INTERVIEW: Emily Riedel searches for that golden end on ‘Bering Sea Gold’

Nome, Alaska, is the site of a modern-day gold rush. On a weekly basis, viewers of Bering Sea Gold, Discover’s hit reality series, follow the dedicated gold miners in this tucked-away town as they head for the Bering Sea and undertake complex mining operations. Their adventures, resulting in both riches and disappointments, make for some dramatic TV viewing.

One of the fan favorites over the last few years has been Emily Riedel, who on the new season starts working again with her old partner, Zeke Tenhoff. Riedel was first brought to Nome by Tenhoff, and she has changed the landscape of the business in this Alaska town. In older episodes, she headed her own operation with an all-female crew. Now she has changed crews with her sights ever-set on that gleaming gold and lasting success.

New episodes of Bering Sea Gold air Fridays at 10 p.m. on Discovery Channel.

Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Riedel about her unique career and new challenges on the reality series. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

What can your fans expect on the new season of Bering Sea Gold?

Gold, dangerous diving conditions (under 4 feet of ice in 27-degree water) and barely contained, ancient tension between Zeke and me. You know, the usual for Bering Sea Gold.

Do you think the show accurately depicts your profession?

The show depicts us as somewhat crazy humans who have a dangerous gold addiction and an affinity for beer. That’s pretty damn accurate. It’s difficult for the show delve into the more technical aspects of mining and also difficult to quantify the acute struggle of the day-to-day physical and mental demands of this profession.

Would you say that gold mining off the coast of Alaska is a job that relies on luck, skill or both?

I think luck and skill are overrated when it comes to mining for gold in the remote and isolated northwest of Alaska. Success in this profession has a lot more to do with tenacity and willingness to endure somewhat torturous conditions as a means to a golden end. 

What was the experience like teaming up once again with Zeke Tenhoff? 

Zeke is great. He’s utterly infuriating and impossible at times, and we have had some truly horrible times in the past together. But his approach to gold mining is interesting and creative, so I see the benefit of maintaining a partnership. It means I’m probably not going to have a very peaceful season … But it never is in the Bering Sea. 

What’s the best and worst parts of having your day-to-day activities filmed?

Are there good parts? Just kidding, I’ve been at this for a while … It’s great to be filmed doing a job you love. It gives significance to you and your work, and I’m always excited for the fans of the show to see what we’re doing and how well, or even how terribly a season went. It can be draining, however, to be be filmed every day for months or weeks at a time … Also, when you’re having bad moments, they are being extensively, excruciatingly covered.

What’s the best part of living in Alaska?

It’s exquisitely beautiful and free. If you don’t like rules or the establishment, come here.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

Bering Sea Gold premieres new episodes Fridays at 10 p.m. on Discovery Channel. Click here for more information on the show. Click here for previous interviews with Emily Riedel.