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. SmithFormer AG Says Vote No on Prop 1
September 10, 2026 ~ Bill Schuette, Former Michigan Attorney General is encouraging voters to vote no on a constitutional convention which is on the ballot…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTariffs Taking Bite out of Canadian Tourism in Detroit
September 10, 2026 ~ Claude Molinari, President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit Detroit says Canadian tourism to Detroit has taken a 30% hit after…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Promises $5,000 If Republicans Win Midterm, 1 Year Since Charlie Kirk's Death
September 10, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for The Detroit News discusses President Trump's $5,000 promise and marking one year of Charlie…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ September 9, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 9, 2026 ~ Anthropic researcher quits over AI fears. Clancy juror speak out. Bedrock explains their plans for the Ren Cen. 9/11 families ask Mamdani…
Focus with Paul W. SmithOil Up $100 a Barrell Republican Midterm Convention Begins Today
September 9, 2026 ~ Rocky Raczkowski, Retired Lt. Colonel for the US Army, Oil rises past $100 a barrel after the latest wave of Middle East attacks…
Focus with Paul W. SmithER's Seeing Influx of E-Bike Related Injuries
September, 9 2026 ~ Dr. Sean Mohon, chair of emergency medicine for Henry Ford Providence Southfield and Henry Ford Providence, Novi hospitals Emergency…
Focus with Paul W. Smith9/11 Families Ask Mamdani Not Attend Remembrance Ceremony
September 9, 2026 ~ Jason Roe, Principal of Roe Strategic. 9/11 families ask Mayor Mamdani to not attend remembrance ceremony. New polling in Governor and…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBedrock Says Their Plan for Ren Cen Better Than Alternative
September 9, 2026 ~ Jake Chidester, Vice President, Strategy at Bedrock Real Estate Services discusses their plans for the Renaissance Center. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithClancy Jurors Speak Out as Attorney Appears Open to Plea Deal
September 9, 2026 ~ Michael Bullotta of Bullotta Law, Federal Criminal Defense Attorney and former Federal Prosecutor discusses the latest with the Clancy…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAI Researcher Quits Over Fear It Could Kill All Humans
September 9, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses an Anthropic researcher quitting their job over fears AI could…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ September 8, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 8, 2026 ~ First ever republican midterm convention kicks off this week. New Canadian tariffs go into effect while study shows Michigan gets hit…
Focus with Paul W. SmithState Senator Winnie Brinks, Democrat Lieutenant Governor Candidate
September 8, 2026 ~ Winnie Brinks, State Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Candidate for Lieutenant Governor checks in from the campaign trail. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMichigan Wins on Controversial Hail Mary, MSU Takes Care of Business
September 8, 2026 ~ Anthony Bellino, Co-host of SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino, weeknights at 6 on WJR. Michigan State wins first game of the…
Focus with Paul W. SmithKushner and Witkoff Travel to Europe In Hopes of Ending Russia Ukraine War
September 8, 2026 ~ Peter Meijer, former congressman and army veteran. Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff visited Moscow and Kyiv over the weekend hoping to bring…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLuxury Hotel on Old Joe Louis Arena Site Set to Open in February
September 8, 2026 ~ Scott Stinebaugh, Director of Sales and Marketing JW Marriott Detroit Water Square. Detroit’s first ever JW Marriot Detroit Water Square…
Focus with Paul W. SmithNew Study Shows Michigan Hit Hardest by Tariffs as New Canadian Tariffs Go Into Effect
September 8, 2026 ~ David Sowerby, Managing Director and portfolio manager at Ancora Bloomfield Hills. Study shows Michigan residents most affected by tariffs…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFirst Midterm Republican Convention Kicks Off This Week
