👤 Guest Bio – Yusef Marshall (Mista Yu)

Yusef Marshall, professionally known as Mista Yu, is a dynamic and purpose-driven leader whose life is built on service, transformation, and legacy. He’s a father, ordained minister, mentor, bestselling author, high-performance coach, and entrepreneur with a diverse background in business, computer programming, certified coaching, and culinary arts.

Raised in Brooklyn, Yusef developed a sharp sense of discernment early on—learning to vet relationships and protect his energy. That mindset helped him overcome adversity, emotional gaps, and the challenges of fatherhood without a role model. Today, he empowers youth through his nonprofit Save the Children SC, hosts the podcast They Call Me Mista Yu, and leads Near Time Media, inspiring others to live with purpose, authenticity, and impact.

🗣️ Episode Summary

What if your breakthrough moment wasn’t when everything clicked—but when you nearly lost it all?

In this episode of the Give a Heck Podcast, host Dwight Heck sits down with Yusef Marshall (Mista Yu) to explore how adversity, discernment, and intentional living shaped his journey from Brooklyn’s streets to becoming a transformational leader. You’ll hear how vetting relationships became a survival skill, how writing unlocked healing, and how podcasting gave voice to a legacy rooted in service.

Whether you're navigating emotional wounds, seeking clarity in your relationships, or building a purpose-driven brand, this episode will challenge your mindset and inspire you to live life on purpose—not by accident.

⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights

🎯 What You’ll Learn

💬 Notable Quotes

“As long as I'm borrowing this breath, I have a mission to fulfill.” – Yusef Marshall“Living on purpose isn’t a destination—it’s a daily decision.” – Dwight Heck

If this episode stirred something in you—share it, subscribe, and leave a review. Your story matters. Your legacy is waiting.It’s never too late to start giving a heck.

🔗 Connect with Yusef Marshall (aka Mista Yu)

🌐 Official Website

🎧 Podcast Platforms

📱 Social Media Channels

🔗 Connect with Dwight Heck🌐 Official Website

🎧 Podcast Platforms

📱 Social Media Channels

• 00:02 – Meet Mista Yu: Brooklyn roots, skepticism, and early discernment• 04:30 – Vetting relationships: Why boundaries protect your purpose• 10:58 – Near-death wake-up calls and redefining what matters• 22:30 – Fatherhood without a blueprint: Healing generational gaps• 30:58 – Podcasting as a tool for legacy and leadership• 40:47 – Writing The Heart of a Stepfather: Storytelling as therapy• 47:11 – The origin of “Mista Yu” and building an authentic brand• 50:12 – Final reflections: Living intentionally, leaving a legacy • How to turn emotional gaps into growth• Why vetting relationships is essential for mental clarity• How writing can unlock healing and self-awareness• How podcasting amplifies your voice and mission• How to build a legacy rooted in service and authenticity • They Call Me Mista Yu – Podcast Homepage• Spotify• Apple Podcasts• Pandora• Instagram (@theycallmemistayu)• Facebook (@theycallmemistayu)• Twitter / X (@theycallmemryu)• TikTok (@theycallmemistayu)• YouTube Channel• Give A Heck – Live Life On Purpose • Apple Podcasts• Spotify• YouTube – Podcast Playlist• TuneIn• Podchaser• Buzzsprout Podcast Hub • Instagram (@give.a.heck)• Facebook – Personal• Facebook – Page• Facebook Group – Give A Heck• LinkedIn – Dwight Heck• TikTok (@giveaheck)• YouTube Channel (@giveaheck)• Threads (@give.a.heck)• X / Twitter (@give_a_heck)