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. SmithI-75 Cap Project Passes Feasibility Study
July 31, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the feasibility study of the I-75 cap study. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHamas Disarmament Deal, Russian Missile Hits Poland
July 31, 2026 ~ Rocky Raczkowski, Retired Lt. Colonel for the US Army discusses the Hamas disarmament deal and a Russian missile hitting Poland. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Considering Pulling Blanche Nomination
July 31, 2026 ~ Jared Halpern, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses President Trump's plan to pull nomination of AG candidate Todd Blanche…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 30, 2026 ~ Full Show
July 30, 2026 ~ Anthony Fauci pleads the 5th. Vote delayed on AG nominee Todd Blanche. Bombshell report shows rampant sexual abuse at Interlochen. US…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Administration to End Medicare D Subsidy Program
July 30, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the Trump administration ending the Medicare D subsidy program. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFed Chair Kevin Warsh Keeps Interest Rates Steady
July 30, 2026 ~ David Sowerby, Managing Director and portfolio manager at Ancora Bloomfield Hills discusses the latest with the federal interest rate. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCanadian Ambassador Pete Hoekstra
July 30, 2026 ~ Pete Hoekstra, US Ambassador to Canada discusses relations between America and Canada amid tariffs and the Gordie Howe Bridge opening. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithNew Report Identifies 47 Abusers and 70 Victims at Interlochen
July 30, 2026 ~ Matthew Curtis, senior shareholder at Southfield-based Sommers Schwartz, P.C. is representing a number of survivors who say they were sexually…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFauci Pleads the 5th, Blanche Vote Postponed
July 30, 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. Smith
Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 29, 2026 ~ Full Show
July 29, 2026 ~ Jamie Edmonds is in for Paul W. Smith live from the Rocket Classic at the Detroit Golf Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJohnnie Turnage, Founder Black Tech Saturdays
July 29, 2026 ~ Johnnie Turnage, Founder Black Tech Saturdays talks to Jamie Edmonds about his partnership with The Rocket Classic. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMark Hackel Offers to Help Canada Fight Wildfires
July 29, 2026 ~ Mark Hackel, Macomb County Executive talks to Jamie Edmonds about the letter he sent to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offering to help…
Focus with Paul W. SmithUS Launches New Strikes After Thwarted Attack on American Troops
July 29, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News with the latest on new strikes in the Middle East. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithColin John, Executive Chef with Forte Belanger
July 29, 2026 ~ Colin John, Executive Chef with Forte Belanger talks to Jamie Edmonds about catering the Rocket Classic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLions Open up Training Camp
July 29, 2026 ~ Anthony Bellino, Co-host of SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino, weeknights at 6 on WJR discusses the opening of Lions training…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCarl Hays, Director of Golf at Detroit Golf Club
July 29, 2026 ~ Carl Hays, Director of Golf at Detroit Golf Club talks to Jamie Edmonds in for Paul live from the Rocket Classic. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 28, 2026 ~ Full Show
July 28, 2026 ~ Recap of last night's Senate debate. Glengariff group has new batch of polling. How did President Trump's visit to Michigan go and the day's…
Focus with Paul W. SmithAmerica 250 Michigan Made, Michigan's Role in the Underground Railroad
July 28, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses Michigan's role in the Underground Railroad. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCaptain Michael Bouchard Recaps Trump's Visit
July 28, 2026 ~ Michael Bouchard, Captain in the National Guard, Republican Congressional Candidate for the 10th district, endorsed by President Trump…
Focus with Paul W. SmithDean Champane's New Book "Zero Proof USA"
July 28, 2026 ~ Dean Champane, author discusses his new book “Zero Proof USA” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithGlengariff Group Has Fresh Batch of Polling
July 28, 2026 ~ Richard Czuba, Founder, Glengariff Group with his latest polling. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for…
