The "Hallmark Movie" formula and why it works. Pantsing vs. Plotting: How Alys writes three books a year. The influence of fanfiction on modern publishing. Guest Info: Alys Murray is an author of romantic comedies and sweet romance novels, known for The Magnolia Sisters series and Small Town, Big Magic. She combines her love for food, travel, and happy endings into stories that feel like a warm hug. Time Chapters 00:00 - Intro: Jim & Michael are back together  01:45 - Meet Author Alys Murray  04:15 - What is "Sweet Romance"?  07:30 - The Appeal of the "Small Town" Trope  1:20 - Discussing "The Magnolia Sisters"  15:40 - "Small Town, Big Magic": A Witchy Pivot  20:10 - The Writing Process: Beating the Block  24:50 - Fanfiction Roots & Community  29:00 - Upcoming Projects & Outro https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

    56 min
See All (200)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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.

Information

More From Studio Tembo