Josh Owens, motocross racer-turned-TV personality, is best known for his role on Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners. With his blue eyes, rugged charm, and daredevil lifestyle, Josh quickly became a favorite—particularly among female viewers. But his journey into the moonshining world wasn’t fame-seeking; it was personal.
A lifelong friend of late moonshiner Barney Barnwell, Josh honored Barney’s legacy by completing a hidden still project after his death. That same year, producers of Moonshiners offered Josh a spot on the show. He accepted, juggling his newfound fame with fatherhood and racing.
Josh’s personal life has seen its ups and downs. Though previously in a relationship with Amber Lynn Gabrick, they split amicably and even continue to co-parent their pet dog. Currently, he’s reportedly single and on good terms with his daughter’s mother, who chooses to remain anonymous.
Legal Trouble and Personal Setbacks
Josh’s moonshining activities haven’t always gone smoothly. His absence at the start of Season 10 sparked rumors of an arrest. While not true, he did face a legal scare after unknowingly setting up a distilling operation on property that didn’t belong to his friend. This wasn’t his first brush with trouble. Fans sympathize with his repeated bad luck—though some blame poor decision-making.
In one instance, he burned down his house while trying to make maple sap moonshine. In another, a trailer and its contents went up in flames under similar circumstances.
Perhaps his biggest scare came in 2018, when a racing accident left him with multiple injuries, including a punctured lung and shattered bones. With no health insurance at the time, Josh claimed he was discharged early by the hospital—claims the facility denied. He’s since slowed down on racing but continues his work outdoors, now moonshining deep in the wilderness where law enforcement eyes are fewer.
The Question of Legality: Is “Moonshiners” Real?
Since Moonshiners debuted in 2011, viewers have asked the same question: Is it real?
Virginia’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agency addressed that back in 2012. Officials confirmed that no illegal activity would be tolerated and clarified that they’d been misled by producers. They believed the series was a historical documentary, not a live portrayal of illicit alcohol production.
Producers, however, continue to claim the show is authentic. They argue that arrests would require moonshiners to be caught in the act—something carefully avoided on-camera. For legal reasons, none of the actual distilling appears on screen.
Cast Members: Where Are They Now?
Stephen Ray Tickle remains one of the show’s most colorful characters. A former union carpenter, he briefly considered a congressional run in 2013 before legal troubles—including gun possession and probation violations—cut his political aspirations short. In 2019, he married Carol Ann, a bail bondswoman, in a moonshine-themed wedding.
Mark Ramsey and Eric “Digger” Manes, business partners and master distillers from Tennessee, continue their partnership at Sugarlands Distilling Company. Despite fan speculation, Eric is happily married to wife Allison.
Jim Tom Hedrick, the elder statesman of moonshining, began distilling at just 15. Now in his 80s, he’s retired from the show but remains respected in the trade.
Jeff and Lance Waldrop, the father-son duo, left the show in 2019. Lance, a fan favorite despite his business missteps, tragically passed away in 2021 at age 30 from congenital heart failure. Weighing over 580 pounds at the time, Lance had battled depression and addiction. Despite speculation, his family confirmed he had been clean and in recovery.
Tim Smith, the show’s most prominent figure, turned his family’s moonshine recipe into a national brand, Original Climax Moonshine. He’s also launched “Climax Spirits” and “Tim Smith’s Southern Reserve,” offering guided distillery tours and continuing to expand his empire.
A Show That Endures
Despite controversies and criticism, Moonshiners remains one of Discovery’s top-performing series. Critics have called out the show’s dramatized format and Magilla Entertainment’s history of “staged reality.” For example, Lakefront Bargain Hunt and Southie Rules were criticized for filming scenes after purchases were already made or scripting family drama.
Nonetheless, Moonshiners continues into its 12th season, captivating viewers with tales of rebellion, tradition, and Appalachian grit. A 13th season is yet to be confirmed—but if its loyal fan base has a say, the stills will keep running.
Remembering Lance Waldrop
Lance’s death cast a long shadow over the Moonshiners community. His funeral took place at Cedar Cliff Baptist Church, followed by committal in a local cemetery. Despite online rumors, Lance’s family confirmed he died of natural causes related to heart disease and not from a drug relapse. A GoFundMe campaign was created to support his memorial fund, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and friends.
