Shows / Focus with Paul W. Smith
Focus with Paul W. Smith
National Radio Hall of Fame Inductee Paul W. Smith takes middays live and local for a show that goes in-depth with the newsmakers who are shaping the future of Southeast Michigan. Tune in as Paul connects with politicians, business and community leaders, entrepreneurs, and entertainers for longform conversations about why the efforts behind the headlines really matter. Accessible, informative, balanced, and bold, with diverse voices and thought-provoking questions that bring it all into Focus.
Episodes
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 29, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 29, 2026 ~ Jamie Edmonds broadcasts live from Washtenaw Community College for the final day of WJR's College Tour 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithClarence Jennings, WCC Vice President of Student Services
October 29, 2026 ~ Clarence Jennings, WCC Vice President of Student Services on how employers and adult learners/employees can utilize the Reconnect…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLuanne Thomas Ewald, Chief Hospital Executive, University of Michigan Health's C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital
October 29, 2026 ~ Luanne Thomas Ewald, Chief Hospital Executive, University of Michigan Health's C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDr. Joshua Burgess, American Welding Society President
October 29, 2026 ~ Dr. Joshua Burgess, American Welding Society President discusses Industry partnerships, skilled trades demand; WCC’s welding expertise…
Focus with Paul W. Smith5 Years Later, Why Haven't Robocalls Stopped
October 29, 2026 ~ Susan Tompor, Personal Finance Columnist for the Detroit Free Press discusses her column “Robocalls won't stop 5 years after crackdown. What…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMikala Sposito WCC welding Student and Alex Pazkowski WCC Coach and Faculty Member
October 29, 2026 ~ Mikala Sposito WCC welding Student and Alex Pazkowski WCC Coach and Faculty Member discuss Mikala’s preparation, journey to Shanghai…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAlaska Election Drama
October 29, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News, DOJ investigating whether Alaska senate candidate was recruited to confuse…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDr. Rose Bellanca, President Washtenaw Community College
October 29, 2026 ~ Dr. Rose Bellanca, WCC President, celebrating WCC welding student Mikala Sposito as an example of WCC-wide educational excellence…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 28, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 28, 2026 ~ Jamie Edmonds broadcasts live from Michigan State University for day 3 of the 2026 WJR College Tour. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSpartan Tuition Advantage Program
October 28, 2026 ~ Alex Landen, the Director of Undergraduate Admission discusses Spartan tuition advantage program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithStudy Shows Lake Sturgeon Can Live for Centuries
October 28, 2026 ~ Scott Colborne, researcher within MSU Fisheries and Wildlife. Study shows lake sturgeon can live for centuries. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest on Israeli Elections
October 28, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News has the latest on the Israeli election.. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMSU Prevent to Protect
October 28, 2026 ~ Chief Ellery Sosebee (Ret.) Law Enforcement and Safety Director discusses Prevent 2 Protect. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithVoter Turn Out and Some of the Large Races
October 28, 2026 ~ Matt Grossmann is Director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) and Professor of Political Science at Michigan…
Focus with Paul W. SmithShawn Turner, WKAR Director and Interim Chair of the MSU School of Journalism
October 28, 2026 ~ Shawn Turner, WKAR Director and Interim Chair of the MSU School of Journalism discusses MSU Vote which is strengthening voter education…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 27, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 27, 2026 ~ Jamie Edmonds broadcasts live from Saint Clair County Community College for day two of WJR's 2026 College Tour. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLooking Ahead to STEM Fest 2027
October 27, 2026 ~ Becky Gentner, Chief Financial and Operating Officer SC4, Jeff VanHamlin Professor of Math SC4 Dr. Pete Lacey Chief Collaboration…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCollaboration Between SC4 and Saginaw Valley State University
October 27, 2026 ~ Dr. Pete Lacey Chief Collaboration Officer/SVSU Liaison discusses SVSU collaboration with Jamie Edmonds. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMichigan Violent Crime Down to 7 Year Lows
