Episodes 16
Avg. Duration 53m
Activity Dormant
Since Jan 2025
Latest Episode Aug 2025

Publishing Details

Schedule
Weekly
Format
Episodic
Hosting
upcloseandinfocus.com

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

Discover the secrets to success with Up Close and In Focus, a weekly podcast hosted by Kerry Douglas, a Billboard #1 Gospel CEO, Grammy Award-nominated producer of the 3-year #1 Gospel music label, and acclaimed music and film producer. Each episode features candid conversations with trailblazers from the music, film, and animation industries, revealing the stories and strategies behind their triumphs. Through these inspiring interviews, Kerry uncovers the mindset shifts and life-changing decisions that propelled his guests to follow their dreams and achieve greatness. Empower yourself to transform your own mindset and pursue your passions, no matter where they lead you, drawing valuable lessons from the journey of these industry icons.

Explore Statistics

Recent Episodes

S1E21 Hip Hop Boobly: The Educational Revolution Your Kids Need

Aug 01, 2025

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…

S1E20 Gospel Trivia, Hot Wings & 5x Number One Artist

Jul 24, 2025

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…

S1E19 Hot Wings, Gospel Trivia, and the Evolution of Gospel Music

Jul 19, 2025

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…

S1E18 A Gospel Moment So Powerful, It’ll Touch Your Soul

Jul 10, 2025

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…

S1E17 Second Chances, Prison Ministry Through Music, and New Beginnings at 40 with Mia Stokes

Jul 03, 2025

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.…

S1E16 Faith, Music, and a Sparkly Saxophone, Theresa Grayson

Jun 19, 2025

In this episode of Up, Close & In Focus with Kerry Douglas, get ready to experience the extraordinary talent of Theresa Grayson, a phenomenal saxophonist whose musical journey started in fourth…

S1E15 From Addiction to Anointing: A Journey of Redemption with Wess Morgan

Jun 06, 2025

In this moving episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas welcomes gospel powerhouse Wess Morgan for an unfiltered conversation about redemption, purpose, and divine favor. Wess opens up about…

S1E14 Full Circle: How a Saxophone Lesson Became a 30-Year Reunion with Horace Alexander Young

May 22, 2025

Kerry Douglas opens his door expecting a saxophone teacher for his 12-year-old daughter - instead, he finds Horace Alexander Young, the same musician who played on his breakthrough gospel hit "I…

S1E13 Cedric Ballard on Music Ministry, The Heal Movement, and Industry Perseverance

May 15, 2025

In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, host Kerry Douglas reunites with gospel artist Cedric Ballard, revealing their 25+ year journey from selling CDs out of car trunks to national success.…

S1E12 The Chosen Voice: Zacardi Cortez's Unstoppable Gospel Journey

May 08, 2025

In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas chats with Zacardi Cortez about his rise from Houston's Acres Homes to becoming a gospel music force with nine Billboard #1 singles. Cortez…

S1E11 Lasha' Knox on Faith, Family & Finding Her Moment

Apr 17, 2025

Gospel recording artist Lasha' Knox joins Kerry Douglas on Up Close and In Focus to discuss her musical journey alongside industry giants James Fortune and Ernest Pugh. Lasha' shares stories behind…

S1E10 The Glory Returns: Earnest Pugh on Music, Mentorship, and Unexpected Comebacks

Apr 11, 2025

A single American Idol performance launched Earnest Pugh's 14-year-old hit "I Need Your Glory" to #1 on iTunes overnight! In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas reconnects with…

S1E9 The Family Returns: 30 Years of Gospel Legacy

Mar 21, 2025 54m

While their soul-soothing harmonies filled radio waves across America for three decades, The Family mysteriously stepped away from gospel's center stage - until now. In this episode of Up Close and…

S1E8 Breaking Through: Journey of Music, Miracles, and Motherhood with Jokia

Jan 20, 2025 43m

Step into an emotional episode of Up Close and In Focus as host Kerry Douglas sits down with Billboard-charting artist Jokia. She talks about her transformation in the Iraqi desert to dominating both…

S1E7 Beyond the Charts: Percy Bady on Music, Faith, and Resilience

Jan 13, 2025 1h 4m

Join host Kerry Douglas for an intimate conversation with legendary songwriter Percy Bady on Up Close and In Focus. Discover the stories behind chart-topping hits like I Believe I Can Fly and Percy's…

S1E6 Climbing Higher with Earnest Pugh

Jan 06, 2025 51m

Get ready for a soul-stirring journey with gospel music titan Ernest Pugh and industry icon Kerry Douglas. These longtime collaborators dive deep, serving up raw truths about their musical odyssey…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Up Close and In Focus have?

Up Close and In Focus has published 16 episodes since January 2025, covering topics in Music, Music Interviews.

Is Up Close and In Focus still active?

Up Close and In Focus is currently dormant with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 53m.

How do I contact Up Close and In Focus for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Up Close and In Focus, including email and social media links.

Similar Podcasts