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. SmithElmer the Mastodon on the Move
June 19, 2026 ~ Pete Provenzano, Chancellor at Oakland Community College discusses the move of Elmer the Mastodon Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithState Legislators Introduce Bills to Hold Data Centers Accountable
June 19, 2026 ~ State Senator Kevin Hertel D-St. Clair Shores is one of 7 Michigan Senate Democrats who introduced legislation to hold data centers…
Focus with Paul W. SmithICE Will Sell Romulus Detention Center, Latest in Iran
June 19, 2026 ~ Debbie Dingell, Congresswoman D-6th district discusses ICE selling Romulus detention center and her thoughts on the Iran deal. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 18, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 18, 2026 ~ Memorandum of Understanding signed by Iran and America. New polling released on governor and senate race. Checking in with Detroit City…
Focus with Paul W. SmithInterest Rates Stand Pat
June 18, 2026 ~ David Sowerby, Managing Director and portfolio manager at Ancora Bloomfield Hills discusses Kevin Warsh keeping interest rates steady. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLooking Ahead to The Ford Fireworks
June 18, 2026 ~ Tony Michaels, Parade Company President and CEO looks ahead to the fireworks Monday night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDetroit City Football Club Releases Stadium Renderings, Pushes Back Opening Day
June 18, 2026 ~ Sean Mann, co-owner of DCFC, Detroit City Football Club discusses latest developments in their new stadium. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithNew Polling on Governor and Senate Races
June 18, 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. SmithUS and Iran Sign Memorandum of Understanding
June 18, 2026 ~ Peter Meijer, Former Congressman and Army Veteran discusses the details of the Iran deal. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 17, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 17, 2026 ~ New details on Iran deal. Michigan Gubernatorial primary getting close on the republican side. Detroit city council votes to change curfew for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithThe Look to Michigan Initiative
June 17, 2026 ~ Domenico Grasso, President University of Michigan discusses the Look to Michigan Initiative. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFord and NASCAR to Honor Military Families
June 17, 2026 ~ Nick Ford, Director of Corporate Strategy at Ford Motor Company and Tim Clark, NASCAR EVP & Chief Brand Officer discusses Ford, NASCAR + Zac…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDetroit City Council Votes to Change Curfew for Fireworks
June 17, 2026 ~ Scott Benson, Detroit City Councilman District 3 discusses the vote to change the curfew for the fireworks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 16, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 16, 2026 ~ Full Show. Paul W. Smith broadcasts live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDustin Walsh, Senior Reporter for Crain’s Detroit Business
June 16, 2026 ~ Dustin Walsh, Senior Reporter for Crain’s Detroit Business joins Paul W. Smith live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSteve Davis, Region President, Michigan at Fifth Third Bank
June 16, 2026 ~ Steve Davis, Region President, Michigan at Fifth Third Bank joins Paul W. Smith live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDearborn Heights Said Attempted Teen Takeover Chose the Wrong City
June 16, 2026 ~ Steve Dolunt, Retired Detroit Police Assistant Chief discusses the attempted teen takeover in Dearborn Heights. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTwo Adopt a Road Signs Come Down After Sparking Controversy
June 16, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses controversy over 2 road sides in Oakland County. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Arrives at G7, Newsom's Wife Being Investigated
June 16, 2026 ~ Jared Halpern, Fox News correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses Trump at the G7 and the investigation into Gavin Newsom's wife. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRyan Goldberg, President & Chief Executive Officer at DFCU Financial
June 16, 2026 ~ Ryan Goldberg, President & Chief Executive Officer at DFCU Financial joins Paul W. Smith live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDiane Swonk, Chief Economist and Managing Director at KPMG
June 16, 2026 ~ Diane Swonk, Chief Economist and Managing Director at KPMG joins Paul live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 15, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 15, 2026 ~ US and Iran to sign peace deal on Friday. House Speaker calling for better deal on Gordie Howe Bridge. MSU AD J Batt heading to Kentucky. Did…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUS Beats Paraguay, Knicks win Title
June 15, 2026 ~ Anthony Bellino, Co-host of SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino, weeknights at 6 on WJR discusses the weekend in sports. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBuss: Whitmer admits to blowing off public data center concerns
June 15, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for The Detroit News discusses her piece “Whitmer admits to blowing off public data center…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJ Batt Leaving MSU for Kentucky
June 15, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the news that MSU AD J Batt is leaving for Kentucky. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSpeaker Hall Calls for Better Deal Before Opening Gordie Howe Bridge
June 15, 2026 ~ Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall discusses his calls for a better deal before opening the Gordie Howe Bridge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUS and Iran Scheduled to Sign Peace Deal on Friday
June 15, 2026 ~ Rocky Raczkowski, Ret. Lt. Colonel in the US Army discusses the peace deal between Iran and America expected to be signed on Friday. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAutotown on WJR
June 12, 2026 ~ Autotown host Jamie Butters talks with Paul W about his new show heard Saturday mornings at 7am on WJR. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBringing Soccer to the United States
June 12, 2026 ~ Author Roger Faulkner talks to Paul W about his new book, "You Can't Get There from Here: My Soccer Journey from Derby to Detroit" and the…
Focus with Paul W. SmithThe 2026 Rocket Classic
June 12, 2026 ~ Rocket Entertainment COO and Rocket Classic Tournament Director Mark Hollis previews the upcoming 2026 Rocket Classic with Paul W. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithThe Bridge is NOT Open Yet
