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. SmithCavs Even Up Series with Piston 2-2
May 12, 2026 ~ Nick Lundberg, WJR Digital Sports Reporter recaps last night's Pistons game and reacts to early Lions schedule leaks. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMike Bouchard on Water Main Break and Arrest Using Drone
May 12, 2026 ~ Mike Bouchard, Oakland County Sheriff gives us an update on the big water main break and discusses an arrest made over the weekend using one of…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump Calls for Suspension of Gas Tax
May 12, 2026 ~ Patrick De Haan, Head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy discusses President Trump calling to suspend gas tax. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWayne County Launching Gun Safety Campaign
May 12, 2026 ~ Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy discusses the newly launched gun safety campaigned. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLooking Ahead to Trump's China Trip
May 12, 2026 ~ Jason Roe, Principal at Roe Strategic looks ahead at President Trump's trip to China. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ May 11, 2026 ~ Full Show
May 11, 2026 ~ Mike Duggan checks in from campaign trail. Trump rejects latest offer from Iran. Putin says Russia - Ukraine war is almost over. More states…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPentagon Releases Large Swath of UFO Files
May 11, 2026 ~ Mike Murray, Astronomer and Manager of the Delta College Planetarium discusses the latest release of UFO files. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLarge Water Main Break in Oakland County Leaves Thousands Without Water
May 11, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the large water main break in Auburn Hills. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMore States Enter Redistricting Battle
May 11, 2026 ~ Stephen Henderson, Founder BridgeDetroit, host of “American Black Journal” on PBS, co-author of “The Civility Book A Guide to Building Bridges…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump Rejects Offer From Iran, Putin Says Russia Ukraine War Could be Over Soon
May 11, 2026 ~ Jonathan Savage, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses the latest on two wars. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMike Duggan Checks in from the Campaign Trail
May 11, 2026 ~ Mike Duggan, former Mayor of Detroit now running for governor as an independent checks in from the campaign trail. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ May 8, 2026 ~ Full Show
May 8, 2026 ~ Broadcasting live from the Detroit Golf Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews It ~ Mortal Kombat 2 and Star Wars Maul The Shadow Lord
May 8, 2026 ~ Kyle Emmi in for Dave Riger reviewing Mortal Kombat 2 in theaters and Star Wars Maul The Shadow Lord on Disney Plus. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDoug Buser, VP Sports and Entertainment at Rocket
May 8, 2026 ~ Doug Buser, VP Sports and Entertainment at Rocket joins Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPistons Head to Cleveland Up 2-0
May 8, 2026 ~ Anthony Bellino, co-host of SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino, weeknights at 6 on WJR discusses the Pistons being up 2-0 heading to…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJames and Johnson Signatures Called into Question
May 8, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for the Detroit News discusses John James and Perry Johnson's petition signatures being called into…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRocket Classic Announces First Wave of Golfers
May 8, 2026 ~ Mark Hollis Tournament Director for 2026 Rocket Classic discusses the first wave of golfers that have been announced. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSpirit Collapse Could be Financial Hit for Metro
May 8, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the latest with Spirit Airlines and Metro Airports. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSenate quietly bans lawmakers from betting on prediction markets
May 6, 2026 ~ Eben Brown, Fox News Correspondent, WJR Contributor discusses Senate banning their members from betting on prediction markets. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAutonomy Event and Congressional Testimony
May 8, 2026 ~ Michael Robbins, CEO of Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International previews the XPONENTIAL event at Huntington Place and his…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCourt Rules Against Tariffs, Refunds Set to go Out Next Week
May 8, 2026 ~ Patrick Anderson, Founder & CEO of Anderson Economic Group discusses more court rulings against Trump tariffs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
- Focus with Paul W. Smith
Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ May 7, 2026 ~ Full Show
May 7, 2026 ~ Broadcasting live from Mattaei Botanical Gardens presented by Destination Ann Arbor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithChad Wiebesick, Director of Media Relations at Destination Ann Arbor
May 7, 2026 ~ Chad Wiebesick, Director of Media Relations at Destination Ann Arbor discusses National Travel and Tourism Week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest in Iran
May 7, 2026 ~ Doron Levin, Freelance Journalist, Born in Israel discusses the latest in Iran. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithKatie Scott, Washtenaw County Commissioner District 9
May 7, 2026 ~ Katie Scott, Washtenaw County Commissioner District 9 discusses Washtenaw County's 200th Anniversary. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMarco Rubio Meets with Pope Leo
May 7, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News recaps Marco Rubio's visit with Pope Leo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAlleged Epstein Suicide Note Released
May 7, 2026 ~ Bill Ballenger, Editor of the Ballenger report discusses the alleged Epstein suicide note. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDave Cicotte, Marketing and Events at Michigan Brewers Guild
May 7, 2026 ~ Dave Cicotte, Marketing and Events at Michigan Brewers Guild discusses this summer's beer festival. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithExecutive Chef Joe VanWagner
May 7, 2026 ~ Executive Chef Joe VanWagner discusses Ann Arbor's dining scene. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest on the Hantavirus Outbreak on a Cruise Ship
May 7, 2026 ~ Jonathan Savage, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses the latest on the cruise ship where Hantavirus has broken out. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAnthony Kolenic, Director of the U-M’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
May 7, 2026 ~ Anthony Kolenic, Director of the U-M’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum joins Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ May 6, 2026 ~ Full Show
May 6, 2026 ~ Broadcasting live from Midland Center For the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about…
Focus with Paul W. SmithKayla Pionk, Director, PR + Leisure Tourism - Go Great Lakes Bay
May 6, 2026 ~ Kayla Pionk, Director, PR + Leisure Tourism - Go Great Lakes Bay joins Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDetroit to get a PWHL Team
May 6, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses Detroit getting a professional women's hockey team. Hosted by Simplecast…
Focus with Paul W. SmithNicki Bailey, Assistant Director of Hotel Operations- The Mill at Zehnder’s Park - Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
May 6, 2026 ~ Nicki Bailey, Assistant Director of Hotel Operations- The Mill at Zehnder’s Park - Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth joins Paul W. Smith. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWilliam Pavlov, Manager, Bay City Boat Lines
May 6, 2026 ~ William Pavlov, Manager, Bay City Boat Lines joins Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithIs Operation Epic Fury Over?
