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. SmithTony Michaels Previews the Dream Cruise
August 13, 2026 ~ Tony Michaels, Parade Company President and CEO looks ahead to the Woodward Dream Cruise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBrian Pannebecker, Auto Workers for Trump
August 13, 2026 ~ Brian Pannebecker, Auto Workers for Trump, joins Kaitlyn Buss and Kelly Cobb in for Paul W. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCaptain Mike Bouchard Campaign Check In
August 13, 2026 ~ Michael Bouchard, Captain in the National Guard, Republican Congressional Candidate for the 10th district talks to Kaitlyn Buss and Kelly…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSecretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Democrat Candidate for Governor
August 12, 2026 ~ Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Democrat Candidate for Governor joins Jeff Donofrio in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ August 12, 2026 ~ Full Show
August 12, 2026 ~ Jeff Donofrio in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSandy Baruah, President & CEO of Detroit Regional Chamber
August 12, 2026 ~ Sandy Baruah, President & CEO of Detroit Regional Chamber joins Jeff Donofrio in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRachel Stewart, CEO of Gardner White Furniture
August 12, 2026 ~ Rachel Stewart, CEO of Gardner White Furniture joins Jeff Donofrio in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithChad Livengood, Politics Editor & Columnist, Detroit News
August 12, 2026 ~ Chad Livengood, Politics Editor & Columnist, Detroit News joins Jeff Donofrio in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithChandra Madafferi, President & CEO of Michigan Education Association
August 12, 2026 ~ Chandra Madafferi, President & CEO of Michigan Education Association joins Jeff Donofrio in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDavid Knezek, President of Henry Ford College
August 12, 2026 ~ David Knezek, President of Henry Ford College joins Jeff Donofrio in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCongressman John James, Republican Candidate for Governor
August 12, 2026 ~ Congressman John James, Republican Candidate for Governor joins Jeff Donofrio in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent of Detroit Public Schools Community District
August 12, 2026 ~ Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent of Detroit Public Schools Community District joins Jeff Donofrio in for Paul W. Smith. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ August 11, 2026 ~ Full Show
August 11, 2026 ~ Todd Flood in for Paul W. Smith. Looking at the latest in some of the big statewide races. President Trump secretly moved to military plane…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAmerica 250 Michigan Made the Film Incentive
August 11, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News has her latest America 250 piece on the film incentive. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithChecking in with Brad Galli
August 11, 2026 ~ Brad Galli, Three-time Michigan Sportscaster of the Year, host of “The Brad Galli Show” on YouTube and Facebook check in with Todd Flood in…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWrap Up Rocket Classic
August 11, 2026 ~ Mark Hollis, chief operating officer for Rock Entertainment Group, Tournament Director 2026 Rocket Classic recaps the tournament with Todd…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPolice Raising Warnings About Posting Back to School Pictures of Kids
August 11, 2026 ~ Eben Brown, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses new warnings about posting back to school pictures on social media. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump Used Secret Military Plane to Leave NATO Summit
August 11, 2026 ~ Rocky Raczkowski, Retired Lt. Colonel for the US Army discusses the plot to sneak President Trump out of Turkey after threats following NATO…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLatest on Big Races
August 11, 2026 ~ Peter Trumbore, Chair of Political Science at Oakland University discusses some of the big state races with Todd Flood in for Paul W. Smith…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ August 10, 2026 ~ Full Show
August 10, 2026 ~ Dave LewAllen in for Paul. Obama and El-Sayed discuss Democrat unity. Detroit Open is coming to Detroit. We look ahead at this week's Perseid…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWindsor Mayor Drew Dilkens
