Prior to tonight’s The Dirt: The Hoffman Story premiere on Discovery, Gold Rush star Todd Hoffman opened up about what his early years of mining were like.
In a clip on Twitter, the Gold Rush castmate described the younger years as a “drunk family reunion” … but with bears. Hoffman also revealed what it was like to bring his family on site.
“I don’t think we should have brought our family,” Gold Rush’s Todd Hoffman joked. His father, Jack Hoffman stated that he actually felt responsible for involving Todd’s family. “It could have been dangerous.”
Also in another clip, the Gold Rush stars revealed more details about the latest mining experience for him. “You’re losing money. Your friends are getting in fights. I mean, it’s almost like a really, really bad drunk family reunion. Except for it lasted all summer. I mean, what could go wrong?”
The Dirt: The Hoffman Story is on tonight (October 15th) at 9 p.m. through Discovery and discovery+.
‘Gold Rush’ Star Todd Hoffman Opens Up Turning to Gold Mining After His Family Business Collapsed
During a 2012 interview with Business Insider, Gold Rush star Todd Hoffman revealed why he decided to go into gold mining after his family business collapsed in 2008. “I started seeing everything go to hell in a handbasket. It turned out to be desperation. Seeing everything fold around you. Companies that never go away start going away.”
Although his family hadn’t necessarily experienced “overwhelming hauls,” the Gold Rush castmate stated it was his family’s best chance to save their finances. “We just kicked into high gear. Just tried to kick a—,” Hoffman continued.
The Gold Rush star also said that luckily, he’s been fortunate through the years, both financial and physically. Especially with mining being dangerous. “We’ve had several things almost fall on us. Several things almost run us over. Perfect safety record.”
Since Gold Rush began, Hoffman had encouraged others to go out and try it again for all life obstacles.
“I’ve had a hard marriage. We’re still together but it wasn’t easy. So when you realize. When I get [letters from blue-collar Americans], shame on me for wanting to not do it anymore.”
The Gold Rush star then stated that his team is mostly Christians and they encourage others in their faith. “They’re watching, and if I can encourage them by going after it, we might be able to join together and maybe change this economy.”
Hoffman does admit that while he’s not a financial advisor, he is focused on the economy. In that perspective, he doesn’t think it’s a good idea for others to follow his career path. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love mining.
“Obviously the odds are bad. I don’t care what you are, if you shorted stock or brought this biomedical firm, there is nothing more pure and sweet than digging gold out of the ground.
