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. SmithBalogun Reinstated for US vs Belgium
July 6, 2026 ~ Tonya J Powers, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses Folarin Balogun having his red card suspended after President Trump…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAmerica 250 Weekend Celebrations and Michigan Passes Budget
July 6, 2026 ~ Dennis Darnoi, Founder of Densar Consulting discusses the America 250 celebrations over the weekend and the newly passed state budget. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMcMorrow Suspends Campaign Before Debate Week
July 6, 2026 ~ Craig Mauger, State Politics Reporter discusses Mallory McMorrow dropping out of the senate race ahead of debate week. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 2, 2026 ~ Full Show
July 2, 2026 ~ US exiting USMCA. Is the state legislature close to a budget? US wins first match of knock out round. Gastrointestinal parasite affecting…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJocelyn Benson Launches Costs Down Wages Up Tour and Reacts to SCOTUS Mail in Voting Decision
July 2, 2026 ~ Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State, Democrat Gubernatorial candidate launches "Cost Down, Wages Up" tour and reacts to the Supreme Court mail in…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCases of Gastrointestinal Parasite Growing
July 2, 2026 ~ Kristen Jordan Shamus, Health Reporter for the Detroit Free Press discusses the new gastrointestinal parasite affecting southeastern Michigan…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUS Beats Bosnia and Herzegovina in First Match of Knock Out Rounds
July 2, 2026 ~ Nick Lundberg, WJR Digital Sports Reporter discusses the US's big win last night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest on a State Budget
July 2, 2026 ~ State Senator Jim Runestad 23rd District, Chairman of the Michigan GOP discusses the latest on a state budget a day passed the deadline. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUS Exits USMCA, Latest on Iran Talks
July 2, 2026 ~ Tim Walberg, Congressman R-5th District discusses the US exiting the USMCA and his thoughts on the Iran talks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 1, 2026 ~ Full Show
July 1, 2026 ~ Paul W. celebrates 30 years as full time host at WJR. No state budget yet. Trump has made $2 billion since returning to office. US and Iran hold…
Focus with Paul W. SmithOperation Dry Water Underway
July 1, 2026 ~ Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard discusses operation dry water with Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump Calls for Congress to End Birthright Citizenship After SCOTUS Decision
July 1, 2026 ~ Debbie Dingell D-Ann Arbor, U.S. Congresswoman of Michigan’s 6th District discusses President Trump calling on congress to end birthright…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUS and Iran Hold Talks Through Mediators
July 1, 2026 ~ Doron Levin, Freelance Journalist, born in Israel, served in Israeli military discusses the latest talks between the US and Iran. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Has Made $2 Billion Since Rejoining Office, No State Budget at Deadline
July 1, 2026 ~ Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor for the Detroit News on Trump's financials during his new term in office and what's the latest on a state…
Focus with Paul W. SmithThrowback Machine, Montage From Paul W's First Morning Show 30 Years Ago Today
July 1, 2026 ~ Paul W. Smith took over the reigns of WJR's morning show exactly 30 years ago today, here are some memorable moments from that day. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 30, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 30, 2026 ~ Latest on the Supreme Court. Lions release Terrion Arnold. Dusty May talks about leaving Michigan. John James picks up some big endorsements…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJohn James Picks Up a Number of Endorsements
June 30, 2026 ~ John James, Congressman R-10th District, Gubernatorial Candidate has picked up a number of endorsements. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDr. Cogan Launching Nerve and Disc Laser Institute
June 30, 2026 ~ Dr. Sol Cogan, Owner and Clinic Director at the Nerve and Disc Institute discusses the launch of the Nerve and Disc Laser Institute. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLions Release Terrion Arnold. Dusty May Talks About Leaving Michigan
June 30, 2026 ~ Anthony Bellino, co-host of SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino discusses the Lions releasing Terrion Arnold and Dusty May speaks…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSupreme Court Issues a Number of Pivotal Decisions
June 30, 2026 ~ Jared Halpern, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses a number of decisions made by the Supreme Court. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWhitmer Sending National Guard to Washington DC
June 30, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for the Detroit News discusses Governor Whitmer sending 160 national guard troops to Washington DC…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 29, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 29, 2026 ~ Iran and US agree to stop exchanging fire until this week's peace talks. Pete Buttigieg swatted. Officer involved shooting at local Meijer…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHundred Degree Temperatures Coming to Detroit
June 29, 2026 ~ Meteorologist Scott Lawrimore, General Manager of the Weather Channel discusses the coming heat this week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithParents Charged in Death of 255 pound 7 Year Old
June 29, 2026 ~ Genesee County Prosecutor discusses two parents charged in the death of their 255 pound 7 year old son. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithIran and US Agree to Stop Exchanging Fire Ahead of Talks
June 29, 2026 ~ Austin Gullett, Former Navy Intelligence Officer looks ahead to this week's peace talks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLooking Ahead at 4th of July Travel
June 29, 2026 ~ Tonya J. Powers, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor looks ahead at 4th of July holiday travel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithButtigieg Swatted, Police Involved Shooting at Local Meijer
June 29, 2026 ~ Steve Dolunt Retired Detroit Police Chief discusses Pete Buttigieg being victim of a swatting attack and an officer involved shooting at the…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 26, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 26, 2026 ~ Trump and Speaker Johnson meet about stalled bills. SCOTUS hands Trump 2 major victories. Report says Michigan needs new data center policies…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews Supergirl and The American Experiment
June 26, 2026 ~ Dave Riger reviews Supergirl and The American Experiment on Netflix. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUS Men's Soccer Prepares for Knockout Round
