Kratom: An Interview with Emmy-Nominated Producer Joanne Rubino

In the final installment of our special kratom series, Kara and Jennie speak with Emmy-nominated producer Joanne Rubino, creator of the documentary Kratom: Side Effects May Include. After a friend lost her 27-year-old son, Wyatt Wheeler, Joanne spent years investigating the growing and largely unregulated kratom industry.

Her research uncovered a complicated story—one that includes passionate supporters, heartbreaking loss stories, and serious questions about safety, addiction, and consumer protection.

In this episode we explore:

• The Regulatory “Wild West” – How kratom remains unapproved by the FDA and largely unregulated by the DEA• The Human Cost – The tragic death of Wyatt Wheeler after purchasing a kratom product off the shelf• A Growing Epidemic – The dramatic rise in kratom use across the United States• The Danger of Extracts – Concentrated products that can be up to 50x more potent than the raw plant• The National Debate – Supporters who claim benefits vs. families and experts raising serious safety concerns

Kratom is marketed as a natural supplement, but this conversation reveals how little most consumers actually know about its risks.

Learn more about the documentary Kratom: Side Effects May Include:https://kratomsideeffectsmayinclude.com/

At Oh Gross!, we ask the questions others won’t—especially when health topics live in the uncomfortable space between promise and risk.

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