Joey's Taxi: Conversations from the Seat of Awareness

In Part 2 of my conversation with Māhā (Mahyar), we explore what it means to co-create mindful communities and why psychedelic integration is essential for healing and growth. Mahyar shares the story of Deskvana, reflections on loving-kindness, and how presence deepens our connections with others.

We also touch on mindfulness in everyday life, relational awareness, and even Robin Williams — a reminder of the impact of presence, laughter, and compassion.

00:00 Mindfulness and the Pause Between Stimulus and Response

04:57 The Power of Mindful Breathing

06:41 Loving Kindness in Meditation

07:34 The Birth of Deskvana

12:09 The Importance of Psychedelic Integration

19:18 Presence and Relational Mindfulness

29:02 The Impact of Robin Williams

Mahyar’s Links ⬇️

Website

https://www.responsibilitytoawe.com/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/mahyar

Spotify playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xwbwt6K64svcugFMDNxav?si=ee051ea9f9b64bec&nd=1&dlsi=816d2bc177c248b0

Joey’s Links ⬇️

Website
https://joeycollazo.com/

Free 10-minute Guided Meditation
https://forms.gle/xis39FSG7r1gJmAH8

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/joeycollazo.mindful

Guest Submitted Photo / Artwork
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vxFbXPdoNbwtkbUxnF_LI13rfAV6xgEd?usp=drive_link

In this first part of my conversation with Māhā (Mahyar), we explore the journey from working at Apple to training as a mindfulness facilitator at UCLA. With a presence that feels like still water, Mahyar shares reflections on breath, masculinity, and the power of human connection.

We talk about mindfulness as a pause, meditation as a life-saving practice, and the importance of being truly seen. It’s not about answers — it’s about awakening.

00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness and Connection

03:19 The Power of Human Connection

07:19 Journey from Technology to Mindfulness

11:24 Meditation as a Life-Saving Practice

15:58 Exploring Masculinity and Identity

19:28 The Importance of Being Seen

Mahyar’s links ⬇️

Website

https://www.responsibilitytoawe.com/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/mahyar

Spotify playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xwbwt6K64svcugFMDNxav?si=ee051ea9f9b64bec&nd=1&dlsi=816d2bc177c248b0

Joey’s Links ⬇️

Website
https://joeycollazo.com/

Free 10-minute Guided Meditation
https://forms.gle/xis39FSG7r1gJmAH8

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/joeycollazo.mindful

Guest Submitted Photo / Artwork
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vxFbXPdoNbwtkbUxnF_LI13rfAV6xgEd?usp=drive_link

In this solo episode, I share the highs and challenges of traveling with my partner Ana — from our honeymoon in the Azores Islands to celebrating our 1-year wedding anniversary with her family in mainland Portugal.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing. We faced stress and friction, but through honest reflection and mindful pauses — a hug, eye contact, and a kiss — we learned how to reconnect and choose our next steps together. This is a story about love, compassion, and staying aligned on the journey.

00:15 Traveling Together: A Journey of Connection

07:49 Mindfulness in Travel: Finding Balance

16:37 Reflections on Growth: Navigating Relationships

Joey’s Social Links

https://linktr.ee/innerlens

Joey’s Website

https://joeycollazo.com/

FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide

https://innerlens.kit.com/starter

In this episode, I talk with psychologist and Ocean Fused Training co-founder Daniel Kukshaus about what surfing can teach us about stress, resilience, and self-leadership. We explore how burnout led both of us to take big pauses in life, why tension can hold us back, and how to blend physical movement with mindfulness for lasting change.

From Berlin to the Canary Islands, from waves to work — it’s all about learning to ride with more flow and less force.