May 6, 2026 ~ Rocky Raczkowski, Ret. Lt. Colonel in the US Army discusses the latest in Iran. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSarah Shuler, Conservation, Education Manager, Saginaw Children’s Zoo
May 6, 2026 ~ Sarah Shuler, Conservation + Education Manager, Saginaw Children’s Zoo joins Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithElizabeth Lumbert, Executive Director, Dow Gardens
May 6, 2026 ~ Elizabeth Lumbert, Executive Director, Dow Gardens joins Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Backed Candidates Do Well, New State Senator Elected
May 6, 2026 ~ Nicole Mathew, Oakland University Political Science Professor on yesterday's primaries and elections. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJoshua Holliday, Vice President, Marketing, Communications + Sales, Midland Center for the Arts
May 6, 2026 ~ Joshua Holliday, Vice President, Marketing, Communications + Sales, Midland Center for the Arts joins Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ May 5, 2026 ~ Full Show
May 5, 2026 ~ Paul W. Smith broadcasts live from the Heritage Museum of Newaygo County. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com…
Focus with Paul W. SmithKelly Wawsczyk, Area Manager Newaygo County
May 5, 2026 ~ Kelly Wawsczyk, Area Manager Newaygo County joins Paul W. Smith Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCeasefire is on Thin Ice
May 5, 2026 ~ Peter Meijer, Former Congressman and Army Veteran discusses the latest in Iran. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMark Kraus, Economic Development Director, Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership
May 5, 2026 ~ Mark Kraus, Economic Development Director, Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership joins Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithChuck Marshall, President, ITC Michigan
May 5, 2026 ~ Chuck Marshall, President, ITC Michigan discusses energy infrastructure with Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSuspect Injured in Shooting Near White House
May 5, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the latest on a shooting near the White House yesterday. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithNolan Finley on The Decline of Debates and McMorrow Backtracking on Deleted Posts
May 5, 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. SmithJenna Smalligan, Director of Community Investment, Fremont Area Community Foundation
May 5, 2026 ~ Jenna Smalligan, Director of Community Investment, Fremont Area Community Foundation joins Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithStand Up for Men's Health
May 5, 2026 ~ Dr. Craig Rogers, Chair, Department of Urology, Henry Ford Health and Stan Finsilver, Prostate cancer survivor discusses Henry Ford Health’s…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSteve Radtke, Executive Director, The Heritage Museum of Newaygo County
May 5, 2026 ~ Steve Radtke, Executive Director, The Heritage Museum of Newaygo County joins Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ May 4, 2026 ~ Full Show
May 4, 2026 ~ Paul W. Smith broadcasts live from the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithElizabeth Schweitzer, Master Sommelier Mackinac Grand Hotel
May 4, 2026 ~ Elizabeth Schweitzer, Master Sommelier Mackinac Grand Hotel discusses Cork & Fork annual event, this year’s theme, and what’s new in wine for the…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSpirit Airlines Goes Out of Business
May 4, 2026 ~ David Shepardson, Covers Transportation, autos and aviation for Reuters discusses the collapse of spirit airlines. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBob Tagatz, Resident Historian Mackinac Grand Hotel
May 4, 2026 ~ Bob Tagatz, Resident Historian Mackinac Grand Hotel discusses, New lecture, 250 Years of the American Resort, the Moments in Time movie…
Focus with Paul W. SmithGrant DeMoss, Director of Golf, Mackinac Grand Hotel
May 4, 2026 ~Grant DeMoss, Director of Golf, Mackinac Grand Hotel discusses 125 years of golf and the introduction of Grand American Evenings. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPistons Battle Back, Jamie Launches Her Podcast
May 4, 2026 ~ Jamie Edmonds, co-host of JR Morning with Chris Lloyd and Jamie discusses the Pistons comeback and the launch of Her podcast “Jamie's Journey…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJames Guarnaccia, VP Retail Mackinac Grand Hotel
May 4, 2026 ~ James Guarnaccia, VP Retail Mackinac Grand Hotel talks about what's new in retail. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUS to Help Ships in Hormuz, Rudy Giuliani in Hospital
May 4, 2026 ~ Jared Halpern, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses the latest in Iran and Rudy Giuliani. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJeff Hess, VP Operations, Mackinac Grand Hotel
May 4, 2026 ~ Jeff Hess, VP Operations, Mackinac Grand Hotel discusses new partnerships for 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…