09/21/2026
Rhode Island Filmmaker Mason Aksamit Talks Faith, Magic Mushrooms & Affordable College Degrees
In this Rhode Island Wave Spotlight Interview, host Deana sits down with educator, author, and film producer Mason Aksamit to talk about his boundary-pushing new TV show, his journey into the Rhode Island film scene, and a surprising method for earning a college degree at a fraction of the cost.
Filmed on location at Cowesett Inn, this conversation covers a lot of ground. Mason opens up about his path from Colorado to Rhode Island, chasing an acting career that eventually led him to one of the fastest-growing film scenes in the country. From there, the discussion turns to his ambitious nine-season TV project, Me, Magic Mushrooms, and My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, a deeply personal show inspired by his upbringing in a Christian high school, his departure from organized religion, and a psychedelic experience during the pandemic that reshaped his understanding of faith and spirituality. Mason explains how he's blending humor with heavy subject matter to make these ideas more approachable, and shares how the series is being filmed and released in digestible segments on YouTube before eventually pursuing a festival run and theatrical release.
The interview also touches on Mason's earlier work, including his award-winning short film Onyoko, and the hard lessons he learned about the business side of filmmaking after spending thousands of dollars on festival submissions.
Beyond film, Mason shares a practical tip for families facing steep college costs: how he earned an accredited bachelor's degree for roughly 10% of the typical price using CLEP exams and free resources like Modern States. It's a strategy worth knowing if you're planning for college on a budget.
Whether you're interested in independent filmmaking, spirituality, or affordable education hacks, this interview offers something for everyone.
Follow Mason's journey and check out his upcoming show:
• Instagram: .aximate
• YouTube: Old World Productions and Publishing
Learn more about affordable college credit at Modern States: modernstates.org