Why Who You Know Still Matters | Toby Stuart

We explore the hidden forces of status and anointment with Professor Toby Stuart, author of Anointed: How Status Shapes Our Lives. Status influences careers, relationships, and how we perceive art, yet as AI blurs traditional markers of merit, society is increasingly relying on shortcuts like pedigree and recognition. We examine the risks, opportunities, and compounding effects of status, revealing how small advantages snowball into lifelong impacts and challenging listeners to rethink how status shapes their world. ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Toby Stuart [8:43] Status-based Bias [13:49] Status in Art, Music, and Science [26:34] The Power of Anointment and Status Transfer [39:39] Status Hierarchies, Networks, and Social Groups [43:23] The Cosmic Lottery [48:06] The Future of Status in an AI World [58:47] What is the Matthew Effect? [1:01:50] Grooving Session - What Does Status Really Mean? ©2025 Behavioral Grooves Links Behavioral Grooves Live in Minneapolis! More About Toby Anointed by Toby Stuart Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Music Links Duke Ellington - Take the “A” Train Mozart - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik