SMARTcast

Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation

Welcome to SMARTcast – Your Official Stop for Everything Transit in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne County! Hop on board with your witty transit hosts, Jordan Irving and Paul Johnson III, the dynamic duo bringing heart, humor, and hometown flavor to the world of public transportation. Jordan’s got the moves of a well-timed bus transfer—classy, smooth, and always on time. A proud Detroit native and transit enthusiast, she’s traveled near and far, but her heart rides with SMART. Paul? He’s the voice of mobility justice—an unwavering advocate for accessible transit that works for everybody, no matter the wheels they roll on. Together, they navigate the stories, policies, and power players shaping transit across Southeast Michigan. From Wayne to Macomb to Oakland County, no route is off-limits and no topic too taboo. Whether they’re talking about bus stop upgrades, the economics of mobility, or that one wild ride with the breakdancing passenger—SMARTcast keeps it real, relevant, and ridiculously entertaining. Tune in for lively convos, community voices, and an all-access pass to new roads. SMART MOVES US. 🚏 Next stop: Insight, impact, and a whole lot of laughs. #SMARTcast #SMARTMovesUs #TransitThursday #TransitPodcast

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    When the Bus Doesn’t Come, Everything Falls Apart | Transit & Mental Health

    Access isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B—it’s about dignity, stability, and survival. On this powerful episode of SMARTcast, host Paul Johnson III brings together two leaders at the intersection of transit and mental health: Danny Whitehouse, VP of Paratransit at SMART, and James White, CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN). Together, they unpack the critical role that reliable, accessible public transportation plays for individuals navigating mental health challenges across Wayne County and beyond. From missed appointments to missed opportunities, the conversation dives into how inconsistent transit can directly impact mental health outcomes—and how paratransit services, community partnerships, and forward-thinking leadership are working to close those gaps. This isn’t just a transit conversation—it’s a human one. If you care about public transportation, mental health advocacy, accessibility, and community impact, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎙️ Topics include: The connection between mental health services and public transit Why dependable paratransit is essential for vulnerable populations How SMART and DWIHN are collaborating to improve outcomes Breaking barriers to access in Southeast Michigan communities The future of equitable mobility solutions Tap in, because when transit works—people have a chance to thrive. #SMARTcast #PublicTransit #MentalHealthAwareness #Paratransit #DWIHN #SMARTBus #Detroit #WayneCounty #AccessibilityMatters #TransitEquity #CommunityImpact

    46 min
  2. FEB 19

    Recognizing Granville T. Woods : David L. Head Talks About His Award-Winning Documentary

    In this powerful episode of SMARTcast, we sit down with David L. Head, a former MTA Bus Operator in New York City who has transformed his frontline transit experience into a lifelong mission of education, preservation, and recognition. David L. Head is a historian, author, and Telly Award-winning documentarian, widely known for his groundbreaking work honoring Granville T. Woods, often referred to as the Black Edison. Through meticulous research, storytelling, and advocacy, Head has brought renewed attention to Woods’ critical contributions to Black history, electrical innovation, and public transit systems. 📘🎥 In this SMARTcast conversation, Head discusses: 👉 His journey from MTA bus operator to historian and filmmaker 👉 Why Granville T. Woods’ legacy matters to transit professionals today 👉 The research behind his book and award-winning documentary 👉 How transit history and Black innovation are deeply interconnected 👉 His ongoing mission to educate, preserve, and inspire future generations This episode is a reminder that transit is more than buses and rail—it’s innovation, equity, and untold stories that deserve to be heard. SMARTcast continues its commitment to elevating voices that shape the past, present, and future of public transportation. 🎧 Tune in to learn how history moves us forward. 🔔 Subscribe to SMARTcast for conversations at the intersection of transit, community, innovation, and impact. #SMARTcast #DavidLHead #GranvilleTWoods #BlackEdison #TransitHistory #PublicTransportation #BlackHistory #TransitInnovation #TellyAward

    29 min
  3. FEB 8

    Public Transit Meets Mental Health Access | SMARTcast Ep. Feat. Tiffany J. Gunter & James White

