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.

John Freeman is a comics writer and editor, and the founder of the award-winning comics news and features site, downthetubes.net, which he established in 1998. He's worked professionally in the British comics publishing industry for over 30 years, describing himself as a "freelance comics operative", working as an editor, Creative Consultant, and as a comics writer and events promoter. Initially working at Marvel UK, joining the company in 1987, his editor credits include down the years include titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, (enjoying three tours of duty on the title, including as editor of the now sadly no more Star Trek Explorer); and comics such as Havoc, Overkill, Death's Head II, Warheads, Simpsons Comics UK and STRIP - The Adventure Comics Magazine. He also edited several digital and audio comics for ROK Comics, including Team M.O.B.I.L.E. and The Beatles Story. More recently, he edited the Lost Fleet mini-series and two Doctor Who mini-series for Titan Comics, which received critical acclaim. He is currently working on several projects for B7 Comics, the comics imprint of B7 Media, including writing Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies, a four-issue sci-fi thriller featuring art by Neil Edwards (Fantastic Four, Rogue Trooper), and a creator-owned SF adventure with Brazilian creators Wam Nick. He also edited Hancock: The Lad Himself, a graphic novel about comedian Tony Hancock, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page. For fun, he's working on "Doctor Who - Terror of the Deep", a 90-episode not-for-profit newspaper strip with artist Danny Cushion, Paul Cooke, and Bill Storie, available to read online. He is also currently the Press Officer for the annual Lakes International Comic Art Festival. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

In this Continuing Conversations episode, Michael Dismuke, Jim Johnson, and Alex Boer explore innovative ways to track character growth in Star Trek Adventures. Alex demonstrates his visual value-tracking system—using index card-style boxes and arrows to map how values evolve and generate determination through callbacks. The group discusses both digital (Obsidian, Google Sheets) and physical approaches to tracking mission logs, showing how these tools help players stay engaged with their character’s moral compass and choices. Together, they unpack how experienced players share determination, reset values between episodes, and use milestones to develop both main and supporting characters—bringing deeper emotional continuity to every mission. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

In this episode of Continuing Conversations, Michael Dismuke sits down with Alex Boer and John Mierau to discuss how Star Trek Adventures gamemasters can transform Awards and Acclaim into powerful storytelling tools. The trio explores ways to balance reputation tracking with narrative flow, from John’s courtroom drama that turned into a standout role-playing moment to Alex’s regular award ceremonies that celebrate character arcs every four sessions. Together, they share how commendations—whether earned by die rolls or through rich storytelling—can deepen player connection, spotlight achievements, and bring Starfleet values to life at the table. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

This week on Continuing Conversations, Michael Dismuke and Jim Johnson beam up the wildly brilliant Anna Margaret—educator, science communicator, cosplayer, and the self-proclaimed “nerdy lifestyle content creator” who turns fandom into fuel for learning. Anna brings infectious energy to every topic she touches. Join us as we dive into her creative process, the art of blending education with entertainment, and how she blends gaming, storytelling, and cosplay to make irresistible fun. Whether you’re a Trekkie, a teacher, or just a curious nerd at heart, this episode will have you laughing and learning. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

The wonderfully creative Aki returns to help Jim and Michael tackle the subject: Bringing back one-and-done characters from Trek into your RPG game! Share link: https://edenhousing-org.zoom.us/rec/share/soJ5JD9qDxoCBsV9iYF9NQ9BBekdB68HxBhNUjQk_0JKmqUerCTQBi5q93ZajS-f.uIHDVF6OUfdjvAqj https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

