In this special episode of The Check In, Dwyane Wade sits down with his mother, Jolinda Wade, for an emotional and powerful conversation about her life, addiction, redemption, and her memoir Conquering Me.
Jolinda opens up about her childhood struggles with self-esteem, her descent into heroin and alcohol addiction, and the homelessness that followed. She shares the defining moment on October 14 2001, her “awakening” when faith led her to surrender and begin her journey to recovery.
Now 71, Jolinda reflects on rebuilding her life, moving to California for a fresh start, embracing her role as a proud grandmother, and learning to truly love herself. Her message is clear: you can rewind, you can reset, and you can rebuild.
You’ll Learn:
- How unresolved childhood trauma can shape adult choices
- What addiction truly feels like from the inside
- The power of faith and surrender in breaking destructive cycles
- How motherhood remained her anchor during her darkest years
- What it really takes to rebuild your life at any age
- The meaning behind her “three Rs”: rewind, reset, rebuild
Jolinda Wade’s memoir, Conquering Me, shares her inspiring journey of courage and transformation. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Conquering-Me-Memoir-Courage-Transformation/dp/196616856X
Music Credit: Khari Mateen
What We Discussed:
- 00:00 Introduction
- 02:21 Prayer
- 03:27 Introducing Jolinda Wade
- 05:11 A Better Way To Describe A Mother
- 07:40 Let People Be Who They Are
- 10:07 Jolinda Wade: Early Childhood & Early Dreams
- 20:54 Life's Lessons: Listen To Your Mother
- 26:39 Addiction & Homelessness
- 32:45 Spiritual Awakening & Recovery
- 39:32 Becoming A Grandmother & A Protector
- 43:45 Healing, Acceptance & A Long Lasting Friendship
- 47:17 Conquering Me: The Redemption Of Jolinda Wade
- 53:00 A Pivotal Moment
- 59:09 Divine Guidance To Counter Addiction
- 01:08:40 A Message Of Hope
- 01:11:23 Rewind, Reset & Rebuild
Follow Jolinda Wade:
https://www.instagram.com/jolindaw
https://www.facebook.com/share/18CNZsyE9C/
Follow Dwyane:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CVkUD6TfF/
https://www.instagram.com/dwyanewade
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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