SMARTcast

Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation
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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

  1. 2d ago

    The Future of Transit Is Flexible | Traci Davis Explains SMART Flex

    What if public transportation could meet you where you are — when you need it? On this episode of SMARTcast, host Paul Johnson III sits down with Traci Davis, SMART Vice President of Microtransit Services, for a conversation about the continued growth of SMART Flex and how on-demand transportation is creating new connections across Southeast Michigan. SMART Flex brings the convenience of rideshare-style transportation to public transit, allowing riders to request affordable, on-demand trips within designated service zones. Powered by Via, riders can book through the SMART Flex app — or by phone for those without a smartphone — giving communities another flexible option for reaching work, school, healthcare, shopping and other everyday destinations. Traci brings approximately 15 years of transit experience to SMART, much of it focused on on-demand transportation. Since joining SMART in 2026, she has helped lead the next chapter of SMART Flex as the service expands its reach and fills transportation gaps that traditional fixed-route service can't always address. One of the newest milestones is the expansion of SMART Flex into Northern Macomb County through a partnership with Richmond Lenox EMS. The new service zone represents SMART's first Community Partnership Program Flex zone, bringing on-demand transportation to communities where fixed-route service is limited. In this conversation, Paul and Traci explore what microtransit actually is, why services like SMART Flex matter, how the Richmond-Lenox partnership came together, and what expanding mobility options can mean for residents throughout the region. Because sometimes connecting a community doesn't mean adding another bus stop. Sometimes it means creating a new way to get there. 🚌 Learn more about SMART Flex: Visit SMART's website for current service zones, hours, fares and booking information. 📱 Download the SMART Flex app to request a ride in participating service areas. SMARTcast takes you behind the scenes of Southeast Michigan's regional transit system, introducing the people, programs, partnerships and ideas helping move our communities forward. #SMARTcast #SMARTFlex #ThinkSMART #Microtransit #PublicTransportation #PublicTransit #MacombCounty #NorthernMacomb #RichmondMI #LenoxMI #MetroDetroit #Mobility #Transportation #SMARTMovesUs

  2. 4d ago

    What Good is Quality Healthcare If You Can’t Get To It?

    Healthcare Access Starts With Access | Dr. Paul Thomas of Plum Health | SMARTcast What good is quality healthcare if you can’t get to it? On this episode of SMARTcast, host Paul Johnson III sits down with Dr. Paul Thomas of Plum Health for an important conversation about the connection between healthcare access, transportation and healthier communities. Dr. Thomas shares his perspective on providing accessible, patient-centered healthcare in Detroit and why removing barriers to care is so important. The conversation explores how something as simple as reliable transportation can play a major role in whether someone is able to make a doctor’s appointment, receive preventative care, manage their health and maintain their independence. 🚌 TRANSIT IS PART OF THE HEALTHCARE CONVERSATION For seniors, people with disabilities, individuals without access to a personal vehicle and families throughout Southeast Michigan, getting to a healthcare provider can be a challenge all by itself. That’s where inclusive public transportation becomes more than a ride. It becomes a connection to doctors, pharmacies, medical appointments, preventative services and healthier outcomes. Paul and Dr. Thomas discuss why communities have to think beyond simply making healthcare available. True access means making sure people have a realistic way to reach it. 🏥 INSIDE THIS EPISODE: • Dr. Paul Thomas and the mission behind Plum Health • Expanding access to healthcare in Detroit • Why transportation can be a major social determinant of health • The relationship between mobility, independence and wellness • How inclusive transit helps connect residents with medical care • Breaking down barriers that keep people from receiving preventative care • Building healthier, better-connected communities throughout Southeast Michigan SMART isn't only about connecting people to destinations. Public transit connects people to opportunity, employment, education, community — and healthcare. Because sometimes the road to better health begins with simply having a way to get there. 🎙️ SMARTcast — Your Stop for Everything Transit in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne Counties. 👍 Like the episode 💬 Join the conversation in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for more SMARTcast conversations about transportation, mobility and the people moving Southeast Michigan forward. #SMARTcast #SMARTBus #PlumHealth #DrPaulThomas #HealthcareAccess #PublicTransportation #DetroitHealthcare #Detroit #HealthEquity #CommunityHealth #PublicTransit #Transportation #Mobility #AccessibleTransportation #InclusiveTransit #Healthcare #SoutheastMichigan #OaklandCounty #MacombCounty #WayneCounty #TransitMatters

