Star Trek Adventures: Continuing Conversations

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.

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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

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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

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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.

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#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.

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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.