Amy Johnson – Below Deck

Q) It was touched on a bit during the show, but what got you into yachting?

A) After college I joined the rat race of life in a big city, corporate job, working so hard to be “successful,” but something was missing. I wasn’t happy. I basically sold everything, packed up my car and headed to Florida in search of travel and adventure. When I arrived and saw all the beautiful yachts, I didn’t know how I was going to pull it off, but I knew it was the perfect answer and I was determined to work on one!

Q) What were your thoughts when you were asked to be a part of “Below Deck?”

A) At first I was hesitant when I was asked to be a part of “Below Deck.” I had seen season one and felt there was a disconnect between the show and what experienced crew really deliver during a charter. Ultimately, I decided to be a part of season two to exemplify what it looks like when that bar is raised when it comes to the details of our job.

Q) How did it come about that you and Kelley got to work on the same ship?

A) I had already committed to joining Ohana for the charter season and was asked if I knew any available crew. I said, “Yes I know a few, but at the top of the list is my brother.” They interviewed him and the rest is history.

Q) Were there certain parts of your life that you deemed off limits to the cameras?

A) At first, yes. I only wanted to show the upbeat, happy, “I’ve got this” side of myself. I actually kicked a camera out of my room on day two because I started to get overwhelmed and tear up. I was embarrassed to show that side of myself. I found out really quickly that is a big no-no when filming a reality show. Who knew?! After that incident, I realized if I really believed that I was there for a bigger purpose than just a TV show (which I did) then I am going to be really real and show the good, the bad and the ugly. As uncomfortable as it was at first, looking back I am thankful I had the courage to do so because it led to huge personal growth.

Q) When the tips are handed out, many people felt Andrew should not have gotten an equal share. What were your thoughts?

A) It was hard for me to have a strong opinion since I’m part of the interior team and not out on deck with them. I knew Andrew was having a hard time with the aspects of the job itself and personally adjusting to the stress of chartering. It was very clear he was an odd man out with crew because he wasn’t pulling his weight as a team player. As goofy as he is, he has a good heart and I hoped that Captain Lee’s warning would encourage him to pull it together, step up to the plate and be a valuable deckhand for the second charter.

Q) There are a number of interesting charter guests this season, including Georgia (and her interest in Andrew). How close are you allowed to get with guests?

A) There are a lot of interesting charter guests this season, with some very bizarre requests. When approached with these requests, it starts to feel like the guests view you more as a circus show pony instead of a crew member. There is that fine line. It’s somewhat of a grey area, but ultimately it’s the Captain’s call to determine to follow through or turn down.

Q) We saw that there is some tension between you and Kat. Will we get to the heart of the issue during the season?

A) It’s funny to watch because I thought we did a better job at keeping any tension on the down low. Apparently not! As the season starts, I think we just try and sweep it under the rug, to remain professional and work together. As time goes on, we will get more to the heart of the issue and deal with what made our friendship take a turn.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming?

A) Oh gosh, I have so many! One of my favorite moments was getting to celebrate Kelley’s birthday with him for the first time in ages! He had a great celebration and all the crew made it really special for him! Another was having to “MacGyver” a partition between the galley and the dining room when we quickly had to move dinner inside because of the weather. I have never laughed so hard while serving a meal and washing dishes.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you enjoying the instant fan feedback you have begun receiving when the episodes air?

A) Absolutely! That has been one of my favorite parts of this experience. I’ve really enjoyed getting to connect with the all the viewers. I never really tweeted before “Below Deck.” We have the best fans! I really appreciate all the love and support they give us!

Q) What do you think it is about Below Deck that has made it a fan favorite show?

A) I think it is a fan favorite show because it gives an inside glimpse of the lavish life that only a very small percentage of the population gets to experience. It’s like being a fly on the wall while the owners of the houses on “The Rich and Famous” live in them. I would totally watch that!

Below Deck airs Tuesdays at 9pm ET/PT on Bravo