2025 delivered no shortage of headlines—loud ones. The kind designed to dominate group chats, drown timelines, and spark takes faster than anyone could read the full story. For Black and minority communities in particular, this year’s media cycle served up a steady rotation of scandals, spectacle, and distractions that demanded attention. But beneath all of that noise, major political and structural shifts were unfolding, many with long-term implications for our communities.

In this episode of Starline, we explore the hidden world of unlisted privacy cryptocurrencies — digital assets built for total anonymity and intentionally kept off major exchanges. From Monero to Pirate Chain, we break down how these coins work, why they’re favored in underground economies, and the ethical tensions at play when privacy becomes a powerful, untraceable tool. This is more than a tech deep dive — it’s a look at the future of financial secrecy in a hyper-surveilled world.

In this powerful episode, Nyjal is joined by Coach StarGPT—an AI mentor built for the Training Day™ AI Literacy Curriculum—to explore how avatars are shaping the way we express identity, access opportunity, and build presence in digital spaces. Together, they unpack the future of representation, the risks of being left out of virtual design, and why our communities must take control of how we show up online.

Not all emerging tech is built to last. In this solo episode, Nyjal breaks down the tools that moved beyond the buzz—Generative AI, spatial tech, blockchain infrastructure, and no-code platforms—and explores how they’re quietly becoming part of our everyday lives.

The digital divide isn’t just about who has access to WiFi anymore—it’s about who knows how to use the tech that’s shaping our world. In this solo episode, NJD explores how the definition of access has shifted, why underrepresented communities are still playing catch-up, and what schools, institutions, and individuals must do to stay ahead.

From AI fluency to tech strategy, this episode is a wake-up call:
We don’t just need devices—we need digital power.

Web3 may not be trending anymore—but that doesn’t mean it’s gone. In this solo episode, Nyjal digs deep into the evolution of Web3 beyond the hype. From decentralized identity and DAOs to new intersections with AI, this episode explores how Web3 is quietly laying the foundation for the future of ownership, culture, and digital power.

If you thought the movement was over, think again.
This isn’t the end—it’s the underground era.

In this episode of the Starline Podcast, we break down the often-confused worlds of Emerging Technology (ET) and Information Technology (IT). From AI and XR to server stacks and cybersecurity, Nyjal unpacks how these two distinct lanes are shaping everything from career choices to company growth. Whether you're leveling up your skillset or leading innovation at scale, knowing the difference between ET and IT could be the key to your next move.

What does it look like to lead from the inside—and why does it matter more than ever?
In this episode of Starline, Nyjal is joined by Marcus Linkstom III, a Voter Education Counselor and HBCU Champion. Together, they explore the role of intrapreneurs as culture carriers, change agents, and civic educators within institutions.

This episode bridges internal innovation with social impact, spotlighting how emerging tech, etiquette, and electoral awareness intersect for professionals navigating systems while building futures.

The future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we write.
In this premiere episode of Starline, Nyjal Drayton opens the series with Dr. Pearl, a professional etiquette coach GPT trained to elevate presence, precision, and purpose. Together, they unpack what it really means to rewrite the future—from digital literacy to cultural legacy—and how emerging tech is giving us new tools to do it with intention.