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 artist.”

Turns out, that was bad math.

This is a real conversation about money, survival, and how to take back your power — whether you’re a filmmaker, creative, or anyone just trying to make it through.

Topics Covered:

• Why artists don’t talk about money — and why we need to

• The emotional tax of credit card debt and living month to month

• What filing for bankruptcy really looks like (step-by-step)

• How to do it for free (yes, really — no lawyer required)

• Bad money math: dating, rent, and the invisible cost of survival

• The difference between consolidation and credit counseling

• Rebuilding from zero — and why it feels like power, not failure

Key Resources Mentioned:

• https://takechargeamerica.org – non-profit credit counseling

• https://www.uscourts.gov – official site to learn about bankruptcy

• https://www.accesscounselinginc.org – free credit education courses

• IRS Transcript Tool: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

What I did do:

• Filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy pro se (without a lawyer)

• Used ChatGPT to understand legal forms and prep documents

• Took free required courses via Access Counseling

• Called banks directly to negotiate lower interest rates before filing

• Got the court filing fee waived with a fee waiver application

• Binder clips (yes, really — not staples) for official submission

Don’t do what I did:

• Don’t assume minimum payments are “doing the right thing”

• Don’t stay in debt out of shame or silence

• Don’t confuse hustle with financial literacy

• Don’t wait until you’re drowning to ask for help

This episode is for you if:

• You’ve got credit card debt and no clear way out

• You’re afraid to talk about money with anyone

• You’re a creative stuck in the “starving artist” loop

• You’ve considered bankruptcy but don’t know where to start

• You feel like you don’t deserve a fresh start

💬 Quote from the Episode:“I never thought I’d be debt free. Then I filed for bankruptcy, and in less than a year, I was. I don’t wake up in existential dread anymore — I wake up with a chance.”

Produced by Filmclusive, the only cross-entertainment job seeking platform that doesn't charge a subscription fee. Post jobs for free. Audition for free. Apply for free. From interns to executives and creatives to talent, we're lowering the barrier for new voices to be heard. No more Pay-to-Play.