June 26, 2026 ~ Roger Faulkner, Board Member and Committee member at United States Soccer Foundation, author of “You Can't Get There from Here: My Soccer…
Focus with Paul W. SmithNew Report Says Michigan Needs New Data Center Policies
June 26, 2026 ~ Brent Yax CEO, Awecomm Technologies discusses a report that says Michigan needs new data center policies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump and Johnson Meet Over Stalled Bills, Detroit News Makes Endorsements
June 26, 2026 ~ Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor for the Detroit News, co-author of “The Civility Book A Guide to Building Bridges Across the Political…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 25, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 25, 2026 ~ Chris Alberta in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTerrion Arnold Faces Kidnapping and Robbery Charges
June 25, 2026 ~ Anthony Bellino, co-host of SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino discusses possible criminal charges for Terrion Arnold. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBattle for 7th District Heats Up
June 25, 2026 ~ Jason Roe, Principal at Roe Strategic discusses the battle for the 7th district. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 24, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 24, 2026 ~ Mamdani backed candidates have big primary night. SCOTUS sides with Trump on green cards while senate sides against him on war powers…
Focus with Paul W. SmithNote on Nancy Guthrie Death Kept Secret Until Now
June 24, 2026 ~ Andy Arena, Director of the Detroit Crime Commission, Former Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit office discusses why a ransom note…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFramework for 2027 State Budget Reached
June 24, 2026 ~ Ron Robinson, State Rep R-Utica, former Anchor and Reporter at WJR on the tentative budget reached for 2027. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSenate Votes to Limit Trump's War Powers
June 24, 2026 ~ Doron Levin, Freelance Journalist, born in Israel, served in Israeli military discusses the Senate vote to limit Trump's war powers in Iran…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSCOTUS Sides With Trump on Green Cards
June 24, 2026 ~ Michael Bullotta, of Bullotta Law, Former Federal Prosecutor discusses the SCOTUS siding with the Trump administration on Green Cards. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMamdani Backed Candidates Go 3-0 in Their Primaries
June 24, 2026 ~ Tonya J Powers, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor talks about Mamdani backed candidates' big night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 23, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 23, 2026 ~ Paul broadcasts live from Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Highland Park. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAric Nesbitt Suspends Gubernatorial Campaign, Trump Makes Endorsements
June 23, 2026 ~ Dennis Darnoi, Founder of Densar Consulting discusses how a number of Trump endorsements are effecting Michigan races. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDerick Hulet, Operations Manager at Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
June 23, 2026 ~ Derick Hulet, Operations Manager at Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram joins Paul W. Smith live from Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMotor City Aresenal of Democracy
June 23, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses her America 250 piece on the arsenal of democracy. Hosted by Simplecast…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLong Time Customer Marcea on What Makes Her Keep Coming Back
June 23, 2026 ~ Longtime Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram customer Marcea tells Paul W. Smith why she does business with Snethkamp again and again. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMoe Shamon, Senior Director of Sales at Ally Auto
June 23, 2026 ~ Moe Shamon, Senior Director of Sales at Ally Auto joins Paul live from Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJD Vance Says Iran Has Agreed to Allow Nuclear Inspectors
June 23, 2026 ~ Jessica Rosenthal, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor, Host of The Fox News Rundown Weekdays at 5am on WJR gives an update on Iran…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMark Snethkamp Sr. President of Snethkamp Automotive Family
June 23, 2026 ~ Mark Snethkamp Sr. President of Snethkamp Automotive Family, joins Paul live from Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 22, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 22, 2026 ~ Dusty May to Dallas. Latest on Iran Peace Talks. British Prime Minister steps down. Previewing tonight's fireworks. Is there a thaw between…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBattle Over Data Center in Lennox
June 22, 2026~ Arianna Welsh, Deputy Secretary of the Board, Citizens for a Better Macomb County discusses tonight's meeting over massive data center in…
Focus with Paul W. SmithGM and Ford Race for Spot in Military Boom
June 22, 2026 ~Paul Eisenstein, editor of Headlight dot news discusses the GM and Ford race for a spot in military boom. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJustice Department Opens Up Civil Rights Investigation Into MLB Pride Night
June 22, 2026 ~ Todd Flood, Managing Partner of Flood Law PLLC, Host of "Behind the Bench" with Todd Flood discusses the DOJ investigation into pride night at…
Focus with Paul W. SmithKing Charles Offers Harry and Meghan Royal Accommodations
June 22, 2026 ~ Brittany Provance, Editor in Chief of Royal News Network discusses King Charles offering royal accommodations to Harry and family Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPreviewing Tonight's Fireworks
June 22, 2026 ~ Tony Michaels, Parade Company President and CEO and Linda Forte, Chair Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation look ahead to tonight's…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJD Vance in Switzerland for Peace Talks and Keir Starmer Steps Down
June 22, 2026 ~ Jonathan Savage, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses JD Vance holding peace talks with Iran. Keir Starmer steps down. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 19, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 19, 2026 ~ ICE to sell Romulus detention center. Latest in Iran. State legislatures introduce bills to safeguard against data centers. FBI links Oxford…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJocelyn Benson on Juneteenth and her Campaign
June 19, 2026 ~ Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State, Democrat Gubernatorial candidate discusses her campaign and oped on Juneteenth. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews Toy Story 5 and Cape Fear
June 19, 2026 ~ Dave Riger reviews Toy Story 5 and Cape Fear. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFBI Links Oxford High School Shooter to Terrorism Case in Macomb County
June 19, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses a new terrorism case in Macomb county being tied to the Oxford high…