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Continuing Conversations: Sci-Fi Storytelling & Star Trek Adventures

Studio Tembo

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.

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22 episodes
Avg 54 min
English

Episodes 22

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Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#236
August 28 · 51 min
How to Market Your RPG
Al Spader guest stars to talk about how to market your RPG and your personal brand. I would like to call this a master class, but honestly, it is a tricky game where some strategies win and others lose. Tune in. Maybe you will find the perfect strategy that takes your game from bust to boom. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
#235
August 21 · 1 hr 7 min
Dynamic writing duo Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly (the Hive Mind)
In this episode of Continuing Conversations, hosts Michael Dismuke and Jim Johnson welcome back the dynamic writing duo Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly (the Hive Mind), fresh off San Diego Comic-Con 2026. The creators share their 20-year journey as collaborative partners, offering invaluable business advice for aspiring writers, including establishing an S-Corp, hiring legal/accounting professionals, and their financial blueprint under Ego Death Inc. They also preview their highly anticipated projects, including taking over Dark Horse’s Dungeons & Dragons comics (pitched as the 'Avengers of D&D'), their original horror miniseries You'll Never Leave This Place Alive, and their upcoming indie film Synthetic. Learn more about the duo's creative synergy here: https://magmacomix.com/blogs/creators/hive-mind-jackson-lanzing-collin-kelly https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
#234
August 17 · 55 min
LIVE from ST:LV 2026
Jim and Michael at STLV and the Star Trek Timelines panel!!! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
#233
August 7 · 1 hr 7 min
The World of Sequential Art
We are diving deep into the world of sequential art to profile a creator who completely redefines what a comic book page can look like: the incredible J.K. Woodward. If you’ve ever flipped through the dark, atmospheric pages of Peter David’s Fallen Angel, or marveled at the hyper-realistic, stunningly painted characters in IDW’s Star Trek universe, then you already know his work. Woodward bridges the gap between traditional fine art and modern comic storytelling. By choosing gouache on hot-press cotton paper over standard digital inks, he brings a textured, expressionistic depth to mainstream Marvel, DC, and indie titles. He belongs to that elite class of mixed-media visionaries, proving with every single panel that comic book art belongs in a fine art gallery. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
#232
August 6 · 39 min
STA Weapons and Gear
Jim and Michael break down Star Trek Adventures RPG Core Rulebook chapter 8, Weapons and Gear! Are you optimizing the use of gear and Weapons in your game? Tune in for some serious riffing to inspire amazing ways to use equipment traits, insane weapons, and outlandish inventions. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
#231
July 24 · 1 hr 14 min
Where does a great RPG design begin?
What does it really take to turn an RPG idea into a finished game? In this episode of Continuing Conversations, Michael Dismuke and Jim Johnson sit down with veteran game designers Meric Moir, and Al Spader for an engaging discussion about the realities of RPG development. From the spark of an initial idea to the challenges of playtesting, refinement, and publication, the panel explores what happens behind the curtain of game design. Together, they tackle big questions: Does a great RPG begin with mechanics, setting, theme, or emotion? How do designers know when to stop worldbuilding and start building a playable game? What lessons emerge when players interact with a game in ways its creators never anticipated? And perhaps most importantly, what separates the RPGs that make it to publication from the countless brilliant ideas that remain trapped in notebooks and hard drives? Whether you're an aspiring designer, a veteran gamemaster, or simply curious about how your favorite RPGs come to life, this conversation offers practical insights, hard-earned lessons, and plenty of stories from the creative trenches. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
#230
July 21 · 54 min
Allies and Adversaries Sourcebook
Jim and Michael invite 2D20 System Designer Nathan Dowdell onto Continuing Conversations to chat about the NEW Star Trek Adventures Allies and Adversaries Sourcebook. Learn about new encounters, optional rule sets, and a menagerie of NPCS to throw into your games for unlimited fun!
#229
July 14 · 36 min
LIVE at Shore Leave 46
