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. SmithFire at Canadian Military Base Kills 4 Injures 39
October 19, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News. Fire at Canadian military base kills 4, injures 39. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. Smith2 Dead, 11 Injured When Woman Drives Through Youth Soccer Game
October 19, 2026 ~ Steve Dolunt, Retired Detroit Police Assistant Chief. 2 dead, 11 injured after woman drives truck through youth soccer game in Kansas Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiots in France Escalate, Dems Urging Leave it Blank Campaign Against El-Sayed
October 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 ~ October 16, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 16, 2026 ~ Recapping last night's gubernatorial debate. Big name Republicans and Democrats descend on the state. October is breast cancer awareness…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLooking Ahead to Paul W. Smith and Dr. Sol Cogan's In the Board Room Event
October 16, 2026 ~ Dr. Sol Cogan, Owner and Clinic Director at The Nerve and Disc Institute looking ahead to Wednesday’s in the board room event. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. Smith3 Students 1 Teacher Killed in Oregon Elementary School Shooting
October 16, 2026 ~ Mike Bouchard, Oakland County Sheriff. 3 students, 1 teacher killed by teenage gunman in Oregon elementary school shooting. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews Whalefall and Crystal Lake
October 16, 2026 ~ Dave Riger of Riger Reviews It is reviewing Whalefall in theaters and Crystal Lake on Peacock. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHeart Disease Is a Leading Cause of Death Among Breast Cancer Survivors
October 16, 2026 ~ Tom M. Rifai MD, FACP, DipABLM, Medical Director of Metabolic Health & Weight Management for CoreMed Plus and CEO of Reality Meets Science…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBig Name Republicans and Democrats in Michigan
October 16, 2026 ~ Jessica Rosenthal, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor. JD Vance and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez were both in Michigan yesterday. Vance…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRecap of Last Night's Gubernatorial Debate
October 16, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for The Detroit News discusses last night’s gubernatorial debate. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 15, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 15, 2026 ~ JD Vance visiting Michigan. Preview of tonight's gubernatorial debate. Ukraine attacks Russia's oil infrastructure. OpenAI employee arrested…
Focus with Paul W. SmithInflation Up, Social Security COLA Increases
October 15, 2026 ~ Patrick Anderson, Principle and CEO of Anderson Economic Group. Inflation was up in September. Social Security Administration announces 3.6%…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRichard Bierschbach, President of Wayne State University
October 15, 2026 ~ Richard Bierschbach, President of Wayne State University, officially installed as WSU’s 14th President yesterday Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithOpenAI Employee Arrested for Bugging Meeting Room Working with Saudi Arabia
October 15, 2026 ~ Daniel Roberts, Former Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit FBI, retired Police Chief for Franklin and Bingham Farms. OpenAI employee who…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJD Vance in Michigan and Preview of Tonight's Debate
October 15, 2026 ~ Dennis Darnoi, Founder of Densar Consulting. JD Vance visiting Michigan today. Preview of tonight’s gubernatorial debate. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUkraine Bombs Russian Oil Infrastructure
October 15, 2026 ~ Rocky Raczkowski, Retired Lt. Colonel for the US Army. Ukraine attacks Russian infrastructure, accuses Elon Musk of throttling internet…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 14, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 14, 2026 ~ Paul W. Smith and Mark Hollis broadcast live from the Detroit Economic Club for the Final Four Tip Off. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDan Gavitt NCAA Senior VP, Men’s Basketball, Mike Hill NCAA VP, Men’s Basketball and Dave Beachnau CEO, Detroit Local Organizing Committee
October 14, 2026 ~ Dan Gavitt NCAA Senior VP, Men’s Basketball, Mike Hill NCAA VP, Men’s Basketball and Dave Beachnau CEO, Detroit Local Organizing Committee…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBrad Galli, Host and Executive Producer of the Brad Galli Show on Youtube and Facebook
October 14, 2026 ~ Brad Galli, Host and Executive Producer of the Brad Galli Show on Youtube and Facebook, 3 time Michigan Sportscaster of the year joins Paul…
Focus with Paul W. SmithKevin Guskiewicz, MSU President
October 14, 2026 ~ Kevin Guskiewicz, MSU President joins Paul W. Smith and Mark Hollis live from the Detroit Economic Club Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTom Izzo, Michigan State Men’s Basketball Coach
October 14, 2026 ~ Tom Izzo, Michigan State Men’s Basketball Coach joins Paul W. Smith and Mark Hollis live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery
October 14, 2026 ~ Dr. Fawzi Abu Rous Lung Cancer Specialist and Director of Thoracic Medical Oncology at Henry Ford Health, Pope Leo diagnosed with lung…
Focus with Paul W. SmithGovernor Whitmer signs executive order allowing the use of dyed diesel
October 14, 2026 ~ Patrick DeHaan, Head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy, Governor Whitmer signs executive order allowing the use of dyed diesel. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWhat Kind of Legal Trouble is Six Flags In?