The U.S.S. Pioneer completed its five-year mission in uproarious fashion. Now meet the GM and players who pushed the limits of Star Trek Adventures storytelling to create a life-changing epic to span the ages. Get good advice on forming great bonds with your players, utilizing Discord to make for a top-notch gaming experience, and learn how a good gaming group can launch your writing career! Guest stars: Aaron Pollyea, Al Spader, Josh Allen, and Troy Mepyans. From Coworkers to Family: How the USS Pioneer Crew Created an Epic Star Trek Adventures Campaign The Star Trek Adventures RPG is celebrating its fifth year, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Star Trek. To commemorate this milestone, a recent podcast brought together the cast of the USS Pioneer, a group that just wrapped up a five-plus year campaign. This blog post delves into the secrets of their success and offers insights for other groups looking to embark on long-term Star Trek Adventures. Meet the Crew The podcast featured a stellar lineup of talent, all deeply involved in the Star Trek Adventures universe and beyond: Michael Dismuke: Freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures RPG, lead writer on Captain's Log RPG, and Star Trek fiction writer. Jim Johnson: Project manager and line editor for Star Trek Adventures RPG and Fallout RPG, and a fiction writer. Al Spader: Freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures and writer/designer for other RPGs, including Sentience RPG Once Upon. Josh Allen: Contributing writer to Star Trek the Captain's Log and a player in the Pioneer campaign. Troy Methens: Freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures and RPG creator for Astron 2D20 and The Good, the Bad and the Savage for Savage Worlds. Aaron Pallier: Longtime freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures, specializing in starship science/technology, and creator of Saucer Squadron. Setting the Stage: The USS Pioneer's Mission The USS Pioneer's campaign was based out of the Shackleton Expanse, venturing 13.7 million light years away to the Centaurus galaxy. Their adventures have been chronicled on Continuing Missions, with many stories adapted into novellas. Defining Moments: From Crew to Family When asked about a defining moment, the crew unanimously agreed it was their transformation from coworkers to a close-knit family. This bond transcended the game, with members supporting each other's careers, personal lives, and families. This real-life connection was then woven back into the story, enriching the narrative. Aha Moments: Character Growth and Unexpected Twists The players shared several "aha" moments that shaped their characters and the campaign: Season Three Finale: Surviving a major arc and reuniting on the bridge. Character Evolution: One character's journey took an unexpected turn after getting lost in time, leading to unique roleplaying opportunities. Trask's Return: A poignant moment for Nalinda, the ship's counselor, who grappled with loss and the surprise reappearance of a friend. "Elevated Edict" Module: This module, written by Michael, sparked philosophical questions and internal conflict, leading to meaningful character development. The Power of Play-by-Post on Discord The USS Pioneer campaign was run online via Discord, which presented both challenges and unique advantages: Writing Format: The asynchronous nature of play-by-post allowed for thoughtful phrasing and detailed descriptions. Flexibility: Players could have others control their characters when unavailable, ensuring the story kept moving. Established Writing Guidance: The group adopted guidelines like short sentences, past-tense narration, and out-of-character discussions to maintain narrative flow and clarity. Inner Dialogue: The written format allowed players to express their characters' inner thoughts, adding depth and complexity often missed in face-to-face games. Lessons in Storytelling and Collaboration The Pioneer campaign provided valuable lessons in storytelling, collaborative writing, and improvisation: The Power of the Cutscene: Recognizing and utilizing cutscenes to create suspense and reveal off-screen events. The Importance of B Plots: Developing unconnected A and B plots to add depth and complexity to the narrative. Character Flexibility: Allowing events to shape characters organically, rather than forcing them down a predetermined path. The Value of Asides and Logs: Using logs to explain character actions and thoughts, adding layers to their personalities. The Importance of Supporting Fellow Writers: The crew emphasized the importance of supporting and uplifting other writers in the community. Gratitude and Lasting Bonds The podcast concluded with expressions of gratitude and reflections on the enduring friendships forged through the USS Pioneer campaign. The players appreciated the opportunity to grow as role-players and as people, and the shared experience created a bond that continues to this day. The Legacy of the USS Pioneer The USS Pioneer campaign stands as a testamen

Kelli Fitpatrick, Jim Johnson and Michael Dismuke ask "Does writing hopeful science fiction and fantasy even matter with everything that's going on in the world right now?" Join the deep dicussion and let us know what you think in the comments section. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo 00:00:22 - Introductions: Dismuke, Johnson, and Fitzpatrick 00:01:40 - Employee morale and hopeful sci-fi 00:03:32 - Optimistic fiction explores humanity's future 00:07:31 - Optimism and escapism importance in fiction 10:44 - Game design for positive dopamine hits 11:11 - Session zero: Setting game tone upfront 12:55 - Gaming's positive impact on real world 14:44 - Star Trek RPGs and leadership skills 00:18:57 - Nuance: Ethical scenarios and RPG complexities 00:27:23 - Writing matters, especially in difficult times

