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. SmithCharges Expected in Downtown Stabbing Death
September 23, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News, charges expected to be announced in the stabbing death of a 34 year old woman…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump Speaks in Front of United Nations
September 23, 2026 ~ Tonya J Powers, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses President Trump’s speech in front of the UN General Assembly…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRick Snyder on His First Walk Across the Gordie Howe Bridge
September 23, 2026 ~ Rick Snyder, CEO and co-founder of SenCy, former Governor of Michigan, walked the Gordie Howe Bridge for the first time yesterday Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus wih Paul W. Smith ~ September 22, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 22, 2026 ~ Paul W. Smith broadcasts live from the Masonic Temple for the Detroit Economic Club for Gary Peters, the exit interview. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSteve Grigorian, President and CEO Detroit Economic Club
September 22, 2026 ~ Steve Grigorian, President and CEO Detroit Economic Club joins Paul W. Smith live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSenator Gary Peters Looks Back at his Time in Office
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Focus with Paul W. SmithDave Dulio, Director of the Center for Civic Engagement Oakland University
September 22, 2026 ~ Dave Dulio, Director of the Center for Civic Engagement, Chief Community Engagement Officer and Political Science Professor at Oakland…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJared Fleisher, CEO of Bedrock
September 22, 2026 ~ Jared Fleisher, CEO of Bedrock joins Paul W. Smith live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithICE Involved Shooting in Austin, Candlelight Vigil Held for Woman Killed Downtown
September 22, 2026 ~ Steve Dolunt, Retired Detroit Police Assistant Chief discusses the ICE involved shooting in Austin and the candlelight vigil for the 34…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAmerica 250: Michigan Made - Jimmy Hoffa
September 22, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the lingering mystery of Jimmy Hoffa in her latest American 250…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Holds Presser with Press Pool
September 22, 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 ~ September 21, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 21, 2026 ~ President Trump attempts to ban CNN, MSNOW and Politico from the White House. Ed Sheeran speaks out about Macklemore controversy. Gas…
Focus with Paul W. Smith34 Year Old Woman Stabbed to Death During Lunchbreak in Downtown Detroit
September 21, 2026 ~ Kristen Jordan Shamus, Reporter for the Detroit Free Press. 34 year old woman stabbed to death while on lunch break in downtown Detroit…
Focus with Paul W. SmithResident Files Lawsuit Against Dearborn Saying City is Hostile to Christian and Jews
September 21, 2026 ~ George Hunter, Crime Reporter Detroit News discusses a lawsuit against Dearborn. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump to Meet With Xi Jinping This Week
September 21, 2026 ~ Tom Watkins, Director, President and CEO of TDW and Associates a US/China Business and Education Consulting Firm previews Trump and Xi…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMichigan Gas Prices Jump 60 Cents in a Week as Diesel Hits New Highs
September 21, 2026 ~ Patrick DeHaan, Head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy. Michigan gas prices jump 60 cents in one week. Diesel reaches record high. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithEd Sheeran Address Macklemore Controversy
September 21, 2026 ~ Matt Friedman, Owner, Tanner-Friedman Strategic Communication discusses Ed Sheeran's comments about the Macklemore controversy. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Tries Banning Select Media Outlets From White House
September 21, 2026 ~ Jason Roe, Principal of Roe Strategic discusses President Trump attempting to ban CNN, MSNOW and Poltico from the White House. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews It, Resident Evil in the theaters and Untold Mr. T, I Pity the Fool on Netflix
September 18, 2026 ~ Dave Riger, Riger Reviews it, reviewing Resident Evil in the theaters and Untold Mr. T: I Pity the Fool on Netflix. Hosted by Simplecast…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ September 18, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 18, 2026 ~ Judge says demolition of Kennedy Center requires 30 day notice. Detroit News makes endorsements for Governor and Senate. Lions lose bad in…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump to Meet with Gulf Leaders Next Week
September 18, 2026 ~ Rocky Raczkowski, Retired Lt. Colonel for the US Army. President Trump to hold talks with Gulf leaders on Iran at next week’s UN General…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLions Lose 41-31 to Buffalo Bills
September 18, 2026 ~ Nick Lundberg, WJR Digital Sports Reporter, Lions lose 41-31 to Buffalo last night Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithVariety the Children’s Charity of Detroit's Champions of Heart Event
September 18, 2026 ~ Michelle Murphy, Executive Director at Variety the Children’s Charity of Detroit discusses next week’s Variety Champions of Heart event…
Focus with Paul W. SmithF-16 Crashes Near Traverse City
September 18, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses an F-16 crash nears Traverse City. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJudge Says Kennedy Center Demolition Requires 30 Days Notice, Det News Makes Endorsements
September 18, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for The Detroit News discusses a judge putting a wrench in Trump's Kennedy Center plans and the…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ September 17, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 17, 2026 ~ Mike Johnson calls early recess ahead of Hegseth impeachment vote. Congresswoman Debbie DIngell calls for pause on large data center…
Focus with Paul W. SmithEli Savit, Democrat Attorney General Candidate
September 17, 2026 ~ Eli Savit, Washtenaw County Prosecutor, Democrat Candidate for Attorney General, discusses his campaign. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFed Raises Interest Rate for First Time in 3 Years
September 17, 2026 ~ Dr. Tim Nash, Senior Vice President, Emeritus; Director, The Northwood University Center for the Advancement of Freedom, Free Enterprise…
Focus with Paul W. SmithEuropean Union offers Canada Associate Membership
September 17, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News, European Union offers Canada associate membership. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCharlie Kirk's Family Looking Into Legal Action Against Utah State
September 17, 2026 ~ Todd Flood, managing partner of Flood Law, PLLC Host of “Behind the Bench” with Todd Flood on WJR, Charlie Kirk’s family taking steps to…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJohnson Dismisses House Early
