Misdiagnosed: Bad Algorithms and the Human Cost of Getting It Wrong

“Congratulations, you don’t have MS” sounds like good news—until you realize you’ve lost five years, taken powerful medications, and you’re still in pain with no answers. In this episode of Thirsty Topics , hosts Lawrence Elrod and Wander P dive into the ripple effects of misdiagnosis, how much trust we place in doctors, and why advocating for yourself and seeking second—or even third—opinions can make all the difference when something doesn’t feel right.

Then we turn to the job market, where an anonymous hiring manager reportedly tested his own company’s applicant tracking system (ATS) by submitting a version of his own résumé—and was rejected within minutes. We break down AI hiring, automated résumé screening, keyword filters, and how technology designed to make hiring easier may be quietly eliminating qualified candidates before a human ever sees them.

We also discuss a housing discrimination lawsuit involving a broker who allegedly sent a prospective tenant the message, “Ugh, they are black,” raising uncomfortable but necessary questions about discrimination that can still happen behind closed doors. Next, we get into the tech hype surrounding expensive foldable smartphones and what happens when cutting-edge products don’t live up to the promise.

Is being an early adopter worth the risk when new technology comes with a premium price tag? Finally, we look toward the future of medicine with robotic telesurgery performed remotely between two U.S. hospitals.

Could this technology give rural and underserved communities greater access to specialists—or are we placing too much trust in technology when a patient’s life is on the line? Thirsty Topics brings you honest conversations about the stories making headlines, from pop culture and technology to social issues and the topics affecting everyday life. 🎙️ Hosted by Lawrence Elrod and Wander P Watch Thirsty Topics on Elrod TV Network at under Podcasts and Talk Shows , and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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Every share and review helps more people discover Thirsty Topics and helps our audience continue to grow. What part of modern life feels the most dehumanizing to you right now—health care, hiring, housing, or technology?