Virgin River actress Zibby Allen is the new web cover of the month
Best known for her captivating portrayal of Brie Sheridan in Virgin River, Zibby Allen is a multi-talented actress who continues to inspire audiences through her versatility, authenticity, and passion. Beyond the screen, Zibby is passionately exploring new realms in podcasting with I Like You Very Much, which celebrates the beauty of genuine connection and friendship, while supporting meaningful causes like Save the Children.
In conversation with Latest Magazine, by Martina Tondo, Zibby Allen opens up about her journey as an actress, her commitment to mental and physical well-being through herbal remedies, and her aspirations to create and star in her own projects.
On the success of Virgin River
Virgin River has become a global phenomenon and one of Netflix’s most-watched series. In your opinion, what is it about the series that makes it so compelling for fans around the world?
I’m not entirely sure, but I think what draws people to Virgin River is the warmth and goodness that defines its community. The show highlights the importance of relationships—whether with friends, family, neighbors, or partners—and we see the characters showing up for each other, navigating life’s ups and downs, and continually returning to love. As cheesy as it might sound, there’s a real, honest comfort in that simplicity—especially these days. With its romantic escapism, compelling love stories, and stunning natural setting, what’s not to love?
Your character, Brie Sheridan, has gone through very tumultuous and intense storylines over the course of the seasons. How did you emotionally prepare yourself for the most difficult moments in Brie’s storyline? What can you give away about her arc in the upcoming season?
The beauty—and sometimes the burden—of my job is that it requires me to open up to big emotions and painful realities that aren’t entirely mine. My way of preparing is just making sure I’m available to those feelings. That means staying as self-aware as possible, empathetic, curious, and in touch with my own energy. It’s really a life practice that helps keep me ready for intense storylines, like Brie’s. Of course, there are days when I’d rather not go to a heavy place and just tune out, but because I love my work, it’s not really an option most of the time. So I try to focus on staying open and taking good care of myself in between jobs.
In the sixth season of Virgin River—which will be released on Netflix on December 19—Brie will find herself in a true conflict between her mind and her heart. She’s trying to figure out who she is and how she wants her life to look after the assault, an event that has affected her life for a long time. Before the trauma, Brie was used to having control over her world, but that experience shook her sense of self so deeply that she now struggles to trust her own inner compass. I’d say this is what’s driving her decisions this season. (Of course, Mike and Brady remain central to her world at the moment…)
On the podcast I Like You Very Much
Your podcast with your friend and colleague Alexandra Breckenridge, I Like You Very Much, is based on your deep friendship. What is it about and what do you hope to convey to your listeners?
Our podcast is really a celebration of our friendship. Like what’s at the heart of Virgin River, Alex and I both understand and are living how powerful true friendship can be. There’s something so medicinal about a close female friend you can be fully yourself with. With all the negativity and fear that shows up online, we loved the idea of creating a podcast that’s about celebrating what we like about each other—and our guests. We’ve found that focusing on what we genuinely appreciate about a guest opens the door to some incredible, real conversations about who they are and what makes them tick. It’s also funny to see how people can squirm a little when they’re given sincere compliments!
It’s definitely a feel-good theme, but we don’t shy away from being real, either. We’re not trying to present some polished, perfect version of ourselves. We just want listeners to feel like they’re right there with us, maybe sharing a glass of wine, and getting a true, human-to-human connection.
10% of the podcast profits go to Save the Children. How did you come to this decision and what impact do you hope to have?
We’re inspired by their commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to survive, learn, and thrive. By supporting Save the Children, we feel like we’re playing a small part in a larger movement that provides essential aid during emergencies, innovative educational programs, and life-saving healthcare initiatives. It’s a cause that resonates deeply with us both, and I’m proud to help raise awareness and contribute to their impactful work.
On herbs and natural remedies
Your experience with herbal remedies is fascinating. What inspired you to seek out alternative solutions for your well-being, and how have these remedies changed your life? Which recipe would you suggest as a starting point for beginners?
A few years ago, I discovered I had Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)— a condition where my body reacts intensely to histamines (which are everywhere and in more foods than you’d think!). It was tricky to diagnose because symptoms vary so much from person to person. For years, I’d have random symptoms—chronic hives, skin changes, cycle issues—that would come and go, leaving me disturbed and desperate for answers. After a lot of research and experimenting I finally figured out histamines were the trigger. With that knowledge, I built a steady baseline of health, with herbs playing a significant role in helping me become essentially symptom-free. I’ve had such a transformation with the use of herbs, that I was inspired to enroll in herbal studies. I now make my own teas, tinctures, and tonics (for myself and friends.)
I always say that the simplest starting point is tea. A daily cold brew is the easiest way to incorporate herbal support into my daily routine. I steep my favourite loose-leaf herbs in filtered water in a carafe, keep it in the fridge overnight, and then strain it in the morning. I drink it just like water throughout the day. This infusion is very nutrient-dense and tastes amazing.
On life and upcoming projects
You’ve played a wide variety of roles, from Grey’s Anatomy to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and The Exorcist. What role has challenged you the most, and why?
Every job brings its own set of challenges, to be honest. With each new role, I’m faced with fresh fears to confront and hurdles to overcome—whether physical or emotional. The truth is, this work terrifies me. So as general as it may sound, simply showing up to do the job despite my fears makes every role uniquely challenging in its own way.
Looking ahead, what can you give away about your upcoming projects? Are there any other areas you’d like to explore?
I would really love to explore a period drama and immerse myself in a world that is vastly different from my current reality. When I’m on set, I am so easily transported! I can’t help but fantasize about playing a role in a story set in the early 1900s or thereabouts.
I’m also in the midst of refining a draft of a feature I’ve written. If I can muster the courage, I’d like to make this film, star in it, and possibly co-direct. My recent experience in producing has really shown me that to create a movie that’s truly your own, creatively speaking, you kind of just have to do it. This means not waiting for someone else to provide funding or permission, or attaching “bankable names”. I’m working on building the courage to forge ahead independently with this story I’ve got brewing.
