

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

2 days ago
2 days ago
55 min
Jim and Michael at STLV and the Star Trek Timelines panel!!!
https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Aug 7, 2026
Aug 7, 2026
1hr 7 min
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

Aug 6, 2026
Aug 6, 2026
39 min
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

Jul 24, 2026
Jul 24, 2026
1hr 14 min
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

Jul 21, 2026
Jul 21, 2026
54 min
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!

Jul 14, 2026
Jul 14, 2026
36 min
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

Jul 9, 2026
Jul 9, 2026
1hr 3 min
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

Jul 8, 2026
Jul 8, 2026
53 min
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