Sorry for the late episode, folks. But we wanted to do something special. We were in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for Shore Leave 46 and in fabulous hands with many of Star Trek adventure’s most prolific writers. We will take you on the tour of Vendor Hall, meet some familiar faces, and talk about convention etiquette. Let us know what you think of this episode. It’s different than what we usually do. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
#228
July 9 · 1 hr 3 min
Star Trek Book Club
Adam Selvidge, founder of Star Trek Book Club, joins Jim and Michael to talk about the vast universe of stories contained within Star Trek novels and comics. Hear about our favorite books in addition to how to choose where to start if you want to get into the novels and comics. It is a big galaxy of stories. This episode will give you some good options for starting points. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
#227
July 8 · 53 min
Building an Episodic Campaign
Star Trek Adventures writer Stephen Near joins Jim and Michael to riff about building an episodic campaign to tantalize your players. How to do it? What are some cool ways to keep players invested in the episodes and character development? What tools are available (FOR FREE) to help build a great episodic gamer? Tune in to help plan your next great adventure. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
#226
June 19 · 48 min
Can the captain be an NPC?
Star Trek Adventures writer Stephen Near joins Jim and Michael to tackle the controversial question, "Can the captain be an NPC in your Star Trek Adventures game? What are the pros and cons? Opportunities and threats?" Get ready for some distinct opinions and new ideas to get your tribbles chirping. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
#225
June 18 · 1 hr 9 min
Star Trek Author Dayton Ward
Join us on Continuing Conversations as we sit down with legendary Star Trek author Dayton Ward to discuss his thrilling new novel set after Season 3 of Star Trek: Picard. We dive into temporal mysteries, Wesley Crusher’s return, Romulans, what’s at stake when history itself begins to unravel, and how Star Trek Adventures seeps into the novel. Along the way, we also celebrate 60 years of Star Trek history and explore Dayton’s incredible career writing across one of science fiction’s most beloved franchises. If you love Trek lore, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes insights, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
#224
June 5 · 42 min
Roleplaying Unlocks Creativity
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 spaces where storytelling, community, and youth empowerment intersect—using game-based learning to help students find their voice, build confidence, and imagine new possibilities. If you’ve ever wondered how RPGs can become powerful tools in the classroom, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
#223
May 29 · 34 min
Running a one-shot Star Trek Adventures RPG
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
#222
May 22 · 32 min
Scars and Trauma in STA
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
#221
May 15 · 1 hr 12 min
Developing Your Voice Across Mediums with Award-Winning Creator Derek Kirk Kim
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 staying rooted in deeply human moments. We dive into his early childhood memories—including a surprise reunion with host Michael Dismuke from their 4th-grade days—and discuss how his experience as an immigrant influenced his connection to characters like Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Whether you are an aspiring artist or a fan of visual storytelling, this conversation uncovers what it really means to grow as a creator without losing your voice. GET YOUR DEREK KIRK KIM BOOKS FROM ADVENTURE INK! https://adventureink.xyz/browse/filter/t/Derek%20Kirk%20Kim/k/keyword Chapters/Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Continuing Conversations 01:13 – Meet Derek Kirk Kim: Cartoonist, Animator, and Director 02:14 – A 4th Grade Reunion: Michael and Derek’s Shared History 03:38 – Coming to America: Early Memories and Language Barriers 06:50 – Star Trek Resonance: Why Data Matters to Derek 08:43 – Host Favorites: Seven of Nine and Benjamin Sisko 10:55 – Exploring Deep Space Nine and the Growth of the Franchise CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS: Michael Dismuke: Freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures RPG. Visit him at MichaelDismuke.com. Jim Johnson: Project manager for Star Trek Adventures and Fallout RPGs at Modiphius. PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF STAR TREK TIMELINES TODAY https://adventureink.xyz/item/hB2UM6Mk2YEpRS8_RBqmkg FIND MORE FROM STUDIO TEMBO https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo
#220
May 8 · 51 min
