919 FM The Social Impact Show with Samm Marshall

From High-Functioning to Free: Thando Pato’s Raw Journey Through Alcoholism, Cancer & Self-Discovery

Loading player...
🍸 This week on The Social Impact Show, acclaimed writer and PR maven Thando Pato bares her soul about her memoir On the Rocks—a searingly honest account of high-functioning alcoholism, surviving cancer, and reclaiming her identity.

🔍 Key Moments You Can’t Miss:
The wake-up call: How a therapist’s blunt diagnosis led to a 5-year sobriety journey.
Cancer as a catalyst: Why she drank through chemo—and the brutal side effects of survival.
Media’s dark side: Behind-the-scenes truths about being a black woman in glossy magazines.
"Prosperity = peace": Thando’s hard-won definition of success after trauma.

💡 Why Listen?
“I judged AA members—until I realized I was just better at hiding my addiction.” — Thando on denial.
“Recovery isn’t about quitting alcohol. It’s about learning who you are without it.”
📖 Get the Book: On the Rocks: Memoir of a High-Functioning Alcoholic is available at all major bookstores.

👇 Join the Conversation:
Share your story using #NoMoreShameSA
Follow @SocialImpactShow for more raw, transformative journeys

#MentalHealth #Sobriety #CancerSurvivor #AuthenticLiving
22 Jul English South Africa Business · Non-Profit

Other recent episodes

BRICKS Social Impact Round Up Stories Ep3

Every Weekday at 9:30, we bring you the Social Impact Roundup Stories —your go-to spotlight on the innovators, deals, and movements driving real change across the continent. Here’s what’s making waves this week: 💡 This Week’s Top Stories: 1.Corp4. Tata’s Digital Nerve Centre Is Revolutionizing Rural Health From the Ground…
18 Aug 2 min

European Social Impact Round Up Stories Ep3

Every Weekday at 9:30, we bring you the Social Impact Roundup Stories —your go-to spotlight on the innovators, deals, and movements driving real change across the continent. Here’s what’s making waves this week: 💡 This Week’s Top Stories: 1.HEC Paris Launches Immersive CSR Scenario 2.East London Firms Boost Community Capital…
18 Aug 3 min

African Social Impact Round Up Stories Ep3

Every Weekday at 9:30, we bring you the Social Impact Roundup Stories —your go-to spotlight on the innovators, deals, and movements driving real change across the continent. Here’s what’s making waves this week: 💡 This Week’s Top Stories: 1.Evolving Corporate Social Investment in Africa Beyond Charity 2.High Atlas Foundation Drives…
18 Aug 3 min

Northern American Social Impact Round Up Stories Ep3

Every Weekday at 9:30, we bring you the Social Impact Roundup Stories —your go-to spotlight on the innovators, deals, and movements driving real change across the continent. Here’s what’s making waves this week:\ 💡 This Week’s Top Stories: 1. Study Finds Strategic CSR Yields Greater Impact in Hospitality Sector 2…
18 Aug 2 min

BRICKS Social Impact Round Up Stories Ep2

Every Weekday at 9:30, we bring you the Social Impact Roundup Stories —your go-to spotlight on the innovators, deals, and movements driving real change across the continent. Here’s what’s making waves this week: 💡 This Week’s Top Stories: 1.Amazon Bioeconomy Gains Traction as Deforestation Solution 2.Suzano Aligns Sustainability with Profit…
18 Aug 3 min
All episodes