First Word

INTERVIEW: Barrett Carter on Bengals Defense, Dexter Lawrence Trade & Linebacker Room

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
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6/17/26: Hours 3 and 4, Part 2 of Barrett Carter Interview, Reds/Mets Preview

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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6/17/26: Hours 1 and 2, First Half of Barrett Carter Interview, Reds Win Series over Mets

The first two hours of First Word with James Rapien, including the first half of the interview with Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Barrett Carter, and the Cincinnati Reds winning their series over the New York Mets.
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6/16/26: Hours 3 and 4, Paul Dehner Jr. Interview

Paul Dehner Jr., Senior Writer and The Growler Podcast host covering the Cincinnati Bengals, joins the second half of First Word with James Rapien.
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6/16/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Dominate Mets

The Cincinnati Reds began their series against the New York Mets with a 12-0 win on Monday night.
Hear about all of that and more in the first half of June 16th's First Word with James Rapien.
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6/15/26: Hours 3 and 4, Brian Parker II Interview, Reds-Mets Preview

2026 Bengals draft pick Brian Parker II, a 2022 St. Xavier high school graduate, joins the First Word crew. Plus, topics including the Cincinnati Reds series against the New York Mets.
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6/15/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Lose Series, Bengals Trade Opportunities, and Knicks Win Title

The first two hours of First Word with James Rapien from June 15th, including the Cincinnati Reds losing their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Cincinnati Bengals and their trade opportunities, and the New York Knicks winning the NBA title.
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6/12/26: Hours 3 and 4, Geoff Cameron World Cup Preview, and Reds Talk

The second half of First Word with James Rapien, including an interview with Geoff Cameron previewing the World Cup, and Reds talking entering their series with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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6/12/26: Hours 1 and 2, While You Slept, Bengals Ring of Honor

The first two hours of First Word with James Rapien, including headlines from while you were sleeping, Bengals Ring of Honor discussion, and more.
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6/11/26: Hours 3 and 4, Contipelli's Countdown, Cashius Howell Contract, and Reds

The second half of First Word with James Rapien, including Contipelli's Countdown, the Cashius Howell contract, and the Reds.
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