Ayesha Curry’s “Call Her Daddy” Interview: Navigating Marriage, Motherhood, and the Spotlight
In a revealing episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast released on August 20, 2025, Ayesha Curry, entrepreneur, cookbook author, and wife of NBA superstar Stephen Curry, opened up about her unexpected journey into marriage and motherhood, as well as the challenges of living in the public eye.
The 36-year-old mother of four shared insights into how her life diverged from her original aspirations, the struggles of fame, and the pressures of balancing personal ambitions with family life. While her honesty was praised by some for its relatability, certain comments sparked controversy, with critics arguing that her revelations could cast a shadow over Stephen Curry’s carefully curated public image as the NBA’s wholesome “golden boy.”
Ayesha’s Unexpected Path to Marriage and Motherhood
Ayesha Curry, who met Stephen as a teenager in North Carolina, initially had no plans for marriage or children. “I didn’t want kids. I didn’t wanna get married,” she told host Alex Cooper. “I thought I was gonna be a career girl and that’s it. I had my eyes set on my goals, and I was never the little girl that, like, dreamt about the wedding dress and all of that.”
Her ambitions centered on an acting career, prompting her to graduate high school early and move to Los Angeles. However, meeting Stephen Curry at age 19 shifted her trajectory. The couple married in 2011 when Ayesha was just 22, and within three months, she was pregnant with their first child, Riley, now 13.
Ayesha admitted the rapid transition to motherhood was jarring: “My OB said, ‘Expect it to take up to a year.’ And so … I was thinking we were gonna be bar hopping. It’s like, ‘Nope. You’re pregnant and you’re gonna be very, very sick.’”
This unexpected shift left Ayesha grappling with a loss of personal identity. She explained, “After we got married, we found out we were pregnant with our daughter so quickly, I didn’t even have time to think about what I wanted anymore.”
As Riley grew older, Ayesha felt a need to reclaim her ambitions, stating, “I remember there being a shift and being like, ‘I have goals for myself. Like, this doesn’t feel right. I love being a mom, but I love doing other things too.’” Her candor about the challenges of early motherhood and the sacrifice of her career goals resonated with many but also fueled perceptions that she might harbor regrets about her life with Stephen.
The Struggles of Fame and Public Scrutiny
Ayesha’s interview also highlighted the negative aspects of being thrust into the spotlight due to Stephen’s NBA success. She revealed that she never anticipated Stephen’s rise to stardom, as he initially expressed a desire to become a high school basketball coach rather than an NBA player. “I did not sign up for that,” she said, referring to the intense public attention that came with his career. A
particularly unsettling incident underscored this struggle: while breastfeeding Riley in her car, a stranger opened the door to peek at the baby, dismissively telling Ayesha, “Oh, honey, you know what you signed up for.” This left her in tears, questioning, “Is this what it’s going to be like?”
Such invasions of privacy and the pressure of public scrutiny took a toll. Ayesha admitted to struggling with “mom guilt” and the challenge of maintaining her identity beyond being a wife and mother. “If you lose all of those things that were interesting about you… what are you doing?” she reflected on the podcast. Her comments about the downsides of fame and the unexpected demands of her role as an NBA spouse painted a picture of a life that, while privileged, was not without significant challenges.
Backlash and the Impact on Stephen Curry’s Image
While Ayesha’s transparency was lauded by some as relatable and empowering, it sparked backlash on social media, with critics arguing that her comments could be interpreted as regret over her marriage and motherhood. Posts on X and articles, such as one from Atlanta Black Star, noted that “social media lit up with critics calling her out for oversharing, questioning why she keeps exposing private details about her marriage to Steph Curry, and whether it’s hurting their public image.”
Critics suggested that her admission of not wanting marriage or kids before meeting Stephen could be seen as implying dissatisfaction with her current life, potentially undermining the Currys’ image as a perfect, family-oriented power couple.
Stephen Curry, known for his squeaky-clean reputation as a devout Christian, family man, and four-time NBA champion, has long been celebrated for his stability both on and off the court. Ayesha’s revelations, particularly about her initial reluctance to marry and her struggles with fame, contrast with this narrative. Some fans speculated that her comments might suggest she “secretly regrets” her marriage, a sentiment that could cast Stephen in a less flattering light, as if his success inadvertently forced Ayesha into a life she hadn’t chosen.
Additionally, her disclosure that she advised Stephen to stay in school rather than enter the 2009 NBA draft—where he was selected seventh overall by the Golden State Warriors—might be seen as questioning his career decisions, further complicating their public dynamic.
Balancing Honesty with Public Perception
Despite the backlash, Ayesha emphasized her gratitude for her family, stating, “I wouldn’t change a thing.” She also praised Stephen as her “rock” through tough moments, highlighting their partnership’s strength. Her entrepreneurial ventures, including her Sweet July brand and International Smoke restaurant, demonstrate her commitment to carving out her own identity, even amid public scrutiny.
However, the controversy surrounding her comments underscores the delicate balance public figures face when sharing personal truths. Ayesha’s openness about the challenges of marriage, motherhood, and fame humanizes her but risks being misconstrued as dissatisfaction, which could inadvertently challenge the wholesome image Stephen has cultivated.