The Dropout

This week, two jurors ask to be excused, citing stress around punishment and the responsibilities in deciding the future of Elizabeth Holmes. A young woman, with unusual ties to this case, gives her perspective as a trial observer, and a veteran Silicon Valley investor puts the Theranos saga in larger context.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 Okt 202129min

This week, we hear some shocking insights from a former Theranos lab director who says he tried to stop the train before it ran off the tracks. From failing machines to a lack of proficiency testing, he tells of the pressure he felt to vouch for tests while maintaining his integrity as a lab director. And he describes how he says he tried to delay the Walgreens launch, pleading with a "nervous" Elizabeth, who went forward nonetheless. But does an aggressive and lengthy cross-examination undermine his claims? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 Okt 202135min

This week, a high-profile witness from Elizabeth's superstar board of directors surprises the courtroom by taking the stand: 4-star general and former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis. He speaks of being dazzled by the potential of Theranos' devices on the battlefield and the disillusionment he felt when the full story came to light. Plus, we meet a patient whose Theranos test results led to a terrifying ordeal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 Sep 202134min

This week, we hear from Erika Cheung, one of the whistleblowers who originally set Elizabeth's downfall in motion and who says she was subjected to disturbing intimidation tactics as a result. Legal experts analyze the success of each side's opening arguments. And a mysterious man named "Hanson" causes quite the stir. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21 Sep 202134min

Elizabeth, holding hands with her partner, Billy and her mother, Noel, breezes into the courthouse to hear opening statements in her financial fraud trial. The government and the defense set the stage, giving us a roadmap of how their sides of the case will unfold. The prosecution says this is a case about fraud, lying and cheating, while the defense paints a picture of an ambitious young woman trying to change the world. She made mistakes, they say, but didn't break the law. And we hear from the case's first witness: Theranos' top ranking financial employee who has a lot to say about how Elizabeth may have misled investors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 Sep 202140min

This week, after 11th-hour bombshell allegations of abuse were revealed, we meet the seven men and five women who will ultimately be deciding Elizabeth Holmes' fate. We take a peek inside the courtroom, and speak with some of the potential jurors who were dismissed. We'll hear firsthand what Elizabeth's demeanor is like in the courtroom, what the prosecution and defense appeared to be looking for in a jury, and details about who was actually chosen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 Sep 202127min

Today, after four postponements, a global pandemic and a baby, Elizabeth's long-awaited trial finally begins with jury selection. With millions of pages of discovery, a potential witness list of more than 200, and nearly 4,000 exhibits, Elizabeth's team of heavyweights has their work cut out. And at the 11th hour, the biggest bombshell yet -- Elizabeth's team has alleged that she was subjected to a decade of physical, sexual and psychological abuse. How will this play for a jury? Will Elizabeth take the stand, and what are the chances of a conviction? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31 Aug 202144min

It's been over three years since Elizabeth Holmes was charged with multiple counts of fraud. Once the youngest female self-made billionaire, she was poised to change health care forever. Now she faces decades in prison if convicted. What has Elizabeth been up to while the government has been building its case against her? The answer includes a trip to Burning Man, a new relationship and a baby born just over a month before her trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31 Aug 202138min