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Parents' Guide to

The Dropout

By Claire Crossman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

True crime pod follows fraud trial; some abuse described.

Podcast News ABC News Average run time: 40 minutes
An illustrated picture of Elizabeth Holmes is behind the large text: "THE DROPOUT Elizabeth Holmes on Trial"

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this podcast.

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What’s It About?

THE DROPOUT follows the timeline and trial of Elizabeth Holmes (founder and CEO of Theranos) and one of the most notorious biotech fraud scandals. Lead by ABC News correspondent Rebecca Jarvis, the podcast does a deep-dive journalistic investigation into the background of Holmes and her billion-dollar company Theranos. It follows everything that led up to the corruption and downfall of the company and the subsequent trial for both Elizabeth Holmes and Chief Operating Officer Sunny Balwani. Listeners can expect to hear in-depth interviews with former employees, investigators on the case, and those close to Elizabeth Holmes, as well as audio from the trial. There's even an appearance in one episode from Amanda Seyfried, who plays Holmes in the Hulu limited series inspired by this podcast. What unfolds throughout The Dropout is a journey of twists and turns, which are sure to keep any teen or adult listener on the edge of their seat.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

ABC News correspondent Rebecca Jarvis provides a uniquely clear and organized explanation of the rise and fall of Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes. The Dropout will delight fans of true crime and mystery podcasts, with a similar tone and structure to Serial. While Jarvis runs the show, she couples her expertise with interviews from former employees, family members, and investigators who bring life to the story and keep it captivating for listeners. Every inch of the Theranos downfall is covered in this podcast, making it intriguing, informational, and shocking all at once.

Giving this riveting podcast a listen before watching the Hulu series may be preferred, as this podcast provides excellent context and builds an environment that makes watching the series even more enjoyable. While the immoral actions of Holmes, Balwani, and Theranos are less than admirable, the show does a great job of highlighting the character strengths Holmes initially displays, as well as the consequences she's handed for her wrongdoings, giving tweens, teens, and adults a lot to discuss after listening.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how ambition and passion taken to the extreme are key aspects of The Dropout. What were some positive aspects of Elizabeth's ambition, passion, and story that can serve as motivational? When did these aspects take a turn for the worse?

  • What role do morals and values play in reaching your goals and following your passion? What are your most important morals and values?

  • Problems at Theranos started small and became massive. For all of us, little problems can turn into very big problems if they aren't addressed. Do you have a trusted adult you can talk to when things are wrong? What creates a safe space to talk about and work through problems?

  • How does listening to actual interviews and testimonies from those involved affect how you feel about the story and the outcome? How is it different from seeing actors portray these characters in a series?

Podcast Details

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