  3. 4d ago

    SMARTcast | Creating Opportunity Through Art with PASC Founder Anthony Marcellini

    What happens when public transit, creativity, and community empowerment all ride the same route? On this episode of SMARTcast, host Paul Johnson III sits down with Anthony Marcellini, founder and program manager of the Progressive Art Studio Collective (PASC), to explore how art can become a pathway to independence, employment, and purpose for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health differences. Launched in 2021 as the first progressive art and design studio of its kind in Wayne County, PASC, a program of Services to Enhance Potential (STEP), provides professional studio space, mentorship, gallery opportunities, and career development for artists whose talents deserve to be seen by the world. Under Anthony's leadership, the program has expanded to multiple locations across Metro Detroit while supporting nearly 200 artists in building sustainable creative careers. Paul and Anthony dive into: 🚌 How reliable transportation opens doors to creative careers 🎨 The mission behind the Progressive Art Studio Collective (PASC) 🌟 Why inclusive arts programs strengthen entire communities 🖼️ Helping artists transition from hobbyists to professional creatives 🤝 The partnership between accessibility, opportunity, and independence 🚏 The role public transit plays in connecting people to employment, education, and artistic expression At SMART, mobility is about much more than getting from Point A to Point B—it's about connecting people to opportunity. Whether that opportunity is a new job, a medical appointment, a college classroom, or an art studio where creativity can flourish, transit helps make it possible. If you're passionate about accessibility, public transportation, community partnerships, disability inclusion, or the incredible talent being cultivated right here in Southeast Michigan, this is one conversation you won't want to miss. 🚍 SMART Moves Us. #SMARTcast #SMARTMovesUs #PublicTransit #AnthonyMarcellini #PASC #ProgressiveArtStudioCollective #STEP #ServicesToEnhancePotential #DetroitArts #DisabilityInclusion #CommunityImpact #Accessibility #WayneCounty #OaklandCounty #MacombCounty #PaulJohnsonIII #MobilityMatters #TransitForAll #CreativeCommunity #MetroDetroit

  4. Jul 16

    One S.T.E.P. Closer : Dr. Grivetti Talks Transit

    In this episode of SMARTcast, host Paul Johnson III sits down with Dr. Sara Grivetti, Ph.D., CRC, Chief Executive Officer of Services To Enhance Potential (STEP), one of Southeast Michigan's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through employment, community living, education, and person-centered support. Since becoming CEO in 2024, Dr. Grivetti has led STEP with a vision centered on Breaking Barriers and Building Futures, expanding opportunities for more than a thousand individuals across Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties. Together, Paul and Dr. Grivetti explore how accessible public transportation plays a vital role in helping people reach jobs, medical appointments, educational opportunities, community programs, and greater independence. They discuss STEP's mission to help individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful employment and fuller participation in everyday life while challenging outdated perceptions about disability and inclusion. From workforce development and community partnerships to accessibility, inclusion, and the future of human services in Southeast Michigan, this conversation highlights why organizations like SMART and STEP are stronger together in building connected communities. Whether you're interested in public transit, disability advocacy, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, accessibility, or community engagement, this episode offers an inspiring look at how collaboration creates lasting impact. 🚍 In this episode you'll discover: • How STEP empowers individuals with disabilities throughout Southeast Michigan • Why reliable public transportation is essential for employment and independence • Dr. Sara Grivetti's vision for expanding opportunities through inclusion • The partnership between community organizations and public transit • How SMART helps connect riders to work, education, healthcare, and everyday life About SMARTcast SMARTcast is your stop for everything transit in Southeast Michigan. Hosted by SMART Community Ombudspersons, the podcast explores the people, partnerships, innovations, and conversations moving Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties forward—one ride at a time. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with someone who believes transportation can change lives. #SMARTcast #SMARTBus #STEP #SaraGrivetti #Accessibility #DisabilityInclusion #PublicTransit #WayneCounty #MacombCounty #OaklandCounty #Detroit #CommunityTransportation #Employment #NonprofitLeadership #Transit #Mobility #AccessibleTransportation #Michigan #CommunityPartnerships #TransportationForAll

  5. Jun 25

    🚍🏁 SMARTcast | From the Gridiron to the Racetrack: Julius Curry's Drive to Change Detroit

