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
Friday Jun 19, 2026
Friday Jun 19, 2026
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
Thursday Jun 18, 2026
Thursday Jun 18, 2026
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
Friday Jun 05, 2026
Friday Jun 05, 2026
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
Friday May 29, 2026
Friday May 29, 2026
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
Friday May 22, 2026
Friday May 22, 2026
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
Friday May 15, 2026
Friday May 15, 2026
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
Friday May 08, 2026
Friday May 08, 2026
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
Friday May 01, 2026
Friday May 01, 2026
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
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