June 12, 2026 ~ Detroit New Editorial Page Editor Nolan Finley chats with Paul W about the Gordie Howe Bridge opening being delayed. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJune 12, 2026 ~ Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ FULL SHOW
June 12, 2026 ~ Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ FULL SHOW Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection…
Focus with Paul W. SmithThe "Cadillac" Pensions
June 11, 2026 ~ Detroit News reporter Beth LeBlanc talks with Paul W about how 41 former Michigan lawmakers are collecting six-figure 'Cadillac' pensions…
Focus with Paul W. SmithGas Prices in Michigan
June 11, 2026 ~ GasBuddy Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick DeHaan chats with Paul W about how gas prices rise or lower depending on what is happening with the…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJune 11, 2026 ~ Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ FULL SHOW
June 11, 2026 ~ Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ FULL SHOW Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFree Life Jackets
June 11, 2026 ~ Gardner White CEO Rachel Stewart and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel spoke with Paul W about a special event happening on June 17th at the…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJune 10, 2026 ~ Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ FULL SHOW
June 10, 2026 ~ Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ FULL SHOW Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection…
Focus with Paul W. SmithChecking Account Bonuses
June 10, 2026 ~ Detroit Free Press Personal Finance Columnist Susan Tompor talks with Paul W about shopping around when looking for a checking account with…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDeaths at the Michigan Women's Prison
June 10, 2026 ~ US Congresswoman, Michigan's 6th District Debbie Dingell chats with Paul W about the 3 deaths at Michigan's women's prison. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithA Hot Restaurant in Birmingham
June 10, 2026 ~ Bella Piatti Restaurant in Birmingham Owner Nick Curtraro and General Manager Kevin Mazziotta join Paul W to talk about this fantastic…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 9, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 9, 2026 ~ Paul W. Smith broadcasts live from the Dow Championship at Midland Country Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJim Fitterling, Current Chair and Chief Executive Officer at Dow
June 9, 2026 ~ Jim Fitterling, Current Chair and Chief Executive Officer at Dow joins Paul W. Smith live from the Dow Championship. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAmerica 250 Michigan Made
June 9, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News debuts her first special reports on America 250: Michigan Made. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithKaren Carter, incoming Chief Executive Officer at Dow
June 9, 2026 ~ Karen Carter, incoming Chief Executive Officer at Dow joins Paul W. Smith live from the Dow Championship. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSarah White, Epson Tour Professional
June 9, 2026 ~ Sarah White, Epson Tour Professional joins Paul W. Smith live from the Dow Championship. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMatt Felan, Chief Executive Officer, Migizi
June 9, 2026 ~ Matt Felan, Chief Executive Officer, Migizi joins Paul W. Smith live from the Dow Championship. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRibbon Cutting and Opening Date Announced for Gordie Howe Bridge
June 9, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for The Detroit News discussing some good news on the Gordie Howe Bridge. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithGregory Grocholski and Josh Grocholski, Owners, Sandy Ridge Golf Course
June 9, 2026 ~ Gregory Grocholski and Josh Grocholski, Owners, Sandy Ridge Golf Course joins Paul W. Smith live from the Dow Championship. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 8, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 8, 2026 ~ Paul W. Smith broadcasts live from the Detroit Economic Club meeting featuring Senator Elissa Slotkin. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithArn Tellem, Vice Chairman of the Detroit Pistons
June 8, 2026 ~ Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman of the Detroit Pistons joins Paul W. Smith live at the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTarek Sobh, President and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Lawrence Technological University
June 8, 2026 ~ Tarek Sobh, President and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Lawrence Technological University joins Paul W. Smith live at the…
Focus with Paul W. Smith12 People Shot During Festival in Toledo
June 8, 2026 ~ Mike Bouchard, Oakland County Sheriff discusses 12 People Shot During Festival in Toledo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithIran and Israel Exchange Strikes for First Time Since April
June 8, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the fighting between Israel and Iran that threatens the current ceasefire…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSenator Elissa Slotkin
June 8, 2026 ~ Senator Elissa Slotkin joins Paul W. Smith live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTricia Keith, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
June 8, 2026 ~ Tricia Keith, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan joins Paul W. Smith live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ June 5, 2026 ~ Full Show
June 5, 2026 ~ Senate votes for immigration enforcement. Trump says Bill Pulte's new role is temporary. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, Democrat…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews It ~ Power Ballad and Michael Jackson the Verdict
June 5, 2026 ~ Dave Riger reviews Power Ballad in theaters and Michael Jackson The Verdict. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMan Arrested for Threatening to Kill Governor Whitmer and Shoot Up Capitol
June 5, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses recent threats made against Governor Whitmer and the Capitol in Lansing…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCould We See Damaging El Ninos This Summer?
June 5, 2026 ~ Meteorologist Scott Lawrimore, General Manager of The Weather Channel radio network discusses this summer's El Ninos and how dangerous they…
Focus with Paul W. SmithChris Swanson on Last Night's One Person Fox 2 Debate
June 5, 2026 ~ Chris Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff, Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate discusses his participation in a solo Democrat Gubernatorial debate last…