Opportunity Detroit

Oct. 24, 2026 ~ Ayesha Maxwell, Executive Director of the Greektown Neighborhood Partnership, talks to Ann Thomas about the 20-million-dollar Monroe Streetscape transformation, and she says visitors are enjoying the changes to the neighborhood. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct. 24, 2026 ~ Cody Disbennet talks to Ann Thomas about his new job as the Director of Operations for Huntington Place, and he says he's thrilled to be back in the Midwest where he grew up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct. 24, 2026 ~ Ann Thomas is joined by Cody Disbennet to discuss his role as the Director of Operations for Huntington Place, and his exciting return to the Midwest. Then, Ayesha Maxwell, Executive Director of the Greektown Neighborhood Partnership, talks to Ann Thomas about the 20-million-dollar Monroe Streetscape transformation. To wrap things up, President and CEO of Move Detroit, Hilary Doe, joins the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct. 11, 2026 ~ Zach Riberdy, Connor Sports Marketing Director, tells Ann Thomas they are thrilled to be providing the "official basketball court" for the NCAA Men's Final Four coming to Detroit in April. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct. 11, 2026 ~ Paddy Lynch, Owner of Dutch Girls Donuts tells Ann Thomas his wife worked with him to open the second Dutch Girl Donuts on East Grand Boulevard in Detroit, and she did a great job. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct. 11, 2026 ~ Ann Thomas is joined by Paddy Lynch, Ricky Blanding, and Zach Riberdy to discuss all things donuts, food waste, and NCAA Final Four flooring! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct. 11, 2026 ~ Ricky Blanding, CEO of Scrap Soils talks to Ann Thomas about his food waste collection business in Detroit and he says they are looking for donors to join the effort. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 11, 2026 ~ Ann Thomas chats with Patty Lynch about Detroit businesses, Ricky Blanding on his food waste nonprofit Scrap Soils, and Zach Roberti regarding Connor Sports building the NCAA Final Four basketball floor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 4, 2026 ~ Hilary Doe, Move Detroit President & CEO talks to Ann Thomas about her work helping to grow Detroit's population and discusses how rewarding it is to see people enjoying all the city has to offer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 4, 2026 ~ Aaron Velthoven, Detroit Free Press Race Director & Vice-President talks to Ann Thomas about this year's race weekend taking place October 16-18th and introduces a new half marathon in Detroit that will take place April 25th, 2027! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 4, 2026 ~ Heather Grondin, Gordie Howe Bridge Chief Relations Officer, checks in with Ann Thomas to talk about the bridge, and discusses the thousands of visitors they have welcomed walking across the bridge, and the new interpretive signs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 4, 2026 ~ Ann Thomas chats with Aaron Velthoven, Detroit Free Press Race Director & Vice-President to discuss the race just around the corner, and preview a new race coming next spring. She also checks in with Heather Grondin, Gordie Howe Bridge Chief Relations Officer about how things have been going since the bridge opening, and talks to Hilary Doe, Move Detroit President & CEO about her work in helping to grow Detroit's population! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ann Thomas is joined by Claude Molinari to discuss the Michelin Guide coming to Detroit and upcoming major events like the Final Four. Then, Chris Risik shares details on the 11th annual On Demo Day and venture capital trends. Finally, Corey Bretton introduces Cosm Detroit, a new entertainment venue in Cadillac Square offering immersive sports and movie experiences. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cosm Senior Vice-President of Venues talks to Ann Thomas about the opening of Cosm Detroit located in Cadillac Square and he says this entertainment venue is a great place to watch your favorite teams throughout the year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Founder & CEO of Renaissance Venture Capital talks to Ann Thomas about UnDemo Day set to take place on October 1st in Detroit and he says more than two hundred startups will be on hand to make their pitch to venture capitalists around the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President & CEO of Visit Detroit tells Ann Thomas he is thrilled that the MICHELIN Guide American Great Lakes Ceremony is coming to Detroit next year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 13, 2026 ~ Ann Thomas explores the legacy of jazz legend Marcus Belgrave through a new documentary, as shared by Joan Belgrave. We also hear from Tiffany Gunter, CEO of SMART, about transit expansion in Hamtramck and a growing ridership. J.P. Jerome discusses game-day events at the Detroit City Distillery, and James Fiddler explains the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s recent Pinnacle Award for their work on the I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 13, 2026 ~ Ann Thomas talks with James Fiddler about the Downtown Detroit Partnership winning the Pinnacle Award. They discuss the I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project and how community feedback shaped this effort to improve the city. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 13, 2026 ~ Ann Thomas chats with J.P. Jerome, co-owner and master distiller at Detroit City Distillery. They discuss game day tailgates at the production facility on Gratiot, the distillery’s 12-year history, and a commitment to locally sourced ingredients. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 13, 2026 ~ Ann Thomas interviews Tiffany Gunter, the CEO of SMART, to discuss updates to the Metro Detroit transit system like the new Route 500, which connects Hamtramck and Detroit’s east side, and broader expansion plans for Wayne County. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 13, 2026 ~ Lloyd Jackson speaks with Joan Belgrave, the widow of legendary jazz trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, and discuss her new documentary "And Damn He Could Play". They discuss Marcus’s profound influence on music, his humble nature, his dedication to mentoring musicians in Detroit, and the powerful way he used his instrument to maintain his health. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 30, 2026 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks about the Detroit's University District will be offering home tours on Sept. 11 and 12, the Cars at the Station event at Michigan Central, and a Detroit home care business is expanding its services. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 31, 2026 ~ Edward Williams, director of A&E Home Care, joins host Ann Thomas to discuss his Detroit home care business that is expanding its business into non-emergency medical transportation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 30, 2026 ~ Cars at the Station returns to Michigan Central for its third year on Sept. 11-12, and Jiyan Cadiz, founder of Cars at the Station, joins host Ann Thomas to discuss the event. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 30, 2026 ~ Miranda Suman, a Detroit-based General Motors automotive designer and historic preservationist, joins joins host Ann Thomas to talk about the University District's biennial home tour. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 23, 2026 ~ Host Ann Thomas previews the upcoming Detroit Jazz Festival, high school football starting later this week, and a new pizza place in town called Unc's Pizza. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 21, 2026 ~ On Friday, Aug. 28, that's coming up later in the week, WJR will air its first high school football game of the season: Cass Tech versus Michigan City at Wayne State University. Marty Dobek, executive director of the Detroit Sports Commission, joins host Ann Thomas to discuss the start of the high school sports season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 23, 2026 ~ Christopher Collins, Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation president and artistic director for the Detroit Jazz Fest, joins host Ann Thomas to discuss the 47th iteration of the musical event. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 23, 2026 ~ Host Ann Thomas talks to Larry Kahn & Ann-Marie Murphy, two of the owners of Unc's Pizza, about their new restaurant that just opened 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.

