The Way Down: God, Greed, and the Cult of Gwen Shamblin
The Way Down: God, Greed, and the Cult of Gwen Shamblin
2021
1 Season
6.8
Documentary

Explore how the late Gwen Shamblin Lara, who founded the controversial Remnant Fellowship Church and created the Christian weight loss program The Weigh Down Workshop, rose to fame as a diet guru and church leader.

Episodes

The Kingdom
E1Sep 30, 202147m

The Kingdom

A deadly plane crash draws public attention to the Remnant Fellowship, a Christian-diet-program-turned-church, and its infamous leader, Gwen Shamblin Lara.

A Family Affair
E2Sep 30, 202147m

A Family Affair

Gwen’s divorce and prompt remarriage to struggling actor/musician Joe Lara raise questions about the odd couple’s checkered past – and the church’s finances.

Seen But Not Heard
E3Sep 30, 202155m

Seen But Not Heard

When two Remnant members are charged with murder, Gwen rallies her congregation to defend against claims of abuse. As former church members recount their chilling experiences, another tragedy threatens to upend the future of the church.

Revelations
E4Apr 28, 202240m

Revelations

After a mysterious accident claims the lives of Gwen, Joe, and some of their inner circle, former Remnant members grapple with the leader’s complicated legacy, and new voices come forward for the first time.

The Way Forward
E5Apr 28, 202240m

The Way Forward

As the Remnant Fellowship fights to control the narrative, footage of a never-aired reality series pilot surfaces, casting new light on the ways Gwen shaped her image and the lives of those who followed her.

Top Cast

Gwen Shamblin Lara

Gwen Shamblin Lara

Self (archive footage)

Joe Lara

Joe Lara

Self (archive footage)

Natasha Pavlovich

Natasha Pavlovich

Self - Former Girlfriend of Joe Lara

No Image

Megan Cox

Self - Member 1996-2006

No Image

Helen Byrd

Self - Member 2008-2017

No Image

Rafael Martinez

Self - Cult Interventionist

No Image

Gina Wilson

Self - Member 1996-2012

No Image

Rachel Phillips

Self - Member 2002-2009