The Dropout (podcast)

The Dropout is a podcast that delves into the controversial and complex story of Elizabeth Holmes and her startup company, Theranos. This podcast, which first aired in 2019, is produced by ABC News and is hosted by Rebecca Jarvis. The series explores the rise and fall of Theranos, a company that promised to revolutionize the healthcare industry with its blood-testing technology, but was later revealed to be a massive fraud.

Overview

The Dropout provides an in-depth look at how Elizabeth Holmes dropped out of Stanford University to start Theranos, with the ambition of making blood tests more accessible and less painful. The company claimed to have developed a revolutionary technology that could conduct a wide range of tests with just a few drops of blood. However, investigations revealed that the technology did not work as promised, leading to legal battles and the eventual shutdown of the company.

Episodes

The podcast series is structured into multiple episodes, each focusing on different aspects of the Theranos story, including interviews with former employees, investors, and others who were directly involved with the company. It also examines the role of media and the cult of personality in the rise of Theranos.

Reception

The Dropout has been critically acclaimed for its thorough research, storytelling, and the depth of investigation into the Theranos scandal. It has received praise for shedding light on the complexities of Silicon Valley startups and the fine line between ambition and fraud.

Impact

The podcast has significantly contributed to the public understanding of the Theranos scandal. It has also sparked discussions about ethics in entrepreneurship and the responsibilities of founders and investors in the tech industry. The story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos has been adapted into various formats, including a book and a television series, highlighting the widespread interest in the case.

See Also

• Elizabeth Holmes
• Theranos
• Startup culture
• Silicon Valley
• Healthcare technology