Moonshiners: Grit, Loss, and the Enduring Spirit of Appalachia

For more than a decade, Moonshiners has pulled back the curtain on one of America’s oldest—and most controversial—traditions: the backwoods art of distilling untaxed liquor. Airing on Discovery Channel, the series documents the personal triumphs and tragedies of those who carry forward a practice rooted in Appalachian history. Beyond the stills and recipes, the show has also revealed the fragility, resilience, and enduring bonds of the moonshiner community.

Jerry Benson’s Brush with Death

One of the show’s most respected figures, master distiller Jerry Benson, gave fans a scare after a sudden medical emergency nearly claimed his life. About a year ago, Benson was rushed to the hospital after experiencing extreme weakness, vomiting, and profuse sweating. Doctors diagnosed internal bleeding and dangerously high blood pressure.

“His blood pressure was at a level where most people don’t come back,” explained his longtime partner, Mike Cockrell. “Something was definitely going wrong with the brain.”

Transferred to Asheville for advanced treatment, Benson spent days in critical condition. His girlfriend, Kiera, immediately traveled from Indiana to remain at his side, while fans flooded social media with messages of support. By late 2022, Benson had made a remarkable recovery. His posts today show him back at work in the distillery, embracing both his craft and his second chance at life.

A Heartbreaking Loss: Lance Waldrop

Not all Moonshiner stories end with recovery. In March 2021, tragedy struck when Lance Waldrop—beloved for his light-hearted demeanor and work with his father, Jeff—passed away unexpectedly at the age of 30. Discovered unresponsive in his bedroom, Lance’s cause of death was attributed to congenital heart failure, complicated by obesity. Despite his struggles, Lance remained a hardworking and beloved member of the cast, and his passing left a void in the moonshining family.

Steve Ray Tickle: Survivor of Close Calls

Few Moonshiners have endured as many brushes with death as Steve Ray Tickle. The fan-favorite has survived multiple life-threatening events, including a fall that broke six ribs and a serious car crash that resulted in legal troubles. Though never part of the original main cast, Tickle’s larger-than-life personality and reputation have cemented his place in the lore of the series.

Remembering Popcorn Sutton

No conversation about moonshining is complete without mentioning Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, the legendary figure whose presence still lingers over the show. Sutton’s life ended in 2009 when, facing an 18-month federal prison sentence, he died by suicide rather than serve time. Though gone, his influence continues through archival footage, his family, and the countless distillers who consider him a mentor in spirit.

Rebuilt Bonds and New Partnerships

Moonshiners thrive on relationships as much as recipes. Jerry Benson and Mike Cockrell, who had briefly parted ways due to business differences, have rekindled their partnership for Season 12. This time, they’re also joined by Solomon Sutton, Popcorn’s son, in what fans hope will be a powerful continuation of the legacy.

Women Redefining Moonshining

The moonshine industry has long been male-dominated, but women are making their mark. Amanda Bryant captured national attention with her hazelnut liquor victory on Master Distiller. A self-taught distiller, she stands as a trailblazer for women in the craft.

Meanwhile, Danielle Parton—combat veteran, pilot, and niece of country superstar Dolly Parton—launched her Shine Girl spirits line in 2022. Targeted toward women yet respected by all, her work shows how tradition can evolve without losing authenticity.

Mike Cockrell: Family and Legacy

Outside of TV, Mike Cockrell has been steadily building a legacy. The Mississippi native runs Tennessee Shine Company, which now boasts four locations. Beyond business, he recently celebrated eight years of marriage with his wife, Jenna, with whom he shares three children. For Cockrell, balancing family and moonshining has been the most rewarding chapter of his journey.

A Tradition of Defiance

Moonshining’s roots trace back to the Whiskey Rebellion during the Revolutionary era, when taxes on alcohol fueled fierce resistance. Prohibition later ushered in the golden age of illicit distilling, feeding not only hidden stills but also the rise of stock-car racing, which evolved into NASCAR.

Even today, moonshine thrives both in Appalachia and abroad, from Finnish pontica to Cameroonian Odikotor—some reaching dangerously high alcohol levels of 80%. What unites them is a spirit of rebellion, ingenuity, and pride.

As Moonshiners continues to chronicle lives shaped by hardship and heritage, it reminds audiences that this centuries-old craft is more than liquor—it’s a way of life.