In a lively morning chat, moonshining legends Mark and Digger from Discovery Channel’s long-running series Moonshiners opened up about their illicit craft, the hit show’s origins, and how modern tariffs are boosting their underground business. Speaking with host James, the duo shared tales of close calls with the law, decades of friendship, and the simple art of crafting homemade liquor.
The conversation kicked off with reflections on how Moonshiners came to be. “We can’t take credit for starting the liquor business. We’re not that old,” quipped Mark. The pair credited their late friend Popcorn Sutton for inspiring the show, which is now in its 15th season. “Who would ever dreamed a silly little show about making homemade liquor would last so long?” Digger added, noting the program’s massive following drawn to the lore of bootlegging.
Building a distillery in their world is far from bureaucratic. “In our world, not as much as it is if you make a legal distillery,” Mark explained. “We just got to hammer out a copper pot and figure out how to keep it from leaking and put some ash in it and build a fire under it.” No permits required—just ingenuity and a bit of luck. “We’re not waiting at the mailbox for a permit to show up,” Digger said with a laugh.
Secrecy is key in their line of work, but it’s no easy feat. “Obviously, we ain’t done too good a job at it,” Mark admitted, recounting constant pursuits by law enforcement. “The law was after us all the time,” he said, praising officers’ smarts while wishing they weren’t on the radar. A memorable quote from Detective Robertson summed up the high-stakes game: “You guys have got to get lucky every time. I just got to get lucky one time.” The duo recalled a near-miss thwarted by an ally, Kelly Williamson.
Mark and Digger’s partnership spans over 40 years, forged in a bar over shared drinks. “Digger and I have been friends over 40 years,” Mark said. “We’re both polar opposites. Mark’s more thought process aligned and I’m more action at the moment,” Digger chimed in, crediting their balance for success. With over 35 years in moonshining, they approach it like seasoned entrepreneurs. “The liquor business is no different than any other business. It’s all about sales and keeping your profit margins as big as you can,” Digger noted, drawing from his business degree and upbringing in the funeral industry.
Economic factors like tariffs have unexpectedly favored their operations. “When the tariff products go up, we can remain the same for the most part,” Mark said. With rising costs for copper and sugar—”higher than it’s ever been in history”—they stay agile. “I’m pro tariff, especially when it permits me to sell more liquor because I’m not paying any taxes on it,” Digger declared, suggesting the policy is already lining their pockets.
James praised their innovative spirit: “You two sound like innovative, creative entrepreneurs, which is what this country was built on.” The moonshiners humbly accepted the compliment, with Mark joking, “Bless your heart. We ain’t never been called none of those before.”
As the interview wrapped, Digger plugged the show: “Tuesday night, 8 Eastern on the Discovery Channel.” Reruns of past episodes air before new ones, ensuring fans can catch up on the action.
Moonshiners continues to captivate audiences with its blend of tradition, risk, and rural grit, proving that some American pastimes never go out of style. Catch Mark and Digger in action and see if they can keep one step ahead of the law.
