Up Close and In Focus

Hip Hop Boobly: The Educational Revolution Your Kids Need

When Marzetta Douglas noticed her children could memorize every word of Cardi B but struggled with the seven continents, she knew something had to change. The mother of two created Hip Hop Boobly, a 3D animated series that transforms learning through music, and it's already taking the world by storm. In this episode, Marzetta reveals how her characters teach everything from math to anti-bullying through catchy songs and interactive "Boom Stars" that kids actually want to earn. She opens up about building an international production team, partnering with major influencers like the McClure Twins, and why representation in children's media matters more than ever. Co-host Christin Oliver shares her personal journey with her autistic son and how visual learning through music has changed their family dynamic. Plus, meet Boobly himself as he joins the conversation live in studio. Get ready to discover why parents everywhere are calling this the future of education.

Gospel Trivia, Hot Wings & 5x Number One Artist

In this episode of Up, Close & In Focus with host Cedric Ballard, Gospel legend Earnest Pugh faces the ultimate test as he tackles increasingly spicy wings while answering trivia questions about his 19-year journey with Blacksmoke Music. Between bites of fiery sauce, Pugh shares the story behind his five number one hits, starting with his breakthrough single "Rain On Us" that launched his record deal in 2007. The Blacksmoke veteran reveals his driving mantra that has sustained him through nearly two decades in gospel music: "In bad times, people need Good News." The heat intensifies during the 'Never Have I Ever' segment, where Pugh confesses to forgotten lyrics during worship and shares how his great-grandmother's prophecy shaped his global ministry vision. A Stellar Award Trivia and Grammy history questions, this game show edition tests both his gospel knowledge and spice tolerance. Pugh also discusses his latest album, available on all streaming platforms. Connect with Earnest Pugh: Website: earnestpugh.com Instagram: @earnestpugh Facebook: facebook.com/earnestpugh Twitter/X: @earnestpugh

Hot Wings, Gospel Trivia, and the Evolution of Gospel Music

Gospel artist Jokia brings her baby Rain as backup while facing off against host Cedric Ballard in the spiciest game show edition of Black Smoke Table Talk yet. Between bites of increasingly fiery wings, Jokia shares her journey since entering the music industry in 2017, watching platforms evolve from Vine to TikTok and witnessing how streaming has transformed artist revenue. She explains why partnering with Black Smoke Records felt like the right move after years of independent hustle, and how she defines her music as inspirational love that speaks to both saved and unsaved audiences. The conversation heats up as both host and guest tackle gospel trivia questions about Black Smoke artists, stellar award records, and Hip Hop Boobly (where Jokia voices a character). Through laughs, tears from hot sauce, and "Never Have I Ever" confessions about forgotten lyrics and church mic dodging, Jokia reveals her moment of doubt about continuing music and how God redirected her from chasing industry accolades to focusing on ministry impact. Connect with Jokia:  Instagram: @jokiamusic YouTube: @jokiavevo2278  Facebook: Jokia

A Gospel Moment So Powerful, It’ll Touch Your Soul

In this special edition of Up Close & In Focus, host Kerry Douglas brings together an extraordinary lineup of voices for a dynamic, uplifting experience rooted in music, purpose, and shared connection.   Featuring powerful moments with Earnest Pugh, Cedric Ballard, Kisha Brandy (formerly of Kirk Franklin & The Family), and Meta Washington, this episode is a celebration of expression, freedom, and the undeniable power of unity through sound and spirit.   🎶 From soul-stirring renditions of "Silver and Gold" and "Let It Rain" to spontaneous praise and heartfelt reflection, the energy is raw, honest, and deeply moving.   ✨ The episode closes with a powerful prayer led by Meta Washington, offering thanks for the vision, the voices, and the moment.   📍 Whether you're in need of encouragement, clarity, or inspiration, this episode will leave you renewed and re-centered.   🎧 Subscribe now for more music moments, personal conversations, and creative insight on Up Close & In Focus with Kerry Douglas.

Second Chances, Prison Ministry Through Music, and New Beginnings at 40 with Mia Stokes

Singer-songwriter Mia Stokes opens up about her transformation during 25 months of incarceration, where she wrote 60 songs in six months and discovered her gift for prison ministry through music. Fresh out seven months ago, Stokes is pregnant at 40, engaged to the man who waited for her entire sentence, and ready to relaunch her music career with a new perspective on life's timing. She shares the story behind writing her country song 14 years ago that nearly landed with Carrie Underwood, and how she learned to let songs find their own destiny rather than boxing herself into one genre. The conversation weaves between Stokes' early days interning at Interscope Records, her natural talent for rewriting songs in her head, and her current search for a new production team as she prepares to re-release music under her own publishing company. This episode proves that sometimes the most beautiful comebacks happen when you're willing to embrace new beginnings at any age. Connect with Mia Stokes: Instagram: @miastokeshtha1 Facebook: Mia Stokes Twitter/X: Mia Stokes