August 10, 2026 ~ Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor gives us an update on the Gordie Howe Bridge after pedestrian path opens. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHunter Biden Says Joe Biden's Cancer Has Spread
August 10, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses Hunter Biden saying former President Joe Biden's cancer has spread to…
Focus with Paul W. SmithIsrael Reject’s President Trump’s 15 point peace plan for Gaza
August 10, 2026 ~ Jared Halpern, Fox News correspondent and WJR Contributor on Israel rejecting President Trump's 15 point peace plan for Gaza. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithThis Week's Perseid Meteor Shower and Eclipse
August 10, 2026 ~ Michael Narlock, the Cranbrook Institute’s Head of Astronomy discusses this week’s Perseid meteor shower and eclipse. Hosted by Simplecast…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDetroit Open Pickleball Event Coming to Novi
August 10, 2026 ~ Tom Webb, CMO of The Association of Pickleball Players discusses the Detroit Open coming to the Vibe Credit Union Showplace August 19–23…
Focus with Paul W. SmithEl-Sayed and Obama Talk Unifying Democrat Party
August 10, 2026 ~ Dennis Darnoi, Founder of Densar Consulting discusses the phone call between Barack Obama and Abdul El-Sayed to discuss unifying the Democrat…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ August 7, 2026 ~ Full Show
August 7, 2026 ~ President Trump signs executive orders on birthright citizenship. President Trump refutes reports that US is running low on munitions. Senate…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSenate Panel Votes to Hold Fauci in Contempt
August 7, 2026 ~ Tom Leonard, Partner at Plunkett Cooney discusses the senate panel voting to hold Dr. Fauci in contempt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews One Night Only and Ted Lasso
August 7, 2026 ~ Dave Riger, Riger Reviews it is reviewing One Night Only in theaters and Ted Lasso on Apple TV. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. Smith26th Annual Ted Lindsay Foundation Celebrity Golf Outing
August 7, 2026 ~ Lew LaPaugh, President Ted Lindsay Foundation discusses the 26th Annual Ted Lindsay Foundation Celebrity Golf Outing will take place on…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Refutes Munition Reports
August 7, 2026 ~ Rocky Raczkowski, Retired Lt. Colonel for the US Army discusses President Trump refuting reports that US is running out of long range…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump Signs Executive Orders on Birthright Citizenship
August 7, 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 ~ August 6, 2026 ~ Full Show
August 6, 2026 ~ Big takeaways from the primary. Family feud inside congress. SpaceX sends rocket into moon. Lions hire new President and CEO. FAA…
Focus with Paul W. Smith45th Annual Sweetest Heart of Mary Pierogi Festival
August 6, 2026 ~ Brian McClory, co-chair of Sweetest Heart of Mary Pierogi Festival, the 45th annual Pierogi festival is this weekend Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFAA Investigating Multiple Incidents Involving Marine One
August 6, 2026 ~ David Shepardson, covers transportation, autos and aviation for Reuters, formally of the Detroit News discusses a number of incidents…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLions Hire New President and CEO
August 6, 2026 ~ Anthony Bellino, Co-host of SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino, weeknights at 6 on WJR discusses the Lions hiring Richard Haddad…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSpaceX Sends Rocket Crashing Into the Moon
August 6, 2026 ~ Michael Narlock, the Cranbrook Institute’s Head of Astronomy discusses SpaceX sending a rocket crashing into the moon. Hosted by Simplecast…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSenator Moreno Calls for Ex Son in Law Max Miller to Step Down
August 6, 2026 ~ Jeff Monosso, Fox News Correspondent, WJR Contributor discusses the family feud between Senator Bernie Moreno and former son in law…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBig Takeaways from Tuesday's Primary
August 6, 2026 ~ Arpan Lobo, Politics Reporter Detroit Free Press discusses some of the big takeaways from this week's primary. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ August 5, 2026 ~ Full Show
August 5, 2026 ~ Recapping yesterday's primary. Armed man arrested at Trump property in California. US running low on long range missiles. AG nominee Todd…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAG Nominee Todd Blanche Clears Hurdle Towards Confirmation
