Mike Cockrell Moonshiners Biography: Age, Wife Jenna Hurst, Kids, Net Worth & TV Career

What does it take to turn moonshine into a career—and still keep your family close? How does a Mississippi native go from bootlegging roots to building legal distilleries and TV fame? Here’s the story behind the man, the myth, and the moonshine.

Mike Cockrell, a seasoned moonshiner, television personality, and entrepreneur, rose to national prominence through the Discovery Channel’s hit series Moonshiners. With deep roots in Mississippi’s bootlegging tradition, Mike carved out a career that bridges old-school craft with modern enterprise. Beyond his distilling reputation, he’s launched successful ventures like Copper Creek Distillery and Marsh Magic while balancing his on-screen role with family life in Tennessee alongside his wife, Jenna Hurst, and their children. Known for his resourcefulness and authenticity, Mike has earned recognition in both the reality TV space and the legal spirits industry.

Early Life and Childhood

Mike Cockrell was born on April 3, 1979, and hails from Mize, Mississippi, a small town rooted in Southern tradition. Growing up in the Deep South played a defining role in shaping Mike’s passions and values. From an early age, Mike was immersed in a world of family, food, and backwoods know-how. He recalls standing on a chair as a young boy, watching his grandparents cook in their kitchen—a memory that would spark his lifelong love for cooking.

Mike attended Mize High School in Mississippi. Details about any higher education or vocational training have not been publicly disclosed.

Mike’s connection to moonshining also traces back to his childhood. His grandfather was a bootlegger in Mississippi, and his grandmother, as he fondly remembers, helped her own grandfather make moonshine as a child. This generational link laid the foundation for what would later become Mike’s professional path.

Career and Progression

In 2016, Mike Cockrell joined the cast of Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners. Appearing as Moonshiner Mike, he demonstrated his skills in distillation and gained national attention. His role on the show later contributed to his participation in legal ventures within the spirits industry.

He proudly partnered with Copper Creek Distillery in Marion, North Carolina, to produce branded, legal moonshine. At the same time, Mike pursued another passion—cooking—by co-founding Marsh Magic Products, a seasoning company that reflects his Southern culinary roots.

The idea for Marsh Magic was sparked by a chance meeting in early 2021 between Mike and Eric Deville, a lifelong resident of Ville Platte, Louisiana. The two bonded over their shared love for bold, flavorful food. Drawing inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of South Louisiana and the Great Smoky Mountains, they collaborated to create a unique line of Cajun seasonings. The result was the Marsh Magic product line—spice blends designed to deliver robust flavor and Southern flair.

Mike Cockrell’s Career on Moonshiners

Mike Cockrell is a well-known face on the Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners. He joined the series in Season 6 back in 2016 and has since become a steady presence, appearing in over 120 episodes. As of 2025, Mike remains an active member of the cast, continuing to bring his distilling skills and business savvy to the show.

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From the start, Mike brought a strategic mindset to moonshining. He first partnered with Mark Ramsey and later teamed up with Jerry Benson and others. Unlike many traditionalists, Mike focused on scale and efficiency, always looking for ways to increase output without compromising quality. Over the years, he has helped create everything from classic clear apple pie moonshine to bold experimental blends, often combining old-school methods with modern innovation.

His time on the show hasn’t always been smooth. Mike became involved in turf disputes and internal conflicts, especially with fellow shiners Mark and Digger. Accusations of betrayal and business rivalry placed him at the center of some of the show’s most intense moments. Still, Mike stayed committed to his work—expanding operations, refining recipes, and staying ahead of demand.

One of the strongest storylines in Mike’s Moonshiners journey is his working relationship with Jerry. Together, they weathered breakdowns, financial stress, and even sabotage. At times, Mike faced retaliation from other shiners, highlighting just how competitive—and sometimes personal—the moonshine world can be.

A good example of Mike and Jerry’s persistence came during Season 9, when they built a steep hillside staircase to reach a hidden still site. The terrain made construction difficult, forcing them to cut through logs, secure anchor points, and constantly adapt their plans. Despite frustrations and setbacks, the pair managed to complete the access route, demonstrating the physical challenges involved in operating backwoods stills.

Mike has also confronted direct competition within the show’s evolving moonshine economy. In Season 12, he voiced frustration over fellow shiner Richard Landry, whom he suspected of encroaching on his customer base in Sevier County, Tennessee. After discovering that Richard’s unique spiced peach liquor had reached one of his long-time buyers, Mike interpreted it as a breach of the moonshiners’ code—a set of informal ethics respected among veteran shiners. This tension underscored how competitive the business had become, with turf disputes now playing out between seasoned producers and rising newcomers alike.

