The Why with Dwyane Wade

iHeartPodcasts

<p>Dwyane Wade sits down with pioneers in sports, fashion, music, and business for an intimate conversation about their origins, and the reasons they keep pushing to innovate. These are all-time greats talking through memorable moments from their careers, telling intimate, behind-the-scenes anecdotes that we never saw in the press, journeys, struggles, triumphs, and that shared excitement as they push forward to their next challenge. </p>

  • 59 minutes 33 seconds
    Meet the Doctor Who Saved Dwyane Wade’s Life (Dr. Clayton Lau) | Kidney Cancer Awareness Month Special

    In this episode of The Checkin, Dwyane Wade and Bob are joined by Dr. Clayton Lau, a urologic surgeon at City of Hope, for an honest conversation about men’s health and why avoiding the doctor can be dangerous.

     

    Dwyane opens up about being diagnosed with stage 1 kidney cancer, the fear that came with it, and how finding the right doctor changed everything. Dr. Lau walks through the successful surgery, explaining how robotic-assisted technology allowed for precision and a smooth recovery, even with added complexity during the procedure.

     

    Together, they talk about why men often delay care, the importance of routine screenings like colonoscopies and PSA tests, and why taking health seriously is not selfish but necessary to be present for family and life.

     

    The episode closes with a look at where medicine is headed and a reminder that we maintain our phones better than our bodies, and it may be time to change that.

     

    Music Credit: Khari Mateen. 

     

    What We Discussed:

    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 02:47 Checkin With Dr Clayton Lau
    • 04:36 The E-bike Story
    • 04:54 Checkin With Dwyane
    • 05:46 MBBS Specialty: Urology 
    • 08:37 Dr Clayton: Experience & Journey In Urology 
    • 10:31 Robotic Assistant Surgery 
    • 17:28 Types Of Cancers & Risks
    • 20:50 In-N-Out Burgers
    • 22:59 Advocating For Self Health
    • 25:59 Does The Doctor See A Doc?
    • 27:43 How To Get Proactive With Your Health
    • 33:28 Unnecessary Questions Before Surgery
    • 35:36 Dealing With The Fear Of Health Complications 
    • 38:03 Robots Vs Humans In Healthcare
    • 41:43 Dwyane's CT Scan
    • 48:30 Best Practices To Maintain A Healthy Body
    • 50:00 Debunking Kidney Surgery Myths

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 April 2026, 6:20 am
  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    Dwyane Wade Checks In On His NBA Legacy Comparisons, Oscars After Parties &amp; Airlines Ambitions

    In this episode of The Checkin with Dwyane Wade, Dwyane and Bob catch up on a packed few weeks, from the SXSW premiere of “The Dads,” a documentary supporting fathers of non-binary and transgender children, to Oscar weekend where Dwyane skipped the hotel chaos for a quiet Airbnb with his wife, attended Michael B. Jordan’s private celebration, and had a full crowd point at him during a Jay-Z Gold Party song lyric that referenced him directly.

     

    Basketball talk covers Victor Wembanyama’s old-school mentality, Kevin Durant passing Michael Jordan on the scoring list, Russell Westbrook passing Steve Nash in assists, and Dwyane pushing back on Patrick Beverley’s claim that James Harden is better than him.

     

    With March being Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, Dwyane shares a touching moment from Japan where a stranger thanked him for going public with his diagnosis. The episode wraps with a rant about commercial flying and a joking pitch for “Middle Ground Airlines.”



    Music Credit: Khari Mateen.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​



    What We Discussed:

    • 0:00 Introduction
    • 0:47 Morning Schedules And Busy Lives
    • 2:55 SXSW & The Dad's Premiere
    • 05:29 Celebrating Michael B Jordan
    • 06:29 Relaxing For The Oscar Weekend 
    • 08:11 Dwyane's New Tattoos 
    • 09:31 The Gold Party And Chris Paul
    • 12:58 Special Moments With Jay Z
    • 16:44 Bob's Weekend And Starbucks "Boycott"
    • 20:00 Aging And Modifying Workouts
    • 22:00 Victor Wembanyama And The Spurs 
    • 28:00 NBA Scoring Records
    • 30:00 Russell Westbrook's Assists Milestone
    • 32:00 The "GOAT" Mentality And Player Comparisons
    • 35:00 Pat Bev's Comments On James Harden
    • 41:00 LeBron James Breaking The Games Played Record
    • 42:00 The NBA's 65-Game Rule
    • 45:00 Mercy Rules And The NCAA Tournament 
    • 47:00 Home Court Advantage In The NBA
    • 51:00 Tiger Woods And Watching The Masters

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 March 2026, 7:47 pm
  • 55 minutes 29 seconds
    D-Wade On Tatum’s Dark Days, NIL Money, &amp; The Wildest Elton John Story Ever

    In this episode of The Checkin with Dwyane Wade, Dwyane and Bob celebrate Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo's historic 83-point game against the Washington Wizards.

