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Artwork for Focus with Paul W. Smith

Focus with Paul W. Smith

Cumulus Media Detroit
Detroit
Michigan
Iran
Detroit Grand Prix
Grand Hotel
Donald Trump
Detroit Pistons
Mackinac Island
Detroit Lions
United States
Israel
Detroit, United States
Artificial Intelligence
Rocket Classic
New York City
Automotive Industry
Strait Of Hormuz
Selfridge Air National Guard Base
Spirit Airlines
Data Centers

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, bal... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes608Founded13 years ago
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Artwork for Focus with Paul W. Smith

Latest Episodes

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 barrel. Bud Denker checks in after his trip to Washington DC and the day's biggest headlines. ... more

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 AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of... more

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 company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal... more

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Lisa McClain
Congresswoman, First District of Michigan
U.S. Congress
Episode: Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 22, 2026 ~ Full Show
Chad Livengood
Detroit News political editor
Detroit News
Episode: Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 22, 2026 ~ Full Show
Jim Rundstedt
Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party
Michigan Republican Party
Episode: Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 22, 2026 ~ Full Show
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Public health and political commentator referenced in discussion
Episode: Michigan Couple Sues Taco Bell Over Cyclosporiasis, RFK Jr Says Outbreak Under Control
Chris Swanson
Genesee County Sheriff, Democrat gubernatorial candidate
Genesee County Sheriff's Office; gubernatorial candidate
Episode: Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 21, 2026 ~ Full Show
Ruth Johnson
Former Secretary of State, State Senator
Michigan
Episode: Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 21, 2026 ~ Full Show
Matt Missler
Co-host of The M Zone
WTKA
Episode: Focus with Paul W. Smith ~ July 20, 2026 ~ Full Show
Matt The Miz Missler
Co-host of The M-Zone
The M-Zone, WTKA
Episode: Warde Manuel Steps Down as UM Athletic Director at End of the Year
Dr. Ike Okereke
Vice Chairman of the Henry Ford Health's Department of Surgery, specializing in Cardiothoracic Surgery
Henry Ford Health
Episode: Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke

Host

Paul W. Smith
Host of Focus with Paul W. Smith; longtime Detroit-area radio host with a focus on local governance, policy, and community issues.

Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars from 29 ratings
  • More right wing misinformation

    All this dufus does all morning long is spew right wing talking points, spreads lies and misinformation to his audience and since the average age of his listeners are 65+, they are out of touch with society and reality and lap it up like the Trumptards who believe in the election lies. He knows what he does, continues to do it anyway and wouldn’t know a fact of it hit him square in his face. Pitiful, gross and unAmerican propaganda.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Tapin4parski
    United States4 years ago
  • Broadcast Excellence

    It’s an incredible show. Very much recommended.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Seanobbbbb
    United States5 years ago
  • I want them all

    Love the interviews, but disappointed how long it takes to get the latest issues. Also disappointed that not all of Paul’s interviews are included. WTKA-AM in Ann Arbor (another Cumulus station) is able to get all portions of their morning show out in minutes after they are complete.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Ted Sleder
    United States6 years ago
  • Who runs this feed?

    They push out old episodes everyday. I delete some of the same segments 5 or 6 times. I like that they break the show up but annoying that the can’t seem to figure out how podcasts work.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Mat_cuz
    United States7 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

A few critics feel episode pacing or episode fragment delivery could be smoother.
Sponsorships are seen as aligning with community impact themes, though some reviews note quality varies by segment.
Listeners often value practical, policy-focused discussions and accountability themes.
Some listeners appreciate the mix of local and national topics and the longform interview style.

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The Headlines
The HeadlinesThe New York Times

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Warde Manuel Steps Down as UM Athletic Director at End of the Year
Q: Is there any, are there any major surprise? Wait, first let me say this, Matt, I don't know how you feel about it, but you got to be kidding me.
The discussion acknowledges a mix of surprises and expectations surrounding the Warde Manuel situation, citing the expensive investigative report and the sense that the outcome may have been anticipated by insiders, while also highlighting Manuel's leadership and the ongoing questions about finding a suitable successor.
Congresswoman McClain calls on Canada to do More About Wildfires
Q: Have we offered to cross into Canada and bring our firefighting help before we said, okay, 50% tariff because of that fire?
Yes, there have been past efforts to send firefighters and foresters to Canada in past years, and there are ongoing discussions to facilitate a quicker, more practical cross-border response this year as well.
Sheriff Swanson Checks in from the Gubernatorial Trail
Q: How do your experiences traveling the state influence your view of Michigan as a whole?
Traveling nearly 100,000 miles reinforced a belief that Michiganders share more in common than they think, and that leadership should reflect those shared values and concerns irrespective of region.
Sheriff Swanson Checks in from the Gubernatorial Trail
Q: Can you explain the Protecting Our Pets plan and why it matters for state policy?
The plan creates a registry for animal abusers and imposes temporary ownership bans, tying animal welfare to broader concerns like abuse and domestic violence, and highlighting necessary accountability in governance.
Sheriff Swanson Checks in from the Gubernatorial Trail
Q: What sets your campaign apart in terms of priorities and base support?
He emphasizes a working-class base, broad labor endorsements, and a focus on unity across Michigan, arguing his background in law enforcement and public service translates into practical governance.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Frequently Asked Questions About Focus with Paul W. Smith

What is Focus with Paul W. Smith about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show blends hard news, local governance, and national policy through longform conversations with politicians, public officials, business leaders, and analysts. Episodes frequently cover Detroit-area infrastructure, state and federal policy, and national security or international affairs, all discussed with practical, local context. A standout trait is the host's relentless focus on accountability, transparency, and pragmatic solutions, often pairing firsthand updates on local issues with broader policy commentary. For potential listeners or sponsors, the mix of community issues, data-driven analysis, and in-depth interviews offers both actionable takeaways and timely discussion on topics shaping Southeast Michigan and beyond.

Where can I find podcast stats for Focus with Paul W. Smith?

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How many listeners does Focus with Paul W. Smith get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Focus with Paul W. Smith?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Focus with Paul W. Smith:

1. The Person Who Believed In Me
2. The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
3. The Drew Lane Show
4. The Long View
5. Marketplace

How many episodes of Focus with Paul W. Smith are there?

Focus with Paul W. Smith launched 13 years ago and published 608 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Focus with Paul W. Smith?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Focus with Paul W. Smith?

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What guests have appeared on Focus with Paul W. Smith?

Recent guests on Focus with Paul W. Smith include:

1. Lisa McClain
2. Chad Livengood
3. Jim Rundstedt
4. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
5. Chris Swanson
6. Ruth Johnson
7. Matt Missler
8. Matt The Miz Missler

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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