October 14, 2026 ~ Todd Flood, managing partner of Flood Law, PLLC Host of “Behind the Bench” with Todd Flood on WJR legal trouble mounting for six flags after…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRyan Goldberg, President and CEO of DFCU Financial
October 14, 2026 ~ Ryan Goldberg, President and CEO of DFCU Financial joins Paul W. Smith and Mark Hollis live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 13, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 13, 2026 ~ JD Vance coming to Michigan. El-Sayed vs Rogers latest numbers. Latest on Russia Ukraine "ceasefire." Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's house…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDrone attack by Houthi backed rebels on Saudi airport kills at least 18, injures 300
October 13, 2026 ~ Austin Gullett, former Naval Intelligence Officer, drone attack by Houthi backed rebels on Saudi airport kills at least 18, injures 300…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCongresswoman Debbie Dingell on Ilhan Omar Raid
October 13, 2026 ~ Debbie Dingell U.S. Congresswoman of Michigan’s D-6th District raid on congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s home. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDame Marina Arsenijevic to Play Benefit for Schaap Center in Grosse Pointe Park
October 13, 2026 ~ Dame Marina Arsenijevic, international acclaimed pianist, composer and humanitarian, Bob Bury, Board Member Schaap Center in Grosse Pointe…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest on Russia Ukraine Energy Ceasefire
October 13, 2026 ~ Jonathan Savage, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor with the latest on Russia Ukraine energy ceasefire. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJD Vance Coming to Michigan, Latest Polling in Senate Race
October 13, 2026 ~ Bill Ballenger, Editor of The Ballenger Report looks ahead to JD Vance's visit and looks at the Senate race. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W, Smith ~ October 12, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 12, 2026 ~ Paul W. Smith broadcasts from Henry Ford Health's World Headquarters at One Ford Place. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithThe Power of Donor Partnership
October 12, 2026 ~ Mary Jane Vogt, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Henry Ford Health and Sandy Pierce, Chairperson, Henry Ford Health…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFuture of Health and Community Partnership
October 12, 2026 ~ Bob Riney, President & CEO, Henry Ford Health and Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman, Detroit Pistons join Paul W. Smith live from One Ford Place…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAdvancing Neurofibromatosis Research
October 12, 2026 ~ Steven N. Kalkanis, MD, Executive Vice President, CEO of Henry Ford Hospital and CEO of the Henry Ford Medical Group and Laura Grannemann…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLions Beat the Cardinals 45-21
October 12, 2026 ~ Anthony Bellino, co-host “Sports Wrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino” weeknights at 6 on WJR, host of the “Mid-Morning Blitz with…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Says He Has Diesel Deal With Russia, Judge Blocsk Taxpayer Funded Ads
October 12, 2026 ~ Jared Halpern, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor, President Trump says he has reached a diesel deal with Russia. Judge halts…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBehavioral Health Same Day Solutions and Suicide Prevention
October 12, 2026 ~ Deepak Prabhakar, MD, MPH, Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Henry Ford Health joins Paul W. Smith live from One Ford Place…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 9, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 9, 2026 ~ Rogers vs. El-Sayed recap. Tom Barrett checks in from the reelection trail. Pentagon will live stream execution of Fort Hood shooter. Riger…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews The Social Reckoning in Theaters and Carrie on Amazon Prime
October 9, 2026 ~ Dave Riger reviews “The Social Reckoning” in theaters and “Carrie” on Amazon Prime. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBrian Pannebecker Named Special Envoy to Auto Workers by President Trump
October 9, 2026 ~ Brian Pannebecker, Founder of Auto Workers for Trump, been named Special Envoy to Auto Workers by President Trump Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPentagon Will Live Stream Fort Hood Shooter's Execution