Aug. 16, 2026 ~ Host Ann Thomas discusses the development of a community center at St. Cecilia’s gym, highlights the national recognition of the local Peacock Room store, and explores the new music project of Martha Reeves with her manager. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 16, 2026 ~ Motown legend Martha Reeves and her manager Chris Roe join host Ann Thomas to discuss the release of her new project “Searching,” which blends jazz, blues, R&B, and gospel influences. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 16, 2026 ~ The New York Times recently named the Peacock Room one of its top 25 favorite clothing stores in the entire country. Rachel Lutz, founder of the Peacock Room, joins host Ann Thomas to talk about the national recognition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 16, 2026 ~ Mitch Albom's Save Detroit nonprofit is transforming St. Cecilia's historic gym on Detroit's West Side into a community center for children. Former Detroit Police Chief Ike McKinnon, who first played basketball at St. Cecilia's in his 20s, joins host Ann Thomas to discuss the transformation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 9, 2026 ~ Host Ann Thomas spoke to Sharri Watkins, Motown Museum COO, and Kern Brantley, Bass Day founder, about how the Motown Museum is getting ready to celebrate Detroit Bass (Base) Day 2026. She also checks in with Katrina Rouan, the director of the Walter P. Reuther Library Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, about the extensive archives collections housed right here in Detroit at Wayne State University. Finally, she talks to Dr. Mahendra Bhandari, CEO at the Vattikuti Foundation, about his new book called "The Surgeon’s Machine." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information ab...

Aug. 9, 2026 ~ Dr. Mahendra Bhandari, CEO at the Vattikuti Foundation, talks to host Ann Thomas about his new book called, "The Surgeon’s Machine." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 9, 2026 ~ As WJR continues to celebrate “America 250," host Ann Thomas talks to Katrina Rouan, the Director of the Walter P. Reuther Library Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, about the extensive archives collections housed right here in Detroit at Wayne State University. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 9, 2026 ~ The Motown Museum is getting ready to celebrate Detroit Bass (Base) Day on Aug. 15 at the Esther Gordy Edwards Centre for Excellence. This year's event honors legendary Motown bassist James Jamerson, whose groundbreaking musicianship shaped countless Motown classics, while recognizing Paul Riser Sr. with the Motown Museum ICON Award for his extraordinary contributions to the Motown Sound. Sharri Watkins, Motown Museum COO, and Kern Brantley, Bass Day founder, join host Ann Thomas to discuss this event. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 2, 2026 ~ Host Ann Thomas introduces business and history updates in Detroit, including new local ventures and heritage sites. Joe Spencer and Mark Reith discuss their expanded restaurant operations, while Patricia Mooradian details the relocation of a historic civil rights home to Greenfield Village. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 26, 2026 ~ Mark Loeb, Belle Isle Art Fair producer, joins the show to discuss the upcoming award-winning Belle Isle Art Fair, which features diverse artists and unique installations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 19, 2026 ~ Host Ann Thomas introduces guests from various Detroit institutions, including Joe Spencer from Louisiana Creole Gumbo, who discusses the expansion of his local restaurant. Mark Hollis shares updates on the upcoming Rocket Classic golf tournament and its community impact, while Patricia Mooradian details the opening of the historic Jackson home at Greenfield Village. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.