WORLD PREMIER IN JANUARY DANCES WITH FILMS NYC

Kratom Side Effects: Risks and Dangers
We produced this documentary to help demystify the lack of information regarding Kratom products, including the potential Kra
WORLD PREMIER IN JANUARY DANCES WITH FILMS NYC

We produced this documentary to help demystify the lack of information regarding Kratom products, including the potential Kra
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Kratom leaf in its raw form has been used for centuries as a medicinal product. However, it is important to understand the kratom extract dangers, as this super concentrated product often contains harmful additives that can act like opioids in your body. Our goal is to educate the public on the differences between raw kratom leaf and these dangerous extracts, which are associated with kratom addiction risks and have been documented as highly addictive and potentially deadly substances. The FDA is finally starting to look closely at this unregulated drug and its kratom side effects.

We are proud to announce the documentary is an Official selection of Dances With Films NY January 15th - 18th 2026. Details to come.

We are an official selection of Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival. Looking forward to adding details asap.

Mitragyna Speciosa, known as Kratom, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Kratom extract contains various compounds that produce opioid and stimulant-like effects in the brain, but it’s important to be aware of the potential Kratom addiction risks and Kratom extract dangers, as well as the various Kratom side effects that can occur.

Kratom has been traditionally used for its stimulant and analgesic properties. However, the dangers of kratom extract are becoming more apparent, especially with growing concerns about kratom addiction risks and potential kratom side effects, alongside its lack of regulatory status.

Kratom is available for purchase online, at gas stations, smoke shops, and nutrition stores without a prescription. It is marketed as an herbal remedy for pain and anxiety, but it's important to be aware of the Kratom addiction risks and the potential dangers associated with Kratom extract. Additionally, users should consider the possible Kratom side effects before trying this supplement.

What most consumers don’t realize is that Kratom extract poses significant dangers, including the risks of Kratom addiction. This substance can lead to severe side effects such as seizures, coma, and even death.

Sold in extract form, some Kratom products can be 50x more potent than the raw leaf, which raises concerns about potential Kratom extract dangers. It's also important to consider the Kratom addiction risks and various Kratom side effects. In some states, there are no age restrictions to buy Kratom.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, nearly 2 million Americans used Kratom in 2021. However, with the number of Kratom users rising to over 20 million as of April 2025, it's important to be aware of Kratom addiction risks, Kratom extract dangers, and potential Kratom side effects associated with its use.

Patti produced 'Kratom Side Effects May Include' after losing her precious son Wyatt to a little-known killer, Kratom. For fifteen years, Patti traveled the world as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines. When she became a mother to twin sons, she nurtured the spirit of adventure in them from a young age. Inspired by their travels, Patti authored the award-winning book series, 'Travels with Gannon & Wyatt,' which takes readers on educational adventures around the globe. Through her philanthropy and desire to make the world a better place, Patti has made a difference in countless lives. 'Kratom Side Effects May Include' begins a new journey in the fight against an industry riddled with greed and deception, highlighting the serious Kratom addiction risks and the dangers associated with Kratom extract. Patti has always believed her most important and purposeful role in life was being a mother. To honor her son Wyatt's memory and assist others grappling with Kratom addiction or loss, Patti started a nonprofit organization: https://abeautifullifestolen.com/

The Neese Twins were born in North Carolina and hold a BFA in creative writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. They serve as co-executive producers on the EMMY nominated Netflix series THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY, and previously as supervising producers for CRUEL SUMMER, UNREAL, and DEAR WHITE PEOPLE.
The brothers have partnered with DON CHEADLE and Radicle Act Productions to adapt the Russian television show CALL CENTER for American television. They've also adapted the true story of the lawyer for hacktivist group Anonymous into an elevated series, ANONYMOUS LAWYER, with former Sony TV president Jeff Frost producing.
In the podcast space, they are writing and directing a new series for VOYAGE MEDIA called HARD DRIVE – a grounded YA sci-fi narrative coming out fall 2024.
Recently, the Neese twins teamed up with Jason Momoa and his production company to bring to life a gritty story based on the real-life terrifying events surrounding one of the longest active serial killer mysteries in the USA.
Most recently, they've collaborated with RAINN WILSON to create a dark drama in which he will star, called BLACK STAR CANYON. They wrote and directed a spec TV pilot starring Emmy-nominated CONSTANCE ZIMMER and NTARE MWINE entitled, GUARDIAN ASSHOLE, and are currently producing and serving as 2nd unit directors on KEVIN COSTNER’S western HORIZON. They have previously written and directed for SHARON STONE, EMMA ROBERTS, and MALIN ACKERMAN, among others, and continue to be sought after to develop, show run, and direct for celebrities and platforms across all genres. They have a number of IP Rights-driven iconic stories in the works for tentative release in 2025.
The brothers have also signed on to direct two powerful documentaries in the fight against cancer, SAVING SOPHIE: THE ROAD TO A CURE, and a project focused on Kratom addiction risks, titled Kratom Side Effects May Include, which sheds light on the dangers of Kratom extract and its potential side effects.

