Podcast Summary: Guru: Don't Cross Kat – Episode 3: The Voice

Introduction

In Episode 3, titled "The Voice," of Wondery's gripping podcast series Guru: Don't Cross Kat, host Chico Felitti delves deeper into the enigmatic life of Kat Torres. This episode unravels the transformation of Kat from a promising young dancer in Brazil to a controversial self-help guru in Texas. Through firsthand accounts and investigative storytelling, the episode exposes the darker facets of Kat's rise to fame and the influence she wields over her followers.

Early Life and Friendship with Julia

The story begins in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte, a serene town whose name translates to "beautiful horizon." Here, an eight-year-old girl, Julia (pseudonym), forms a close friendship with Kat Torres.

Julia (04:02): "I used to do ballet. And after ballet class I would come home and walk my little dog at the park."

Despite living in the same neighborhood, Julia and Kat attended different schools—Julia attended a private school, while Kat went to a public one. Their bond was cemented through their shared love of dance, particularly inspired by the popular Brazilian dance show Eucha.

Chico Felitti (05:06): "We did it too as 8 and 9 year olds."

However, Kat was notably more reserved and closed off compared to Julia. Julia's mother observed Kat's quiet demeanor, especially during family gatherings.

Julia (06:24): "Cat was very closed off in front of others."

Family Challenges and Moving Away

Kat's home life was tumultuous. While her mother was strict, her father struggled with alcoholism, leading to frequent disputes and eventual physical abuse.

Julia (07:04): "Kat's house was the most humble one in her block... her dad was definitely drinking at work and many times they found him passed out on the street."

These challenges forced Kat's family to move multiple times, eventually relocating back to their hometown of Macae, miles away from Rio. Julia's attempts to stay in touch faltered as Kat's family continued to move, severing their friendship early on.

Reestablishing Contact Years Later

Years later, Julia discovers a recent photo of Kat in a Brazilian newspaper, revealing her transformation into a successful model.

Julia (13:01): "I saw this beautiful woman with blonde hair down to her butt. And I was like, damn, like, she was a real model and stuff."

Reconnecting through social media, Julia learns about Kat's harrowing past, including sexual abuse and neglect by her parents. Despite these revelations, Kat presents herself as resilient and determined to reshape her life.

Julia (14:27): "She told me that she was sexually abused and that she would ask, like, beg, for the love of God, not to be left alone with these people again."

Kat's Life in Milan and Shift Towards Spirituality

Kat moved to Milan to pursue her modeling career, sharing an apartment with Georgia, another friend. While Georgia initially saw Kat as innocent and down-to-earth, she soon noticed inconsistencies in Kat's success story.

Georgia (10:39): "She said the man had given her money and bought her everything she always wanted... but she wasn't happy."

Kat's relationships with men in Milan were transactional, seeking financial support while maintaining emotional distance.

Georgia (12:22): "They give me money, and I don't let them touch me just like that."

Marriage to Colborne Bell and Increasing Obsession

Kat met Colborne Bell in 2016, a relatively ordinary man whom she married quickly in a courthouse in Beverly Hills. Despite Colborne's modest financial status, Kat portrayed a lavish lifestyle on social media, garnering a substantial following.

Chico Felitti (23:21): "Kat was ready for something different."

However, the reality was far from glamorous. Kat's obsession with maintaining her online persona led to strain in their marriage. She became increasingly controlling and distrustful, influenced by her internal "voice."

Colborne Bell (33:04): "She would have a dream that I was cheating on her... she was pretty intense."

Their relationship deteriorated despite attempts at couples therapy, culminating in their divorce three years later.

Transformation into a Self-Proclaimed Guru

Kat's quest for power and influence intensified post-divorce. In December 2021, she began cultivating her image as a psychic and self-help guru in Texas. Her Instagram became a platform for promoting her services, attracting hundreds of thousands of followers eager to emulate her "perfect life."

Chico Felitti (25:05): "She was creating a fantasy, the perfect life she had always wanted."

Kat's aggressive online behavior, including hostile interactions with critics, did not deter her followers. Many saw her as a source of empowerment, echoing her own journey from victimhood to control.

Establishing Control Over Followers

In Texas, Kat's influence expanded as she drew followers into her home, fostering a cult-like environment. She exerted control over her team of assistant witches and manipulated her followers into isolating themselves from their families.

Chico Felitti (25:31): "Ever since she was a little girl in Brazil when she felt powerless... now she had worked hard to get where she was. To be the one with power."

Kat's methods involved psychological manipulation and fostering dependency, making it difficult for her followers to break free from her influence.

Climax: The Dark Evolution

The episode concludes with a foreboding tone as Kat's followers begin to uncover unsettling truths about her methods and the environment within her Texas household. The stage is set for a confrontation between Kat and those who seek to expose her true nature.

Chico Felitti (34:26): "A year into their marriage, Kat and Colburn were struggling to stay together... Kat was becoming obsessed with gaining the same kind of influence as her idols."

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

As the episode wraps up, listeners are left anticipating the next installment, which promises to delve into the unraveling of Kat's facade and the consequences of her manipulative rise to power.

Chico Felitti (Ending): "For God's sake, don't let Zach find out. That's on the next episode of Don't Cross Cat."

Notable Quotes

• Julia (04:02): "I used to do ballet. And after ballet class I would come home and walk my little dog at the park."

• Chico Felitti (05:06): "We did it too as 8 and 9 year olds."

• Julia (06:24): "Cat was very closed off in front of others."

• Julia (14:27): "She told me that she was sexually abused and that she would ask, like, beg, for the love of God, not to be left alone with these people again."

• Georgia (12:22): "They give me money, and I don't let them touch me just like that."

• Chico Felitti (25:05): "She was creating a fantasy, the perfect life she had always wanted."

• Colborne Bell (33:04): "She would have a dream that I was cheating on her... she was pretty intense."

Takeaways

Episode 3 of Guru: Don't Cross Kat paints a comprehensive picture of Kat Torres' complex persona—from a troubled childhood to a manipulative guru. The narrative reveals how Kat's past traumas fueled her desire for control and influence, leading her down a path of manipulation and power over her followers. As Kat's story unfolds, it serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition and the seductive allure of influence.

Next Episode Preview

The upcoming episode promises to expose the true extent of Kat's manipulative tactics and the impact they have on those around her, setting the stage for a deeper investigation into her dark rise to power.