    🚍🧠 Public Transit Meets Mental Health Access | SMARTcast Episode Featuring Tiffany J. Gunter & James White Public transportation is more than buses and routes — it’s a lifeline connecting communities to healthcare, opportunity, and stability. In this powerful episode of SMARTcast, host Paul Johnson III leads an important conversation exploring how public transit and mental health services work together to support residents across Wayne County, Michigan. Joining the discussion are two influential leaders shaping regional access and community wellness: 🔹 Tiffany J. Gunter – CEO of SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) 🔹 James White – CEO of DWIHN (Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network) Together, they break down how reliable public transportation helps remove barriers to mental health treatment, strengthens community outreach, and improves quality of life for residents who rely on transit to reach critical services. 🎙️ In This Episode, We Discuss: ✅ The role of public transit in expanding mental health access in Wayne County ✅ How SMART transportation services help riders reach behavioral health appointments and support programs ✅ The growing partnership between transit agencies and healthcare networks ✅ Real-world challenges facing transit-dependent communities ✅ How collaboration between SMART and DWIHN improves community wellness, accessibility, and equity ✅ The future of transit-driven healthcare solutions in Southeast Michigan 🌎 Why This Conversation Matters Thousands of Wayne County residents rely on public transportation to reach therapy, counseling, crisis services, and wellness programs. Without accessible transit, many individuals face delayed care or missed appointments. This episode highlights how transportation equity directly impacts healthcare outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. 🚍 About SMART The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) provides essential public transit services throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties, connecting riders to employment, education, healthcare, and daily necessities. 🧠 About DWIHN The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) provides comprehensive mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services to eligible residents throughout Wayne County. 📍 Serving Southeast Michigan Communities This episode focuses on the vital connection between transportation and healthcare across: Wayne County • Detroit • Dearborn • Livonia • Southfield • Downriver Communities • Metro Detroit Region 👍 Don’t Forget To: ✔️ Like ✔️ Comment ✔️ Subscribe for more conversations about public transit innovation, regional mobility, and community impact 🔔 Follow SMART For Updates: 🌐 Website: @ 📸 Instagram: @smartmovesus 🗣️ Join The Conversation How has public transit impacted your access to healthcare or essential services? Share your experience in the comments. #SMARTBus #SMARTcast #PublicTransit #WayneCountyMichigan #DetroitTransit #MentalHealthAccess #DWIHN #HealthcareEquity #TransitEquity #MetroDetroit #BehavioralHealth #CommunityWellness #TransportationMatters #DetroitHealthcare #AccessibleTransit #PublicTransportation #TransitAndHealth #MichiganTransit

    27 min
  4. 🚍 WELCOME TO SMARTcast: The Transit Talk You Didn't Know You Needed! 🎙️

    07/18/2025

    🚍 WELCOME TO SMARTcast: The Transit Talk You Didn't Know You Needed! 🎙️

    It’s here — the very first episode of SMARTcast with your hosts Jordan Irving & Paul Johnson III! 🔥 In this premier episode, the dynamic duo pulls back the curtain, introducing themselves and giving you a sneak peek at what’s rolling down the street this season 🚦. From behind-the-scenes bus stories to breaking down transit myths, hilarious hot takes, and can’t-miss community events — if it happens on wheels in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties, we’re talking about it. And guess who else makes a cameo? 🎉 That’s right — SMARTie pops in to say hello and share a few surprises along the way! 🤖 👉 Whether you're a daily rider, a transit nerd, or just here for the laughs — buckle up. Season 1 is about to pull out of the station. 🚎 Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and RING THE BELL 🔔 so you never miss an episode of SMARTcast! 🚌 Drop your favorite transit story or question in the comments — we might feature YOU on an upcoming episode! What to expect this season: ✅ Transit news & updates ✅ Behind-the-scenes SMART Bus operations ✅ Metro Detroit transit stories ✅ Community events ✅ Fun facts about public transportation ✅ Special appearances — including SMARTie the SMART Bus mascot! #SMARTcastPodcast #DetroitTransit #SMARTBus #PublicTransportation #MacombCounty #OaklandCounty #WayneCounty #DetroitPodcast #TransitStories #PublicTransitDetroit #BusPodcast #SMARTie #SoutheastMichigan #PodcastPremiere

    12 min

About

Welcome to SMARTcast – Your Official Stop for Everything Transit in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne County! Hop on board with your witty transit hosts, Jordan Irving and Paul Johnson III, the dynamic duo bringing heart, humor, and hometown flavor to the world of public transportation. Jordan’s got the moves of a well-timed bus transfer—classy, smooth, and always on time. A proud Detroit native and transit enthusiast, she’s traveled near and far, but her heart rides with SMART. Paul? He’s the voice of mobility justice—an unwavering advocate for accessible transit that works for everybody, no matter the wheels they roll on. Together, they navigate the stories, policies, and power players shaping transit across Southeast Michigan. From Wayne to Macomb to Oakland County, no route is off-limits and no topic too taboo. Whether they’re talking about bus stop upgrades, the economics of mobility, or that one wild ride with the breakdancing passenger—SMARTcast keeps it real, relevant, and ridiculously entertaining. Tune in for lively convos, community voices, and an all-access pass to new roads. SMART MOVES US. 🚏 Next stop: Insight, impact, and a whole lot of laughs. #SMARTcast #SMARTMovesUs #TransitThursday #TransitPodcast