THE THE ROONIE ROONIE ROON ROON SHOW SHOW
Journalism New Face
Documenting
Defining & Culture
THE THE ROONIE ROONIE ROON ROON SHOW SHOW WELCOME
Contributors
Arrun Palacio
Chief Editor
Lead Designer
Raven Curry
Photographer
Mike Ortiz Photographer
MT Photography Photographer
CSULA Photo Library
Photographer Library
We are thrilled to have you join us for our very first issue! at The RoonieRoon Show, we believe in the power of storytelling, the magic of inspiration, and the joy of discovery. Our goal is simple documenting and defining Urban Culture. The Roonie Roon Show is not just a magazine, it's a diverse collection of all my creative interests. It's a home to my creative works, documentaries, journalism, storytelling, and much more.
The Magazine is a quarterly published urban culture magazine that documents and explores everything culture. We’ve created a space where you can pause, reflect, and engage with content that truly matters.
In each issue, you’ll find a carefully curated mix of articles, interviews from the many cultures featuring in my episodic documentaries. In
doing this I intend to create an anthology of urban cultures discussing the nuances and defining characters.
THE THE ROONIE THE ROONIE THE ROON ROON SHOW SHOW
By Arrun Palacio
Conversations and communication, These skills happened to be in decline with youths, due to a multitude of factors; Especially in young men. Being in my mid twenties I feel the weight of self doubt or self worth. Feeling pressure to have life in order and to attain success. For this reason I decided to make mentor-ship the central theme of the Episode.
Sitting down with a mentor, Damien Lucky Smith to discuss his journey from a fledgling mentee to Mentor. Damien and I attend the same high school Susan Miller Dorsey High school with age difference of 9-10 years. It was important for me to show a conversation between men-tee and mentor in a raw authentic vision. We discussed the ways success may manifest itself and the steps it requires us to obtain it. Damien detailed his journey growing up in south central Los Angeles. Revealing our journeys are more alike then different through that revelation I realized these thoughts and emotion I carry are fleeting the same as my success. I walked away not with an answer, but with the perspective Life has it ups and downs, and with discipline and consistency we can obtain our desires..
Photographed by Mike Ortiz-
Pictured here is Damien working FcBarcelona vs. Arsenal Soccer match
THE THE ROONIE THE ROONIE THE ROON ROON SHOW SHOW
THE THE ROONIE THE ROONIE ROON ROON SHOW SHOW
By Arrun Palacio
Unpacking Inside the octagon w/ Fight Science MMA, The Roonie Roon show was able to step behind the curtains of the cage fighting world on this episode. The Episode Which would go on to shape the content that I would introduce to my audience.
Initially I was nervous going into this production with it being my first attempt at producing a documentary. I racked my mind over equipment. Focusing entirely way too much on gear, spending entire days surfing rental shops just to pick a different camera every time I surfed the web. Wasting countless of hours running to gear, Seeking to cover up my short comings in the department of execution. I was worried about the success of my work; My entire being was tied to this project is how I thought. So with that in mind I put the weight of success on my shoulders.
Fortifying my Conviction I dived head first in participating in Fight Science MMA Kick Boxing class to understand the demographic of attendees and to see What makes a individual wake up and say I’m getting punched today.
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Photographed by Arrun Palaciopictured here are two Mixed Martial Artist sparring ( Fight Science MMA Gym)
Its Like being a parent to a bunch of messed up kids”
THE THE ROONIE THE ROONIE THE ROON ROON SHOW SHOW
By Arrun Palacio
Unable to resist the sub machine like tufting gun, a contraption that feeds the yarn material into a mesh material stretched out. Being the first item I wanted him to walk me through. I yank the trigger feeling the vibrations run through my body.
Tufting the art of rug crafting. Initially reaching out to artist Kirrean Taylor in hopes to commission a rug, Through Conversation with Taylor I saw he spoke with an uncertainty around his artistry. As if he was afraid to embrace the term artist. Eager to interview a young artist at a time our journey’s intersect.
My Focus for this Episode is what it means to be an artist and discussing and contrasting our journeys. Taylor and I are the same age, Our experience are closely shared including the self doubt and the wavering beliefs in our works. Taylor gave me an one on one course on how to tuft. Before interviewing any guest here on The Roonie Roon Show we throw ourselves into the life of our guest.
With a tufting crash course under my belt I was ready to share Taylor’s story.
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Photographed by Arrun Palacio-pictured here is Artist Kirrean Taylor
Demonstrating the mechanism of the tool
Discipline Makes the Difference: A Mentor’s Secrets to Success Revealed
By Arrun Palacio
Discipline is a key trait that separates those who achieve success from those who merely dream of it. In my journey of creating the documentary Discipline Makes the Difference: A Mentor’s Secrets to Success Revealed, I had the privilege of meeting Dameion "Lucky" Smith, a self-proclaimed "energy connoisseur." Dameion embodied the values I believe all community leaders should possess: empathy, discipline, and integrity. Intrigued by his ability to live out these traits, I approached him for an interview, envisioning it as a conversation between men-tee and mentor
Discipline was the guiding principle in Dameion's life, and it was clear from his upbringing in South Central Los Angeles. Growing up in a neighborhood deeply influenced by gang culture, where adversity is part of everyday life, Dameion had to develop resilience. His environment, often described as a concrete jungle, left little room for weakness. However, rather than fall victim to the temptations around him, Dameion found solace and focus in athletics. This was not just a pastime but a practice in discipline. 2006 his sophomore year At Susan Miller Dorsey High School, he tried out for the track and field team during a P.E. class, following a series of demanding jumping tests conducted by Coach
Ralph Tiley. His success in this moment was the first of many that would result from his dedication and self-control. (I, too, performed those same tests in the very same gymnasium.)