September 8, 2026 ~ Dennis Darnoi, Founder of Densar Consulting looks ahead to this week's midterm Republican convention. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ September 4, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 4, 2026 ~ Judge declares mistrial in Clancy trial. Storms blow through metro Detroit last night. Construction of invasive carp barrier resumes. JD…
Focus with Paul W. SmithInvasive Carp Barrier Construction to Begin. JD Vance Says Iran Conflict not a War
September 4, 2026 ~ Debbie Dingell, Congresswoman D- 6th District. Construction on invasive carp barrier resumes. JD Vance says conflict in Iran isn’t a war…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews the Whisper Man on Netflix and Mayday on Apple TV
September 4, 2026 ~ Dave Riger reviews the Whisper Man on Netflix and Mayday on Apple TV. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAnthony Forlini on His SOS Campaign and Courts Won't Intervene in Citizenship Voting Fight
September 4, 2026 ~ Anthony Forlini, Macomb County Clerk, Republican Secretary of State Candidate discusses his Secretary of State Campaign. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLooking Ahead to Detroit Jazz Festival
September 4, 2026 ~ Christopher Collins, President and Artistic Director of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation looks ahead to this weekend's festival. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest on Storm Damage and Power Outages
September 4, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News gives an update on yesterday's storms. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMistrial Declared in Lindsay Clancy Trial
September 4, 2026 ~ Todd Flood, managing partner of Flood Law, PLLC Host of “Behind the Bench” with Todd Flood on WJR gives his analysis on the Lindsay Clancy…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ September 3, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 3, 2026 ~ Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed agree to another debate. Latest on summer construction. Looking ahead to Labor Day traffic. Mass shooting in…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJamie Edmonds Has Great News
September 3, 2026 ~ Jamie Edmonds, co-host of JR’ Morning with Chris Lloyd and Jamie, host of Jamie’s Journey: Angels Along the Way wherever you get your…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWoman Charged for Photographing Clancy Jurors
September 3, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the latest in the Lindsay Clancy trial. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. Smith3 Dead, 2 Officers Injured in Minneapolis Mass Shooting
September 3, 2026 ~ Steve Dolunt, Retired Detroit Police Assistant Chief. Mass shooting in Minneapolis leaves 3 dead, 2 police officers injured. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDollars for Scholars is Expanding College Access & Success for First Gen College Goers
September 3, 2026 ~ Jill Marecki, Next Level Scholars Program Director at Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars. Dollars for Scholars is Expanding College…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUpdate on Summer Construction and Labor Day Travel
September 3, 2026 ~ Diane Cross, Public Information Officer at MDOT gives us an update on summer construction and looks ahead to Labor Day travel. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed Agree to Second Debate
September 3, 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 2, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 2, 2026 ~ John James checks in from campaign trail. Iran and the US trade new attacks. Is Lindsay Clancy case heading towards mistrial? House passes…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUniversity Student Suing Genesee County Over Flock Camera Records
September 2, 2026 ~ Steve Delie, Senior Attorney Mackinac Center for Public Policy, University student suing Genesee County over Flock Camera records. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHouse Passes Short Term Funding Bill to Avoid Shutdown
September 2, 2026 ~ Tim Walberg, Republican Congressman 7th District, house passes short term funding bill to avoid shutdown. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCoach Tom Izzo Talks About New 5 Year Deal between MSU and WJR
September 2, 2026 ~ Tom izzo, legendary MSU Basketball Coach joins Paul W. Smith to talk About New 5 Year Deal between MSU and WJR. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithIs Lindsay Clancy Court Case Heading for Mistrial?
