“Taking too much away from my own personal mining goals” — When Gold Rush: White Water star Kayla broke silence on her exit from the show

In June 2023, Kayla Johanson announced that she was leaving Gold Rush: White Water, saying the show had gotten too constrictive. Although she was viewed by fans as a key member of the dredge-diving team, she revealed that participating on the show severely restricted her capacity to follow her own mining aspirations and business endeavors. After seasons of overcoming interpersonal and environmental obstacles on the show, she made this decision.

"Working on the show was tying me down too much and taking too much away from my own personal mining goals and business goals," Kayla admitted.

She decided to leave because she was fed up with disappointing outcomes, needless drama, and ongoing delays in discovering gold. The conflict that many reality TV stars face in juggling their on-screen persona with their personal goals and well-being was brought to light by Kayla's departure.

After leaving, Kayla has resumed independent mining in Alaska and opened her Etsy store, The Peeking Doe, where she sells jewelry created from minerals she finds herself. She also made hints about launching a YouTube channel to share her experiences dredging alone. For Kayla, the departure was a conscious return to autonomy, control, and the ability to pursue her goals rather than a retreat.

Kayla’s departure from Gold Rush: White Water: Choosing freedom over filming

Independence over production constraints

After the Gold Rush: White Water Season 5 finale, Kayla Johanson revealed that she was leaving the show to focus on her own mining and jewelry business in Alaska. Kayla was drawn back to what she loved, running solo without drama's pace and pressure as the first woman on Dustin Hurts crew who struck gold.

Kayla made it clear that her goals had changed and that she no longer wanted to deal with disputes and predetermined timetables but rather wanted full independence. Her choice demonstrated a willingness to take back control of her life, her time, and her craft.

From solo miner to show star

Kayla ran her own dredge for more than ten years before entering the show, mining alone or with little assistance. She was first hesitant to accept Dustin's invitation to join the Gold Rush crew in Season 5.

"I was kind of on the fence… I’m my own boss. I make my own schedule," Gold Rush: White Water star clarified.

She was first somewhat camera-shy, but she conquered her fears, became the crew's leader, and gained respect via her perseverance and talent.

Onscreen, Kayla had to overcome skepticism from co-workers and clash with production demands. She had problems with the crew and filming schedules behind the scenes; she was irritated with long dives that went late and needless drama. Deep down, she craved autonomy.

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Head to Discovery Plus to watch all the episodes of Gold Rush: White Water.

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