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. 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…
Focus with Paul W. SmithChris Shepler, President Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
May 4, 2026 ~ Chris Shepler, President Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry looks ahead to 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDavid Jurcak, President of the Mackinac Grand Hotel
May 4, 2026 ~ David Jurcak, President of the Mackinac Grand Hotel discusses winter redesigns and restorations, along with updates on the ongoing façade project…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ May 1, 2026 ~ FULL SHOW
Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ May 1, 2026 ~ FULL SHOW Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews It ~ The Devil Wears Prada 2 & Widow's Bay on Apple TV
May 1, 2026 ~ Dave Riger reviews The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Widow's Bay on Apple TV Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithGrace Centers of Hope CEO Darin Weiss Shares Mission of Faith-Based Recovery and Hope
May 1, 2026 ~ Darin Weiss, CEO and Board Chairman of Grace Centers of Hope, shares the mission behind one of Southeast Michigan’s largest faith-based…
Focus with Paul W. SmithThe Lingenfelter Collection
May 1, 2026 ~ Ken Lingenfelter joins Paul W. to talk about The Charity Spring Open House taking place this Saturday, May 2nd with proceeds benefiting the…
Focus with Paul W. Smith$5 A Gallon Gas for Michigan
May 1, 2026 ~ Patrick De Haan, Head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy joins Paul W. to talk about Michigan getting walloped with $5 a gallon gas as prices…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMarie Osborne Highlights POW/MIA Family Update for Detroit-Area Families
May 1, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR Director of Community Affairs and News, discusses an important event taking place this Saturday as the Defense POW/MIA…
- Focus with Paul W. Smith
April 30, 2026 ~ Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ FULL SHOW
April 30, 2026 ~ Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ FULL SHOW Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
Focus with Paul W. SmithThe History of PNC Bank
April 30, 2026 ~ PNC Bank Regional President/Detroit & Southeast Michigan Michael Bickers talks with Paul about his more than 30 years of financial experience…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCommunity Impact Through Technology
April 30, 2026 ~ Accenture Michigan Office Managing Director Shatica McDonald chats with Paul W about how technology impacts the community. Hosted by…
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Pistons Game 5 Recap
April 30, 2026 ~ WJR Digital Sports Reporter Nick Lundberg breaks down Game 5 of the Pistons/Magic series last night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMental and Emotional Well Being
April 30, 2026 ~ Keynote Speaker & Author Mark Ostach talks with Paul W about his new book The Gift of Connection and the importance of mental and emotional…
Focus with Paul W. SmithThe United States Economy
April 30, 2026 ~ PNC Financial Services Group Senior Vice President & Chief Economist Gus Faucher and S & P Global Mobility Executive Director of Automotive…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ April 29, 2026 ~ Full Show
April 29, 2026 ~ Recap of King Charles's speech to congress. Constitutional Convention will be on the ballot this year. James Comey indicted again. FCC vs ABC…
Focus with Paul W. SmithNew Polling Shows Stevens and James Ahead
April 29, 2026 ~ Richard Czuba, Founder Glengariff group discusses latest polling for Governor and Senate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz
April 29, 2026 ~ Austin Gullett, former Navy Intelligence Officer discusses the latest in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithComey Indicted Again, FCC Going After ABC
April 29, 2026 ~ Jared Halpern, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses James Comey's latest indictment and the FCC going after ABC for Kimmel…
Focus with Paul W. SmithState Constitution Convention Will be on Ballot This Year
April 29, 2026 ~ Eric Lupher, President of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan discusses the possibility of a constitutional convention that will be on…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCongressman Tim Walberg on King Charles's Address to Congress
April 29, 2026 ~ Tim Walberg, Congressman R-5th District recap's King Charles's speech in front of Congress. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ April 28, 2026 ~ Full Show
April 28, 2026 ~ President Trump calling for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired. Operation Ghost Rider is underway. Ryan Ermanni is in Washington DC for the royal visit…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSchools Using Face Recognition Technology for Security
April 28, 2026 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois, Retired Superintendent of Warren Consolidated Schools, host of “School Talks” and “Hidden in Plain Sight” on WJR…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFormer AG Mike Cox Running for Governor
April 28, 2026 ~ Mike Cox, Founder of Mike Cox Law Firm, former Michigan Attorney General now running for Governor as a Republican checks in from the campaign…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRyan Ermanni Checks in from DC for Royal Visit
April 28, 2026 ~ Ryan Ermanni, host of "JR Afternoon with Ryan Ermanni" calls in from Washington DC during the royal visit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithOperation Ghost Rider and New PIO for the Michigan State Police
April 28, 2026 ~ Lt. Mike Shaw, Michigan State Police and Lt. Ty Howard discuss operation ghost rider and Lt. Ty Howard taking over for Lt. Shaw when he…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest on WHCD Suspect and War of Words Between Kimmel and the Trumps
April 28, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for the Detroit News discusses the latest on the attempted WHCD shooting and another public feud…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ April 27, 2026 ~ Full Show
April 27, 2026 ~ Attempted shooting at White House Correspondents' dinner thwarted. Prince Charles visits America. Pistons in a must win. Latest in Iranian…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJohn James on WHCA Shooting Attempt, Selfridge and His Campaign
April 27, 2026 ~ Congressman John James R-10th district, gubernatorial candidate discusses attempted shooting at White House Correspondents' dinner, Selfridge…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest in Negotiations with Iran
April 27, 2026 ~ Doron Levin, Freelance Journalist, born in Israel discusses the latest in negotiations with Iran. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPistons Down 2-1, How Did Lions Do in the Draft?
