First Word

First Word with James Rapien is Cincinnati’s ONLY daily morning sports show, delivering the latest news, analysis, and insider insight on the biggest stories in sports.

Rapien is joined by Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot to cover everything happening with the Bengals, Reds, FC Cincinnati, Bearcats, Musketeers and Ohio State Buckeyes.

From breaking news and game reactions to exclusive interviews, roster updates, and expert analysis, First Word gets you caught up on everything you need to know before the day starts. Watch LIVE weekdays from 7-11AM ET on YouTube and the Rock Entertainment Sports Network, or listen on demand anytime.

If you're looking for a Cincinnati sports podcast that keeps you informed every morning, First Word is your go-to show.
Follow the show and start your morning with First Word.

Listen on:

Episodes

3 hours ago

INTERVIEW: Jason Fitz (Yahoo Sports) on the Bengals, Dexter, AFC North, and Maxx Crosby

3 hours ago

10 min

Jason Fitz of Yahoo Sports joins First Word to discuss the Bengals, Dexter Lawrence, the AFC North, and the Maxx Crosby saga
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3 hours ago

10 min

6 hours ago

8/28/26: Hours 3 and 4, Mike Odom Interview, Reds/Cubs Preview, Bengals Preseason Finale Thoughts

6 hours ago

1 hr 26 min

Topics include: Mike Odom (new Northern Kentucky AD) joins the show in-studio, Reds/Cubs series preview, Bengals preseason finale thoughts, and more
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Listen to First Word LIVE on Mixlr: https://thecrown.mixlr.com/
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Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
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6 hours ago

1 hr 26 min

8 hours ago

8/28/26: Hours 1 and 2, Jason Fitz Interview, Bengals Preseason Finale

8 hours ago

1 hr 27 min

Topics include: interview with Jason Fitz (Yahoo Sports daily host) talking Bengals and NFL headlines, Bengals preseason finale discussion, Bengals biggest remaining needs, and more
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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Twitter: https://x.com/FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstwordcincy/
Listen to First Word LIVE on Mixlr: https://thecrown.mixlr.com/
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Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
Follow the Crown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecincycrown/
Follow James on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JamesRapien
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Follow Jacob on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JacobTissot

8 hours ago

1 hr 27 min

2 days ago

8/27/26: Hours 3 and 4, Brad Evans Interview (Fantasy Football), Bengals Roster Moves

2 days ago

1 hr 26 min

Topics include: Brad Evans interview on fantasy football, Contipelli's Countdown, and more
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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Twitter: https://x.com/FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstwordcincy/
Listen to First Word LIVE on Mixlr: https://thecrown.mixlr.com/
Follow First Word on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstWordCincy
Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
Follow the Crown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecincycrown/
Follow James on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JamesRapien
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Follow Jacob on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JacobTissot

2 days ago

1 hr 26 min

2 days ago

8/27/26: Hours 1 and 2, James' Bengals Roster Prediction, Reds Historic Rally Plus Roster Moves

2 days ago

1 hr 27 min

Topics include: Reds historic rally against the Giants on Wednesday, Reds roster moves, James' Bengals roster predictions, reaction to Marvin Lewis' comments, and more
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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Twitter: https://x.com/FirstWordCincy
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Listen to First Word LIVE on Mixlr: https://thecrown.mixlr.com/
Follow First Word on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstWordCincy
Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
Follow the Crown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecincycrown/
Follow James on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JamesRapien
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2 days ago

1 hr 27 min

3 days ago

8/26/26: Hours 3 and 4, Avoiding Disaster on Chase's Injury, Bengals Thoughts

3 days ago

1 hr 27 min

Topics include: Contipelli's Countdown, avoiding disaster on Ja'Marr Chase's injury, and more Bengals thoughts
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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Twitter: https://x.com/FirstWordCincy
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Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
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3 days ago

1 hr 27 min

3 days ago

8/26/26: Hours 1 and 2, Jon Ledyard Interview, Ja'Marr Chase Injury, Reds Lose to Giants, Bengals Roster

3 days ago

1 hr 27 min

Topics include: interview with Jon Ledyard (NFL analyst), Ja'Marr Chase's injury scare on Tuesday, Reds lose to Giants, Jacob's final Bengals roster prediction
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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Twitter: https://x.com/FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstwordcincy/
Listen to First Word LIVE on Mixlr: https://thecrown.mixlr.com/
Follow First Word on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstWordCincy
Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
Follow the Crown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecincycrown/
Follow James on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JamesRapien
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3 days ago

1 hr 27 min

4 days ago

8/25/26: Hours 3 and 4, Headlines from Bengals Camp, Reds/Giants Preview

4 days ago

1 hr 26 min

Topics include: James makes his suggestion for two players the Bengals should sign, headlines from Bengals camp, Reds/Giants preview, and more
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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Twitter: https://x.com/FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstwordcincy/
Listen to First Word LIVE on Mixlr: https://thecrown.mixlr.com/
Follow First Word on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstWordCincy
Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
Follow the Crown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecincycrown/
Follow James on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JamesRapien
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4 days ago

1 hr 26 min

4 days ago

8/25/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Shut Out, Marisa's Final Roster

4 days ago

1 hr 27 min

Topics include: Reds shut out in Arizona, Marisa's final 53-man roster, and plenty more from around the area
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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Twitter: https://x.com/FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstwordcincy/
Listen to First Word LIVE on Mixlr: https://thecrown.mixlr.com/
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Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
Follow the Crown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecincycrown/
Follow James on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JamesRapien
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4 days ago

1 hr 27 min

5 days ago

8/24/26: Hours 3 and 4, Mike Watts Interview, Preseason Game 2 Winners

5 days ago

1 hr 26 min

Topics include: Bengals preseason TV play-by-play voice Mike Watts joins to share his thoughts on how the preseason has gone, preseason game two winners, and more
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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Twitter: https://x.com/FirstWordCincy
Follow First Word on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstwordcincy/
Listen to First Word LIVE on Mixlr: https://thecrown.mixlr.com/
Follow First Word on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstWordCincy
Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
Follow the Crown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecincycrown/
Follow James on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JamesRapien
Follow Marisa on Twitter (X): https://x.com/M_Contipelli
Follow Jacob on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JacobTissot

5 days ago

1 hr 26 min