My Mom Opens Up About Pain, Hope, & “Conquering Me”

Feb 23, 2026

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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