Colby grew up in Ventura County, CA. After completing his B.A. in English literature at Pepperdine University, he received a Fulbright scholarship to study in North Macedonia.  During his two years there, Colby taught literature at the University of St. Kliment while pursuing his research on Macedonian poetry and the country’s international poetry festival, Struga Poetry Evenings. His efforts ultimately supported the founding of American sponsored libraries in North Macedonia, starting with the American Corner Struga.

Since 2012 Colby has been producing documentaries with a focus on climate change and nutrition. More recently, he has focused his efforts on supporting mental health organizations in Los Angeles and hosting online group therapy sessions in his local community.