Season 7 Episode 6 - Interview with Rhayne Thomas

In this joyful, heartfelt, and inspiring episode, Susanna talks with Rhayne Thomas about following your passions, embracing what makes you unique, and finding ways to bring light into the lives of others. A blues singer, actor, author, breast cancer survivor, and lifelong advocate, Rhayne shares the remarkable story behind her movement, PrunesAreSexy!, and how a childhood love of prunes evolved into nearly fifty years of fundraising, awareness, and support for cancer survivors around the world.

Together, Susanna and Rhayne explore the power of persistence, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, and how one conversation can change the course of a life. Rhayne reflects on overcoming a difficult childhood, the unwavering support of her husband, and the countless creative projects she has launched in service of others. Through laughter, storytelling, and plenty of prune enthusiasm, this conversation reminds us that our quirks can become our greatest gifts when we have the courage to share them with the world.

Episode Highlights

00:46 – Introducing Rhayne Thomas

03:15 – Rhayne shares the origin story of her lifelong love of prunes and how National Prune Day was born.

06:09 – The evolution of PrunesAreSexy! and how a personal passion became a global fundraising and awareness movement supporting cancer survivors.

16:33 – Susanna and Rhayne share the story of their chance meeting in an airport and the friendship that grew from a single conversation.

21:55 – Rhayne discusses her special-edition PrunesAreSexy! glasses collaboration and discusses using creativity as a force for fundraising and connection.

36:02 – Rhayne reveals the one message she hopes listeners will remember.

Get To Know Rhayne Thomas

Rhayne Thomas, entertainer, inspirational humorist and breast cancer survivor, born and raised in The Bronx, has been a volunteer spokesperson and fundraiser for cancer and breast cancer since 1976.

Born and raised a Bronx, NY girl, Rhayne Tomas has a serious passion for fun, healing, laughter and Prunes. Yes, the fruit! She is a Blues vocalist, actor, author, voluntary spokesperson and fundraiser for cancer/breast cancer. Being grateful and blessed with so many gifts, she has always focused on making others feel alive through her voice and sense of humor, which led her to create her all-encompassing wellness and thought-provoking company, “PrunesAreSexy!” over 15 years ago.

Anyone who knows her knows she is “an experience junkie” because she believes the world is full of wonderful things everyone should see, feel, do, and eat, and she doesn't want to miss any opportunity to inspire others who also inspire her!

On July 15th, 2021, Rhayne became a 10 year cancer Survivor and that milestone made it very clear to her there’s a lot more work for me to do with her continued Warrior Spirit!!

Owner of “PrunesAreSexy!”, “Prunes! Making YOU Run for breast cancer!” and “National Prunes Day, June 15th", Rhayne’s ultimate goal is to inspire through laughter and prunes, her all-time favorite fruit. “People judge it from the outside when all the beauty is on the inside. Like people. If we can move past physical judgments, the world would be so much happier!”