Continuing Conversations: Sci-Fi Storytelling & Star Trek Adventures

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. She’s the author of Gilmore Girls Life Lessons and many essays on entertainment, pop culture, parenting, and lifestyle. She brings a unique blend of wit, expertise, and passion to every conversation. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

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 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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

In this episode of Continuing Conversations, Michael Dismuke flies solo to sit down with Heather Antos, the Senior Editor of Star Trek comics at IDW Publishing. Heather opens up about her journey from Marvel (Star Wars, Gwenpool) to reshaping the Star Trek comic landscape. We discuss the creation of the first-ever Star Trek comic universe, the massive Day of Blood crossover event, and the return of Captain Benjamin Sisko. Heather also breaks down the editorial process, explaining how to balance 60 years of canon while creating accessible stories for new readers through the "Red Shirt" line. Whether you are a hardcore Trekkie or a comic book curious fan, this episode reveals how the current "Golden Age" of Star Trek comics is being built. Topics Discussed: The "Choose Your Own Adventure" style Lower Decks graphic novel. Creating an "Avengers-style" lineup for the Star Trek universe. The return of Benjamin Sisko and the God Shock storyline. Star Trek: Defiant – The "Dirty Dozen" of the Federation. The step-by-step process of editing a licensed comic book. The difference between writing for television vs. comic panels. Guest Info: Heather Antos is an Eisner, Harvey, and Hugo-nominated editor and story consultant known for her work at Marvel, Lucasfilm, and currently IDW Publishing. Time Chapters 00:00 - Intro: Michael flies solo 01:48 - Meet Heather Antos (Marvel, Star Wars, & IDW) 05:10 - Lower Decks: Warp Your Own Way (Choose Your Own Adventure) 08:25 - Building a Shared Comic Universe (The "Avengers" of Trek) 12:55 - The "Red Shirt" Line: Comics for Non-Nerds 17:15 - Balancing 60 Years of Canon with New Stories 21:50 - The Return of Benjamin Sisko & "The Burn" 27:10 - Star Trek: Defiant (The "Suicide Squad" of Trek) 31:30 - The Editorial Process: From Concept to Script to Art 36:40 - The Importance of Outlining 39:00 - Writing for TV vs. Writing for Comics 43:40 - Upcoming Projects & Outro https://linktr.ee/studiotembo Star Trek, Comics, IDW, Heather Antos, Writing, Sci-Fi, Interview, Deep Space Nine, Lower Decks, Pop Culture, Editorial.

It’s the first episode of 2026—and that means we’re officially in the 60th anniversary year of Star Trek. To kick things off, we’re also widening the show’s scope: we’re not just talking Star Trek Adventures at the table anymore—we’re going Beyond RPG into the more expansive Trek storytelling universe. Tonight’s guest is Scott Pearson, a longtime editor in the Star Trek fiction space (including years as a freelance copy editor for Trek novels) who has recently stepped into a larger editorial role on the Star Trek book line—and who also works in the Star Trek Adventures RPG world. We dig into what editors actually do, the differences between prose and comics, why style guides matter more than you think, and how working across novels, comics, and RPGs changes the way you approach story. Along the way: Trek talk, craft talk, and a lot of appreciation for the fans who keep the Final Frontier thriving. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo #StarTrek #StarTrek60 #StarTrekPodcast #StarTrekFandom #StarTrekWriting #StarTrekEditing #StarTrekAdventures #TTRPG #SciFiPodcast

Jim and Michael recount all the Star Trek Adventures goodness that came out in 2025 and usher in 2026 with a very cool announcement. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo Beam aboard for a special episode! We're reviewing the incredible year for Star Trek Adventures RPG, looking back at the amazing releases of 2025 and teasing what's to come as we approach Star Trek's 60th Anniversary in 2026! Join us as we delve into the latest sourcebooks, mission briefs, and organized play content that have expanded the Star Trek universe for tabletop gamers. •Second Edition Launch & Starter Set: Discover how the Second Edition launched with a Quick Start, Core Book, Game Toolkit, and Starter Set, and how the Starter Set is the perfect entry point for new players. •Technical Manual: Explore the depths of Star Trek technology with the Technical Manual, covering everything from Prodigy to Lower Decks, and learn how to use complications to enrich your stories. •Exploration Guide: Uncover the secrets of galaxy-building with the Exploration Guide, designed to help you create planetary systems, biomes, and thrilling adventures. •23rd Century Sourcebook: Journey through the era of Kirk, Spock, and Pike with the 23rd Century Sourcebook, and find out what makes this era so iconic. •Mission Briefs & Silver Shields: Learn about the latest Mission Brief releases, including the Department of Temporal Investigations (DTI) and the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Office, and how the Silver Shields program supports convention play.