Guru: Don't Cross Kat – Season 2, Episode 1: "The Witches Who Work For You"

Hosted by Chico Felitti

Introduction

In the gripping premiere of Season 2 of Guru: Don't Cross Kat, hosted by journalist Chico Felitti, listeners are introduced to the enigmatic world of Kat Torres—a modern-day guru whose seemingly perfect life and social media presence mask dark and dangerous secrets. This episode, titled "The Witches Who Work For You," delves deep into the influence and control exerted by Kat, setting the stage for a tale of manipulation, obsession, and the lengths one friend will go to save another.

The Curious Case of Wayne Murray

The story begins in Leander, Texas, where Chico Felitti interviews Wayne Murray, a former neighbor of Kat Torres and her entourage of stunning Brazilian women.

Wayne Murray [00:22]: "Doing well."

Wayne recounts the arrival of the Brazilian women in 2022, noting their striking beauty and aloofness:

Wayne Murray [00:23]: "We had this traffic circle, right? So we'd come in, I'd wave to them. They never waved back."

Despite their glamorous appearance, Wayne noticed unsettling elements in their household. After the women abruptly vacated, he discovered unsettling items left behind, including voodoo dolls and a mysterious leather collar.

Wayne Murray [02:04]: "They had an altar in their yard, not a Christian altar, because she had… Ayahuasca."

These discoveries piqued Chico’s interest, prompting him to investigate further.

Chico Felitti: From Influencer to Investigator

Chico introduces himself, highlighting his dual life as a journalist and an accidental influencer. With over a decade of investigative experience in Brazil, Chico brings a keen eye to uncovering the truth behind Kat Torres' curated online persona.

Chico Felitti [05:17]: "I've been a journalist for 20 years now... I became an influencer by chance."

Patty Bertoldo and Desiree: A Friendship Tested by Influence

The narrative shifts to Patty Bertoldo, a 32-year-old Brazilian who relocates to Vancouver and befriends Desiree, another Brazilian woman working at an upscale French restaurant.

Desiree [07:30]: "I didn't like that too much because in France I had my life, my job, and communication and marketing."

Their friendship blossoms over shared cultural ties and mutual support. Desiree introduces Patty to Kat Torres, a charismatic wellness influencer whose teachings promise personal transformation.

Desiree [10:14]: "She can communicate with the universe because she has this light that can speak to her and she can help you."

Influenced by Desiree’s glowing endorsement, Patty becomes curious yet skeptical about Kat’s legitimacy.

The Seductive Allure of Kat Torres

Patty decides to book a consultation with Kat, spending over $200 for an hour-long video call. The session, however, leaves her unimpressed and doubtful.

Desiree [15:11]: "She says, 'I'm sorry. I had an appointment before.'"

Despite her reservations, Desiree becomes increasingly enamored with Kat, scheduling multiple consultations per week and integrating Kat's teachings into her personal life and marriage.

Desiree [19:12]: "But then she tried to convince me to have a second appointment."

Transformation and Obsession

As the pandemic hits, Desiree’s reliance on Kat intensifies, leading to marital strife and emotional turmoil. Kat’s online presence undergoes a disturbing transformation from a serene life coach to a figure espousing conspiracy theories and aggressive rhetoric.

Desiree [26:51]: "She was saying so much stuff in her Instagram... she would say bad words and say really mean stuff to people."

Patty becomes increasingly concerned as she witnesses Desiree’s descent into obsession and Kat’s manipulative tactics, including accusations of black magic against Desiree's husband.

Desiree [22:18]: "Magic. It's why I can't leave him. It's because he's forcing me to be with him."

A Friend Disappears

Patty’s fears crystallize when Desiree abruptly cuts off all communication, removing herself from social media and vanishing without a trace.

Desiree [30:44]: "Stop saying mean stuff about Kat... I prefer not to talk to you anymore."

Determined to uncover the truth, Patty embarks on a frantic search for her missing friend, uncovering the extent of Kat’s influence and the perilous path Desiree has been forced onto.

Conclusion: The Collision Course

As the episode concludes, Chico hints at the escalating stakes and the dark revelations awaiting listeners in subsequent episodes. The search for Desiree propels Patty into a shadowy confrontation with Kat Torres, setting up a riveting exploration of power, control, and the cost of friendship in the digital age.

Chico Felitti [32:43]: "But in an online world, it's easy to have a sense of closeness with the people we see on Instagram every day."

Stay tuned for the rest of the season as Chico Felitti unravels the tangled web of influence and danger surrounding Kat Torres, revealing the true cost of chasing an unattainable dream.

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