October 9, 2026 ~ Rocky Raczkowski, Retired Lt. Colonel for the US Army, Pentagon will live stream firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCongressman Tom Barrett Up For Reelection in High Profile Race
October 9, 2026 ~ Tom Barrett, Congressman R-7th District, running for reelection against Democrat Socialist Will Lawrence. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRecap of Rogers vs El-Sayed Debate
October 9, 2026 ~ Jason Roe, Principal of Roe Strategic, recapping last nights Rogers vs El-Sayed debate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 8, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 8, 2026 ~ Looking ahead to tonight's Senate debate. Children automatically enrolled in Trump bank accounts. What's next in Christa Pike case? Trump…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFBI Thwarts Planned Attempt on Mall of America
October 8, 2026 ~ Daniel Roberts, Former Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit FBI, retired Police Chief for Franklin and Bingham Farms, FBI thwarts attack on…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLingenfelter Collection Open House this Weekend
October 8, 2026 ~ Ken Lingenfelter, Owner of The Lingenfelter Collection annual fall open house to benefit the pink fund is this Saturday. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUSS Abraham Lincoln Comes Home and Latest on the Unrest in France
October 8, 2026 ~ Peter Meijer, former congressman and army veteran the latest on unrest in France. USS Abraham Lincoln comes home Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Issues EO to Allow Tax Free Red Dye Diesel
October 7, 2026 ~ Patrick DeHaan, Head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy. Trump issues executive order to allow tax free red-dye diesel. Hosted by Simplecast…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWill Christa Pike Stay on Death Row?
October 8, 2026 ~ Neil Rockind, Criminal Defense Trail Attorney at Rockind Law with the latest in the Christa Pike case. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPreviewing Tonight's Senate Debate and Trump Account Update
October 8, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for The Detroit News previews tonight's Senate debate and gives her thoughts on the Trump bank…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 7, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 7, 2026 ~ John James and Jocelyn Benson debate. Mike Rogers looks ahead at his debate against Abdul El-Sayed. Trump issues executive order to allow tax…
Focus with Paul W. SmithNew Jobs Report Underscores America's Skilled Trades Talent Gap
October 7, 2026 ~ Molly Blankenship, Associate vice president, Jobs for the Future. New Jobs Report Underscores America's Skilled Trades Talent Gap. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. Smith3 Years Since October 7th Attack on Israel
October 7, 2026 ~ Doron Levin, Freelance Journalist, born in Israel, served in Israeli military discusses 3 years since the October 7th attack on Israel…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMike Rogers Looks Ahead to Tomorrow's Debate with Abdul El-Sayed
October 7, 2026 ~ Mike Rogers, Republican Senate Candidate, former Congressman, FBI Agent and Chair House Intelligence Committee will debate Abdul El-Sayed…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRecap of Last Night's Gubernatorial Debate
October 7, 2026 ~ Dave Dulio, Director of the Center for Civic Engagement, Chief Community Engagement Officer and Political Science Professor at Oakland…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ October 6, 2026 ~ Full Show
October 6, 2026 ~ Obama coming to campaign with Benson and El-Sayed. Tonight is first gubernatorial debate. Do we need to be concerned about the plague?…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLooking Ahead to The Current SCOTUS Term
October 6, 2026 ~ Todd Flood, managing partner of Flood Law, PLLC Host of “Behind the Bench” with Todd Flood on WJR. What are some of the big cases the Supreme…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAmerica 250 Michigan Made Henry Ford and the Automobile
October 6, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News, America 250 Michigan Made: Henry Ford and the automobile. Hosted by Simplecast…
Focus with Paul W. SmithShould We Be Worried About The Plague
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