Amanda Golka isn’t your normal creator. From her social commentaries to her reviews, she is honest and wont sugar coat the facts. This refreshing take has garnered her half a million+ fans and we are excited to see what is next for her. With more videos to come, she is also excited about writing her first book and helping communities in need. Please read on to learn more about Amanda Golka.

Where are you based?
I am based in Los Angeles, California.

What inspired you to pursue a career in social media?
I was sixteen and wanted to be famous. I grew up alongside the development of social media and watched all the OG youtubers and when some started getting cast in acting projects I figured that was the best way to get discovered. For the rest of high school I began loving the editing and creating side of the content and really found my voice with it.

How did Swell Entertainment first come to life?
My channel was originally called AMG Productions, but I eventually Googled that and learned that it was actually owned by Mercedes and I did not want to be sued while in high school. My friend suggested I do something with the word "swell" since I was a sarcastic teenager who would say "well that's swell" at every minor inconvenience. Thus, Swell Entertainment was born.

You are known for keeping your channel authentic and calling out misinformation in the influencer space. What motivates you to take on this role, and what’s been the most surprising response you have received?
I began my "I Tried It" series when I came back to YouTube from a hiatus in 2018 because my big sister senses were bothered by how influencers were selling things like laxative teas to their young audiences. Honestly, one of the most surprising responses I get from time to time is when I make a fairly negative review of something and people let me know they appreciate the review and will be going ahead with buying the product, because I answered all their questions about it. My goal is to just make people ask their own questions and do their own research so they can make more informed decisions, so I suppose these responses are still achieving that haha.

You cover such a wide range of topics from film, TV, events, products, and trends. How do you decide what to review, and is there a particular type of content you love covering the most?
I am nosey by nature. Usually a topic peaks my interest first then I decide if it will make a good video or not. But there are so many things I deep dive then just decide it won't work for a video. Usually for a good video it has to have a social media element to it or be outrageous for it to motivate a video. I really do love doing event reviews because I get to experience so many events and subcultures, I am not a part of and that's really fun for me.

We heard that you are currently working on a book and a screenplay. Can you tell us more about what people can expect?
My brain is always going so I have a bajillion ideas and need to just make myself sit down and finish them. I currently have a finished first draft of a horror suspense novel and I am working on a non-fiction book about not waiting on others to live your life with or for you. That one I'm really excited about because some of my favorite messages from viewers are about how I inspired them to go to a concert or event alone and I love that.

Experiencing the recent LA fires firsthand and having to evacuate during the Eaton Fire must have been incredibly difficult. How did that experience impact you, both emotionally and practically?
It was a surreal experience to get off of a livestream where I told my chat I was safe and nowhere near the Palisade Fire, walk my dog, and see the mountain on fire behind my apartment. I wasn't in the evacuation zone at the time, but the wind was so severe and heading our way I stayed up all night with my go bags ready to go in case I needed to grab my dog and go. The following morning when the sun came up the sky was dark orange and there was ash all over my balcony and windows. I made the choice to leave for my dad's house even if it was just so I could properly sleep. I was gone for about four days, and I think I got a total of six hours of sleep that whole time because I was just so anxious and fearful for my city. Thankfully the fire didn't reach our apartment but so much was destroyed in Altadena it's devastating.

You have been vocal about supporting organizations like World Central Kitchen, which provides meals for residents and first responders. What drew you to their work?
They were one of the first organizations to come to LA and start helping and I really admire the work that they do. So it just made sense to link them to my channel to help with fundraising where I could.

You have also worked with Creators for Palestine. Can you tell us a bit about that?
I got to be a part of the planning committee for the first Creators for Palestine fundraiser and livestream in 2024. Over 100 content creators came together and helped raise $1.6 million for various Palestinian aid organizations like Heal Palestine and UNRWA and I'm so proud of everyone involved. The group is still active and planning more fundraisers but I stepped back from the planning committee because I am too busy to be exactly what they need for someone on the committee, but I am still involved with the group and excited to see what we can do next.

Beyond disaster relief, you are deeply committed to advocating for causes like Creators for Peace and LGBTQ+ organizations. How do you balance using your platform for activism while staying true to your content?
I definitely think there is a balance, but I have never hidden my opinions on issues from my audience. I would like to say it is a planned balance but that would be a lie. I just am opinionated and so when I feel strongly about issues I share them. If I don't have the right words to explain things, I reshare other people's content that is educating and advocating on those issues. I also have the benefit of the central theme of my content only being me, so if I want to talk about something that is important to me, I can find a way to do that.

For those who want to help but do not know where to start, what are some meaningful ways people can support fire victims and the organizations making a difference?
A great place to start if you can is to look at the GoFundMes for people who were displaced. So many of them need help right now and insurance and government assistance can be a long process. Many LA based libraries, shelters, and charities have expanded to help with aid so that is another great resource to look at for a starting point.

Where do you see the creator space heading in the next few years?
Oh god, I hope for a more grounded-in-reality vibe. I think people are so caught up in looking at the top 5% of creators and influencers that the overall consensus is that all these people are just printing money, but that's not the case at all. If more creators were honest about having side jobs or how many products they actually rent or get gifted, I think viewers would realize how little some of them actually make, and that you can't pay rent with a new skin serum. I also hope we go back to people finding what makes THEM interesting and making content based on that, rather than copying a creator or influencer archetype they have seen and think they need to be.

What do you think social media creators can do to better mobilize their audiences for real-world impact in times of crisis?
I think having realistic expectations about what can happen. Some creators can mobilize their audiences to help fundraise $25k in an hour but for some audiences encouraging volunteering and sharing resources is the best help. It's all helpful! I think what every creator needs to be on top of is not using their audiences to spread conspiracy theories in a crisis. Things are already scary and stressful when the world is literally on fire.

Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share?
I'm always working on something but currently I'm really excited about my non-fiction book I'm working on.

It has been a crazy past few years, and we suspect at least four more, how have you been staying positive?
By remembering I will outlive most of this administration. I will outlast this even if I have to fight and scream to do so. I have also always been someone who gets through tough times by continuing to throw myself into work. The time will pass regardless. I might as well make something while I wait for the next news alert about the horrible thing that is announced like a good thing.

What is your motto in life?
"Champions adjust" which is a shortened quote from Billie Jean King.

To learn more about Amanda, please check out the links below. 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_HF-dqn4lCs4fEA4GB210g and @GirlyPopGo
Instagram: luvu2golka
Tiktok: @swellentertainment

Photo Credits:
Photographer: Ben Cope
Stylist: Anna Schilling
Hair/Makeup: Blondie