  The confluence of major theoretical, experimental, and observational advances
are providing a unique perspective on the equation of state of dense
neutron-rich matter -- particularly its symmetry energy -- and its imprint on
the mass-radius relation for neutron stars. In this contribution we organize
these developments in an equation of state density ladder. Of particular
relevance to this discussion is the impact of the various rungs on the equation
of state and the identification of possible discrepancies among the various
methods. A preliminary analysis identifies a possible tension between
laboratory measurements and gravitational-wave detections that could indicate
the emergence of a phase transition in the stellar core.
