Episode 3: "Is He Yours?" – Reclaiming Motherhood Through Surrogacy with Mariam Shahab

When a stranger asked Mariam Shahab, “Is he yours?” while she was out trick-or-treating with her newborn, they had no idea how loaded that question was. In this deeply personal and moving episode of Thoughts Between Shots, Mariam—a South Asian Muslim woman and brand strategist—takes us through her unexpected path to motherhood via gestational surrogacy.

From navigating infertility and IVF to defying cultural expectations and COVID-era isolation, Mariam’s story is a testament to hope, vulnerability, and the power of storytelling. She challenges assumptions about what motherhood looks like and invites us to rethink the questions we ask—and why they matter.

🎧 Tune in to hear how love, courage, and taking an unconventional path to motherhood brought her son into the world.

🔥 About the Show

Thoughts Between Shots is a storytelling podcast that helps you become a more powerful communicator—by learning to ask better questions and tell better stories. Hosted by speaker and communications coach Nammy Sirur, every episode starts with one great question that leads to one unforgettable, true story.

We then break down the storytelling magic so you can apply it to your own life—whether you're speaking up at work, crafting your personal brand, or just trying to be less awkward at dinner parties.

💌 Want to get involved?

DM Nammy on LinkedIn to: 

✅ Pitch a story or guest (maybe yourself!)

✅ Send in a thoughtful question for a future episode