From the racetrack to the backwoods still, Josh Owens has lived a life that defies convention. Once a professional motocross racer, now a reality TV fixture, Owens has become one of the most charismatic and beloved faces of Discovery Channel’s hit series Moonshiners since joining the show in 2012. But behind the rough charm and rebellious grin is a life filled with close calls, hard lessons, and deep devotion—to friends, family, and the moonshiner’s code.
Born in Columbus, North Carolina, in August 1977, Josh’s journey into distilling didn’t begin in childhood like many of his fellow cast members. Instead, he learned the craft in his 30s under the mentorship of the late Barney Barnwell, a local legend and former Moonshiners star. Before Barney passed, he asked Josh to carry on the tradition—and to do so underground, quite literally. Josh honored that wish, building a hidden still and stepping into a life that would eventually land him on television screens across the country.
Racing, Risks, and Rumors
Outside the show, Owens has remained true to his roots. When he’s not in the woods running stills, he’s running his own business—Tree and Yardbusters—helping clients across North Carolina maintain their land. A devoted father and dog lover, Josh is known to share glimpses of his personal life on social media. His relationship history has also played out somewhat publicly, including an amicable split with his daughter’s mother and a well-known romance (and eventual breakup) with Amber Lynn Gabrick. Today, he co-parents their beloved dog, while keeping his current relationship status out of the spotlight.
In recent years, Josh has made headlines for more than just moonshine. Rumors of an arrest during Moonshiners’ 10th season quickly circulated online when he went absent from filming—but those rumors were false. The real trouble stemmed from a misunderstanding involving a friend’s landlord and some distilling gear Josh set up in the wrong building. While not criminal, the incident added to a growing reputation for impulsive decisions—a reputation that’s been both the source of fan sympathy and public scrutiny.
Crashes, Fires, and Painful Recovery
The perils of moonshining aren’t just legal—they’re physical. Josh has faced multiple accidents related to the trade. In one instance, he accidentally burned down both his house and trailer while attempting to distill. But the most serious incident came in March 2018, when a tire blowout on his beloved Harley-Davidson launched him into a wall during Daytona’s Bike Week. The crash left him with a torn rotator cuff, punctured lung, and multiple broken bones.
Worse still, Owens didn’t have health insurance. He later claimed he was discharged too early from Halifax Medical Center—a claim the hospital denied. Despite the pain and financial burden, Josh found support in his fans, who purchased merchandise to help him cover medical bills. The recovery was long and painful, and to this day he continues to battle back pain and mobility issues.
And just recently, Moonshiners fans were rocked again after Josh was involved in another major accident—this time during a racing event at the Daytona International Speedway. Conflicting reports have made it difficult to confirm the full extent of his injuries. While some outlets described the crash as fatal, a Facebook page managed by someone close to Josh later clarified that he is alive and stable. Supporters have flooded social media with messages of hope and prayers.
The Show That Started It All
Produced by Magilla Entertainment, Moonshiners premiered in December 2011 and has since become one of Discovery Channel’s most watched docudramas. Inspired by real-life bootlegger Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, the series chronicles the lives of distillers across Virginia, Kentucky, and the Carolinas.
But Moonshiners hasn’t been without controversy. In 2012, Virginia’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control declared that no illegal activity was actually occurring on the show and requested a disclaimer be added. Magilla refused, insisting the events were real—further blurring the line between fact and fiction for viewers.
Legends, Losses, and Legacy
Moonshiners has introduced a colorful cast of characters over the years. Among them:
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Stephen Ray Tickle, perhaps the most infamous, with a long rap sheet including probation violations and a stint behind bars.
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Tim Smith, the face of the brand, who has turned his family recipe into a commercial success with Climax Spirits.
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Mark Ramsey and Eric “Digger” Manes, whose bromance and on-screen chemistry remain fan favorites—even as jokes about their close friendship persist.
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Jeff and Lance Waldrop, a father-son duo whose sudden departure in 2019 left fans asking questions. Lance’s untimely death in 2021 at age 30 revealed deeper family tragedies and sparked speculation, though his cause of death was later revealed to be heart failure related to his weight and past struggles with addiction.
Then, of course, there’s Popcorn Sutton himself. The North Carolina legend never lived to see the fame Moonshiners brought to his trade. After being sentenced to federal prison in 2009 for illegal distillation and gun possession, Sutton took his own life rather than serve time. His homemade memoir and VHS documentary, Me and My Likker, helped immortalize him as a bootlegging folk hero.
What Lies Ahead
For Josh Owens, the path forward remains uncertain—but resilient. Despite setbacks, health scares, and brushes with disaster, he continues to be a symbol of Appalachian grit and determination. His life, much like the art of moonshining itself, is messy, risky, and deeply human.
As Moonshiners barrels ahead into future seasons, Owens’ story reminds viewers why they tune in—not just for the booze, but for the people behind it.
“It ain’t about breaking the law. It’s about honoring a tradition.” – Josh Owens
