Citizen sleuth

Here’s a plan for when I retire… I am a true-crime enthusiast, I’d love to investigate a real cold case. After solving it, I’d write a book. Then, I’d host a podcast. Hopefully, I’d land a TV series or documentary on Netflix as well. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before all that, I know I’d need to investigate it for free. Definitely, it’d be worthwhile. I’d be happy to become a citizen sleuth.

At the moment I’m listening to a lot of shows about Kat Torres. She is a Brazilian influencer who was convicted of human trafficking in the United States. There are two podcasts that I highly recommend, both by Chico Felitti.

A Coach

This podcast is in Portuguese and the original one. I listened to it right after it was launched in 2023. This is the description on its official page, and it gives a pretty good idea of what this is story is about:

In 2022, the Brazilian internet experienced a phenomenon. Thousands of people were trying to investigate a mystery on their own. And at the center of the trending topics was one name: Kat Torres, also known as Kat, A Luz.

A Coach is a narrative podcast from Wondery. It documents the unbelievable life of this Brazilian woman. She rose from poverty to fame through seven different careers—only to be later accused of a crime.

In a one-of-a-kind investigation that spans Brazil and the United States, the podcast tells a surreal—but 100% true—story.

Kat Torres’ journey is a tale of ambition and the pursuit of fame and success at any cost.

A Coach is hosted by Chico Felitti, creator of A Mulher da Casa Abandonada and O Ateliê.

Don’t Cross Kat

If you want to listen to the English version, this is the one you should go to. It has just recently been launched and I’m marathon listening to it. By the way, Chico Felitti’s resourcefulness has truly impressed me. He is narrating the story beautiful and skillfully. This is a case that transcends cultures. I’d love to hear what both my Brazilian and North American friends think of it.

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.

Don’t Cross Kat is hosted by Chico Felitti

If you also enjoy true-crime stories, listen to any of these podcasts, and tell me what you think! Would you like also to become a citizen sleuth?