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First Word

The Crown Network

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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117 episodes
Avg 1 hr 20 min
English

Episodes 117

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September 23 · 1 hr 26 min
9/23/26: Hours 1 and 2, Dexter Lawrence Trade Rewind, NFL Power Rankings, Concern for OBJ
Topics include: looking back at the Dexter Lawrence trade after the first two games, NFL power rankings, concern level for Orlando Brown Jr., and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 22 · 1 hr 26 min
9/22/26: Hours 3 and 4, Reds Organization Accountability, Ja'Marr Chase's Performance, Confidence in UC Football
Topics include: accountability for the Reds organization after Barry Larkin's comments on Sunday's broadcast, Ja'Marr Chase's Performance, Confidence in UC football, and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 22 · 1 hr 27 min
9/22/26: Hours 1 and 2, Sam Monson Interview, Joe Burrow's Performance
Topics include: interview with Sam Monson, NFL analyst, breaking down the Bengals, Joe Burrow's average performances so far, and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 21 · 1 hr 27 min
9/21/26: Hours 3 and 4, Reaction from Bengals Win, Locker Room Sound, Overreactions,
Topics include: reaction from the Bengals' 20-6 win over the Houston Texans, sound from the postgame locker room, overreactions, defense, and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 21 · 1 hr 26 min
9/21/26: Hours 1 and 2, Bengals Beat Texans and Move to 2-0
Topics include: Cincinnati Bengals beat the Houston Texans 20-6 on Sunday to move to 2-0 on the season, postgame reaction, and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 18 · 18 min
INTERVIEW: Jay Morrison (SI BengalsTalk) Previews Bengals/Texans
Jay Morrison, Bengals beat writer for SI BengalsTalk, joins First Word in-studio to preview Sunday's game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans. -------------------------------------------- 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
September 18 · 1 hr 26 min
9/18/26: Hours 3 and 4, Bengals/Texans Predictions, Interviews with Jay Morrison and Russ Heltman
Topics include: predictions from the First Word crew for Sunday's Bengals/Texans matchup, interview with Jay Morrison previewing Bengals/Texans, interview with Russ Heltman previewing Cincinnati/Miami in the final Battle for the Victory Bell, and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 18 · 1 hr 26 min
9/18/26: Hours 1 and 2, Joe Burrow Injury, Concerns for Sunday, Texans Scouting Report
Topics include: Joe Burrow injury update, concerns for Sunday, Texans scouting report, and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 17 · 1 hr 26 min
9/17/26: Hours 3 and 4, Brad Evans Interview, Burrow Presser Takeaways, Bengals Locker Room
Topics include: interview with Brad Evans (fantasy football expert) talks Week 2 storylines, Joe Burrow press conference takeaways, Bengals locker room reaction, Reds/Dodgers preview, and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 17 · 1 hr 26 min
9/17/26: Hours 1 and 2, Joe Burrow Injury Concern, Texans' Offense, Elly De La Cruz Discussion
Topics include: Joe Burrow injury concern after he was limited in Wednesday's practice, the power of the Texans' offense, the season Elly De La Cruz is having, and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 16 · 1 hr 26 min
9/16/26: Hours 3 and 4, Joe Goodberry Interview, Thoughts on the Bengals Defense
Topics include: interview with Joe Goodberry previewing the Bengals/Texas matchup, Contipelli's Countdown, thoughts on the Bengals defense, the opportunity in front of Amarius Mims, and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 16 · 1 hr 26 min
9/16/26: Hours 1 and 2, Mike Renner Interview, Opportunity for Amarius Mims, NFL Power Rankings
Topics include: Mike Renner (CBS Sports NFL Draft Analyst) joins in studio to recap the Bengals and Bucs, the opportunity for Amarius Mims down in Houston, NFL power rankings, O-Line discussion, and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 15 · 1 hr 26 min
9/15/26: Hours 3 and 4, Interview with Charlie Goldsmith, Elly De La Cruz Discussion, Worst Word
Topics include: Charlie Goldsmith joins the show to give his thoughts on the Bengals after their Week 1 win over the Buccaneers, a discussion about Elly De La Cruz, Worst Word, and more --------------------- Leave a voicemail to be played on the show! Dial 330-REBOUND (330-732-6863) Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheReboundRundown Follow Paul on Twitter: https://x.com/PaulFritschner Follow Paul on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulfritschner/ Follow the Rundown on Twitter: https://x.com/ReboundRundown Follow the Rundown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reboundrundown/ All platforms: https://linktr.ee/reboundrundown
September 15 · 1 hr 26 min
9/15/26: Hours 1 and 2, Richard Skinner Interview, Burrow's Evolution, Running Back Blueprint
Topics include: Richard Skinner (Skinny Podcast) joins the show to recap the Bengals' win over the Bucs, evolution of Joe Burrow, running back blueprint, and more Bengals discussion -------------------------------------------- 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
September 14 · 1 hr 26 min
9/14/26: Hours 3 and 4, Bengals Win Recap, Nick Krall Set to Return, Locker Room Reaction
Topics include: Bengals start their season with a win, Reds set to bring back president of baseball operations Nick Krall in 2027, locker room reaction from the Bengals, and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 14 · 1 hr 30 min
9/14/26: Hours 1 and 2, Bengals Win Season Opener, Grades for Bengals Performance, AFC North Roundup
Topics include: Bengals beat the Buccaneers 33-27 in their season opener on Sunday, the First Word crew gives out grades for the Bengals, a roundup of the AFC North results, and plenty more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 11 · 1 hr 25 min
9/11/26: Hours 3 and 4, Interviews with Ari Meirov and Jeremy Rauch, College Football Preview, and Bengals Preview
Topics include: interviews with Ari Meirov (NFL Insider) and Jeremy Rauch (Fox19) talking Bengals ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Buccaneers, plus Contipelli's Countdown, a college football preview, and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 11 · 1 hr 27 min
9/11/26: Hours 1 and 2, Bengals Awards Predictions, Tim May (Ohio State) Interview, DJ Turner Health
Topics include: Bengals awards predictions from the First Word crew, interview with Tim May (veteran Ohio State insider) previewing Ohio State/Texas, DJ Turner surprise injury update, and more -------------------------------------------- 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
September 10 · 15 min
INTERVIEW: Kevin Kugler (Fox Sports Broadcaster) Previews Bucs/Bengals
Kevin Kugler, who will have the play-by-play for Sunday's opener between the Bucaneers and the Bengals, joins First Word to preview the game. -------------------------------------------- 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
September 10 · 15 min
INTERVIEW: Jon Ledyard (Buccaneers Reporter) Previews Bengals/Bucs
Jon Ledyard, reporter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, joins First Word to preview Sunday's season opener between the Bucs and the Bengals. -------------------------------------------- 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

Showing 41–60 of 117 episodes