Discipline Makes the Difference: A Mentor’s Secrets to Success Revealed
By Arrun Palacio
Discipline was the force that propelled Dameion through the challenges of high school and beyond. Coaches described him as hardworking, ambitious, and humble core traits that stem from his disciplined approach to life. One of his former coaches recalled how he never missed a practice, showing up with determination and consistency, day after day. In a place where it was easy to veer off course, Dameion stayed the path. He credits discipline with keeping him from getting caught up in neighborhood gangs, staying focused on his goals instead of distractions.
When I asked Dameion about where he applies his discipline in his life today, he shared that it spans multiple professions. He is a coach, a host/MC, and a mentor to others. In each role, discipline plays a pivotal part. For example, when preparing to host an event, Dameion takes great care in mentally rehearsing his performance. He studies other successful performers, identifying traits he can adopt and honing his craft with intention. His discipline is evident in the way he meticulously prepares himself to ensure he is comfortable on stage. This dedication allows him to control his emotions, knowing that his energy directly impacts the audience’s experience.
On the day of an event, Dameion maintains
a strict routine to get into the right mindset. He listens to reggae music to soothe his nerves and keep his emotions balanced, understanding that a host must master the fine line between excitement and anxiety. He refers to this balance as the "window of confidence," where discipline is the key to maintaining control. He described his role as managing this balance like a health bar in a game—every moment requiring focus to ensure he stays in the optimal zone.
Watching him explain this, I could see how discipline had shaped him into the poised and charismatic leader he is today.
Discipline isn’t just a skill; it’s a way of life. For Dameion, it’s the foundation upon which his success is built. Whether he is coaching, mentoring, or standing on stage in front of a crowd, discipline is the force that drives him forward. As I sat across from him, I realized that this trait—above all others—was the key to his growth, and it’s what allows him to help others grow too. In him, I saw the embodiment of discipline: a leader who rose from the chaos of a concrete jungle to become a guide for others navigating their own paths.
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Inside the Octagon: The Life of an MMA Gym Owner and Coach
By Arrun Palacio
We delve into the world of mixed martial arts, a unique science that is shaping the future of combat sports. Our focus is on the remarkable journeyofMMA Coach Ian Harris, the owner of Fight Science MMA. We explore the challenges he has faced, the triumphs he has celebrated, and the unwavering passion that drives him.
Nestled in the bustling Mid City of Los Angeles, CA. On 4713 w Washington Blvd, Fight Science MMA is a fortress for those who wish to pursue martial arts in various capacities. From those who wish to stay active and seek a community to keep them motivated to those who wish to be the Ultimate Fighting Champion.
Led by twenty-plus-year veteran Ian Harris, whose career started at the age of 6 when he began training to box, falling in love with the structure and Discipline. He began exploring the many combat sports in junior high. As he put it, he wrestled up until his final days of high school. At this point, his journey with traditional Martial arts began with Jujitsu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, etc.
Years of participation bestowed him the knowledge and experience to speak about the hardships to those willing to teach science to the next generation. Coach Ian Harris spends
dozens of hours training fighters, flying across the country, match making to maybe!! Make $100 for the year off a Fighter.
Sacrificing time with his family takes a particular breed of individual willing to dedicate that much of his life to the sport.Ian describes the coaching experience as being a "parent to a bunch of messed-up kids," he jokes.
Ian, not the coach or gym owner, says the reward is wholly personal, and gratification comes from passing the sport down to others since there is so little money in the sport.
Crafting Comfort: The Artistry of Tufting
By Arrun Palacio
Young fabric artist Kierran Taylor, Owner of "KTmakesrugs," tears through the popular trend of Tufting. Tufting is a type of textile manufacturing in which a thread is inserted on a primary base. It's an ancient technique for making various garments. Today, the method is implemented using a tufting gun. I hone in on Kierran Taylor's journey and exploration of becoming an artist.
I was welcomed into the mad scientist's lair(his home) and greeted by cascading stairs leading to his workstation. Laying about were shears, scissors, Yarn, and what he called a tufting gun. A metal contraption with its motor exposed the size of a sub machine gun. I put the make-believe sub-machine gun down and strut my way to his inner sanctum. With the April sun blasting through the doorway, my eyes were left in awe at the sight of uniquely crafted rugs. Some rugs are themed after my favorite entertainment medium, anime: the Late Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball, and even my favorite, v. I was in Wonderland, and the ceiling was covered with Tapestry of all colors, shapes, and textures—tight, fluffy, almost could-like coils.
Kierran took me through his process, start to finish. He must check his emails for orders and designs for the custom orders he selects to
work on. He must decide the dimensions of the rug best suited for the design. Once he decides on that we head over to wood shop class to build the frame to tarp the cloth to. After some Whirling of the drill, he assembled a 2x2 frame in minutes.
He allowed me to conduct the next stage, the actual Tufting. I fired off the gun, feeling the recoil shoot back into my arms; tightening my grip, I felt the mechanism punching back and forth into the tarped cloth. It was a Powerful Sensation Addictive.I interviewed Kierran to find out what motivated him as an artist. He is a fledgling Creator brimming with talent and drive, diligently honing his craft.