April 27, 2026 ~ Nick Lundberg, WJR Digital Sports Reporter, recaps the Lions draft and looks ahead to tonight's Pistons game 4 against the Magic. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithKing Charles Comes to Washington
April 27, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News sets us up for King Charles's visit to Washington. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSuspected WHCA Shooter to Appear in Court
April 27, 2026 ~ Michael Bullotta of Bullotta Law, Federal Criminal Defense Attorney, Former Federal Prosecutor discusses charges attempted WHCA shooter may be…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSheriff Bouchard on Failed Shooting at White House Correspondents' dinner
April 27, 2026 ~ Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard gives his thoughts on the attempted shooting at the White House Correspondents' dinner. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHow Delta is Mitigating High Fuel Prices with Their Own Refinery
April 24, 2026 ~ How Delta airlines is protecting itself against surging fuel prices with their own oil refinery. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ April 24, 2026 ~ Full Show
April 24, 2026 ~ Member of US special forces arrested after betting on Maduro raid. Latest on Operation Epic Fury. Senator Peter wants answers on failed…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSecretary of State Jocelyn Benson on Lawsuits and DOJ Demanding Wayne County Ballots
April 24, 2026 ~ Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State and Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate for Governor discusses court dismissing lawsuit over eligibility of…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSenator Peters Grills Lutnick on Failed Tornado Sirens
April 24, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the back and forth between Senator Peters and Secretary Lutnick about…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHegseth Gives Update on Operation Epic Fury
April 24, 2026 ~ Peter Meijer, former congressman and army veteran discusses the latest from the middle east. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMillion Dollar Quartet at Meadow Brook Theatre
April 24, 2026 ~ Stephen Blackwell, portraying Sam Phillips and Chris Blisset, Music Director, playing Brother Jay in Million Dollar Quartet running at Meadow…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews It ~ Michael and Hulk Hogan Real American
April 24, 2026 ~ Dave Riger reviews Michael in theaters and Hulk Hogan Real American on Netflix Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMember of US Special Forces Arrested for Betting on Maduro Bust
April 24, 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 ~ April 23, 2026 ~ Full Show
April 23, 2026 ~ Trump administration reclassifies marijuana. Senate passes budget plan to reopen DHS. Michigan residents go to Lansing to voice concerns over…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWill Government Bail Out Spirit Airlines?
April 23, 2026 ~ David Shephardson, covers transportation, autos and aviation for Reuters discusses the possible government bailout of Spirit Airlines. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPreviewing Night One of the NFL Draft
April 23, 2026 ~ Lomas Brown Jr., Detroit Lions Legend, co-host of "SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino" previews night one of the NFL draft…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMichigan Residents Voice Concerns Over Data Centers
April 23, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the hearing on data centers at the State Capitol yesterday. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSenate Passes DHS Funding Plan
April 23, 2026 ~ Jared Halpern, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses the senate passing a budget plan to reopen DHS. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Administration Reclassifies Marijuana
April 23, 2026 ~ Todd Flood, Managing Partner of Flood Law PLLC, Host of "Behind the Bench" with Todd Flood on WJR discusses the reclassification of marijana…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ April 22, 2026 ~ Full Show
April 22, 2026 ~ Paul W. Smith is back. President Trump extends the ceasefire deal. Virginia redistricts. Carlson's regret. New Fed chair hearing and the day's…
Focus with Paul W. Smith4 People Rescued After Boat Capsized Near Gordie Howe Bridge
April 22, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses 4 men rescued from the Detroit River. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRick Snyder Releases the Michigan Roadmap
April 22, 2026 ~ Rick Snyder, Founder and CEO of SensCy Cyber Security and Former Governor of Michigan discusses his Michigan road map for candidates. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBookstock Kicks Off This Weekend
April 22, 2026 ~ Neal Rubin, Free Press Columnist and Honorary Chair of Bookstock looks ahead to the event. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCongresswoman Stevens on ceasefire, Kevin Warsh hearing and her campaign
April 22, 2026 ~ Congresswoman Haley Stevens, D-11th district, Senate Candidate discusses President Trump's ceasefire extension, Trump's choice of fed chair…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump Extends Ceasefire, Virginia Redistricting, Tucker Carlson's Remorse
April 22, 2026 ~ Jason Roe, Principal of Roe Strategic discusses President Trump extending the Iran ceasefire. Virginia votes to redistrict in favor of the…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ April 21, 2026 ~ Full Show
April 21, 2026 ~ Kelly William Cobb senior strategist at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy and Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for the Detroit…
Focus with Paul W. SmithNicole Cook, Opinion Editor at the Detroit News
April 21, 2026 ~ Nicole Cook, Opinion Editor joins Kelly Cobb and Kaitlyn Buss in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…