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.

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Episodes

7 days ago

7/9/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Win, Dan Hoard Interview

7 days ago

1hr 50 min

Topics include: Sal Stewart, Reds big night in win vs. Phillies, plus Dan Hoard in-studio
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Jul 8, 2026

7/8/26: Hours 3 and 4, Top 10 Running Backs, Bengals, Reds/Phillies

Jul 8, 2026

1hr 26 min

Topics include: ESPN's Top 10 running backs in 2026, more about the Bengals, and Reds/Phillies on Wednesday night
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Jul 8, 2026

7/8/26: Hours 1 and 2, Kyle Schwarber Punishes Reds

Jul 8, 2026

1hr 26 min

Topics include: Philadelphia Phillies beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-1, Kyle Schwarber hits home run
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Jul 7, 2026

7/7/26: Hours 3 and 4, Reds Trade Opportunities, Reds/Phillies Preview

Jul 7, 2026

1hr 26 min

Topics: Reds trade opportunities, Reds/Phillies preview
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Jul 7, 2026

7/7/26: Hours 1 and 2, USMNT Loses, Reds Stock Report

Jul 7, 2026

1hr 26 min

Topics include: USMNT loses to Belgium in the Round of 16 of the World Cup, and taking stock of individual Reds
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Jul 6, 2026

7/6/26: Hours 3 and 4, Contipelli's Countdown, Reds Confidence Check

Jul 6, 2026

1hr 26 min

Topics include: Contipelli's Countdown, a confidence check on the Cincinnati Reds, and more
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Jul 6, 2026

7/6/26: Hours 1 and 2, Tom Gelehrter Interview, Reds Salvage Win

Jul 6, 2026

1hr 26 min

Topics include: Cincinnati Reds salvage a win in last game of series vs. Baltimore Orioles, plus an in-studio interview with the voice of FC Cincinnati, Tom Gelehrter, previewing Monday night's United States World Cup match vs. Belgium
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Jul 2, 2026

7/2/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Lose Again to Brewers, USMNT Wins

Jul 2, 2026

1hr 26 min

Topics include: Cincinnati Reds lose again in Milwaukee, USMNT beats Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Jul 1, 2026

7/2/26: Hours 3 and 4, NBA Free Agency, Reds

Jul 1, 2026

1hr 26 min

Topics include: NBA Free Agency, plus Cincinnati Reds
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Jul 1, 2026

7/1/26: Hours 1 and 2, Nick Hagglund Interview, Zac Taylor Discussion

Jul 1, 2026

1hr 27 min

Topics include: World Cup preview interview with Nick Hagglund, Zac Taylor discussion
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