00:20 Introduction to Daniel Kukshaus

04:03 Journey to Tenerife and Ocean Fused Training

08:26 Integrating Surfing and Yoga for Resilience

12:11 The Role of Meditation in Stress Management

16:37 Building Trust and Connection in Group Settings

20:27 Personal Stories and Transformative Experiences

23:47 Finding Presence in Daily Life

Daniel’s Links:

Website

https://www.oceanfusedtraining.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/share/16cRkkzmjb/

Instagram

 https://www.instagram.com/oceanfusedtraining?igsh=MW5oMjJpaDFub3E1ag==

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ocean-fused-training

Joey’s Social Links

https://linktr.ee/innerlens

Joey’s Website

https://joeycollazo.com/

FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide

https://innerlens.kit.com/starter

Guest Submitted Photo

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vxFbXPdoNbwtkbUxnF_LI13rfAV6xgEd?usp=drive_link

In this solo episode, I reflect on the gift of sight — inspired by rewatching See on Apple TV — and how different our world might be without it. What if we couldn’t compare, judge, or scroll? I explore how vision shapes our perception of beauty, suffering, and connection, and share my new take on social media: pixel media — a reminder that what we see online is just pixels, not personal truth.

Joey’s Social Links

https://linktr.ee/innerlens

Joey’s Website

https://joeycollazo.com/

FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide

https://innerlens.kit.com/starter

00:00 Exploring the World of See on Apple TV

02:34 Perception & Reality: The Gift of Sight

05:30 The Impact of Sight on Social Media and Comparison

08:25 Redefining Beauty and Relationships

11:21 Mindfulness and The Gift of Vision

16:09 Intentionality vs. Escapism in Our Perception

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know you are not alone. Support is available.

For immediate help, you can contact:

• International: https://findahelpline.com — a global directory of mental health and crisis resources.
  

• US: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — call or text 988.
  

• UK: Samaritans — call 116 123.
  

• Spain: Fundación ANAR — call 900 202 010 (for adults and youth).
  

Please reach out — talking to someone can help.

In this episode, I sit down with Tobi Weghorn — co-founder of metaFox and host of Making of a Coach — to talk about mental health, grief, and the messy, beautiful process of walking toward the unknown.

We swap stories about our tech backgrounds, family struggles, and how photography, meditation, and community have helped us navigate loss and uncertainty. Tobi shares how his father's passing shaped his work in coaching and why sometimes, life really is just… a walk through the fog.

FREE Coaching Tools Handbook:

https://metafox.eu/products/coaching-tools-pdf

metaFox Podcast:

https://metafox.eu/pages/the-making-of-a-coach-podcast

metaFox Website:

metafox.eu

Tobi’s LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobiasweghorn/

Joey’s Social Links: https://linktr.ee/innerlens

Joey’s Website: https://joeycollazo.com/

FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide: https://innerlens.kit.com/starter

Guest Submitted Artwork: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vxFbXPdoNbwtkbUxnF_LI13rfAV6xgEd?usp=drive_link

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Tobi and metaFox

02:57 The Significance of Personal Reflection

06:17 Journey from Engineering to Mental Health

09:11 Navigating Personal Challenges and Mental Health

13:19 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Professional Path

14:35 Practices for Mindfulness and Presence

17:19 Exploring Meditation Techniques

20:21 Integration After Retreats and Experiences

24:25 Facing the Fog: Uncertainty in Life

26:35 Conclusion and Resources for Further Exploration

In this short guided meditation, we’ll drop into the body and gently tune into sensations — a simple practice inspired by Vipassana and mindfulness traditions. Perfect for centering yourself anytime you need a reset.

Joey’s Social Links: https://linktr.ee/innerlens

Joey’s Website: https://joeycollazo.com/

FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide: https://innerlens.kit.com/starter

After my chat with Sarah, I sat with some big reminders — about surrender, timing, and what it really means to be alone but not lonely. In this solo reflection, I share what came up for me: learning to trust life’s rhythms, showing up for myself, and the quiet art of going with the flow.

