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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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  • 61 episodes
  • Avg 1 hr 18 min
  • English

Episodes 61

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  • Yesterday · 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

  • Yesterday · 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

  • Thursday · 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

  • Thursday · 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

  • Thursday · 1 hr 26 min

    9/10/26: Hours 3 and 4, Interviews with Kevin Kugler, Mike Petraglia, and Brad Evans, Plus Zac Taylor Comments

    Topics include: Kevin Kugler (Fox broadcaster), who has the play-by-play of Sunday's Bengals/Bucs game, joins to preview the game, Mike Petraglia (CLNS Media) joins to talk Bengals, and Brad Evans joins to offer fantasy football advice and more. Plus, comments from Zac Taylor -------------------------------------------- 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

  • Thursday · 1 hr 26 min

    9/10/26: Hours 1 and 2, Jon Ledyard Interview (Bengals/Bucs Preview), James Schedule Prediction,

    Topics include: Jon Ledyard (NFL analyst) joins to preview the Bengals/Bucs, James shares his Bengals schedule prediction, the Ringer's QB room rankings, 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

  • Wednesday · 17 min

    INTERVIEW: Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Senior NFL Reporter, on Bengals Expectations

    Jeremy Fowler, Senior NFL Reporter for ESPN, joins First Word to discuss expectations for the Cincinnati Bengals, whether Joe Burrow will win the MVP, Zac Taylor, 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

  • Wednesday · 15 min

    INTERVIEW: John Breech, CBS Sports Writer, Gives Bengals Predictions

    John Breech, a CBS Sports writer, joins First Word to share his thoughts on the upcoming season for the Cincinnati Bengals, including Chase Brown, Zac Taylor, the AFC North, and DJ Turner. -------------------------------------------- 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

  • Wednesday · 1 hr 26 min

    9/9/26: Hours 3 and 4, Paul Dehner Jr., Jeremy Fowler, and John Breech Interviews, and Cincinnati Wednesday Night Preview

    Topics include: interviews with Paul Dehner Jr. (The Athletic), Jeremy Fowler (ESPN), and John Breech (CBS Sports), all talking Bengals and the NFL picture Plus, a quick preview of Wednesday night's Reds game and FC Cincinnati match -------------------------------------------- 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

  • Wednesday · 1 hr 27 min

    9/9/26: Hours 1 and 2, Joe Burrow's Quotes, Elly De La Cruz Impresses, Bengals Schedule Prediction

    Topics include: reaction to Joe Burrow's quotes about playing for the Bengals, Elly De La Cruz had another stellar game, Marisa gives her schedule prediction, 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

  • Tuesday · 1 hr 26 min

    9/8/26: Hours 3 and 4, Trevor Sikkema Interview (Bengals Preview), Joey Votto Future

    Topics include: Trevor Sikkema (NFL Host/Analyst) previews the Bengals, thoughts on the future of Joey Votto in the Reds organization, plus NFL season X factors -------------------------------------------- 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

  • Tuesday · 1 hr 27 min

    9/8/26: Hours 1 and 2, Bengals Select Captains, Reds Potential Sale, Predicting Bengals Schedule

    Topics include: the Bengals announced their 2026 captains over the weekend, potential sale of the Cincinnati Reds, Jacob predicts the Bengals schedule, and NFL Hall of Fame committee changes -------------------------------------------- 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 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

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