Dean Francis had never heard of kratom, until he says it nearly killed his son. Now, he’s dedicating countless hours and energy to sound the alarm about the dangers of the popular supplement.

In a relatively short period of time, he’s become one of kratom’s most critical voices, and he’s now at the center of an intense national debate on its regulation.

Francis sat down with Catie Beck on the latest episode of ‘Untold – A WTVR Podcast’ to talk about how his family’s painful experience turned him into a passionate activist.

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Few people know more about recovery than John Shinholser.

For years, the Marine Corps veteran has been helping people battle their demons and overcome addiction.

Now the co-founder of the prestigious McShin Foundation has shifted his focus to a plant that many have not heard of, but one that is currently at the center of a passionate discourse… both in Richmond and in Washington.

Shinholser sat down with Catie Beck on the latest episode of ‘Untold – A WTVR Podcast’ to talk about why he’s chosen the pro side of the kratom debate.

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Jeffrey Katz has been in law enforcement for more than three decades, and in that time he’s seen it all. Katz came to the Richmond area from Florida in 2018 when he was named the police chief of Chesterfield County. Now, after a spell with the FBI, he’s the head of the Virginia State Police.

On the latest episode of ‘Untold - A WTVR Podcast,’ the career lawman talks to Catie Beck about leadership, policing in a highly politicized 21st century, the fight against fentanyl, concerns about AI, and how transcendental meditation has helped with his mission to protect and serve.

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