Guru: Don't Cross Kat
Season 2:
Kat Torres has the insta-perfect life. She is rich, gorgeous and not ashamed to share it. Her posts about witchcraft and "alien baths" draw in over a million followers, all chasing the dream of a lifestyle like hers. But as she gathers more followers around her, the secrets beneath her fame grow darker and more dangerous.
One woman sets out to bring back her best friend who has fallen under the spell of this modern-day guru. And what begins as a search for a missing friend soon puts her on a collision course with Kat.
Based on the hit Brazilian podcast, journalist Chico Felitti uncovers a gripping story of influence, control, and those who dare to fight back.
Season 1:
When we face challenges in life, we seek answers from people we believe can help us. When tragedy strikes an exclusive retreat with a self-help superstar, many people are left to wonder: how far is too far? James Arthur Ray was an Oprah-endorsed self-help teacher who achieved fame, fortune, and influence. But friends and family members of his followers questioned his unorthodox methods, and tried to stop him. From Wondery, the makers of "Dirty John," "Dr. Death," and "The Shrink Next Door," comes a story about the dark side of enlightenment. Hosted by journalist Matt Stroud.
Listen to episodes of Guru: Don't Cross Kat early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/guru/ now.
Episodes
What to Listen to Next: Twin Flames
We all want love, that happily-ever-after feeling of finding your soulmate. What if someone not only claimed they could help you find that perfect partner, they guaranteed it? Jeff and Shaleia, a young couple famous on YouTube, teach about ‘Twin Flames' — a deep, romantic connection with your perfect partner in their videos. It’s divine love, you’re designed for no one else, and they’re designed for no one else. But the path to finding your Twin Flame isn’t so simple. Some followers claim they were encouraged to cut ties with friends and family that are holding them back, and to claim their Twin Flame by any means necessary. From Wondery, Twin Flames is a podcast about what happens when the quest for love turns into a dangerous obsession. Hosted by Stephanie Beatriz.Listen to Twin Flames ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/twin-flames/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
05/05/25•35m 33s
The Making of a Beauty Queen | 8
Chico gives an update on what has happened to Kat after the series was made.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
02/05/25•28m 37s
The One Who Got Away | 7
A former follower of Kat reveals how the influencer almost convinced her to completely change her life and why she almost suffered the same fate as Desirrê.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
30/04/25•22m 11s
After the Spell | 6
Brazil awaits the result of the trial, while Desirrê meets an old friend. But can they leave their past behind? If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, here are some resources:The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is available at 1-800-950-6264.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
28/04/25•32m 42s
Closing In | 5
As the media storm grows in Brazil, Kat takes desperate action. Meanwhile, a video surfaces, offering a glimpse into her methods.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
21/04/25•26m 27s
Inside Kat's House | 4
Desirrê flies to Texas to meet her mentor. As she adapts to life as an ‘assistant witch’, Kat presents her with a proposal that tests the limits of her loyalty.If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, here are some resources:The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is available at 1-800-950-6264.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
14/04/25•29m 56s
The Voice | 3
Growing up in Brazil, Kat Torres was a shy kid who loved to learn the latest dance routines on TV. But a promising future as a model took a surprising turn. It led her to tabloid gossip columns, the glitz of Hollywood and claims of supernatural powers.If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, here are some resources:The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is available at 1-800-950-6264.If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, here are some resources: The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) survivor helpline is 1-800-656-4673. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center provides resources for sexual violence and prevention education. You can find them at nsvrc.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
07/04/25•38m 22s
Searching for Desirrê | 2
As Paty’s search gathers pace, she makes a disturbing discovery, while Kat’s behavior becomes even more unpredictable.If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, here are some resources:The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is available at 1-800-950-6264.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
31/03/25•25m 4s
The Witches Who Work For You | 1
On her first day of a new job, Paty forms an instant bond with Desirrê, a lively and ambitious fellow Brazilian. But when her new friend starts to follow a glamorous influencer, Paty faces a life changing decision. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
31/03/25•33m 44s
Introducing Guru: Don't Cross Kat
When her best friend goes missing, Paty launches an internet campaign to find her. The trail leads to a glamorous influencer, who is hiding a dark secret.Based on the hit Brazilian podcast, journalist Chico Felitti uncovers a gripping story of influence, control, and those who dare to fight back..See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
17/03/25•2m 28s
Spiritual Warriors | 1
Ginny and her daughter Kirby attend an event featuring self-help superstar James Arthur Ray. Ginny has some concerns about him, but Kirby is drawn in. She spends her life savings to travel for a week-long event in the desert. But when things turn deadly, Ginny is left to figure out what went wrong.Listen exclusively with Wondery+. Start your free trial at wonderyplus.comSupport the show by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
15/06/20•34m 27s
Introducing Guru: The Dark Side of Enlightenment
A search for spiritual guidance leads a group of strangers to seek help from a self-help guru. He’s part of a growing number of entrepreneurs giving workshops and seminars all over the US in the 2000s. His unorthodox methods and blend of self-improvement philosophies and economic advice have won praise from Oprah and others. His career seems to be taking off, but his ever more extreme methods push his pupils to their limits. What are they seeking? What does he offer? And what happens when it all goes too far, and people die. Listen on Apple Podcasts starting July 1st.Available exclusively on Wondery+ or on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
15/06/20•2m 30s