Kelli Fitzpatrick joins this week show to discuss the question "Is there a genre that Star Trek has NOT touched?" Enjoy the discussion and insights about how to bring different genres into your Star Trek Adventures game. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo 00:00:20 - Introductions and writing discussion 00:04:12 - Q's powers: Science or magic? 00:07:49 - Star Trek: Technology, magic, spirituality 00:14:13 - Star Trek's classic Hollywood themes 00:20:27 - Egyptian magic as advanced technology 00:23:21 - Earth post World War III setting 00:26:27 - Kelly's website and diverse work

Continuing Conversations: Starfleet in the 23rd Century! Announcing the newest supplement to the Star Trek Adventures 2e universe! Join writers Aaron Pollyea, Al Spader, Sarah Kennedy, Chris McCarver, Bill Barbato, Michael Dismuke, and Jim Johnson as we get hype over all the goodness that came from the TOS, TAS, DIS, SNW, and Movie-era of Trek! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo 00:00:20 - Introductions of Michael, Jim, and Aaron 00:06:13 - Reimagining the Gorn in Star Trek 00:12:51 - Revisiting the original Star Trek series 00:15:56 - Speaker loves Discovery and Klingon redesigns 00:18:47 - Condensing Star Trek lore challenges 00:25:06 - Genesis project's political powder keg 00:30:45 - Distilling Star Trek's Century for RPGs 00:37:58 - Klingon and Romulan psychology across time 00:43:57 - Book focuses on entire century of Trek 00:49:40 - Gratitude to Peter David, Star Trek writer

AJ Fox joins Jim and Michael as we break down the character of Kira Nerys: her relevance, her strengths, her dynamics. Then we talk about how to create a similar-type character for your STA campaign: the dangers, the perks! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo 00:00:20 - Introductions: Michael, Jim, and guest AJ 00:01:46 - Kira character analysis and RPG modeling 00:06:53 - Deep Space Nine's political commentary 00:10:29 - Kira, Opaka, and Bajoran perspectives 00:16:44 - Kira's character arc and relationships 00:23:23 - Bajor, Federation, and wormhole control 00:26:29 - RPG session zero: Kira and safety tools 00:33:10 - Building contrasting characters for role-playing 00:39:43 - Discovery rewatch reveals nuances 00:42:38 - AJ's projects: TTRPG talk show, editing

Yep, back to weekly) AJ FOX is back to talk about the stupendously amazing 5-4-3-2-1 system for character development! Listen in and prepare to flesh out your PCs in new and imaginative ways. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jNyH7-7gpK61q1z0FiDoBONjhDfulP_C/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107248546059831663146&rtpof=true&sd=true https://linktr.ee/studiotembo Chapters 00:00:16 - Introductions of Michael, Jim, and AJ Fox 00:03:11 - Developmental, integral concepts for characters 00:05:57 - Character development as a writing tool 00:08:40 - Player versus character goals in RPGs 00:11:29 - Failing forward and character development 00:13:18 - Important NPCs: friends and foes 00:14:24 - Players creating character backstories 00:17:07 - Character secrets and Rutherford's implant 00:19:56 - Kirk's son reveal and motivations 00:22:43 - Motivations beyond Starfleet Academy graduation

Continuing Conversations w/ Peter Norton of Hollowponds Solo Sagas. This week on the show, we sit down with Peter Norton, the creative force behind Hollowponds Solo Sagas, to talk about his bold leap into full-time storytelling. We dive into his upcoming projects, his vision for building a vibrant solo RPG community, and his creative ventures into Star Trek Adventures Captain’s Log. From passion to profession, from the depths of original worlds to the final frontier—this is an episode packed with inspiration, insight, and the art of going boldly… alone. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo 00:00:20 - Meeting Michael, Jim, and Peter 00:06:35 - Solo role-playing and creative freedom 00:12:46 - Solo game design and imagination 00:15:26 - Star Trek, gaming, and show genres 00:20:53 - Captain encounters sentient lichen species 00:25:17 - Captain's Log as role-playing tool 00:29:36 - Capping stories and building arcs 00:35:27 - Writing requires constant practice 00:40:13 - Sign off: Live long and prosper