September 2, 2026 ~ Tonya J Powers, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor, is Lindsay Clancy trial heading for mistrial? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithIran and US Trade Attacks
September 2, 2026 ~ Rocky Raczkowski, Retired Lt. Colonel for the US Army discusses renewed fighting between the US and Iran. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJohn James Calls for Education Freedom Tax Credits
September 2, 2026 ~ John James, Congressman 10th District, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate, held a press conference this morning calling for Education…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ September 1, 2026 ~ Full Show
September 1, 2026 ~ JD Vance's Macomb County visit. SCOTUS asked to revive proof of citizenship plan in Michigan. President Trump says "let data reign."…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDowntown Detroit Partnership's American Summer Sendoff
September 1, 2026 ~ David Cowen, Chief Public Spaces Officer at Downtown Detroit Partnership, this weekend is the second weekend of DDP’s “American Summer…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMike Duggan on His Next Chapter
September 1, 2026 ~ Mike Duggan, Former Mayor of Detroit has joined Honigman as a partner in the government relations and public policy practice group. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAmerica 250 Made in Michigan Auto Bail Out
September 1, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News has her latest America 250 Michigan Made Piece on the auto industry bail out…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Says Let Data Reign, Army Secretary Driscoll Steps Down Amid Tension with Hegseth
September 1, 2026 ~ Jared Halpern, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor on Trump touting data and high ranking Army Secretary stepping down. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDoug Lloyd Republican AG Candidate on His Campaign and Proof of Citizenship Initiative
September 1, 2026 ~ Doug Lloyd, Eaton County Prosecutor, Republican Attorney General Candidate discusses his campaign and the Supreme Court being asked to…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCongressional Candidate Bouchard on Yesterday's Vance Visit
September 1, 2026 ~ Michael Bouchard, Captain in the National Guard, Republican Congressional Candidate for the 10th district spoke yesterday at JD Vance's…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ August 31, 2026 ~ Full Show
August 31, 2026 ~ CBC reverses guidance on calling 9/11 a terrorist attack. War of words over Lake Ontario continues. Kevin Dietz checks in from JD Vance…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAbdul El-Sayed Apologizes for Comments After Temple Israel Attack
August 31, 2026 ~ Doron Levin, Freelance Journalist, born in Israel, served in Israeli military discusses Abdul El-Sayed apologizing for comments he made after…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUS strikes a deal to control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil
August 31, 2026 ~ Patrick DeHaan, Head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy. Discusses the US striking a deal to control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDolly Parton's Imagination Library Will Live On
August 31, 2026 ~ Phil Short, Director of Curriculum for Woodhaven-Brownstown School District, in charge of Dolly Parton Imagination Library for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJD Vance Makes Stop in Macomb County
August 31, 2026 ~ Kevin Dietz, host of All Talk from 9-Noon checks in live from the JD Vance event in Macomb County. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCBC Reverses Guidance on 9/11 Reporting, Latest on Renaming of Lake Ontario
August 31, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for The Detroit News discusses CBC reversing it's decision on reporting 9/11 and the latest battle…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ August 28, 2026 ~ Full Show
August 28, 2026 ~ Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAdolph Mongo, longtime political advisor and strategist
August 28, 2026 ~ Adolph Mongo, longtime political advisor and strategist joins Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTyler Theile, Vice President & Director of Public Policy Anderson Economic Group
August 28, 2026 ~ Tyler Theile, Vice President & Director of Public Policy Anderson Economic Group joins Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson in for Paul W…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDennis Archer Jr. Chairman & CEO of sixteen42 Ventures
August 28, 2026 ~ Dennis Archer Jr. Chairman & CEO of sixteen42 Ventures joins Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDebbie Dingell Democratic U.S. Congresswoman of Michigan’s 6th District
August 28, 2026 ~ Debbie Dingell Democratic U.S. Congresswoman of Michigan’s 6th District joins Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDave Dulio, Director of the Center for Civic Engagement and Political Science Professor at Oakland University
August 28, 2026 ~ Dave Dulio, Director of the Center for Civic Engagement and Political Science Professor at Oakland University joins Nolan Finley and Stephen…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ August 27, 2026 ~ Full Show
August 27, 2026 ~ Sandy Baruah in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMike Rogers, Candidate for Michigan Senate
August 27, 2026 ~ Mike Rogers, Candidate for Michigan Senate joins Sandy Baruah in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMark Hollis, Chief Operating Officer, Rock Entertainment Group, and Terry Rhadigan, Advisor, Detroit Regional Chamber
August 27, 2026 ~ Mark Hollis, Chief Operating Officer, Rock Entertainment Group, and Terry Rhadigan, Advisor, Detroit Regional Chamber joins Sandy Baruah in…