     

    Dwyane reflects on Bam's journey from a raw 19-year-old to a primary offensive engine, drawing a personal connection to Bam's upbringing on 76 Church Lane and what this record-breaking night means for his family's legacy. The hosts break down the physical feat behind the performance: 63 field goal attempts, 32 free throws, and relentless two-way dominance despite constant double- and triple-teams — before pushing back on critics who took issue with the free throw volume and the game's chaotic final minutes.

     

    They also address the media controversy surrounding Dwyane's "buzz in the city" comments, where he clarifies his critique is rooted in holding the Heat to the championship standard set during the Shaq, Big Three, and Jimmy Butler eras. The episode closes with Dwyane sending a message of brotherly love to Bam, making clear his high expectations come from wanting nothing less than a championship.

     

    Music Credit: Khari Mateen



    What We Discussed:

    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 01:14 Tuning In To History 
    • 07:19 The "Hot Hand" Mindset 
    • 08:13 Bam's Evolution On Offence 
    • 11:13 Humble Beginnings And Family Legacy 
    • 12:48 Unstoppable Endurance And Two-Way Play 
    • 20:14 The Arena's Energy & Almost Subbing Out
    • 24:06 Addressing The Critics
    • 31:26 Breaking The "Bucket Getter" Mold 
    • 34:35 Historical Scoring Context 
    • 41:33 Personal Health Update
    • 42:15 The "Buzz In The City" Controversy 
    • 48:05 Holding The Organization To A Championship Standard 
    • 52:50 Looking Ahead & Brotherly Love

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    13 March 2026, 7:15 pm
  • 56 minutes 24 seconds
    Dwyane Wade Reacts to Bam Adebayo’s HISTORIC 83 Point Game

    In this episode of The Checkin with Dwyane Wade, Dwyane and Bob celebrate Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo's historic 83-point game against the Washington Wizards.

     

    Dwyane reflects on Bam's journey from a raw 19-year-old to a primary offensive engine, drawing a personal connection to Bam's upbringing on 76 Church Lane and what this record-breaking night means for his family's legacy. The hosts break down the physical feat behind the performance: 63 field goal attempts, 32 free throws, and relentless two-way dominance despite constant double- and triple-teams — before pushing back on critics who took issue with the free throw volume and the game's chaotic final minutes.

     

    They also address the media controversy surrounding Dwyane's "buzz in the city" comments, where he clarifies his critique is rooted in holding the Heat to the championship standard set during the Shaq, Big Three, and Jimmy Butler eras. The episode closes with Dwyane sending a message of brotherly love to Bam, making clear his high expectations come from wanting nothing less than a championship.

     

    Music Credit: Khari Mateen



    What We Discussed:

    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 01:14 Tuning In To History 
    • 07:19 The "Hot Hand" Mindset 
    • 08:13 Bam's Evolution On Offence 
    • 11:13 Humble Beginnings And Family Legacy 
    • 12:48 Unstoppable Endurance And Two-Way Play 
    • 20:14 The Arena's Energy & Almost Subbing Out
    • 24:06 Addressing The Critics
    • 31:26 Breaking The "Bucket Getter" Mold 
    • 34:35 Historical Scoring Context 
    • 41:33 Personal Health Update
    • 42:15 The "Buzz In The City" Controversy 
    • 48:05 Holding The Organization To A Championship Standard 
    • 52:50 Looking Ahead & Brotherly Love

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    12 March 2026, 12:09 am
  • 1 hour 12 minutes
    My Mom Opens Up About Pain, Hope, &amp; “Conquering Me”

    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.

    23 February 2026, 8:00 pm
  • 1 hour 31 seconds
    My Honest Take on All-Star Weekend, Tanking Culture &amp; Chris Paul’s Retirement

    In this episode of The Check In with Dwyane Wade, Dwyane and Bob recap their 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.

    Dwyane talks about finally winning the 10th Annual All-Star Spades Tournament with Gabrielle Union after years of losses, sealing it with a risky “blind eight” bid. Bob shares stories from his daughter Bobbi’s big “Sweet 13” celebration, and Dwyane reflects on introducing his son Xavier to Barack Obama, a moment that scored him serious cool points at home.

    They also discuss Chris Paul’s retirement, plus the current state of All-Star Weekend, including why the Three-Point Contest now feels bigger than the Dunk Contest.

     The episode touches on Dwyane’s new Revolve partnership for Way of Wade, the Utah Jazz’s team-building approach, and the premiere of The Goat, the animated film featuring Gabrielle Union  with a quick cameo from Dwyane himself.

     

    Music Credit: Khari Mateen. 