September 17, 2026 ~ Debbie Dingell U.S. Congresswoman of Michigan’s D-6th District, Mike Johnson calls early recess to avoid Hegseth impeachment vote. Urging…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ September 16, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 16, 2026 ~ Paul W. Smith broadcasts live from the Detroit Economic Club featuring Jocelyn Benson and John James. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTony Michaels and Jason Colthorp live from The Detroit Economic club
September 16, 2026 ~ Jason Colthorp, WDIV Local 4 Anchor and Host of Flashpoint and Tony Michaels, President and CEO Parade Company join Paul W Smith live from…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJohn James Joins Paul W. Smith
September 16, 2026 ~ John James, Congressman 10th District, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate talks to Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJocelyn Benson live from the Detroit Economic Club
September 16, 2026 ~ Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State, Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate joins Paul W. Smith live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithReporter and Pilot Killed in LA Newscopter Crash
September 16, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News, reporter and pilot killed after news helicopter crash in Los Angeles. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ September 15, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 15, 2026 ~ Henry Ford Health celebrating a big milestone. SCOTUS blocks President Trump's mail in voting order. Mitch McConnell returns to the…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSuspect in Custody After Shooting at Pontiac Football Game
September 15, 2026 ~ Mike Bouchard, Oakland County Sheriff, Oakland County deputies will step up patrols at Pontiac youth football games after a shooting over…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWeingartz and WJR are Mowing Down Hunger
September 15, 2026 ~ Ken Weingartz, President at Weingartz on the Mowing Down Hunger campaign. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAmerican 250 Michigan Made: Detroit Riots
September 15, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News with her piece American 250 Michigan Made: Detroit Riots. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJim Runestad on His E-Bike Bill and AI Concerns
September 15, 2026 ~ Jim Runestad, State Senator R- White Lake and chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, Introduced a bill which would restrict kids on…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSCOTUS Blocks Trump Mail in Voting Order, McConnell Returns to Senate
September 15, 2026 ~ Dave Dulio, Director of the Center for Civic Engagement, Chief Community, Engagement Officer and Political Science Professor at Oakland…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHenry Ford Health Celebrating 50 Years Of Medical Residency Program
September 15, 2026 ~ Dr. John Deledda, chair of Emergency Medicine at Henry Ford Health, Henry Ford Health celebrating 50 years of their medical residency…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ September 14, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 14, 2026 ~ Outside agency taking over investigation into Mary Sheffield ex and local activist. Lions outlast the Saints in their first game of the…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTemple Israel Welcomes Worshippers Back for Rosh Hashanah
September 14, 2026 ~ Doron Levin, Freelance Journalist, born in Israel, served in Israeli military attended Rosh Hashanah services at Temple Israel, the first…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCDC Declares Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Over
September 14, 2026 ~ Kristen Jordan Shamus, Health Reporter for the Detroit Free Press discusses the CDC declaring the Cyclosporiasis outbreak over. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTech CEOs are calling for a slowdown of AI development
September 14, 2026 ~ Brent Yax CEO, Awecomm discusses tech CEOs calling for a slowdown of AI development after former researcher raises extinction concerns…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLions Beat Saints in Overtime After Blowing Big Lead
September 14, 2026 ~ Lomas Brown Jr., Detroit Lions Legend, co-host of “Sports Wrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino” weeknights at 6, color analyst for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithOutside Agency Takes Over Case Involving Sheffield's Ex, Is Trump Helping Rogers?
September 14, 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 ~ September 11, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 11, 2026 ~ Paul W. Smith broadcasts live from the Frankenmuth Auto Show and remembers 9/11 25 years ago. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithKennedy Polzin, Creative Director Student and Chase Southwick, General Chair/Student, Northwood University International Auto Show
September 11, 2026 ~ Kennedy Polzin, Creative Director Student and Chase Southwick, General Chair/Student, Northwood University International Auto Show joins…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews Practical Magic 2 in theaters and Turning Point: Generation 9/11 on Netflix
September 11, 2026 ~ Dave Riger reviews Practical Magic 2 in theaters and Turning Point: Generation 9/11 on Netflix. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMagen Samyn, President & CEO, Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
September 11, 2026 ~ Magen Samyn, President & CEO, Bay Area Chamber of Commerce joins Paul live from Frankenmuth Auto Fest. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSandy Baruah Remembers Being in Washington DC on 9/11
September 11, 2026 ~ Sandy Baruah, President and CEO of The Detroit Regional Chamber was in Washington DC working in the Bush administration at the commerce…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJill Zeddies, Event Coordinator, 2025 Frankenmuth Auto Fest
September 11, 2026 ~ Jill Zeddies, Event Coordinator, 2025 Frankenmuth Auto Fest joins Paul live from Frankenmuth Auto Fest Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSheriff Bouchard Reflects on Traveling to Ground Zero After 9/11
September 11, 2026 ~ Mike Bouchard, Oakland County Sheriff remembers traveling to ground zero hours after planes hit the twin towers. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJamie Furbush, CEO, Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau
September 11, 2026 ~ Jamie Furbush, CEO, Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau joins Paul live from Frankenmuth Auto Fest. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ September 10, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 10, 2026 ~ President Trump promises $5,000 for every American if Republicans win midterms. 1 year since Charlie Kirk's death. Visit Detroit says…
Focus with Paul W. Smith16 Former UM Hockey Players File Lawsuit Over Sexual Assault Hazing Allegations
September 10, 2026 ~ Todd Flood, managing partner of Flood Law, PLLC Host of “Behind the Bench” with Todd Flood on WJR, 16 former hockey players are suing…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFire at Historic Lochmoor Club
September 10, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News with the latest on the Lochmoor Club fire. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…