Over time, Mike transitioned from small-scale setups to more developed operations, reflecting a broader trend on the show toward larger and more ambitious distilling efforts. His evolving role paralleled Moonshiners’ shift from backwoods secrecy to higher-stakes, often semi-commercial ventures that still carried risks of exposure and legal issues.

As of the most recent seasons, Mike continues to play an active role in the series, contributing to both the narrative of modern-day moonshining and the ongoing challenges faced by those working outside the law.

Other Television Appearances

In addition to his work on Moonshiners, Mike Cockrell has made appearances in other television series. He featured in 13 episodes of Master Distiller between 2020 and 2025, where he appeared as a contestant, guest judge, and participant in various capacities. In 2022, he also made a one-episode appearance as himself on the TV series Action Figure Adventure. These roles have expanded his presence on television, showcasing his versatility and popularity beyond the core moonshine audience.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Mike Cockrell’s estimated net worth is approximately $400,000 to $600,000. This estimate is based on earnings from his long-running role on Moonshiners, appearances on other television series, his business partnership with Copper Creek Distillery, and his co-ownership of Marsh Magic Products. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, his income sources suggest a stable and diversified financial profile.

Marriage, Wedding, and Children of Mike Cockrell

Mike Cockrell has built a family life with Jenna Hurst, whom he married on September 11, 2021, after becoming engaged in July 2014. The couple resides in Sevierville, Tennessee, and have been together for over a decade. Their household includes children from both Mike’s current and previous marriages, all of whom are featured regularly in his social media posts. While Jenna plays an active role in the family, details about Mike’s former marriage remain private.

Their wedding blended rustic charm with personal style. Mike wore dark denim overalls over a striped shirt, complemented by a brown wide-brimmed hat. Jenna wore a white lace wedding gown with long sleeves and sheer floral detailing, along with a veil during the ceremony. The celebration featured natural wood interiors, floral arrangements, and a casual, country-themed atmosphere.

The ceremony was particularly emotional for Mike. He openly shared his anxiety and anticipation leading up to the event, especially regarding whether his close friend Jerry—who had been dealing with health issues—would be able to attend. Jerry’s last-minute arrival added a layer of meaning to the day. Mike expressed gratitude and was visibly emotional, stating it meant the world to him that Jerry was well enough to stand by his side.

After the vows were exchanged and the couple was introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Mike Cockrell, the reception included a heartfelt toast. Mike and Jenna served blueberry champagne, a product connected to Mike’s moonshining roots. Mike took a moment to thank everyone in attendance and reflected on their seven-year relationship, expressing his commitment to a future together.

Mike has five children—four daughters and one son:

• Kat Cockrell: Born on December 10, 2002. She turned 22 in 2024. Mike has described her as his “baby girl” and acknowledged her as his first-born daughter.
• Heidi Lyn Cockrell: Born on March 17, 2010. She turned 15 in 2025. Her birthday coincides with St. Patrick’s Day, a detail noted in Mike’s post.
• Maddie Beth Cockrell: Born on April 27, 2012. She turned 13 in 2025. Mike marked the occasion with a brief affectionate message.
• Lydia Cockrell: Born on March 6, 2015. She turned 9 in 2024 and was baptized on March 10, reflecting the family’s observance of Christian traditions.
• Mikey Cockrell: Mike’s only son, born on December 23, 2001. He turned 23 in 2024. In a birthday message, Mike referred to him as his “first and only born son.”

Cockrell’s online presence reflects consistent involvement in his children’s lives, often highlighting family milestones such as birthdays and baptisms. These posts offer insight into the personal values he emphasizes within his household.

Mike Cockrell Wiki Bio Facts

Full Name	Mike Cockrell
Date of Birth	April 3, 1979
Age (as of 2025)	46 years old
Birthplace	Mize, Mississippi, USA
Current Residence	Sevierville, Tennessee, USA
Nationality	American
Profession	Moonshiner, Entrepreneur, TV Personality
Famous For	Moonshiners (Discovery Channel)
Years Active (TV)	2016–present
Businesses	Copper Creek Distillery, Marsh Magic
Marital Status	Married
Wife	Jenna Hurst Cockrell
Children	5 (Kat, Heidi Lyn, Maddie Beth, Lydia, Mikey)
Known For	Legal moonshine, Cajun spices, family values
Estimated Net Worth	$400,000–$600,000 (as of 2025)
Education	Mize High School
TV Appearances	Moonshiners, Master Distiller, Action Figure Adventure