    What We Discussed:

    • 00:00 Introduction 
    • 01:02 All Spades Tournament Recap
    • 13:29 Bobbi’s Sweet 13 
    • 16:39 Creating A Safe Space For Children 
    • 20:52 Chris Paul Retires! 
    • 24:19 Way Of Wade 
    • 27:41 Change In The Dunk Contest
    • 32:50 New Generation Vs Old Generation 
    • 34:12 All Star Weekend Xavier 
    • 36:43 Jaren Jackson Jr To The Jazz
    • 45:52  Is OKC Beatable?
    • 49:04 MJ Is A Champion Again 
    • 50:50 The Premiere Of “GOAT”
    • 56:22 Conquering Me By Jolinda Wade



    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 February 2026, 2:00 pm
  • 1 hour 5 minutes
    Dwyane Wade on the ’06 Heat Reunion and Why Championships Aren’t Just About Winning

    In this episode of The Check In, Dwyane Wade and Bob bounce between nostalgia, parenting chaos, and life after basketball. Wade reflects on the Heat’s 2006 championship run ahead of its 20-year anniversary, remembering the comeback from 0–2, Pat Riley’s culture, and what it meant to learn how to win at the highest level.

     

    Off the court, Wade talks about being in full-time dad “Uber mode,” balancing travel with family, and the funny frustration of raising competitive kids. He shares how golf, photography, and even a quick movie cameo have filled his post-retirement life, plus a powerful reflection on a recent trip to Africa that reconnected him to his roots.

     

    The episode also mixes in NBA trade talk, Hall of Fame debates, and a hilarious dive into famous Mandela Effect misquotes, a classic blend of hoops, humor, and real life.

     

    Music Credit: Khari Mateen

     

    What We Discussed:

    • 00:00 Introduction 
    • 01:10 Check-In With Dwade & Bob
    • 12:33 WNBA All-Star Weekend, Extreme Weathers ,& Birthday Celebrations
    • 16:59 Reflections On The 2006 NBA Championship 
    • 24:10 Dwyane Wade's Journey In The NBA
    • 29:06 NBA Trade Deadline 
    • 33:09 Golf Analog For NBA Players
    • 39:10 Dwade's Early Career & Stan Van Gundy
    • 42:13 Sports: Athletes Expressing Frustration
    • 45:17 The Porsche 
    • 49:13 Dwade's Cameo In "GOAT" Movie 
    • 54:02 Photography & A Trip To Africa 
    • 58:36 Mandela Effect Misquotes
    • 01:03:24 Bill Belichick Is Not A Hall Of Famer?! 



    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 February 2026, 2:21 pm
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    DWade on Trae Young’s Fresh Start, Ja to Miami Rumors, &amp; Giving Away His Olympic Bronze Medal

    In this episode of The Timeout, Dwyane Wade and Bob reflect on growth, perspective, and where they are heading into 2026. Dwyane shares how a recent trip to Japan served as a reset ahead of his birthday, helping him focus less on resolutions and more on finding peace and protecting his mental health.

     

    He opens up about a regret from early in his career, admitting he gave away his bronze medal from the 2006 World Games and now sees it as an important part of his story that he wants back.

     

    The conversation moves through sports and culture, touching on the shifting landscape of the NFL and NBA, the future of college athletics, and how patience and time are essential for young players to grow. They also lighten things up with talks on fashion, lifestyle choices, and a classic R&B debate that closes the episode on a fun note.

     

    Music Credit: Khari Mateen.



    What We Discussed:

    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 00:54 A Day Ahead In Japan 
    • 03:30 Dwyane Gave His Bronze Medal Away!
    • 06:11 A Serene Place Of Many Cultures
    • 09:17 New Year's Approach
    • 16:04 Chase Sapphire Reserve 
    • 19:27 Dwyane Wade's Travel Essentials 
    • 28:04 The Chicago Bears
    • 31:45 An Unexpected Driving Test 
    • 36:14 Mike Tomlin: Fired Or Quit?
    • 43:27 Dry January: No Alcohol 
    • 45:30 Trae Young Trade 
    • 50:12 NBA Teams Dwyane Wants To Win
    • 54:51 The Amateur Concept & Eligibility
    • 01:01:52 Dunking Every Year Till 50
    • 01:04:17 How Dwyane Spends His Birthday 
    • 01:06:25 Dwyane's Quarterly Approach For 2026
    • 01:08:37 Jordeci Vs Boys II Men



    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    20 January 2026, 2:08 pm
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    Why 2026 Means More to Dwyane Wade Than People Realize

    In this episode of The Timeout, Dwyane Wade and Bob talk about life, hoops, and perspective, starting with Bob reflecting on a recent trip to Japan with his wife, Lisa, and what it was like experiencing a different pace and culture.

