Some interviews feel like catching up with an old friend. That’s how my conversation with Philadelphia-born actress Abria Jackson unfolded—funny, heartfelt, and grounded in faith.
Abria has been making waves: starring in Night of Violence, which opened the prestigious FrightFest in the UK, and appearing on Law & Order: Organized Crime. But beyond the screen, she’s pursuing a master’s in Clinical and Counseling Psychology and mentoring teen girls. We sat down on The Neoliberal Round Podcast to talk about her journey—from the London premiere with her mom to her dreams, faith, and purpose.
The Interview will premiere on The Neoliberal Round Podcast and YouTube channel on Friday 10.3.2025.
On Bringing Mom to London
Renaldo: Since you mentioned your mom going with you to the UK—what was it like sitting in the audience together, watching your film open at FrightFest?
Abria: “It was very emotional. My father passed away a couple of years ago, and he was so supportive of my dream. Knowing my mom was in the audience reminded me that you have people who love you, who will support you. I also felt like my dad was there, looking down from heaven. My mom was so proud—she was cheering, even when no one else was, and people around her were cracking up. I’ll never forget that moment.”
Renaldo: What did it mean personally to have her by your side for such a milestone moment?
Abria: “It felt full circle. God was reminding me to keep going, that I’m on the right path. The fact that my mom was alive and able to be there in person—it meant everything.”
On Acting as Healing
Renaldo: You mentioned Catwoman, a Black rock star, and Tanya from Mortal Kombat as your dream roles. Why those?
Abria: “All three connect directly to my childhood. They’d heal my inner child. Acting was always more than entertainment for me—it was spiritual. As a child, my reality wasn’t glitter and rainbows, so acting became an outlet. Now, keeping that inner child alive helps me bring depth and truth to every role.”
On Balancing Career, Faith, and School
Renaldo: How do you balance your acting career, family, and now school?
Abria: “I’m very intentional with my time. I plan everything out, and I make sure I’m hitting my goals. But I also remind myself: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care is important. For me, that’s $5 Tuesdays at the movies—it’s my way to reset.”
Renaldo: And faith?
Abria: “Faith keeps me going. My mom once bought a name meaning that said Aabria means faith. That’s my story. When auditions don’t come, when I feel like giving up—faith carries me. I don’t know what’s ahead, but I walk in trust.”
On Mentorship and Psychology
Renaldo: You’re also co-leading a mentorship group for teen girls and studying counseling. What inspired that?
Abria: “Even back in high school, people would come up to me and share their lives. It felt like a gift God placed in me. Now I want to perfect that gift, get licensed, and help people in ways that combine spirituality and knowledge.”
On Legacy and the Future
Renaldo: Looking ahead, what kind of legacy do you want to build—not just as an actress, but as a counselor, mentor, and woman of faith?
Abria: “When God calls me home, I want people to say my life was an act of faith. Of course I want roles that make people laugh and cry. But deeper than that, I want to be remembered as someone who served—who gave advice, who helped carry people through.”
She paused, then smiled: “Baby, you will be seeing me in the future. God willing, you will be seeing me.”
From London premieres to Philly mentorship, Abria Jackson is building a career—and a legacy—rooted in truth, faith, and service. And as she reminded me during our conversation: “God is faithful.”
Watch the Interview on The Neoliberal Round YouTube Channel available Friday at 10am.
Also available on The Neoliberal Round Podcast on any stream.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/63qjD2JUxzzRF0h2JQEYqq?si=7Cc6_s5QS668KEgqtEciqQ