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 Response04:57 The Power of Mindful Breathing06:41 Loving Kindness in Meditation07:34 The Birth of Deskvana12:09 The Importance of Psychedelic Integration19:18 Presence and Relational Mindfulness29:02 The Impact of Robin WilliamsMahyar’s Links ⬇️Websitehttps://www.responsibilitytoawe.com/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/mahyarSpotify playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xwbwt6K64svcugFMDNxav?si=ee051ea9f9b64bec&nd=1&dlsi=816d2bc177c248b0Joey’s Links ⬇️Websitehttps://joeycollazo.com/Free 10-minute Guided Meditationhttps://forms.gle/xis39FSG7r1gJmAH8Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/joeycollazo.mindfulGuest Submitted Photo / Artworkhttps://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 Connection03:19 The Power of Human Connection07:19 Journey from Technology to Mindfulness11:24 Meditation as a Life-Saving Practice15:58 Exploring Masculinity and Identity19:28 The Importance of Being SeenMahyar’s links ⬇️Websitehttps://www.responsibilitytoawe.com/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/mahyarSpotify playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xwbwt6K64svcugFMDNxav?si=ee051ea9f9b64bec&nd=1&dlsi=816d2bc177c248b0Joey’s Links ⬇️Websitehttps://joeycollazo.com/Free 10-minute Guided Meditationhttps://forms.gle/xis39FSG7r1gJmAH8Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/joeycollazo.mindfulGuest Submitted Photo / Artworkhttps://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 Connection07:49 Mindfulness in Travel: Finding Balance16:37 Reflections on Growth: Navigating RelationshipsJoey’s Social Linkshttps://linktr.ee/innerlensJoey’s Websitehttps://joeycollazo.com/FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guidehttps://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 Kukshaus04:03 Journey to Tenerife and Ocean Fused Training08:26 Integrating Surfing and Yoga for Resilience12:11 The Role of Meditation in Stress Management16:37 Building Trust and Connection in Group Settings20:27 Personal Stories and Transformative Experiences23:47 Finding Presence in Daily LifeDaniel’s Links:Websitehttps://www.oceanfusedtraining.com/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/16cRkkzmjb/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/oceanfusedtraining?igsh=MW5oMjJpaDFub3E1ag==LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ocean-fused-trainingJoey’s Social Linkshttps://linktr.ee/innerlensJoey’s Websitehttps://joeycollazo.com/FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guidehttps://innerlens.kit.com/starterGuest Submitted Photohttps://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 Linkshttps://linktr.ee/innerlensJoey’s Websitehttps://joeycollazo.com/FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guidehttps://innerlens.kit.com/starter00:00 Exploring the World of See on Apple TV02:34 Perception & Reality: The Gift of Sight05:30 The Impact of Sight on Social Media and Comparison08:25 Redefining Beauty and Relationships11:21 Mindfulness and The Gift of Vision16:09 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-pdfmetaFox Podcast:https://metafox.eu/pages/the-making-of-a-coach-podcastmetaFox Website:metafox.euTobi’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobiasweghorn/Joey’s Social Links: https://linktr.ee/innerlensJoey’s Website: https://joeycollazo.com/FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide: https://innerlens.kit.com/starterGuest Submitted Artwork: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vxFbXPdoNbwtkbUxnF_LI13rfAV6xgEd?usp=drive_linkShow Notes:00:00 Introduction to Tobi and metaFox02:57 The Significance of Personal Reflection06:17 Journey from Engineering to Mental Health09:11 Navigating Personal Challenges and Mental Health13:19 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Professional Path14:35 Practices for Mindfulness and Presence17:19 Exploring Meditation Techniques20:21 Integration After Retreats and Experiences24:25 Facing the Fog: Uncertainty in Life26:35 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/innerlensJoey’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/thesarahcurtenazhttps://www.instagram.com/thesarahconceptSarah’s Websites and Workshops:https://www.thesarahconcept.com/https://www.bytsc.com/Joey’s Social Links: https://linktr.ee/innerlensJoey’s Website: https://joeycollazo.com/FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide: https://innerlens.kit.com/starterGuest Submitted Artwork: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vxFbXPdoNbwtkbUxnF_LI13rfAV6xgEd?usp=drive_linkShow notes:00:00 Reflections on The Sarah Concept03:15 The Importance of Safe Spaces05:39 Letting Go and Surrendering to Life10:44 Finding Awareness and Presence15:00 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/thesarahcurtenazhttps://www.instagram.com/thesarahconceptSarah’s Websites and Workshops:https://www.bytsc.com/https://www.thesarahconcept.com/Joey’s Social Links: https://linktr.ee/innerlensJoey’s Website: https://joeycollazo.com/FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide: https://innerlens.kit.com/starterGuest Submitted Artwork: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vxFbXPdoNbwtkbUxnF_LI13rfAV6xgEd?usp=drive_linkShow notes:00:00 Introduction to Sarah and Her Journey04:14 The Importance of Bringing People Together07:55 Creating Safe Spaces for Connection08:49 The Role of Art in Personal Growth12:06 Finding Presence and Awareness14:43 Symbolism of Surfing and Waves16:57 Navigating Loneliness and Self-Compassion19:45 Connecting with the Universe22:24 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/innerlensJoey’s Website:https://joeycollazo.com/Guest Submitted Artwork:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vxFbXPdoNbwtkbUxnF_LI13rfAV6xgEd?usp=drive_linkJoey’s Fight, Flight, Freeze Self-Portrait Series:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NBsuWIJ83WWe6A1MbCoUPjVzgvCfxUba?usp=drive_linkFREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide:https://innerlens.kit.com/starterTo purchase Kat’s book ‘What Now?https://www.feelmorecreative.org/whatnowKat’s website:https://www.feelmorecreative.org/Kat’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/feelmorecreativeNightbird’s ‘It’s Okay’ song:https://youtu.be/rq4RB6v51E4?si=5rZQ5wyaR9tNArqZShow Notes:00:00 – Reflections on Therapeutic Photography02:35 – Interpreting Self-Portraits and Personal Experiences05:15 – Navigating Relationships and Attachment Styles08:22 – The Impact of Life Coaching and Support Systems11:01 – Exploring Self-Acceptance Through Photography16.05 – Mindful Photography and Self-Inquiry19:47 – Insights from Kat’s Book and Pandemic Reflections21:50 – Reflections on the Pandemic and Personal Growth23:48 – The Power of Photography and Self-Expression26:01 – Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness28:44 – Exploring the Shadow Self and Healing

