WJR Spotlight

Aug. 19, 2025 ~ Monsignor Charles Kosanke, pastor and rector of the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit, shares the remarkable history and resilience of one of America’s oldest Catholic parishes. Father Mike Schmitz, Catholic priest and host of “Bible in a Year,” offers a moving reflection on the personal nature of faith and the spiritual legacy of Saint Anne’s as a beacon of hope and service in Detr...

Aug. 19, 2025 ~ Go behind the scenes of the world’s most downloaded religious podcast. Marisa Beyer, managing director of consumer products and media at Ascension Press, joins Father Mike Schmitz to discuss the creation of “Bible in a Year” and the launch of “Called,” a new podcast that brings faith into action through stories of service, transformation and community impact. Hosted by Simplecast,...

Aug. 5, 2025 ~ Detroit Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield delivered a victory speech Tuesday after securing 51% of the vote in the city’s primary. Speaking from the Cielo Rooftop Bar, she called for unity, integrity, and people-centered leadership ahead of her general election run against Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information a...

July 19, 2025 ~ In this WJR Spotlight episode, host Jamie Edmonds interviews Joe DiFranco and Becca Wyeth from Exceptional Journeys by Corporate Travel, a Northville-based company celebrating its 60th anniversary. Joe shares the legacy of Corporate Travel Service, a family-run business founded by his father, and how it has evolved into a provider of exclusive, curated travel experiences. With limi...

July 11, 2025 Join Blaine Fowler and Lauren Crocker from 96.3 WDVD as they bring you the   magic of the USA Hockey Arena’s Summer Drive-In. From cult classics and family favorites to the surprising emotional depth of the new “F1” movie, this episode brings you the best of the best from the drive-in experience! After, we shift gears for a heartfelt conversation with Steve and Blake Kiefer of the Ki...

July 11, 2025 ~ Live from USA Hockey Arena, this heartfelt segment features Steve and Blake Kiefer of the Kiefer Foundation, sharing their powerful mission to end distracted driving in honor of Mitchell Kiefer. From personal tragedy to national advocacy, hear how their work is saving lives and transforming grief into purpose—right from the rink that bears Mitchell’s name. Hosted by Simplecast, an...

June 27, 2025 ~ 760 WJR’s Anthony Bellino broadcasts live from the Summer Drive-In at USA Hockey Arena on NHL Draft night. Listen in as Anthony and his guests explore the arena’s role in shaping the next generation of hockey stars. You’ll hear updates on NTDP players and alumni featured in the 2025 NHL Draft, along with reflections on the Red Wings’ prospects and Detroit’s rich hockey culture. Spe...

June 23, 2025 ~ Paul W Smith, Chris Renwick are joined by business and political leaders ahead of the Ford Fireworks in Downtown Detroit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 24, 2025 ~ Lamont Yoder, President of Corewell Health joins Paul W Smith and Chris Renwick live from the 2025 Ford Fireworks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 23, 2025 ~ Rachel Stewart CEO of Gardner White, Mayor Mike Duggan and Tony Michaels join Paul W Smith and Chris Renwick ahead of the Ford Fireworks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 23, 2025 ~ Margaret Trimer, Vice President of Strategic Partnership Delta Dental, Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Rocket Communty Fund and Gilbert Foundation and mark Hollis, COO, Rock Entertainment Group join Paul W Smith and Chris Renwick live from the 2025 Ford Fireworks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and us...

June 23, 2025 ` Tricia Keith, President and CEO of BCBS of Michigan and Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison join Paul and Chris on the rooftop ahead of the 2025 Ford Fireworks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 23, 2025 ~ Mary Culler, President, Ford Philanthropy, Ford Volunteer Tanisia Holloway and Tony Michaels joins Paul W Smith and Chris Renwick ahead of the 2025 Ford Fireworks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 23, 2025 ~ Former Governor Rick Snyder, CEO of SensCy Cyber Security and Former First Lady Sue Snyder join Paul W Smith and Chris Renwick ahead of the Ford Fireworks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 23, 2025 ~ Tony Michaels, President and CEO of the Parade Company and Bob Riney, CEO Henry Ford Health and Chair of the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation join Paul W Smith and Chris Renwick ahead of the Ford Fireworks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 13, 2025 ~ 96.3 WDVD’s Blaine Fowler and 760 WJR’s Chris Renwick broadcast live from the kickoff of the 21st annual Summer Drive-In at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth. Tune in as they highlight Family Fun Nights and explore the arena’s year-round lineup of family-friendly and community-focused events. Discover how USA Hockey Arena has become a vibrant hub for athletic development, entertainment,...

George Gervin, head coach of the Detroit Amps of the Big 3 basketball league, chats with "Opportunity Detroit" about the inaugural season of the Amps and what it means for the City of Detroit and the Big 3. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 5, 2025 ~ Recorded live from Cars & Cigars: SMOKE DETROIT, this special edition of “Focus with Paul W. Smith” captures the energy and elegance of one of Metro Detroit’s most anticipated charity events. Join Paul from the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre as he spotlights a fusion of classic cars, premium cigars, fine wines, and heartfelt philanthropy. Hear from key voices behind the event and dis...

JUNE 4, 2025 ~ At a press conference held at the historic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, KRONK Gym announced its return to Detroit, honoring the legacy of Emanuel Steward. City leaders, boxing legends, and the Steward family celebrated the gym’s revival as both a symbol of Detroit’s boxing heritage and a renewed investment in its youth and community. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company....

May 17, 2025 ~ WJR focuses on Corewell Health, which has been advancing breast cancer care through technology, specializing in early detection via annual screening mammograms starting at age 40, and providing philanthropic support that enhances patient care by funding advanced equipment, nurse navigators, and financial assistance programs. Guests include Dr. Zakiya Shakir, Karen Wilson Smithbauer,...

May 1, 2025 ~ Join Chris Renwick as he speaks to some of the community leaders that make up the Detroit Region Aerotropolis on the latest edition of WJR Spotlight. Hear from Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight, Taylor Mayor Tim Wolley, Huron Township Supervisor Kelly Trombley, and Van Buren Township Supervisor Kevin McNamara as they talk about how they leverage the economic driver of Detroit Metro and...

April 25, 2025 ~ Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by a strong emphasis on serving the poor and marginalized, a theme deeply rooted in his Jesuit background. This commitment was exemplified by initiatives such as the Pope Francis Center in Detroit, which provides resources for the homeless. WJR's Marie Osborne explores his legacy in this edition of WJR Spotlight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz co...

March 12, 2025 ~ Recorded at the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Spring Forum, CEO Eric B. Larson speaks with Wayne State University President and DDP Board Member Dr. Kimberly Espy, Rocket Community Fund and Gilbert Family Foundation Executive Director and DDP Executive Committee Member Laura Grannemann, Hudson-Webber Foundation President and CEO and DDP Board Member Donald Rencher, and Second Ebe...

March 12, 2025 ~ Downtown Detroit Partnership CEO Eric B. Larson speaks with Wayne State University President and DDP Board Member Dr. Kimberly Espy. Learn how “Detroit’s hometown university” has been instrumental in retaining local talent, with 80% of its students working in the city post-graduation. Dr. Espy also talks about the role of a research university, and the ways in which it can drive f...

March 12, 2025 ~ Downtown Detroit Partnership CEO Eric B. Larson talks with Gilbert Family Foundation and Rocket Community Fund Executive Director and DDP Executive Committee Member Laura Grannemann about her organizations’ strategy to tackle community challenges in Detroit, including home ownership issues, evictions, and foreclosures. Learn how these community empowerment organizations are priori...