NORTH CAROLINA — Josh Owens is not your average TV personality. Known for his role on Discovery Channel’s hit docudrama Moonshiners, Owens combines charm, grit, and a dash of chaos that makes him one of the most talked-about cast members on the show.
A professional motocross racer in his early days, Josh traded high-speed tracks for hidden stills, thanks in part to the influence of close friend and mentor Barney Barnwell. Before passing, Barnwell entrusted Josh with building an underground moonshine still. In honor of his friend, Josh completed the project and soon after joined Moonshiners, kickstarting a new chapter in his life.
Josh quickly rose to fan-favorite status—not only for his blue eyes and rugged looks, but also for his authenticity. Juggling life as a father, biker, and moonshiner, Josh’s appeal goes beyond the screen. Though his romantic life has had ups and downs—his previous relationship with Amber Lynn Gabrick ended amicably—the two still share custody of their pet dog. He is reportedly on good terms with his daughter’s mother, who remains out of the spotlight.
His time on the show hasn’t been without setbacks. At the beginning of season 10, Josh disappeared from the screen, sparking false rumors of an arrest. In reality, a dispute over a distilling site inside a friend’s building led to a misunderstanding with the property’s actual owner. The incident wasn’t criminal, but it added to Josh’s reputation for poor luck and questionable judgment.
His misadventures continued into season 11 when he accidentally burned down his house while distilling moonshine from maple sap. That echoed a similar mishap in 2017 when he torched his trailer in another moonshining attempt.
But none of these events were as severe as his 2018 motorcycle accident during Daytona’s Bike Week. A tire blowout on his vintage Harley-Davidson caused a devastating crash into a wall. Josh was hospitalized with serious injuries, including a punctured lung and multiple fractures. Without health insurance, he later accused the hospital of an early discharge—an allegation the facility denied. Despite a long recovery and chronic pain, Josh managed to pay his bills through merchandise sales and fan support.
To avoid legal trouble, Josh has since moved his operations outdoors and further into the wilderness—an effort to continue the moonshine tradition while keeping the law at bay.
Moonshiners: Drama Behind the Shine
Produced by Magilla Entertainment, Moonshiners premiered in 2011 and explores the backwoods traditions of Appalachian distillers. Its authenticity has long been debated. In 2012, Virginia’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) requested a disclaimer clarifying the show was fictional, which producers refused, insisting it was real. Despite the controversy, the show has persisted for 12 seasons, following colorful personalities through triumphs and troubles alike.
Among them:
- Stephen Ray Tickle, who battled legal issues including a 2013 arrest and a suspended sentence in 2016, yet remains a fan favorite. He married Carol Ann in a moonshine-themed wedding in 2019.
- Mark Ramsey and Eric “Digger” Manes, long-time partners in the trade, share a friendship so close it’s sparked rumors. Off-screen, both are happily married and work with Sugarlands Distilling Company.
- Jim Tom Hedrick, a legendary figure in moonshine lore, retired from the show after season 7 but remains a mentor to younger distillers.
- Jeff and Lance Waldrop, who exited in 2019. Lance tragically passed away in 2021 at just 30 years old due to heart failure, a loss that deeply affected fans and the moonshining community.
- Tim Smith, a third-generation moonshiner who transitioned into legal distilling, now runs Climax Spirits and continues to educate the public through tours and events.
Despite ongoing debate over its authenticity and occasional production controversies, Moonshiners maintains a dedicated audience and remains a staple in Discovery’s programming.
Legacy and Future
Josh Owens’ journey—from motocross to moonshine—is emblematic of the show’s broader appeal: real people, real risks, and a stubborn refusal to let tradition die. Whether recovering from injuries, dodging legal trouble, or just trying to perfect a batch of shine, Josh continues to represent the wild heart of Appalachian culture.
As Moonshiners heads toward an expected 15th season, fans are eager to see what lies ahead—not just for Josh, but for a community holding tightly to one of America’s oldest and most controversial traditions.
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