Welcome to the Young Dad Podcast—whether you're mowing the lawn, flipping burgers on the grill, dodging Legos in the hallway, or finally enjoying five peaceful minutes—we’re glad you’re here. Grab your juice box, grab a snack, and let’s jump into today’s real and honest conversation.

Today’s guest is a man of many titles but one purpose—Yusef Marshall, also known as Mista Yu. He’s a minister, mentor, speaker, best-selling author, and the host of They Call Me Mista Yu. He’s survived near-death experiences, navigated the complexities of blended families, and now dedicates his life to helping others discover their accountability, value, and purpose.

He’s not just talking about living a life of meaning—he’s doing it, every single day. From fatherhood to faith, from leadership to legacy, this episode is packed with powerful insight for any dad navigating life’s twists and turns.

Visit theycallmemistayu.buzzsprout.com to access all of Mista Yu’s content, coaching, and conversations.

Visit the website for interactive activity guides and everything YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com
Click the link for YDP deals (Triad Math, Forefathers, and more) - https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod Interested in being a guest on the Young Dad Podcast? Reach out to Jey Young through PodMatch at this link: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
Lastly,consider making a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod.Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mr. Yu's Journey

02:01 The Roller Coaster of Life Experiences

05:37 Family Dynamics and Male Influences

12:34 Navigating Fatherhood Without a Role Model

17:50 The Impact of Absentee Fathers on Children

21:29 Commitment in Marriage and Parenting Challenges

22:16 Navigating Family Dynamics

25:34 The United Front: Strengthening Marriage

28:44 Finding Purpose in Fatherhood

35:03 Understanding Identity and Purpose

39:53 The Dad Zone: Fun and Insightful Questions

In this episode of the Young Dad Podcast, host Jey Young engages with Paul and Andrew, co-hosts of the Why Dad podcast, to explore the complexities of fatherhood and manhood. They discuss their personal journeys, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the need for connection among men. The conversation highlights the challenges of parenting, the impact of loss, and the significance of community support. Through humor and heartfelt reflections, they emphasize that being a good dad starts with being a better man, and that mistakes are part of the learning process in fatherhood.

Takeaways

Being a good dad starts with being a better man.

Manhood is a process, not a performance.

The podcast serves as an outlet for personal growth.

Connection over perfection is key in parenting.

It's important to take care of oneself to support the family.

Men often feel isolated and need community support.

Intentionality in parenting leads to better connections.

Mistakes in parenting are opportunities for growth.

Kids crave connection and want us in their lives.

Building a community of dads fosters support and understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Why Dad Podcast

02:22 The Birth of Why Dad Podcast

04:36 Conversations on Fatherhood

08:13 Coping with Loss and Finding Purpose

10:01 Building Community and Connection

11:33 Common Themes in Fatherhood Discussions

14:45 The Importance of Connection

17:23 Future Aspirations and Community Events

18:17 The Importance of Connection and Intentionality

20:51 Practical Steps for Intentional Parenting

23:49 Embracing Mistakes in Fatherhood

27:58 Fun and Lighthearted Moments in Parenting

33:08 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement for Dads

33:32 lifestyle-outro-high-long.wav

Welcome to the Young Dad Podcast—whether you're mowing the lawn, grilling dinner, juggling dirty diapers, or just stealing five minutes for yourself—we’re glad you’re here. Grab your juice box, grab a snack, and let’s jump into today’s real and honest conversation.

Our guest today is Austin Davis, a visionary leader in teen behavioral health and addiction recovery. He’s the founder and CEO of Clearfork Academy, the go-to residential treatment center in Texas for teens battling mental health challenges and substance use. With over 15 years of hands-on experience, Austin combines counseling, ministry, and faith to guide teens and families toward healing and hope.

If you’re a parent, educator, or someone who cares about the next generation—this episode is for you.

Visit ClearforkAcademy.com to learn more about their mission, programs, and how they’re transforming lives through faith, structure, and care. If you're a parent or educator seeking support—this is the place to start.

Visit the website for interactive activity guides and everything YDP- ⁠⁠www.youngdadpod.com
Click the link for YDP deals (Triad Math, Forefathers, and more) - https://linktr.ee/youngdadpod Interested in being a guest on the Young Dad Podcast? Reach out to Jey Young through PodMatch at this link: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/youngdad
Lastly,consider making a monetary donation to support the Pod, https://buymeacoffee.com/youngdadpod.Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Teen Behavioral Health

01:03 Austin's Journey into Counseling

03:42 Integrating Faith and Counseling

08:43 Clear Fork Academy's Unique Approach

11:29 Understanding Family Dynamics

15:53 The Identity Crisis in Teens

19:58 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Self-Perception

24:53 Understanding Personal Accountability

26:28 Recognizing Signs of Distress in Teens

29:16 The Importance of Parental Involvement

31:52 Success Stories from Clear Fork Academy

36:30 The Journey of Healing and Identity

39:19 A Call to Action for Families

40:24 Lighthearted Moments in the Dad Zone