October 27, 2026 ~ Andy Arena, Director of the Detroit Crime Commission, Former Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit office, new data shows violent crime…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCareer Technical Pathways at SC4
October 27, 2026 ~ Lesley Murphy Director/Principal at St. Clair Technical Education Center, Dr. Pete Lacey Chief Collaboration Officer/Saginaw Valley State…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMallory McMorrow Says Fake Polling Killed Her Senate Campaign
October 27, 2026 ~ Adrian Hemond, Partner and CEO at Grassroots Midwest, Mallory McMorrow calling for polling reform after she says fake polling killed her…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHealth Sciences at SC4
October 27, 2026 ~ Steve Gura, Director of Nursing and Department Chair of Health & Human Services SC 4, Janean Monahan, Dean of Health Sciences SC 4 and…
Focus with Paul W. SmithKicking Off Day 2 of WJR College Tour at Saint Clair County Community College
October 27, 2026 ~ Kirk Kramer, President of SC4, Spencer Hazlewood CIO of SC4 kick off day 2 of WJR's 2026 College Tour with Jamie Edmonds. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 26, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 26, 2026 ~ Jamie Edmonds broadcasts live from Kettering University for day one of the WJR College Tour. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSarah Perkins, Associate Director, Career Design and Co-op Experience Kettering University
Oct. 26, 2026 ~ What does it take to stand out to employers before graduation, and how can students begin preparing for their careers from day one? Sarah…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAlex Nichols, Student, Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2027
Oct. 26, 2026 ~ Real-world engineering experience can start much sooner than many students expect. Alex Nichols, a Mechanical Engineering student in Kettering…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump and Barack Obama in Town Ahead of Midterm
October 26, 2026 ~ Dennis Darnoi, Founder of Densar Consulting. President Trump and former President Obama both in Michigan. DOJ sending election monitors to 7…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSuzanne Petrusch, Vice President of Enrollment Management Kettering University
Oct. 26, 2026 ~ Gain a behind-the-scenes look at how some students graduate with years of professional experience, strong industry connections, and less…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLions Beat Packers 20-17
October 26, 2026 ~ Anthony Bellino co-host of “Sports Wrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino” weeknights at 6. Lions beat Packers 20-17 after bizarre 4th…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDr. Robert K. McMahan, President of Kettering University
Oct. 26, 2026 ~ What if college graduates entered the workforce with years of paid professional experience, strong industry connections, and job offers already…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 23, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 23, 2026 ~ Steve Gursten Head of Michigan Auto Law fills in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAttorney Brandon Hewitt on Mini Tort
October 23, 2026 ~ Brandon Hewitt, Attorney Michigan Auto law on 3K4Free Mini Tort. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWorkers Comp and What You Need to Know
October 23, 2026 ~ Jeff Kaufman, Attorney at Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers workers comp and what you need to know. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithGlen Schwartz, Director of Operations Viewpoint Psychology & Wellness
October 23, 2026 ~ Glen Schwartz, Director of Operations Viewpoint Psychology & Wellness on mental Health & Suicide Prevention. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAttorney Jordan Jones on Trucking Accidents and What You Need to Know
October 23, 2026 ~ Jordan Jones, Attorney Michigan Auto Law. Trucking Accidents and what you need to know. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest Polling Less Than 2 Weeks Out
October 21, 2026 ~ Steve Mitchel President of Mitchell Research and Communication with the latest polling numbers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 22, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 22, 2026 ~ Rogers vs. El-Sayed round two. Ohio governor race getting ugly. Good news for Pope Leo. Michigan man back in the US after spending four…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTP Nykoriak, Republican Candidate for Congress 13th District
October 22, 2026 ~ TP Nykoriak, Republican Candidate for Congress 13th District discusses his campaign. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRetired Michigan Teacher Freed From Russian Prison
