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

4 hours ago

7/15/26: Hours 3 and 4, NBA Free Agency, MLB Salary Cap, NFL Offensive Trios

4 hours ago

1hr 25 min

Topics include: NBA free agency, MLB salary cap, NFL offensive trios, and more
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6 hours ago

7/15/26: Sal Stewart ASG, Mike Petraglia Interview

6 hours ago

1hr 27 min

Topics include: MLB All-Star Game, Sal Stewart's performance in the ASG, Stewart's comments about a potential salary cap, plus an in-studio interview with Mike Petraglia of CLNS Cincy
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2 days ago

7/14/26: Hours 3 and 4, Burns Sitting ASG, Edge Rusher Rankings

2 days ago

1hr 26 min

Topics include: Chase Burns sitting out for the All-Star Game, NFL edge rusher rankings, and more
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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCincy
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Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
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Follow James on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JamesRapien
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2 days ago

7/14/26: Hours 1 and 2, NFL Top 100, QB Rankings, Home Run Derby

2 days ago

1hr 27 min

Topics include: Home Run Derby delivered in a big way Monday night, NFL Top 100 has Lamar Jackson ranked 69th, and Joe Burrow QB ranking discussion
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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/
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Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
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3 days ago

7/13/26: Hours 3 and 4, Home Run Derby Preview, Joe Burrow QB Rankings

3 days ago

1hr 26 min

Topics include: Contipelli's Countdown, a preview of the Home Run Derby, and PFF's QB rankings
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Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
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3 days ago

7/13/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Kralling into All-Star Break

3 days ago

1hr 26 min

Topics include: Recapping the disaster of a first half for the Cincinnati Reds, weekend recap, and more
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6 days ago

7/10/26: Hours 3 and 4, Cubs/Reds, Bengals Player Rankings

6 days ago

1hr 26 min

Topics: Chicago Cubs visiting the Cincinnati Reds this weekend, Bengals player rankings, and more
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6 days ago

7/10/26: Hours 1 and 2, Clay Snowden Interview

6 days ago

1hr 26 min

Topics include: Reds loss to Phillies on Thursday night, plus an interview with Clay Snowden discussing his article about the Reds needing a change in the front office
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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCincy
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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
Follow the Crown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecincycrown/
Follow James on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JamesRapien
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6 days ago

Bengals Eyeing Super Bowl After Major Offseason Upgrades | Dan Hoard Interview

6 days ago

30 min

Cincinnati Bengals radio voice Dan Hoard stops by the show to discuss Joe Burrow, Dexter Lawrence, their offseason moves and why the Bengals are Super Bowl contenders
James Rapien, Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot also ask Hoard about the Bryan Cook signing, the defensive line and so much 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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Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
Follow the Crown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecincycrown/
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7 days ago

7/9/26: Hours 3 and 4, College Basketball Exhibition at Cincinnati Open

7 days ago

1hr 1 min

Host of the Rebound Rundown, Paul Fritschner, joins the show to discuss the upcoming exhibition at the home of the Cincinnati Open
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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
Follow Marisa on Twitter (X): https://x.com/M_Contipelli
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