78. Hey Introvert… The World Needs Your Story, with Mista Yu

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Who is Mista Yu?

Yusef Marshall (Mista Yu) is “certified, licensed, and commissioned” but views himself as somebody with an ordinary background introduced to some extraordinary life experiences! Author, High Performance Coach at EverydayEdge Coaching, Professional Speaker, Ordained Minister, Former Chef, and Corporate Leader. He’s most proud of being a Professional Encourager and an Inspirational Opportunist! If he talks to you long enough, he is bound to encourage you! Welcome Mista Yu to the show!

Let’s be real for a minute. If you’re an introvert who’s been thinking about podcasting, chances are you’ve had this thought: “Who’s going to listen to me? I’m too quiet for all that.”

But here’s the truth I want you to sit with today: your quiet doesn’t disqualify you — it qualifies you. Your story has power, and somebody out there is waiting to hear it in your voice, in your way.

That’s why I couldn’t wait to share this conversation with Mista Yu. He’s a multi-hyphenate storyteller, ordained minister, bestselling author, and the founder of the They Call Me Mista Yu podcast brand. But here’s the kicker — he’s also an introvert who once believed he didn’t have much of a voice.

Now? He’s running multiple shows, building community, and helping people everywhere discover their purpose. And his journey is the reminder every introvert needs: you don’t have to be loud to be heard.

Growing Up Quiet in a Loud World

Mista Yu grew up in Brooklyn — a city where opinions fly faster than the subway trains. You’d think being surrounded by all that energy would pull him out of his shell, but nope. He often felt like his voice didn’t matter.

His mom, a powerhouse from the Virgin Islands, was working two jobs and going to school. She taught him resilience and responsibility, but when he dreamed of acting, music, or creative work, the answer was “no.” That wasn’t considered stable.

So, like a lot of us, he tucked those dreams away. He played it safe. He leaned on his introversion like a comfort blanket.

It wasn’t until he left New York that something clicked — that spark that whispered, “You do have something to offer.” That realization changed everything.

When “Introvert” Becomes an Excuse

One of the realest things Mista Yu said in our conversation was this: he used to hide behind the word introvert. Anytime he wanted to avoid stepping out, he’d say, “Oh, I’m just introverted.” It became a crutch.

But here’s the shift: people across the world were listening to his podcast episodes. Real humans, tuning in, waiting for what he had to say. He couldn’t keep hiding.

That’s the word for us too, isn’t it? Sometimes we use introvert as our excuse when really, it’s our assignment. Your voice, your perspective, your story — that’s exactly what someone needs.

From “They Call Me Mista Yu” to a Podcasting Brand

When Mista Yu started podcasting, he didn’t even want his name on the show. Too vulnerable, too personal. But eventually, They Call Me Mista Yu became not just a show — it became a whole brand.

At one point, he was hosting or co-hosting eight shows a week. (Yes, eight. Let that sink in.) He’s since scaled back, but it proved something powerful: introverts can absolutely thrive in podcasting when they lean into their strengths.

Here’s what his brand looks like today:

One-on-One with Mista Yu – his flagship interview show.
Inspiration Station – where he shares encouragement and soul food for the week.
A sports radio show for his hometown NFL team.
Men’s Roundtable – an incredible space for men to get real, get transparent, and find brotherhood.

Notice the theme? Every show is about community. Connection. Purpose. He’s not chasing numbers — he’s chasing impact.

Why Introverts Make Beautiful Hosts

This one’s for my introverts who think you don’t have “the personality” for podcasting. Let me tell you — you’ve got what it takes. And Mista Yu proves it.

Here’s why introverts often make the best podcasters:

You Notice What Others Miss
You’re observant. You pick up on details. That makes your conversations richer and your content more thoughtful.
You’re a Deep Listener
Listeners can feel when a host is really paying attention. Introverts know how to listen — not just wait for their turn to talk.
You Value Authenticity
You don’t need to perform or be “extra.” People resonate with your realness.
You Care About Purpose
You’re not here to fill the air. You’re here to say something that matters.

Sound familiar? That’s podcast gold right there.

The Pillars That Keep Him Grounded

Mista Yu runs his work on three pillars: accountability, value, and purpose.

Accountability: having people who see what you can’t and keep you grounded.
Value: making sure every episode adds something real to the listener’s life.
Purpose: remembering the “why” behind the mic.

And here’s where it hits home: podcasting isn’t about chasing followers or obsessing over downloads. It’s about service. If your voice reaches one person and encourages them, that’s purpose fulfilled.

For the Introvert Thinking About Podcasting

Let me drop this straight in your lap:

Stop hiding behind the word introvert. That’s not your prison; it’s your power.
Start small. One mic. One story. One listener.
Focus on connection, not competition. Community > downloads.
Give yourself permission to grow. Every episode shapes your voice.
Keep your eyes on the bigger picture. This isn’t just content — it’s calling.

The World Needs Your Story

Here’s the line that stuck with me: when you keep your story to yourself, you’re not protecting yourself — you’re withholding from someone who might desperately need it.

That one listener out there? They might be waiting for your story to break through their own doubt, fear, or pain. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing.

Final Word: Don’t Sleep on Your Voice

If you’ve been thinking, “I’m too quiet for this,” I want you to hear me loud and clear: you are not too quiet.

Your voice matters. Your story matters. And podcasting is a way to bring both to life.

Take it from Mista Yu — an introvert who found his way from the background to the mic, and is now leading a movement.

So go ahead. Hit record. Speak your truth. And remember: the world needs your story.

Want more? Keep in touch with Mista Yu at https://theycallmemistayu.buzzsprout.com/ and join him for a strategy call.

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Demetria

Demetria is the founder and CEO of podcast agency,Soul Podcasting Collective, and has been a podcast coach and digital marketing consultant for 20 years. She helps businesses and entrepreneurs turn their profitable passions into a plan of action with podcasting, blogging, content strategy and more! Join her and her team and begin your podcasting journey today.