Focus with Paul W. SmithEl-Sayed vs Stevens Part 2
July 28, 2026 ~ Dennis Darnoi, Founder of Densar Consulting recaps last night's debate between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 27, 2026 ~ Full Show
July 27, 2026 ~ Jocelyn Benson checks in from the campaign trail. President Trump visits Michigan. Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens face off tonight in another…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTrump Considers Plan to Strip Some Immigrants of Citizenship
July 27, 2026 ~ Barb McQuade, professor from practice at Michigan Law, former US Attorney or the Eastern District of Michigan discusses the Trump…
Focus with Paul W. SmithGordie Howe Bridge Opens
July 27, 2026 ~ Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director, MichAuto; Chief Automotive and Innovation Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber discusses today's opening of…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFamily of 8 Found Dead in Western Michigan House Fire
July 27, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne discusses the tragic case of a family of 8 found dead on the west side of the state. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump in Town, Previewing Tonight's Democrat Senate Debate
July 27, 2026 ~ David Dulio, Distinguished Professor, Political Science Department and Director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University…
Focus with Paul W. SmithJocelyn Benson Checks in From Campaign Trail
July 27, 2026 ~ Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State, Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate checks in from the campaign trail. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 24, 2026 ~ Full Show
July 24, 2026 ~ Tonight is the rescheduled White House Correspondent Dinner. Canada is holding their own ribbon cutting ceremony. Oil shoots up over $100 a…
Focus with Paul W. SmithBud Denker Visits Washington DC Ahead of Freedom 250
July 24, 2026 ~ Bud Denker, President of Penske Corporation discusses his trip to Washington DC ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Focus with Paul W. SmithRiger Reviews The Dink and Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
July 24, 2026 ~ Dave Riger, Riger Reviews It reviews The Dink on Apple TV and Stuart Fails to Save the Universe on HBO Max. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithOil Shoots Up Past $100 a Barrel
July 24, 2026 ~ Patrick DeHaan, Head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy discusses oil shooting up past $100 a gallon. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCanada Holding Their Own Ribbon Cutting for Gordie Howe Bridge
July 24, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses Canada's ribbon cutting ceremony for the Gordie Howe Bridge. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithTonight is Rescheduled WCMA Dinner, Should Whitmer Endorse for Senate?
July 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 ~ July 23, 2026 ~ Full Show
July 23, 2026 ~ Living in Israel during wartime. James Craig discusses ICE. House committee urges DOJ to prosecute Jack Smith. Trump approves Saudi nuclear…
Focus with Paul W. SmithOakland County Deputies Honored For Saving Children from House Fire
July 23, 2026 ~ Michael Bouchard, Oakland County Sheriff discusses a couple deputies being recognized for saving children from a house fire. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithGubernatorial Candidate Perry Johnson Checks In
July 23, 2026 ~ Perry Johnson, Businessman Running for Governor as a Republican checks in from the campaign trail. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHouse Committee Asks DOJ to Prosecute Jack Smith, Trump Signs off on Saudi Nuclear Deal
July 23, 2026 ~ Jared Halpern, Fox News Correspondent and WJR Contributor discusses House committee urging DOJ to prosecute Jack Smith over Trump…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFormer Chief James Craig on ICE and His Book
July 23, 2026 ~ James Craig, Former Detroit Police Chief discusses His OPED in the Detroit News about ICE and his book “Beyond the Badge: Leadership Lessons…
Focus with Paul W. SmithLiving in Israel in Wartime
July 23, 2026 ~ Dr. Galit Benzur, dept. Of Communication at Bar Ilan University, former WJR intern, lives in Ramat Gan, a city in the center near Tel Aviv…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 22, 2026 ~ Full Show
July 22, 2026 ~ Hegseth testifies about war funding. Trump threatens to bomb Pickaxe Mountain. Lisa McClain asking Canada to do more about wildfire smoke. RFK…
Focus with Paul W. SmithGovernor Whitmer Signs Budget, Ballot Proposal Would Prohibit Utilities and Contractors from Making Political Donations