In this episode, I sit down with Kat Mahale — photographer, speaker, mentor, facilitator and author — to talk about the deeper layers of self-portraiture and how images can become mirrors for healing. We reflect on how a single photo can carry a message from our inner world, and how dropping into the “felt sense” helps us listen to what’s underneath.We talk about Kat’s 2018 self-portrait, our shared experience of talk therapy that wasn’t quite landing, and how compassion can rise when we really see ourselves. It’s a conversation about remembering who we are — shadows, softness, and all.Joey’s Social Links: https://linktr.ee/innerlensJoey’s Website: https://joeycollazo.com/Guest Submitted Artwork: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vxFbXPdoNbwtkbUxnF_LI13rfAV6xgEd?usp=drive_linkFREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide:https://innerlens.kit.com/starterTo purchase Kat’s book ‘What Now?https://www.feelmorecreative.org/whatnowKat’s website:https://www.feelmorecreative.org/Kat’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/feelmorecreativeShow Notes:00:00 – The Transformative Power of Self-Portraiture05:37 – Embracing Self-Acceptance and Compassion10:46 – Understanding the Felt Sense15:34 – Creating Safe Spaces Through Therapeutic Photography20:06 – The Role of Creativity in Coping24:32 – Slowing Down in a Fast-Paced World29:21 – Connecting with Joy and Presence32:54 – Sharing Vulnerability Through Photography34:46 – Returning to Center and Mindfulness

Hey, I’m Joey — welcome to the very first ride in Joey’s Taxi: Conversations from the Seat of Awareness. This one’s about where it all began. I grew up in the Bronx, ended up working at an Apple Store in California, and hit a wall with burnout, addiction, and the feeling that something had to change.In 2020, I quit, packed up, and moved to Spain to teach English. Then a two-week trip to the Canary Islands turned into a whole new chapter. I got married, slowed down, and started doing the inner work that would shape everything I do now.This is the origin story — thanks for hopping in.Joey’s Social Links: https://linktr.ee/innerlensJoey’s Website: https://joeycollazo.com/FREE Mindful Mobile Photo Guide:https://innerlens.kit.com/starterFREE Waking Up 30-day Intro Meditation Course:https://dynamic.wakingup.com/guestpass/SCB190A6DShow Notes:00:00 – Introduction to Joey’s Taxi and Personal Background03:01 – Career Journey: From IT to Caregiving06:01 – Struggles with Relationships and Personal Growth08:35 – The Impact of Hypnotherapy and Emotional Healing11:04 – Marriage & the Journey of Self Discovery13:33 – The Surrender Experiment and Mindfulness Practices15:56 – Living from Consciousness: The Essence of Joey’s Taxi

Welcome to Joey’s Taxi — conversations from the seat of awareness. In this short trailer, you'll get a taste of the stories, energy, and heart-led reflections that ride along each week. Buckle up, subscribe, and join the ride.