From Novel to Film Deal with Author Nova McBee
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 shaped her "oak tree" stories—books designed to last for generations. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a Star Trek fan, or curious about the future of media, this interview is packed with actionable insights on the publishing industry and the creative process. In this episode, we dive into: • The "Calculated" Journey: Nova shares the 13-year path of bringing her math-prodigy thriller to life and the news about the upcoming film adaptation. • The Future of Entertainment: As the CCO of Y Plus X Entertainment, Nova explains the $15 billion vertical film industry and why storytelling for mobile phones is the next big frontier. • Writing for Crossover Audiences: How she intentionally crafts stories that resonate with everyone from 12-year-olds to 80-year-old book clubs and a massive male demographic. • The "Contender" Mindset: Why Nova spent years perfecting her craft and studying the publishing business before ever trying to get published. • Star Trek Inspiration: How the partnership of Kirk and Spock influenced her views on cross-cultural collaboration and massive adventure. ABOUT OUR GUEST Nova McBee is a multi-talented author, screenwriter, and Chief Creative Officer. Her Calculated series is described as The Count of Monte Cristo meets Mission Impossible, featuring math prodigies, international smugglers, and high-stakes redemption. ORDER NOVA MCBEE'S BOOKS FROM ADVENTURE INK https://adventureink.xyz/browse/filter/t/%20Nova%20McBee/k/keyword CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS: • Michael Dismuke: Freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures RPG. Visit him at MichaelDismuke.com. • Jim Johnson: Project manager for Star Trek Adventures and Fallout RPGs at Modiphius. PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF STAR TREK TIMELINES TODAY https://adventureink.xyz/item/hB2UM6Mk2YEpRS8_RBqmkg FIND MORE FROM STUDIO TEMBO https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro: Infinite Stories and Infinite Combinations 02:00 – Star Trek Roots: Kirk, Spock, and the Pioneer Spirit 04:30 – Behind the Scenes: Chief Creative Officer at Y Plus X Entertainment 05:55 – The Rise of Vertical Film: A $15 Billion Industry 08:50 – Writing "Oak Tree" Stories vs. "Flower" Stories 09:40 – The Calculated Series: Mission Impossible meets Count of Monte Cristo 11:50 – International Living as a Foundation for Authentic YA 13:30 – Becoming a "Contender": Perfecting the Craft and the Business #NovaMcBee #CalculatedSeries #WritingCommunity #VerticalFilm #AuthorInterview #StarTrekFans #YAFiction #PublishingTips #Screenwriting #ContinuingConversations
#219
May 1 · 1 hr 2 min
Star Trek Timelines: The Ultimate 60th Anniversary Guide | DK Books Reveal & RPG Tips
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 into the Prime Universe, the Mirror Universe, the Kelvin Timeline, and even the "Year of Hell." Plus, we show you exactly how to use this book to level up your Star Trek Adventures RPG campaigns! In this episode, we explore: The Breadth of Trek: Covering everything from The Original Series to Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy. Character Evolutions: Deep dives into Michael Burnham, Jean-Luc Picard, and more. Alternate Realities: Navigating the complex timelines of the Multiverse. RPG Integration: How to use these 336 pages of lore for worldbuilding in Star Trek Adventures. Pre-order Star Trek Timelines here: Shop Adventure Ink Studio Tembo 0:00 The Big Announcement: Star Trek Timelines 02:30 Meet the Trekstorians: Writing the Lore 05:45 Inside the 336-Page Hardcover from DK Books 10:20 From TOS to Starfleet Academy: What’s Included? 15:10 The Mirror Universe & Kelvin Timelines 20:45 Level Up Your Star Trek Adventures RPG Games 25:30 Release Date & Pre-Order Details
#218
April 24 · 50 min
Mirroring Our World: How Science Fiction Illuminates Reality with Dr. Una McCormack
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 longtime lecturer in creative writing, Una blends rigorous thought with compelling storytelling, exploring themes of identity, power, and culture within science fiction worlds. Her work has earned numerous award nominations and widespread praise from fans and critics alike, making her one of the most respected voices writing in modern science fiction tie-in fiction today. On this episode, we talk with Una about the craft of writing in iconic universes, what makes Star Trek such fertile ground for storytelling, and how great science fiction can illuminate the world we live in. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo
#217
April 17 · 51 min
Sci-fi Storytelling Craft
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 a few Star Trek detours along the way.

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