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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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129 episodes
Avg 1 hr 21 min
English

Episodes 129

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September 4 · 1 hr 26 min
9/4/26: Hours 3 and 4, Bengals Projections, Bearcats Football Preview with Russ Heltman
Topics include: projecting Ja'Marr Chase's season totals, Cincinnati Bearcats football preview with Russ Heltman of BearcatsTalk.com, 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 4 · 1 hr 27 min
9/4/26: Hours 1 and 2, Miles Robinson Interview, Bengals TE Discussion, Headlines
Topics include: interview with FC Cincinnati's Miles Robinson, discussion around Erick All Jr., and headlines you may have missed -------------------------------------------- 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 3 · 1 hr 26 min
9/3/26: Hours 3 and 4, Brad Evans Interview, NL Rookie of the Year Discussion
Topics include: interview with Brad Evans ahead of the start of the NFL season, NFL Rookie of the Year 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 3 · 42 min
9/3/26: Hours 1 and 2, Robert Weintraub Interview (Cincinnati Magazine), Steve Helwagen Interview (Ohio State), Bengals Contracts,
Topics include: interview with Robert Weintraub of Cincinnati Magazine talking Bengals, interview with Steve Helwagen previewing the Ohio State football season, Bengals contract extension 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 2 · 1 hr 26 min
9/2/26: Hours 3 and 4, Brooks Austin Interview (College Football Preview), Bengals Offense,
Topics include: Brooks Austin (football film analyst) joins First Word to preview the college football season, a Bengals offense discussion, Elly De La Cruz injury situation, Reds/Padres 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 2 · 1 hr 27 min
9/2/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Beat Padres, ESPN Top 100, Zac Taylor Job Security
Topics include: Reds beat Padres, ESPN Top 100, Zac Taylor's job security after this season, 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 1 · 32 min
INTERVIEW: Dan Hoard Previews Bearcats Season and Bengals Roster Breakdown
Dan Hoard, the voice of the Cincinnati Bengals and Bearcats, joins the show in-studio to preview the Bearcats football season and share his thoughts on the Bengals roster as the first game of the season approaches. -------------------------------------------- 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 1 · 1 hr 26 min
9/1/26: Hours 3 and 4, Part 2 of Dan Hoard Interview, ESPN NFL Power Rankings
Topics include: part two of the interview with Dan Hoard (voice of the Bengals and Bearcats), plus a discussion on ESPN's NFL power rankings, a feature on UC's practice facility, 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 1 · 1 hr 31 min
9/1/26: Hours 1 and 2, Part 1 of Dan Hoard Interview, Reds Lose, Bengals Roster Opinion
Topics include: Reds lose series opener to Padres, James gives a QB roster take, plus part one of an in-studio interview with the voice of the Bengals and Bearcats Dan Hoard -------------------------------------------- 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
August 31 · 18 min
INTERVIEW: Richard Skinner Previews Bengals and Kentucky Football
Richard Skinner, former columnist/editor at Local 12, joins First Word to preview the Cincinnati Bengals as well as the Kentucky Wildcats football season. -------------------------------------------- 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
August 31 · 1 hr 25 min
8/31/26: Hours 3 and 4, Bengals Final Roster Discussion, Reds Monster Night at Wrigley
Topics include: Bengals final roster discussion, Reds swing for the fences in Chicago, 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
August 31 · 1 hr 31 min
8/31/26: Hours 1 and 2, Richard Skinner Interview (UK/Bengals), 53-Man Roster Review, Reds Win
Topics include: Richard Skinner joins to preview Kentucky football and discuss the Bengals, thoughts on the Bengals' 53-man roster, Reds beat the Cubs on Sunday at Wrigley Field -------------------------------------------- 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
August 28 · 10 min
INTERVIEW: Jason Fitz (Yahoo Sports) on the Bengals, Dexter, AFC North, and Maxx Crosby
Jason Fitz of Yahoo Sports joins First Word to discuss the Bengals, Dexter Lawrence, the AFC North, and the Maxx Crosby saga -------------------------------------------- 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
August 28 · 1 hr 26 min
8/28/26: Hours 3 and 4, Mike Odom Interview, Reds/Cubs Preview, Bengals Preseason Finale Thoughts
Topics include: Mike Odom (new Northern Kentucky AD) joins the show in-studio, Reds/Cubs series preview, Bengals preseason finale thoughts, 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
August 28 · 1 hr 27 min
8/28/26: Hours 1 and 2, Jason Fitz Interview, Bengals Preseason Finale
Topics include: interview with Jason Fitz (Yahoo Sports daily host) talking Bengals and NFL headlines, Bengals preseason finale discussion, Bengals biggest remaining needs, 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
August 27 · 1 hr 26 min
8/27/26: Hours 3 and 4, Brad Evans Interview (Fantasy Football), Bengals Roster Moves
Topics include: Brad Evans interview on fantasy football, Contipelli's Countdown, 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
August 27 · 1 hr 27 min
8/27/26: Hours 1 and 2, James' Bengals Roster Prediction, Reds Historic Rally Plus Roster Moves
Topics include: Reds historic rally against the Giants on Wednesday, Reds roster moves, James' Bengals roster predictions, reaction to Marvin Lewis' comments, 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
August 26 · 1 hr 27 min
8/26/26: Hours 3 and 4, Avoiding Disaster on Chase's Injury, Bengals Thoughts
Topics include: Contipelli's Countdown, avoiding disaster on Ja'Marr Chase's injury, and more Bengals thoughts -------------------------------------------- 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
August 26 · 1 hr 27 min
8/26/26: Hours 1 and 2, Jon Ledyard Interview, Ja'Marr Chase Injury, Reds Lose to Giants, Bengals Roster
Topics include: interview with Jon Ledyard (NFL analyst), Ja'Marr Chase's injury scare on Tuesday, Reds lose to Giants, Jacob's final Bengals roster prediction -------------------------------------------- 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
August 25 · 1 hr 26 min
8/25/26: Hours 3 and 4, Headlines from Bengals Camp, Reds/Giants Preview
Topics include: James makes his suggestion for two players the Bengals should sign, headlines from Bengals camp, Reds/Giants 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

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