Guest Aaron Pollyea comes on to talk about his latest project: Saucer Squadron. Then we dive into sectors and star systems in Star Trek Adventures Exploration Guide! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo This podcast features Jim Johnson, Michael Dismuke, and Aaron Pallier discussing Aaron's recent projects. The conversation centers around Saucer Squadron, a 1950s-themed tactical wargame about a Roswell-inspired alien conspiracy, available as a PDF and print-on-demand, with future STL miniatures planned. They also delve into the Star Trek Adventures Exploration Guide, releasing October 3rd, which boasts detailed astronomical accuracy, facilitating in-depth exploration gameplay and world-building. The guide's scientific rigor, layered approach to exploration (sector, system, planet), and compatibility with tools like Starforged are highlighted. The discussion expands on potential uses for the guide in various game formats, including large-scale fleet battles and integrating it with other RPG systems like Captain's Log. Finally, the podcast touches upon Aaron's extensive science fiction movie podcast (covering 270+ films) and the team's future projects, including a new game, "redacted," co-created with Al Spader. 00:21:44 - Intro: Aaron Pallier's Sci-Fi Project 03:28 - Saucer Squadron Game Design 07:00 - Saucer Squadron: Pulp Sci-Fi 10:29:27 - Sci-Fi Movie & Future Plans 13:18 - Star Trek Adventures Guide 16:30 - Scientific Accuracy in Games 20:00 - Star Trek Adventure Design 23:02:22 - Sector Creation in RPGs 25:35 - Expanding Star Trek Systems 29:08 - Detailed Space Battles in Star Trek 37:38 - Closing Thoughts on Guide 40:30 - Childhood & Cosmic Inspiration 46:01 - Farewell

BC Holmes is back with the latest and greatest with the Star Trek Adventures Character and Ship Creator app!!!!! https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo

Integrating the Technical Guide, the Exploration Guide, and Captain's Log to Create Memorable Missions. BC Holmes and Eric Campbell join Jim and Michael for an ultimate riff session where dice rolls become the foundation of dramatic stories. Watch and learn! https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo

Star Trek Adventures 2e Exploration Guide! More Talents, Secret Values, probability matrixes galore!!!! Join Jim and Michael as they sit with writers AJ Fox, Aaron Pollyea, and Al Spader to riff about their favorite parts of this handy new tool that promises to make your games even better! https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo

Let's Talk Politics and Factions. The outstanding Aaron Harvey and super-fan Will Parker join Jim and Michael to dive deep into the intrigue, ideology, and interstellar influence that shape the Star Trek universe. From power struggles within the Klingon Empire to the covert maneuverings of Section 31, this episode explores how GMs and players can use factions and political dynamics to build richer, more nuanced Star Trek Adventures campaigns. Whether you're crafting diplomatic showdowns, navigating moral gray zones, or plotting your own version of galactic détente, this episode is packed with ideas to energize your game. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