    What happens when a former University of Michigan football standout trades shoulder pads for race cars—and uses motorsports to inspire the next generation? On this special episode of SMARTcast, host Paul Johnson III sits down with Detroit native, former NFL defensive back Julius Curry, founder and CEO of Curry Motorsports, on the eve of the Detroit Grand Prix for an unforgettable conversation about speed, innovation, leadership, and creating opportunities through mobility. Julius shares his incredible journey from starring on the football field at the University of Michigan and playing professionally in the NFL to building one of Detroit's most exciting motorsports organizations. Through Curry Motorsports, he's opening doors for young people by introducing them to careers in racing, engineering, marketing, media production, and STEM—proving that motorsports is about much more than crossing the finish line. It's about building futures. His organization has become a powerful force for youth development, combining mentorship with hands-on experiences that expose students to careers throughout the racing industry. Paul and Julius also explore why Detroit remains one of the world's premier mobility capitals, how events like the Detroit Grand Prix energize the region, and why accessible transportation—including public transit—plays a vital role in connecting people to opportunity, education, entertainment, and major events throughout Southeast Michigan. Whether you're a racing enthusiast, football fan, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about Detroit's future, this episode is packed with inspiration, hometown pride, and valuable insight into how mobility continues to transform lives. 🚌 In this episode you'll discover: • Julius Curry's transition from Michigan football and the NFL to motorsports • The vision behind Curry Motorsports • How motorsports creates careers beyond driving • The importance of mentorship and youth development • Detroit's role as a global leader in mobility innovation • How SMART helps connect communities to major events like the Detroit Grand Prix and opportunities across Metro Detroit 🚍 SMARTcast is your stop for everything transit across Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties, bringing you conversations with the people, partners, and innovators moving Southeast Michigan forward. 👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes featuring the people shaping the future of mobility.   #SMARTcast #SMARTBus #JuliusCurry #CurryMotorsports #DetroitGrandPrix #Detroit #Mobility #Transit #PublicTransportation #Michigan #UniversityOfMichigan #NFL #STEM #YouthMentorship #Innovation #Motorsports #DetroitBusiness #Transportation #WayneCounty #MacombCounty #OaklandCounty

  6. Jun 18

    SMART's Future: New Routes & Wayne County Expansion with VP Jordan Vonzynda

    🚍 SMARTCAST | Featuring VP of Planning Jordan Vonzynda | New Routes, Wayne County Expansion & The Future of Transit Your Stop for Everything Transit in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne County! On this episode of SMARTcast, hosts Jordan Irving and Paul Johnson III sit down with SMART Vice President of Planning, Jordan Vonzynda, to discuss how public transportation is evolving and what riders can expect as SMART continues to expand service throughout Southeast Michigan. As VP of Planning, Vonzynda plays a key role in shaping the future of mobility, overseeing route planning, service improvements, and long-term strategies designed to better connect communities across Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties. In this conversation, he shares insight into the process behind developing new routes and explains how SMART is working to meet the changing transportation needs of residents. The discussion also highlights exciting route extensions and service enhancements coming to Wayne County, helping improve access to jobs, healthcare, education, and recreation. With increased connectivity and a focus on meeting riders where they are, SMART continues its mission of providing reliable, accessible transportation for the region. Jordan also discusses the upcoming Wayne County "opt-in" ballot initiative, a proposal that would allow additional communities to participate in SMART service and expand public transit opportunities throughout Wayne County. If approved, the initiative could help create stronger regional connections and bring enhanced transit access to more residents than ever before. Topics include: 🚌 Jordan Vonzynda's role as SMART Vice President of Planning 🚌 How transit routes are developed and improved 🚌 New and expanded routes in Wayne County 🚌 The future of public transportation in Southeast Michigan 🚌 The Wayne County opt-in ballot initiative 🚌 Regional mobility and economic development 🚌 Connecting riders to jobs, healthcare, and education 🚌 How SMART is planning for the future At SMART, a bus is more than just a bus—it's a connection to opportunity, independence, and community. Subscribe and stay connected for more conversations with the people moving Southeast Michigan forward. #SMARTcast #SMARTBus #JordanVonzynda #WayneCounty #PublicTransit #TransitPlanning #Transportation #Detroit #OaklandCounty #MacombCounty #WayneCountyTransit #Mobility #TransitExpansion #RegionalTransit #BusRoutes #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityConnection #SoutheastMichigan #SMART

  7. Mar 19

    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

  8. 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

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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

Information

  • Creator
    Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    SMARTcast