The founder of Be Brave Media, Joanne Rubino, is a creative, development, and production force behind highly acclaimed and award-winning biopics, scripted series, and documentaries. Her impressive credits include Hatfields & McCoys, Texas Rising, Sun Records, Surviving Compton, and thousands of hours of highly rated programming, along with the Brando documentary that earned her an Emmy nomination. Joanne has a reputation for exceeding ratings and performance expectations across all genres and multiple platforms.
As Be Brave Media continues to expand its slate of incredible untold stories, it does so with the support of strategic partners and a mentality geared toward taking bold risks. Current projects in development include several powerful documentaries and series, including discussions around the lesser-known but significant issues such as Kratom addiction risks and Kratom extract dangers. These projects aim to shed light on important topics, including the Kratom side effects that many individuals face. Timeless stories like Slinky, The Bill Tilden story, Blue Demons, Baldwin-Felts, and others are expected to garner huge audiences both domestically and internationally. Joanne also has multiple series in the works and continues to consult as a production executive and creative, utilizing her years of experience and skill set to help others achieve their goals and bring meaningful projects to fruition.
BE BRAVE
“You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” Dolly Parton
First and foremost, I want to SAVE LIVES and prevent families from experiencing the senseless pain and heartbreak that we have endured this past year. We will continue to live with Wyatt’s absence every day, for the rest of our lives. I would like to honor my beautiful son and his memory, and do exactly what Wyatt would expect of me, nothing less. I will become an advocate for the underdog and push back against the unjustifiable. If I don’t take action, if I remain silent with my grief, how many more will die? Wyatt could easily become just another tragic young case of a perceived overdose linked to Kratom addiction risks. I cannot allow that. I want to bring awareness to what Kratom was in a milder powder version and what it has become—a pumped-up powerful liquid that poses serious dangers. It is astounding how many people have died due to Kratom extract dangers, and how little the public knows about it. Tragically, families are learning about the Kratom side effects only as they bury their loved ones. Our Wyatt made a decision. He chose an herbal supplement made from a tree imported from Bali, Indonesia, called Kratom, instead of drinking. What could be wrong with that? What could be the harm? It’s sold in gas stations everywhere, in vape shops, and by local vendors. There are no black label warnings to identify any contradictions or safety hazards, certainly nothing to warn of impending seizures and death. But on October 25, 2022, after having a wonderful day at school and nothing much more planned for the evening, instead of playing video games as he and his brother had intended, Robert Wyatt Wheeler, born January 22, 1995, was engulfed in a Kratom seizure on his bathroom floor and died in his twin brother's arms. Wyatt was just 27.

Patti Wheeler with her twin sons, Gannon and Wyatt
Kratom Sobriety
Leaving the leaf for those facing the challenges of kratom addiction risks.
Helping individuals abstain from kratom and understand the kratom extract dangers and kratom side effects.
Please reach us at joanne@bebravemedia.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
We will post links below as we find good resources for the community
Looking forward to posting streaming dates and festival screenings asap
Kratom leaf is a natural, mild product.
Kratom extract is unregulated, so the dosage and potency of these products can be up to 50x more powerful than the natural leaf powder. Kratom Extract has been documented by many independent studies as a highly addictive, and potentially deadly drug. Extracts are unregulated and there are no standards for dosage or doctor recommended treatments.
From the DEA website:
Kratom has a long history of use in Southeast Asia, where it is commonly known as thang, kakuam, thom, ketum, and biak. In the U.S., the abuse of kratom has increased markedly in recent years.
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdf
Kratom Side Effects may Include is an independent production. We are not funded by any pharma companies or organizations. This production is privately funded by the Wheeler Family after they lost a son who was using Kratom Extract. He was unaware that the Extract had any potential to harm, or its addictive properties. Potent Extracts should not be available over the counter in gas stations or smoke shops, or available to minors. The lack of transparency or info for such a potent product is a gross oversight and should be corrected immediately. The sole purpose of this documentary is to inform the public about the often mysterious production and dangerous effects of Extract products.
We need help to get Congress and local lawmakers to act on the concerning Kratom addiction risks and the potential dangers associated with Kratom extract, as well as the various Kratom side effects that users may face.

The winds of the aspen trees whisper his name, while the sun rays off the river will never look the same. The heart of a mother whose love runs deep carries the weight of memories, including the risks of kratom addiction that many face. The pain of losing a child intertwines with thoughts of kratom extract dangers and the potential side effects that haunt her mind, a burden she will always keep.
The sound of his voice, a smile so true, brings to light a soul that brought happiness to all those he knew. She will never forget him and never let go; it’s a pain that no one should ever know.
Yet, the power of this mother’s love has carved a path, seeking justice for those who deserve her wrath. Her sparkling eyes remain determined and clear, ready to shelter others from danger, especially from the kratom side effects that threaten those they hold dear.
If only there was magic to bring him back from the stars, if only there was a way to undo the scars. If only she was pure enough to make a deal with God in heaven, she’d return this boy to his mother and earth, and all would be forgiven.
Joanne Rubino