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 de...
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.
--------------------------------------------
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...
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.
--------------------------------------------
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...
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.
--------------------------------------------
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...
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.
--------------------------------------------
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...
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.
--------------------------------------------
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<...
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.
--------------------------------------------
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...
6/11/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Lose on Walk-off, Knicks Comeback
The Cincinnati Reds lost to the San Diego Padres on a walk-off home run. The New York Knicks completed the largest comeback in NBA Finals history.
All of that and more in the first two hours of First Word with James Rapien from June 11, 2026.
--------------------------------------------
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/
<...6/10/26: Hours 3 and 4, John Fanta NBA Finals Preview
The second half of First Word with James Rapien from June 10th, 2026, including an NBA Finals Game 4 preview with NBC broadcaster John Fanta.
--------------------------------------------
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
<...6/10/26: Hours 1 and 2, Bengals Restructure Joe Burrow's Contract, Reds Win in Extras
The first two hours of First Word with James Rapien from June 10th, 2026. Topics include the Cincinnati Bengals restructuring Joe Burrow's contract and the Cincinnati Reds beating the San Diego Padres in extra innings.
--------------------------------------------
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
<...6/9/26: Hours 3 and 4, Ben Baby Interview
The second half of First Word with James Rapien from June 9th, 2026, including an in-studio interview with Ben Baby, Bengals reporter for ESPN.
--------------------------------------------
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
<...6/9/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Lose, Bengals Schedule Game, Spurs Win
The first two hours of First Word with James Rapien from June 9th, 2026, including discussions about the Cincinnati Reds losing to the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Bengals schedule predictions, and the San Antonio Spurs winning Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
--------------------------------------------
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...
6/8/26: Hours 3 and 4, Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby Ruled Eligible
The second half of First Word with James Rapien, including a discussion about Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby being ruled eligible for the 2026 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<...
6/8/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Get Swept
The first two hours of First Word with James Rapien from June 8th, 2026, focusing on the Reds getting swept in St. Louis by the Cardinals.
--------------------------------------------
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...
INTERVIEW: Orlando Brown Jr. Breaks Down Bengals' Offseason, Joe Burrow, Contract Extension & More
Orlando Brown Jr. joins First Word to discuss the Cincinnati Bengals' busy offseason, his new contract extension, the state of the offensive line, and expectations for the 2026 season. James Rapien and Jacob Tissot also ask Brown about Joe Burrow's Super Bowl comments, Amarius Mims' development and so much 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/
6/5/26: Hours 3 and 4, Orlando Brown Jr. Interview
The second half of First Word with James Rapien from June 5th, 2026. Includes an interview with Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
--------------------------------------------
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
<...6/5/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds/Cardinals, Reds Trade Opportunities, Bengals Talk
The first two hours of the First Word with James Rapien from June 5th, 2026.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Follow Jack on Twitter (X): https://x.com/TWLJack
Follow The Working Lunch on Twitter (X): https://x.com/WorkingLunchCin
INTERVIEW: Fox19's Joe Danneman (6/4/26)
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.
--------------------------------------------
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...
INTERVIEW: Cincinnati Reds Pre and Postgame Host Brian Giesenschlag (6/4/26)
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.
--------------------------------------------
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...
INTERVIEW: ESPN Senior NFL Reporter Jeremy Fowler (6/4/26)
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.
--------------------------------------------
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
...
6/4/26: Hours 3 and 4, Interviews with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Fox19's Joe Danneman
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.
--------------------------------------------
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<...
6/4/26: Hours 1 and 2, Interview with Brian Giesenschlag
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.
--------------------------------------------
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...
INTERVIEW: Bengals Center Ted Karras
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.
--------------------------------------------
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...
6/3/26: Hours 3 and 4, Ted Karras, Royals/Reds, NBA Finals Preview
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.
--------------------------------------------
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...
6/3/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Walk-Off Win
The first two hours of First Word from June 3rd, 2026.
--------------------------------------------
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/
...
6/2/26: Hours 3-4, Myles Garrett Trade and Reds Updates
The final two hours of First Word with James Rapien from June 2nd.
--------------------------------------------
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...
6/2/26: Hours 1-2, Including Interview with Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati Goalkeeper)
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.
--------------------------------------------
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
<...6/1/26: Hours 3-4, Bengals Assistant GM Steve Radicevic
The 9-11am portion of First Word from 6/1/26, debut day for First Word.
This portion includes an interview with Bengals Assistant GM Steve Radicevic.
--------------------------------------------
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...
6/1/26: Hours 1-2, The Debut of First Word, Paul Dehner Jr. In-Studio
Welcome to First Word with James Rapien! This is hours 1-2 from the debut show, including an interview with Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic.
--------------------------------------------
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...
Trailer: First Word
Wake up with "First Word," the only morning sports show in Cincinnati. Hosted by Bengals insider James Rapien, Marisa Contipelli, and Jacob Tissot, this is your home for everything you need to know in the Cincinnati sports world.
Live from 7-11am every Monday-Friday on YouTube and RESN (19.3 over-the-air, altafiber 253, and Spectrum 999 in Ohio). Miss the show live? Subscribe wherever you're listening right now.
Follow on social media @FirstWordCincy.