October 22, 2026 ~ Peter Meijer, former congressman and army veteran. Stephen Hubbard, retired teacher from Michigan who was freed from Russian prison has…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews It ~ Clown Panic and Phony Both on Hulu
October 22, 2026 ~ Dave Riger, Riger Reviews It. Reviewing “Clown Panic” and “Phony” both on Hulu. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPope Leo Needs no Further Cancer Treatment
October 22, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses good health news for Pope Leo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithVivek Ramaswamy Doubles Down on Ad Featuring Opponent's Estranged Mother
October 22, 2026 ~ Dennis Darnoi, Founder of Densar Consulting discusses Vivek Ramaswamy attack ad causing nationwide controversy. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
- Focus with Paul W. Smith
Rogers vs. El Sayed Round Two
Aaron Kall, Director of Debate at University of Michigan discusses last night’s debate between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 21, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 21, 2026 ~ Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor of the Detroit News fills in for Paul W. Smith talking all things election. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJack Brady, New Columnist for the Detroit News
October 21, 2026 ~ Jack Brady, newest columnist for the Detroit News joins Nolan Finley in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTurmoil Among MSU Trustees
October 21, 2026 ~ Mike Balow, Member of MSU Board of Trustees discusses turmoil within the ranks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWhich Way is the Black Vote Going?
October 21, 2026 ~ Bankole Thompson, founder and Chairman of the Pulse Institute, columnist for the Detroit News discusses issues black voters care about most…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFormer Chair of Michigan Democrats on Leave it Blank
October 21, 2026 ~ Lon Johnson, Former Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party on the leave it blank campaign. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithKaitlyn Buss on Where We Stand with the Election
October 21, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Director for the Detroit News discusses the latest on the midterms with Nolan Finley in for Paul W. Smith…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 20, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 20, 2026 ~ October 20, 2026 ~ Paul W. Smith is live from the Masonic Temple for the Detroit Economic Club's conversation with Senatorial Candidates…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAbdul El-Sayed Democrat Candidate for Senate
October 20, 2026 ~ Abdul El-Sayed, Democrat Senate Candidate joins Paul W. Smith live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJason Roe on Today's DEC Event and Home Stretch to Election Day
October 20, 2026 ~ Jason Roe, Principal of Roe Strategic joins Paul live from the Detroit Economic Club to recap today's event and look ahead at the final two…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRick Hampson, Metro Detroit Market President at Old National Bank
October 20, 2026 ~ Rick Hampson, Metro Detroit Market President at Old National Bank joins Paul live from The Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDan Gilbert Makes $1 Billion Gift for Ren Cen Development
October 20, 2026 ~ Eric Larson CEO Downtown Detroit Partnership. Dan Gilbert gives $1 billion for renaissance center redevelopment. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWitkoff in Oslo and Lawmakers Sent Envelopes with Mysterious Substance
October 20, 2026 ~ Debbie Dingell U.S. Congresswoman of Michigan’s D-6th District. Witkoff in Oslo for European peace talks. Was briefed on envelopes with…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMike Rogers, Republican Senate Candidate
October 20, 2026 ~ Mike Rogers, Republican Senate Candidate joins Paul W. Smith live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAlberta Votes to Stay Part of Canada
October 20, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News. Alberta votes to remain part of Canada. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 19, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 19, 2026 ~ Riots in France escalate. 2 dead, 11 injured after woman drives truck through youth soccer game. Fire at Canadian military base kills 4…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMichigan Wins with Tommy Carr, College Football Playoff to Expand
October 19, 2026 ~ Nick Lundberg, WJR Digital Sports Reporter. Michigan beats Penn State 21-18 after replacing Bryce Underwood with Tommy Carr at half time…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump Eases Sanctions on Russia
October 19, 2026 ~ Austin Gullett, former Naval Intelligence Officer. President Trump eases sanctions against Russia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…