The Global Supply Chain Is A Mess 

One of the continuing consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is the disruption of supply chains. The global supply chain is slowing down at a time when demand is high. The Takeaway spoke to Derek Thompson, staff writer for The Atlantic, about the complex issues causing shortages on store shelves and slowdowns in services.

Are Toys Becoming More Gender Neutral?

Last week, LEGO — the world’s largest toy maker — announced it would make its toys more gender neutral. And earlier this month, the state of California passed a law requiring large retailers to display toys and childcare items in gender-neutral ways. All of this comes as the debate intensifies over whether toys create and perpetuate gender stereotypes. We spoke with Elizabeth Sweet, assistant professor of sociology at San Jose State University to look at both developments, the history of gendered toys, the push to make toys more gender neutral, and more.

Terence Blanchard is First Black Composer at Metropolitan Opera House

Terence Blanchard joined today's show.You may already be familiar with Terence Blanchard as a 6-time Grammy winner, jazz trumpet player and composer of over 40 film scores, earning him a BAFTA and Academy Award nominee for Best Original Score for Spike Lee’s 2018 film, BlacKkKlansman. Blanchard also happens to write operas. He composed Fire Shut Up in My Bones, based on Charles Blow’s memoir of the same title, and it is the first opera by a Black composer to be housed at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. 

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