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

Jun 4, 2026

INTERVIEW: Fox19's Joe Danneman (6/4/26)

Jun 4, 2026

33 min

Fox19 Sports Director Joe Danneman joins First Word to discuss the Cincinnati Reds, the Bengals, and the NBA. Bengals topics include OTAs and the vibe around the team.
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Jun 4, 2026

INTERVIEW: Cincinnati Reds Pre and Postgame Host Brian Giesenschlag (6/4/26)

Jun 4, 2026

17 min

Cincinnati Reds pre and postgame host Brian Giesenschlag joins the show to talk about the injuries the Reds have suffered as well as the issues the Reds have had with their bullpen.
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Jun 4, 2026

INTERVIEW: ESPN Senior NFL Reporter Jeremy Fowler (6/4/26)

Jun 4, 2026

14 min

The First Word crew was joined Thursday by ESPN Senior NFL Reporter Jeremy Fowler to talk about the Cincinnati Bengals from a national perspective as well as the Myles Garrett trade and more.
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Jun 4, 2026

6/4/26: Hours 3 and 4, Interviews with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Fox19's Joe Danneman

Jun 4, 2026

1hr 26 min

The second half of First Word with James Rapien from June 4th, 2026, including interviews with Jeremy Fowler of ESPN and Joe Danneman of Fox19.
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Jun 4, 2026

6/4/26: Hours 1 and 2, Interview with Brian Giesenschlag

Jun 4, 2026

1hr 42 min

The first two hours of First Word with James Rapien from June 4th, 2026, including an interview with Cincinnati Reds pre and postgame host Brian Giesenschlag.
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Jun 4, 2026

INTERVIEW: Bengals Center Ted Karras

Jun 4, 2026

25 min

Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras stops by the First Word studio to talk about the Dexter Lawerence trade, Joe Burrow's "Super Bowl" comments, Karras' career, and plenty more.
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Jun 3, 2026

6/3/26: Hours 3 and 4, Ted Karras, Royals/Reds, NBA Finals Preview

Jun 3, 2026

1hr 50 min

The second half of First Word with James Rapien from June 3rd, 2026.
This half of the show includes an interview with Bengals center Ted Karras, Royals vs. Reds series thoughts, and an NBA Finals preview.
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Jun 3, 2026

6/3/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Walk-Off Win

Jun 3, 2026

1hr 51 min

The first two hours of First Word from June 3rd, 2026.
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Jun 2, 2026

6/2/26: Hours 3-4, Myles Garrett Trade and Reds Updates

Jun 2, 2026

1hr 57 min

The final two hours of First Word with James Rapien from June 2nd.
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Jun 2, 2026

6/2/26: Hours 1-2, Including Interview with Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati Goalkeeper)

Jun 2, 2026

1hr 59 min

The first two hours of June 2nd's First Word with James Rapien. Includes Marisa Contipelli's sit-down interview with FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
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