In Part 2 of their RPG storytelling series, Michael Dismuke and Josh Allen dive into raising the stakes, designing Act Two’s pivotal low point, resolving major conflicts, and using foreshadowing to set up future adventures. They also share bonus tips for refining your RPG narratives. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Michael Dismuke and writer Josh Allen open the writers' room to explore how to design dramatic stories for RPGs. In Part 1, they cover defining your story’s end goal, structuring a three-act arc, crafting inciting incidents, and building meaningful conflicts that keep players engaged. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Jim and Michael welcome back Al Spader to show you how to build character arcs into your episodic Star Trek Adventure games. Drive drama. Encourage character growth. Create stories that you and your crew will remember forever. WARNING: We make it look easy. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Jim and Michael invite Al Spader to talk about integrating the new Technical Guide into your Star Trek Adventures and Captain's Log RPG games. Time to riff! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Massive Star Trek and media tie-in writer Keith R.A. DeCandido graces us with his presence this week. From how he got started in his amazing career to his methodology for writing, we cover it all plus some! Keith R.A. DeCandido has been writing about popular culture for this site since 2011, primarily but not exclusively writing about Star Trek and screen adaptations of superhero comics. He is also the author of more than 60 novels, more than 100 short stories, and more than 70 comic books, both in a variety of licensed universes from Alien to Zorro, as well as in worlds of his own creation, most notably the new Supernatural Crimes Unit series debuting in the fall of 2025. Read his blog, or follow him all over the Internet: Facebook, The Site Formerly Known As Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, YouTube, Patreon, and TikTok. https://Linktr.ee/StudioTembo To preorder Supernatural Crimes Unit: NYPD Book 1: The Thin Blue Ley-Line, this blog post has all the links: https://decandido.wordpress.com/2025/02/11/cover-reveal-and-preorder-link-for-supernatural-crimes-unit-nypd-book-1-the-thin-blue-ley-line/ Other links: Website: http://decandido.net/ Blog: http://decandido.wordpress.com/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/kradec and http://facebook.com/KeithRADeCandido Twitter: http://x.com/kradec Instagram: http://instagram.com/krad418 Threads: http://threads.net/@krad418 Patreon: http://patreon.com/krad YouTube: http://youtube.com/c/KRADCOVIDreadings Blue Sky: http://bsky.app/profile/kradec.bsky.social My writing for Reactor Magazine: https://reactormag.com/author/keith-decandido/

We have a very special announcement about the future of Continuing Conversations.

Lou Anders is the author of the novel Once Upon a Unicorn, as well as the Thrones & Bones trilogy of fantasy adventure novels (Frostborn, Nightborn, and Skyborn), and the novel Star Wars: Pirate’s Price. Listen in as Lou talks about his years of experience as a sci-fi reporter pumping out hundreds of articles about Babylon 5, Star Trek DS9, Voyager and more!!! https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo Fury of the Forsaken, Kickstarter (launching end of April) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/louanders/fury-of-the-forsaken Lazy Wolf Studios on DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/17859/lazy-wolf-studios Thrones & Bones Discord: https://discord.gg/9TCw4XMh6p Newsletter: https://lazy-wolves.ghost.io/ew

Lou Anders is the author of the novel Once Upon a Unicorn, as well as the Thrones & Bones trilogy of fantasy adventure novels (Frostborn, Nightborn, and Skyborn), and the novel Star Wars: Pirate’s Price. Listen in as Lou talks about his years of experience as a sci-fi reporter pumping out hundreds of articles about Babylon 5, Star Trek DS9, Voyager and more!!! https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo Fury of the Forsaken, Kickstarter (launching end of April) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/louanders/fury-of-the-forsaken Lazy Wolf Studios on DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/17859/lazy-wolf-studios Thrones & Bones Discord: https://discord.gg/9TCw4XMh6p Newsletter: https://lazy-wolves.ghost.io/ew

Romulans!!!!! Join Troy Mepyans and Alex Boer as we discuss those green-bloodied secret-keepers that some people love to hate and others love to love. How can you get the most out of your Romulan characters if you choose to play them in Star Trek Adventures RPG? Check this out! htttps://linktr.ee/StudioTembo

Let's celebrate the artists! Ariel Orea, Star Trek Adventures art director, and Aurea Freniere, freelance STA artist extraordinaire, call in from Mexico City to share their experiences developing as artists and working for Modiphius. Take this creative journey with us and learn some behind-the-scenes goodness about the art process. https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo

Let's discuss the new Technical Manual. Join Aaron Pollyea, Al Spader, Jim Johnson, and Michael Dismuke as we shout out our favorite highlights from the newest Star Trek Adventures release. Get ready to strap on your hyposprays and tricorders. This is going to be fun! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

The crew of the USS Challenger is back. Join Al Spader, BC Holmes, Meric Moir, Jim Johnson, and Michael Dismuke as we show of Supporting Characters in Star Trek Adventures RPG Second Edition. The story "Bedlam on Baham" is pulled from the FREE Trade Ledgers Mission Brief Pack. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

The crew of the USS Challenger is back. Join Al Spader, BC Holmes, Meric Moir, Jim Johnson, and Michael Dismuke as we show of Supporting Characters in Star Trek Adventures RPG Second Edition. The story "Bedlam on Baham" is pulled from the FREE Trade Ledgers Mission Brief Pack. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo