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. SmithCongresswoman Dingell on the Shutdown and Iran
March 30, 2026 ~ Congresswoman Debbie Dingell D-6th district discusses the latest on the shutdown and Iran. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJamie Butters Heading to the New York Auto Show
March 30, 2026 ~ Jamie Butters, longtime automotive writer previews the New York Auto Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPlanned Megasite Near Flint That Never Materialized
March 30, 2026 ~ Paula Gardner, BridgeMichigan Reporter on the planned Megasite near Flint that never came to pass. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRepublicans Held Convention Over the Weekend
March 30, 2026 ~ Chad Livengood, Detroit News Political Editor recaps the Michigan Republican convention over the weekend. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ March 27, 2026 ~ Full Show
March 27, 2026 ~ Michael Hensley President and CEO of the Blue Water Area CVB fills in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBridge to Bay Trail
March 27, 2026 ~ Sheri Faust, Executive Director As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Friends of the St. Clair River discusses the Bridge to Bay Trail…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice and Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen
March 27, 2026 ~ Dave Riger Reviews Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice on Hulu and Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen on Netflix. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDetroit on The Clock for 2027 Final 4
March 27, 2026 ~ Marty Dobek, Executive Director at the Detroit Sports Commission looks ahead to the 2027 Final 4 which will be hosted in Detroit. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSt Clair Inn Celebrating 100 Years with Big Upgrades
March 27, 2026 ~ Sam Jay, Director of Sales at the St. Clair Inn discusses what they have going on. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMSU and Michigan Play in Sweet 16 Tonight
March 27, 2026 ~ Nic Fardella, WJR Digital Sports Reporter checks in from the Sweet 16 in Washington DC Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWrigley Center and Art Hop Port Huron
March 27, 2026 ~ Darren Lee, General manager of the Wrigley Center joins Michael Hensley in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTigers, Skubal and McGonigle off to a Hot Start
March 27, 2026 ~ Rogelio Castillo, Host of Motor City Metrics and Tigers Minor League Report talks Tigers with Michael Hensley. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ March 26, 2026 ~ Full Show
March 26, 2026 ~ Chris Ayotte fills in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDarin Weiss, Chairman and CEO of Grace Centers for of Hope
March 26, 2026 ~ Darin Weiss, Chairman and CEO of Grace Center for Hope checks in with Chris Ayotte. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMETA and YouTube Found Liable in Social Media Addiction Trial
March 26, 2026 ~ Eben Brown, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses META and YouTube facing legal trouble for being addictive. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest in Iran
March 26, 2026 ~ Peter Trumbore, Chair of Political Science at Oakland University discusses the latest developments in Iran. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ March 25, 2026 ~ Full Show
March 25, 2026 ~ Todd Flood fills in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
Focus with Paul W. SmithGas Breaks $4 Per Gallon as Oil Refinery Fire Breaks Out in Texas
March 25, 2026 ~ Patrick DeHaan, Head of Petroleum at Gas Buddy talks about the volatile world of oil prices. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAre We Any Closer to a Funding Deal?
March 25, 2026 ~ Congresswoman Debbie Dingell discusses the latest on the DHS shutdown. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMETA Ordered to Pay $375 million over Child Safety Violations
March 25, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the $375 million ruling against META. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJared Fleisher, CEO of Bedrock
March 25, 2026 ~ Jared Fleisher, CEO of Bedrock checks in with Todd Flood. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAnthony Bellino Looks Ahead to the NCAA Tournament
March 25, 2026 ~ Anthony Bellino, co-host of "SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino" previews the next round of the NCAA tournament. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWhat's it Like Living in a Warzone?
March 25, 2026 ~ Jeff Cohn, Controller Flood Law PLLC, living in Israel discusses what life is like in a warzone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ March 24, 2026 ~ Full Show
March 24, 2026 ~ SCOTUS looks to be leaning towards limiting mail in ballots. Latest on the DHS shutdown. MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz checks in. ICE not at…
Focus with Paul W. SmithNo ICE Agents at Detroit Metro as City of Romulus Joins Lawsuit Against Detention Facility
March 24, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News on ICE, Metro Airport and the Romulus detention facility. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMSU President Kevin Guskiewicz Checks in
March 24, 2026 ~ Kevin Guskiewicz, President at Michigan State University talks Sweet 16 and other things going on at MSU. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPaul W. and Kim's Dream Vacation
March 24, 2026 ~ Doug Johnson, Senior Director of Business Development at Cruise and Tour looks ahead to Paul W. and Kim's dream vacation coming up in August…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSCOTUS Leaning Towards Limiting Mail in Ballots
March 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 ~ March 23, 2026 ~ Full Show
March 23, 2026 ~ Trump sending ICE to airports. Deadly collision at LaGuardia. Trump extends deadline to reopen Straits of Hormuz. Michigan State and Michigan…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMichigan State and Michigan Both Heading to the Sweet 16
March 23, 2026 ~ Nick Lundberg, WJR Digital Sports Reporter discusses the NCAA tournament. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Extends Deadline on Iran Ultimatum
March 23, 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. Smith2 Dead Multiple Injured at LaGuardia
March 23, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the latest in the LaGuardia airplane collision. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJustin Kirk Running for Congress in the 10th District
March 23, 2026 ~ Justin Kirk, running for Congress as a Republican in the 10th District discusses his campaign. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump Sends ICE to Help TSA
March 23, 2026 ~ Jared Halpern, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses President Trump sending ICE into the airports and facing criticism for his…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ March 20, 2026 ~ Full Show
March 20, 2026 ~ Latest in the Iran war. Match day for local medical students. John James calls for $638 million for Selfridge, discusses Markwayne Mullin and…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews Project Hail Mary and Born to Bowl
March 20, 2026 ~ Riger Reviews Project Hail Mary in theaters and Born to Bowl HBO Max. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJohn James on Selfridge, Mullin and the Shutdown
March 20, 2026 ~ John James, Congressman R-10th District, Gubernatorial Candidate is calling for $638 million for Selfridge, gives his thoughts on Markwayne…
Focus with Paul W. SmithOU Med School's Match Day
March 20, 2026 ~ Dr. Chris Carpenter, Dean of the Oakland University Medical School of Medicine discusses match day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithKaitlyn Buss on GOP Primaries and Hegseth's Rhetoric
March 20, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for the Detroit News discusses her columns on the primaries and Pete Hegseth's rhertoric. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest from Iran
March 20, 2026 ~ Eben Brown, Fox News Correspondent, WJR Contributor gives Paul W. the latest from Iran. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ March 19, 2026 ~ Full Show
March 19, 2026 ~ JD Vance visits. Markwayne Mullin grilled. Oakland County offers free defense courses for houses of worship. Post office may run out of money…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHegseth Gives Update on War
March 19, 2026 ~ Doron Levin, Freelance Journalist, born in Israel, served in Israeli military discusses Pete Hegseth's press conference. Hosted by Simplecast…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFed Rate Stays Put, Energy Prices Soar Due to Attack on Infrastructure
March 19, 2026 ~ Patrick Anderson, Founder and CEO of Anderson Economic Group discusses the fed interest rate not changing and oil price trouble brewing due to…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMSU Opens NCAA Tournament
March 19, 2026 ~ Nic Fardella, WJR's MSU digital sports reporter previews the NCAA tournament. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPost Office Could Run Out of Money, Airports May be Forced to Close
March 19, 2026 ~ David Shepardson, covers transportation, autos and aviation for Reuters discusses the post office running low on money and some airports may…
Focus with Paul W. SmithOakland County Offering Free Security Classes to House of Worship
March 19, 2026 ~ Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard discusses the free security classes Oakland County is offering to houses of worship. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJD Vance in Town, Markwayne Mullin Grilled
March 19, 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 ~ March 18, 2026 ~ Full Show
March 18, 2026 ~ Senate debates SAVE act, Pam Bondi subpoenaed again. Lawmakers push back on antisemitism. Latest in Iran. Cuba still in the dark. Latest on…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFord Buys Back 32 Million Shares of It's Own Stock
March 18, 2026 ~ Keith Naughton. Bloomberg Auto Business Auto Business Report discusses Ford buying back 32 million shares of it's own stock. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest on Oil Prices
March 18, 2026 ~ Patrick DeHaan, Head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy discusses the latest on oil prices. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJoe Kent Resigns, Cuba Still in the Dark
March 18, 2026 ~ Rocky Raczkowski, Ret. Lt. Colonel in the US Army discusses the latest in foreign policy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLawmakers Team Up to Fight Antisemitism
March 18, 2026 ~ Noah Arbit, State Representative D-West Bloomfield and Commerce Twp discusses the push by lawmakers to fight antisemitism. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSenate Debate SAVE Act, House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Bondi
March 18, 2026 ~ David Dulio, Distinguished Professor, Political Science Department and Director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ March 16, 2026 ~ Full Show
March 16, 2026 ~ Latest on Temple Israel investigation. People accused of being false electors sue Dana Nessel. Latest in Iran. FCC threatens networks over…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFCC Chair Brendan Carr Threatens to Revoke Broadcast Licenses over Iran Coverage
March 16, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR's Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the threats from the FCC to networks over Iran war coverage. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. Smith6 Airman Identified and the Latest in Iran
March 16, 2026 ~ Peter Meijer, former congressman and army veteran discusses the latest in Iran. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithGrand Traverse Pie Company Celebrates Pie Day and Michigan Agriculture Month
March 16, 2026 ~ Mike Busley, co-founder of Grand Traverse Pie Company discusses pie day and Michigan agriculture month. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPeople Accused of Being False Electors
March 16, 2026 ~ Erick Karrdal Esq, Partner at Mohrman Kaardal and Erickson PA is the lead attorney for a group of people accused of being false electors who…
Focus with Paul W. SmithThe Latest in the Temple Israel Investigation
March 16, 2026 ~ Andy Arena, Director of the Detroit Police Commission, Former Special Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Office discusses the latest…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ March 13, 2026 ~ March 13, 2026
March 13, 2026 ~ Community reacts to attack at Temple Israel. US troops die in plane crash. TSA workers to miss first paycheck and the day's biggest headlines…