INTERVIEW: Juan Ibarra joins top-rated Discovery series, ‘Gold Rush’

Gold Rush, the top-rated Discovery series, charts the many trials and tribulations of gold miners in the 21st century. What many people believe to be an outdated profession actually is alive and well in several parts of the world, especially Alaska. These workers move away from their families for months on end and risk their lives in search for those big paydays.

The phenomenon keeps going. The recent sixth-season premiere was the series’ highest, and the new episodes are finding new story lines and characters to follow.

In the past, Hollywood Soapbox has exchanged emails with Matt Rogers, host of The Dirt, the pre-show to Gold Rush; John Schnabel, one of the stars on the series; and executive producer Christo Doyle.

One of the new additions is Juan Ibarra, who works for the crew of Todd Hoffman on the show. Now audience members can watch Ibarra’s journey Fridays at 9 p.m. on Discovery Channel. Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Ibarra about his experiences and new role on Hoffman’s team. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

How did you first get attached to Gold Rush?

I got involved with Gold Rush thanks to my brother-in-law, Aaron Pena. He follows Gold Rush and Todd Hoffman on Facebook and Twitter. He saw that they were looking for a new mechanic and told me to send in my résumé. At the time, I was working in central Alaska at another mine. I was content with the work I had, but I told him that if he wanted to send my résumé in he could. He and my wife Andrea worked together to update my résumé and send it in. I got a response back from the show, and that’s how the ball l got rolling on this adventure.

How was it like working for Todd Hoffman and his crew?

Working with Todd and the crew was really fun and exciting. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first and wondered how I would get along with anyone. Turns out, we are like-minded people, and we clicked right away. We did have our differences at times, but the overall experience was very memorable and one I wouldn’t trade for anything.

What’s the toughest aspect of being a gold miner?

The toughest aspect of being involved in a gold mining operation such as with the Hoffman crew is being away from home and family for an extended period of time. My wife was able to come up and visit for a short time. Unfortunately, due to her pregnancy, she wasn’t able to stay for as long as I would have liked.

Other than being away from family, the hardest part of being a gold miner is the uncertainty of whether or not the ground will contain enough gold to make a profit at the end of the day. You can be the most dedicated, hard worker, but if there isn’t any gold in the ground, it means nothing. We don’t get paid for effort. We get paid for results.

Could you describe what previous experiences prepared you to work on this gold-mining team?

Ever since I was very young, probably 8 or 9 years old, I worked with my father. He challenged me to work with my hands and taught me to work on vehicles as well as do other trade work. As I got older, I took it beyond fixing cars and light-duty vehicles to working on heavy equipment. This ultimately prepared me to have the opportunity to work at a few different mines in Nevada and in Alaska. Now, thanks to all of my experience, I have the great opportunity of working with Todd’s crew.

Were you a fan of Gold Rush before joining the show? Did you like being filmed?

Yes, I have been a fan of Gold Rush ever since season one. I have always thought the Hoffman crew to be relatable and down to earth. Once I got to know them, I feel even more strongly that they are great people. It has been a pleasure to work with them but even more so, to get to know them as human beings.

It was a little difficult getting used to the cameras at first. However, as the season wore on, I learned how to work around them. Now look at me, I’m a natural in front of the camera! LOL

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

I see myself still working hard to provide for my family. I hope to still be involved with the Hoffman’s in some way, mining the hell out of the ground somewhere.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Gold Rush airs new episodes Fridays at 9 p.m. on Discovery Channel. Click here for more information.