Don't Do What I Did

In this episode of Don’t Do What I Did , Mas Moriya tackles Hollywood’s favorite pastime: overpromising and underdelivering. From “let’s grab coffee” to “I’ll send you an email,” empty words pile up fast in LA. Mas reflects on the cost of taking people at face value, the sting of ghosting, and how social media clout has become a warped metric for trust and friendship. He shares his own missteps—li...

Bankruptcy isn’t failure. It’s relief. In this episode, Mas Moriya shares what it actually looks like to file for bankruptcy — from the emotional weight of credit card debt to the step-by-step process of filing on your own. He covers the years of quietly paying minimums, feeling ashamed to date, turning down gigs he couldn’t afford to take, and believing that debt was just part of being a “broke a...

Here are your show notes for this episode of Don’t Do What I Did , titled “Don’t Work for Free” : In this episode, Mas Moriya breaks down one of the hardest lessons creatives have to learn—valuing your time and saying no to unpaid work. From 15 years as a filmmaker and photographer to countless emails asking for “just a few shots for exposure,” Mas shares why working for free often does more harm...

In this episode, Mas Moriya digs into one of the most overlooked skills in the film industry—and pretty much every industry: giving and receiving feedback. From unsolicited screenplay notes to interjecting at the wrong time, Mas shares personal missteps, awkward moments, and the lessons that came from them. He explores why feedback is often poorly delivered (or avoided entirely), why bad feedback...

I talk about something a little more personal — my health. Specifically, how I handled an ear infection before it got worse. We talk about: Why “pushing through” when you’re sick is rarely worth it How to know when it’s time to see a doctor (hint: sooner than you think) Why your RSVP doesn’t matter more than your recovery Embarrassing stories involving poles, kites, and seven-inch lacerations What...

In this episode, Mas Moriya unpacks the years he spent hiding in plain sight—behind the camera, behind the work, behind humility—and the long-overdue lesson of stepping into the spotlight. From his early photography days in New York to founding Filmclusive, Mas reflects on how being invisible—culturally, professionally, and personally—impacts our relationships, identity, and growth. He explores th...

Ever hit “send” and instantly regret it? Say something and wish you hadn't? In this episode, Mas digs into the hard lesson of learning to pause an action. Whether it’s an email, a group call, or a random DM, reacting without thinking has real consequences. Through a series of personal stories—some awkward, some explosive—Mas shows why taking a beat can save your relationships, your reputation, and...

In this premiere episode, Mas Moriya—filmmaker, tech founder, and lifelong overthinker—shares why not starting is one of the worst mistakes you can make. From failed podcasts and broken video feeds to decades of film footage gathering dust, Mas unpacks the cost of waiting too long. This is the episode for anyone teetering on the edge of a new idea, project, or creative leap. Just start. Why starti...