August 5, 2026 ~ Bill Ballenger, Editor of the Ballenger Report gives his thoughts on last night's primary and the latest on Todd Blanche's AG nomination…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCaptain Michael Bouchard Checks in After Primary Win
August 5, 2026 ~ Michael Bouchard, Captain in the National Guard, Republican Congressional Candidate for the 10th district checks in after winning his primary…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUS has used Almost All of It's Long Range Missiles in Iran War
August 5, 2026 ~ Peter Meijer, former Congressman and Army Veteran discusses the US running low on missiles and gives his thoughts on the pirmary. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHeavily Armed Man Arrested at Trump Property in California
August 5, 2026 ~ Andy Arena, Director of the Detroit Crime Commission, Former Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit office discusses the armed man…
Focus with Paul W. SmithKaitlyn Buss on the Primary
August 5, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for The Detroit News discusses yesterday's primary results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ August 4, 2026 ~ Full Show
August 4, 2026 ~ All eyes on the Michigan primary. Taking a closer look at the Medicare Part D subsidy being repealed. President Trump gives Iran a final…
Focus with Paul W. SmithNumber of Michiganders Filing Lawsuits After Contracting Cyclosporiasis
August 4, 2026 ~ Todd Flood, managing partner of Flood Law, PLLC Host of “Behind the Bench” with Todd Flood on WJR discusses lawsuits filed against Taco Bell…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFederal Election Monitors in Michigan
August 4, 2026 ~ Aghogho Edevbie, Deputy Secretary of State discusses primary day and federal election monitors. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump Gives Iran One Final Warning
August 4, 2026 ~ Jonathan Savage, Fox News correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses the latest warning President Trump has issued to Iran. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAnswering Questions on Soon to be Dropped Medicare D Subsidy
August 4, 2026 ~ Marlayna West, Senior Health Advisor at Sano and Kevin Cox, Director of Health At Sano discusses the rollback of the Medicare D subsidy…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAll Eyes on Stevens vs El Sayed Democrat Primary
August 4, 2026 ~ John Sellek, CEO and Chief Strategist at Harbor Strategic discusses primary day in Michigan and how the Haley Stevens, Abdul El-Sayed race has…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ August 3, 2026 ~ Full Show
August 3, 2026 ~ More Iran peace talks scheduled for today. Todd Blanche rescinds anti-weaponization fund. Hackers target Michigan water systems. New…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTarik Skubal Traded to the Dodgers
August 3, 2026 ~ Nick Lundberg, WJR Digital Sports Reporter, co-host of “Just-in with Nick’s Notes” Fridays at 8pm on WJR discusses the Tarik Skubal trade to…
Focus with Paul W. SmithNew legislation to Create Rules for Flock Camera Data Usage
August 3, 2026 ~ Jim Runestad, State Senator R- White Lake and chairman of the Michigan Republican Party discusses his new legislation to create guidelines for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBob Sutherland, Founder of Cherry Republic Has a New Memoir
August 3, 2026 ~ Bob Sutherland, Founder of Cherry Republic discusses his upcoming memoir and a new store in Birmingham. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHackers Target Michigan Water Systems
August 3, 2026 ~ Brent Yax CEO, Awecomm Technologies discusses hackers targeting water systems in Michigan and around the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMore Iran Peace Talks Scheduled for Today, Todd Blanche Rescinds Anti-Weaponization Fund
August 3, 2026 ~ Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor), U.S. Congresswoman of Michigan’s 6th District discusses more Iran peace talks scheduled for today and AG nominee…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 31, 2026 ~ Full Show
July 31, 2026 ~ President Trump considers pulling Blanche nomination. Is there a Hamas disarmament deal? I-75 project passes feasibility study. John James…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews Spiderman Brand New Day and Furious on Hulu
July 31, 2026 ~ Dave Riger reviews “Spiderman Brand New Day” in theaters and “Furious” on Hulu. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJohn James Checks in Ahead of the Primary
July 31, 2026 ~ John James, Congressman 10th District, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate checks in ahead of primary day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…