Sarah’s Instagrams:

https://www.instagram.com/thesarahcurtenaz

https://www.instagram.com/thesarahconcept

Sarah’s Websites and Workshops:

https://www.thesarahconcept.com/

https://www.bytsc.com/

Joey’s Social Links: https://linktr.ee/innerlens

Joey’s Website: https://joeycollazo.com/

FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide: https://innerlens.kit.com/starter

Guest Submitted Artwork: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vxFbXPdoNbwtkbUxnF_LI13rfAV6xgEd?usp=drive_link

Show notes:

00:00 Reflections on The Sarah Concept

03:15 The Importance of Safe Spaces

05:39 Letting Go and Surrendering to Life

10:44 Finding Awareness and Presence

15:00 Balancing Self-Care and Community Needs

In this episode, I chat with Sarah from The Sarah Concept about trusting the timing of life, building safe spaces for creativity, and the art of surrender. We talk about her move to Tenerife, the vision that sparked her community work, and the reminder that the universe has its own clock — and that’s okay.

Sarah’s Instagrams:

https://www.instagram.com/thesarahcurtenaz

https://www.instagram.com/thesarahconcept

Sarah’s Websites and Workshops:

https://www.bytsc.com/

https://www.thesarahconcept.com/

Joey’s Social Links: https://linktr.ee/innerlens

Joey’s Website: https://joeycollazo.com/

FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide: https://innerlens.kit.com/starter

Guest Submitted Artwork: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vxFbXPdoNbwtkbUxnF_LI13rfAV6xgEd?usp=drive_link

Show notes:

00:00 Introduction to Sarah and Her Journey

04:14 The Importance of Bringing People Together

07:55 Creating Safe Spaces for Connection

08:49 The Role of Art in Personal Growth

12:06 Finding Presence and Awareness

14:43 Symbolism of Surfing and Waves

16:57 Navigating Loneliness and Self-Compassion

19:45 Connecting with the Universe

22:24 Closing Thoughts and Mindful Breaths

After my conversation with Kat, I sat with some old self-portraits, some shadows, and a lot of felt sense. This solo reflection is me weaving together what came up — from Carl Jung to Judy Weiser, from the pandemic photo book Kat Mahale created to the practice of dropping into the body instead of spiraling in the mind.

This one’s for anyone who forgets to pause, or who’s learning how to greet their reactions with kindness. We talk about resilience, shadow work, and the quiet wisdom of our bodies.

Sometimes healing looks like a photo you’re finally ready to look at with love.

Joey’s Social Links:

https://linktr.ee/innerlens

Joey’s Website:

https://joeycollazo.com/

Guest Submitted Artwork:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vxFbXPdoNbwtkbUxnF_LI13rfAV6xgEd?usp=drive_link

Joey’s Fight, Flight, Freeze Self-Portrait Series:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NBsuWIJ83WWe6A1MbCoUPjVzgvCfxUba?usp=drive_link

FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide:

https://innerlens.kit.com/starter

To purchase Kat’s book ‘What Now?

https://www.feelmorecreative.org/whatnow

Kat’s website:

https://www.feelmorecreative.org/

Kat’s Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/feelmorecreative

Nightbird’s ‘It’s Okay’ song:

https://youtu.be/rq4RB6v51E4?si=5rZQ5wyaR9tNArqZ

Show Notes:

• 00:00 – Reflections on Therapeutic Photography

• 02:35 – Interpreting Self-Portraits and Personal Experiences

• 05:15 – Navigating Relationships and Attachment Styles

• 08:22 – The Impact of Life Coaching and Support Systems

• 11:01 – Exploring Self-Acceptance Through Photography

• 16.05 – Mindful Photography and Self-Inquiry

• 19:47 – Insights from Kat’s Book and Pandemic Reflections

• 21:50 – Reflections on the Pandemic and Personal Growth

• 23:48 – The Power of Photography and Self-Expression

• 26:01 – Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness

• 28:44 – Exploring the Shadow Self and Healing