Continuing Conversations: Sci-Fi Storytelling & Star Trek Adventures

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.

 

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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

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

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.

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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

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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

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