July 22, 2026 ~ Jim Runestad, State Senator R- White Lake and chairman of the Michigan Republican Party discusses the newly signed budget and a ballot proposal…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCanada Cancels Joint Ribbon Cutting for Gordie Howe Bridge
July 22, 2026 ~ Chad Livengood, Detroit News Political Editor on Canada canceling joint Gordie Howe Bridge ribbon cutting ceremony after new tariffs. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMichigan Couple Sues Taco Bell Over Cyclosporiasis, RFK Jr Says Outbreak Under Control
July 22, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the local couple suing Taco Bell over Cyclosporiasis and RFK Jr declaring…
Focus with Paul W. SmithCongresswoman McClain calls on Canada to do More About Wildfires
July 22, 2026 ~ Lisa McClain, Congresswoman R-9th District, Chairwoman of House Republican discusses the letter she and her Republican Congressional colleagues…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHegseth Testifies, Trump Threatens to Bomb Pickaxe Mountain
July 22, 2026 ~ Rocky Raczkowski, Retired Lt. Colonel for the US Army discusses Pete Hegseth's testimony infront of Congress and President Trump's latest…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 21, 2026 ~ Full Show
July 21, 2026 ~ Full Show. President Trump slaps 50% tariffs on Canada. FDA says data still supports Taylor Farms as source of Cyclosporiasis. MSP carries out…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHow to Get New Ballot if Your Candidate Drops Out of Race and You Voted Early
July 21, 2026 ~ Ruth Johnson, State Senator R-24th District, former Secretary of State tells us how to get a new ballot if you've already voted for a candidate…
Focus with Paul W. SmithSheriff Swanson Checks in from the Gubernatorial Trail
July 21, 2026 ~ Chris Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff, Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate checks in from the campaign trail. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz…
Focus with Paul W. SmithMSP Enforce The Move Over Law
July 21, 2026 ~ Lt. Ty Howard, Michigan State Police discusses yesterday's enforcement of the Move Over Law. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFDA Says Data Still Supports Taylor Farms as Cyclosporiasis source
July 21, 2026 ~ Marie Osborne, WJR’s Director of Community Affairs and News discusses the FDA saying data still supports Taylor Farms as source of…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump Slaps 50 Percent Tariffs on Canada
July 21, 2026 ~ Kaitlyn Buss, Deputy Editorial Page Editor for The Detroit News discusses President Trump slaping 50% tariffs on a number of Canadian products…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 20, 2026 ~ Full Show
July 20, 2026 ~ Trump and Congress threaten Canada over wildfire smoke. World cup comes to an end. Three US troops killed in Middle East over the weekend…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWarde Manuel Steps Down as UM Athletic Director at End of the Year
July 20, 2026 ~ Matt “The Miz” Missler co-host of “The M-Zone” weekdays from 3-6 on The Big 1050 WTKA in Ann Arbor discusses Warde Manuel stepping down. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithThree US Troops Killed One Missing in Middle East
July 20, 2026 ~ Doron Levin, Freelance Journalist, born in Israel, served in Israeli military discusses the 3 US troops killed and 1 missing over the weekend…
Focus with Paul W. SmithChecking in from the CATCH Golf Classic
July 20, 2026 ~ Jim Hughes, Executive Director, CATCH Charity for Children checks in from the CATCH golf classic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…
Focus with Paul W. SmithHow to Protect Your Home from Wildfire Smoke
July 20, 2026 ~ Chuck Breidenstein, co-host of “The Inside Outside Guys” tells us how to keep the air safe inside our homes from wildfire smoke. Hosted by…
Focus with Paul W. SmithWorld Cup Wraps Up
July 20, 2026 ~ Jonathan Savage, Fox News correspondent and WJR Contributor recaps the World Cup which ended yesterday with Spain beating Argentina 1-0. Hosted…
Focus with Paul W. SmithPresident Trump and Members of Congress Call on Canada to Do Something About Wildfires
July 20, 2026 ~ Dennis Darnoi, Founder of Densar Consulting discusses President Trump and a number of Michigan Republicans calling on Canada to do more about…
Focus with Paul W. SmithFocus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 17, 2026 ~ Full Show
July 17, 2026 ~ President Trump's national address. Jamie Edmonds checks in. Health effects of wildfire smoke. Riger reviews The Odyssey in Theaters and The…