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.
Episodes
Jun 23, 2026
Jun 23, 2026
1hr 26 min
The second half of First Word with James Rapien from June 23rd, 2026, including Contipelli's Countdown, and a preview of Reds/Brewers on Tuesday.
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Jun 23, 2026
Jun 23, 2026
1hr 27 min
The Cincinnati Reds lost to the Milwaukee Brewers in extra innings on Monday night at Great American Ball Park. Also, some NBA Draft talk.
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Jun 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
1hr 26 min
The second half of First Word with James Rapien from June 22nd, 2026, including a preview of the Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers, and Michigan head coach Dusty May taking the Dallas Mavericks head coaching job.
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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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Jun 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
1hr 26 min
The first two hours of First Word with James Rapien from June 22nd, 2026, including the Cincinnati Reds winning their weekend series against the New York Yankees.
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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/
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Follow the Crown on Twitter: https://x.com/TheCincyCrown
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Jun 19, 2026
Jun 19, 2026
1hr 27 min
The second half of First Word with James Rapien, including an interview with Greg Garza, a former FC Cincinnati and USMNT player, breaking down Friday's USMNT World Cup match against Australia.
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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
Follow the Crown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecincycrown/
Follow James on Twitter (X): https://x.com/JamesRapien
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Jun 19, 2026
Jun 19, 2026
1hr 27 min
The first half of First Word with James Rapien from June 19th, 2026, including a discussion about the Cincinnati Bengals young talent, headlines, and a discussion about Brendan Sorsby.
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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
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Jun 18, 2026
Jun 18, 2026
1hr 27 min
The second half of First Word with James Rapien from June 18th, 2026, including discussion about the Cincinnati Reds and sound from Zac Taylor's press conference.
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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
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Jun 18, 2026
Jun 18, 2026
1hr 27 min
The first half of First Word with James Rapien from June 18th, 2026, including an interview with Mike Petraglia talking about the Cincinnati Reds.
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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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Jun 17, 2026
Jun 17, 2026
25 min
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Barrett Carter joined the show to discuss the state of the defense, including his reaction to the Dexter Lawrence trade, his role moving forward, what he learned from his rookie year and his mindset going into this season.
James Rapien, Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot also talked to him about his leadership, DJ Turner's ascension, his plans ahead of training camp and so much more!
Wake up with First Word, Cincinnati’s ONLY morning sports show! Start your morning with James Rapien every weekday from 7–11am ET. First Word brings you everything you need to know about the Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, and the entire Cincinnati sports scene.
Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot join Rapien daily with insight, analysis, interviews, and conversations you won’t get anywhere else.
📺 LIVE Monday–Friday | 7–11am ET
▶️ Watch on YouTube + RESN
📡 RESN: 19.3 OTA | altafiber 253 | Spectrum 999 (Ohio)
Miss the show live? Subscribe and catch every episode, interview, reaction, and breaking news update on demand.
Follow us everywhere: @FirstWordCincy
Jun 17, 2026
Jun 17, 2026
1hr 27 min
The final two hours of First Word with James Rapien from June 17th, including the second part of the interview with Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Barrett Carter and a preview of the series finale with the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Mets.
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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