     

    The conversation shifts to the NBA, with Dwyane sharing how he prepares for broadcasting, why he believes the NBA Cup matters, and his amazement at Victor Wembanyama’s game. He also gives high praise to the current New York Knicks, calling this his favorite version of the team in decades under Jalen Brunson’s leadership.

     

    They close the episode on a personal note, with Dwyane sharing a tense moment from his documentary involving Pat Riley and opening up about finally settling into life in Los Angeles after years of resisting the move.



    Music Credit: Khari Mateen.

     

    What We Discussed:

    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 00:48 Last Checkin For The Year 2025
    • 08:04 5 Days In Vegas 
    • 13:59 The Alien: Victor Wembanyama 
    • 17:17 Most Improved Player Snub
    • 19:56 Zaire Wade's College Inquiry 
    • 24:56 Love & Basketball
    • 29:41 Cleveland: Struggling With Expectations
    • 32:25 The New York Knicks
    • 38:54 The 2006 Championship
    • 50:51 The Jordan Comparison
    • 55:15 The Pat Riley Documentary Moment 
    • 58:39 Settling In LA 

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    9 January 2026, 6:31 pm
  • 1 hour 33 minutes
    CP3’s Future, Shedeur Rising, and Miami Heat Dreams

    In this episode of The Checkin, Dwyane Wade and Bob dive into accountability, leadership, and the standards it takes to win — both in the NBA and in everyday life. Wade breaks down his frustration with the Miami Heat after a tough loss, emphasizing defensive effort, culture, and why holding teammates accountable isn’t always comfortable. That leads into a conversation about Chris Paul as a true “accountability locker room guy,” and how organizations sometimes fail legends by not handling transitions the right way.

     

    Beyond basketball, Wade talks about launching On the Fly with Dwyane Wade: Life in Motion, sharing why owning his narrative matters and how the series shows his life behind the scenes. He opens up about fatherhood, being more present with Kaavia, and his desire to build a real community for dads. The episode also touches on relationship effort, the importance of the small things, the Chicago Bears finally building a foundation, praise for Shedeur Sanders’ leadership, and a few light moments about Wade’s dog, Trey, plus his work in art and his golf lifestyle brand, Ace.

     

    Music Credit: Khari Mateen

    What We Discussed:

    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 01:29 Voice Training 
    • 04:09 The Dwayne Show
    • 08:16 On The Fly: Life In Motion
    • 12:03 A Glimpse Of Dwayne Wade
    • 15:12 All Access Vlog Vs Life In Motion
    • 16:47 Expressing Vulnerability After Major Surgery 
    • 20:34 Fatherhood As A Girl Dad
    • 29:07 The Disrespectful & Loving Life Of Trey 
    • 37:11 NBA Accountability & Standards: Chris Paul
    • 56:09 Leadership & Team Culture In The NBA
    • 01:02:30 Business > Winning 
    • 01:10:50 Ace: Providing Opportunities In Golf
    • 01:14:32 Chicago Bears: Coach Ben Johnson & Shedeur Sanders 
    • 01:19:20 NBA Cup, The Holidays & New Year's Eve
    • 1:20:33 50 Gold Balloons & A Leap Of Faith



    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16 December 2025, 1:54 pm
  • 56 minutes 52 seconds
    The Check In: Recreating the Bron-Wade Moment, GOAT Debate Heats Up, Steph in Way of Wade’s &amp; CP3 Retirement

    In this episode of The Timeout, Dwyane and Bob talk about the kind of check-ins men don’t always make space for — the simple “you good?” that actually means something. They get into how they’ve both learned to look out for their people in a more real way, not just through jokes or quick texts.

     

    They touch on the basketball stuff that’s been on their minds lately — the Jordan and LeBron conversation, Steph lacing up a pair of Way of Wades, CP3 retiring, and how it feels when younger players show love to moments from their era.

     

    Dwyane shares a bit about what life’s been like off the court: hiking with his wife even though he hates nature, filming in Rome, and trying to plan her 50th with all the emotions that come with it. He also talks about turning 44 and paying closer attention to his health.

     

    They also go back and forth on the league right now — why the All-Star Game feels off, and why the in-season tournament actually adds something.



    Music Credit: Khari Mateen



    What We Discussed:

    01:07 The Checkin

    03:21 Male Relationships 

    05:21 Dwade & Bob Go Hiking 

    09:58 Self Vlog In Rome 

    11:10 The Lebron/Jordan GOAT Debate

    20:50 "Are You Finished Or Are You Done?"

    22:55  Iconic Recreations: Jalen Snuggs  

    27:06 Celebrating Birthdays With Family 

    32:02 The Prince Of Bel Air

    32:59 Steph's Sneaker Free Agency 

    38:57 CP3: The End Of An Era 

    43:08 Thanksgiving In Rome 

    47:57 The NBA Emirates Cup

    53:46 Physicals In 2026

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 December 2025, 3:15 pm
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