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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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  • 149 episodes
  • Avg 1 hr 23 min
  • English

Episodes 149

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  • Yesterday · 19 min

    Cris Collinsworth Says Joe Burrow and the Bengals Are Making Him RETHINK Everything About Football

    NBC Sunday Night Football analyst and former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Cris Collinsworth joins James Rapien, Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot LIVE in studio on First Word Cincy ahead of the Bengals' primetime showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers! Collinsworth breaks down Joe Burrow's remarkable season, why Cincinnati's explosive offense is challenging his longtime football philosophy, and the critical matchup between Amarius Mims and T.J. Watt. Plus, he discusses Dexter Lawrence's impact on the Bengals' defense, Cincinnati's Super Bowl potential, and responds to fans who believe he doesn't like the Bengals! Start your morning with James Rapien every weekday from 7–11am ET. First Word brings you everything you need to know about the Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, and the entire Cincinnati sports scene. Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot join Rapien daily with insight, analysis, interviews, and conversations you won’t get anywhere else. Brought to you by Baxla Tractor and BaxlaTractor.com 📺 LIVE Monday–Friday | 7–11am ET ▶️ Watch on YouTube + RESN 📡 RESN: 19.3 OTA | altafiber 253 | Spectrum 999 (Ohio) 🎧: Listen Live: https://thecrown.mixlr.com/ Miss the show live? Subscribe and catch every episode, interview, reaction, and breaking news update on demand. Follow us everywhere: @FirstWordCincy

  • Yesterday · 2 hr 32 min

    Bengals' Trade Disaster Gets WORSE After Zac Taylor's Comments on Duke Tobin

    The Bengals' trade disaster with the Philadelphia Eagles just got even more uncomfortable. Zac Taylor admitted he wasn't comfortable delivering Duke Tobin's message about the failed Arnold Ebiketie trade, raising even more questions about Cincinnati's front office and how the situation was handled. James Rapien reacts to Taylor's comments, plus Joe Burrow is having a MVP year, and the First Word crew makes a BIG NFL change during Give Me The Keys! ESPN's Ben Baby and Brad Evans of BetMGM Tonight join the show! All guests are delivered by BaxlaTractor.com! Cris Collinsworth on Joe Burrow's MVP Chances & Bengals-Steelers on SNF Stay connected to First Word and become a part of Crown Network... @FirstWordCincy | @TheCincyCrown on X/Twitter Get to know First Word hosts James Rapien, Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot... @JamesRapien on X/Twitter @M_Contipelli on X/Twitter @JacobTissot on X/Twitter

  • Wednesday · 2 hr 28 min

    Bengals BACKED OUT of Eagles Trade! What Went Wrong?

    The Cincinnati Bengals nearly added to their pass rush on Tuesday, but the deal fell through and they didn't get anything completed ahead of the NFL trade deadline. James Rapien explains why they failed, especially when looking at the rest of the AFC. Jacob Tissot and Marisa Contipelli weigh in on the Bengals' trade deadline, plus John Sheeran of A to Z Sports and Nick Korte of OverTheCap.com join the show! Stay connected to First Word and become a part of Crown Network... @FirstWordCincy | @TheCincyCrown on X/Twitter Get to know First Word hosts James Rapien, Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot... @JamesRapien on X/Twitter @M_Contipelli on X/Twitter @JacobTissot on X/Twitter

  • Tuesday · 2 hr 25 min

    Bengals MUST Make a Trade Before Tuesday's NFL Trade Deadline!

    The Cincinnati Bengals have less than 12 hours to make a move ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. James Rapien reacts to Zac Taylor's latest comments, plus Jacob Tissot returns to the show and Marisa Contipelli weighs in on a 6-2 Bengals team that clearly could use some help ahead of the deadline They react to Sal Stewart winning NL Rookie of the Year, a BAD UC Bearcats loss on the hardwood and much more! Stay connected to First Word and become a part of Crown Network... @FirstWordCincy | @TheCincyCrown on X/Twitter Get to know First Word hosts James Rapien, Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot... @JamesRapien on X/Twitter @M_Contipelli on X/Twitter @JacobTissot on X/Twitter

  • Monday · 28 min

    The Bengals Need a BIG Trade... and Joe Goodberry Has a SURPRISING Target!

    Joe Goodberry joins James Rapien on First Word Cincy to reveal his bold proposal involving a first-round pick, react to Jessie Bates being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and discuss which defensive playmakers could help Cincinnati make a Super Bowl run. Should the Cincinnati Bengals make a blockbuster trade for Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean? Goodberry brings a list of intriguing options ahead of the trade deadline. Plus, they explore other trade targets, the pressure to improve before Tuesday's deadline, and Joe Burrow's offense following the Bengals' win in Madrid.

  • Monday · 2 hr 40 min

    VICTORY MONDAY: Joe Burrow Leads Bengals to HUGE Win in Madrid!

    The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-17 on Sunday in Madrid, Spain to improve to 6-2 on the season. James Rapien shares his top takeaways from the win, plus he breaks down the game with Marisa Contipelli. Hear from Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Zac Taylor and others! Then, Richard Skinner and Joe Goodberry join the show to analyze the win, share their winners and losers from Sunday's game and much more! James also shares his latest Give Me The Keys brought to you by the Wyler Automotive Family and yes, it involves Tuesday's trade deadline. All First Word guests are delivered by Baxla Tractor and BaxlaTractor.com! Stay connected to First Word and become a part of Crown Network... @FirstWordCincy | @TheCincyCrown on X/Twitter Get to know First Word hosts James Rapien, Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot... @JamesRapien on X/Twitter @M_Contipelli on X/Twitter @JacobTissot on X/Twitter

  • November 6 · 2 hr 24 min

    Bengals Have HUGE Opportunity vs Falcons to Become REAL Contenders!

    The Cincinnati Bengals have a chance to improve to 6-2 on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. If they are REAL contenders, then they'll find a way to beat a talented Falcons team. Hear from Dexter Lawrence, Zac Taylor and Tee Higgins. Plus, James Rapien explains WHY one former first round pick is a perfect trade deadline target, Marisa Contipelli shares her keys to victory and MORE during a FIRED UP FRIDAY edition of First Word! Stay connected to First Word and become a part of Crown Network... @FirstWordCincy | @TheCincyCrown on X/Twitter Get to know First Word hosts James Rapien, Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot... @JamesRapien on X/Twitter @M_Contipelli on X/Twitter @JacobTissot on X/Twitter

  • November 5 · 2 hr 24 min

    Joe Burrow's MVP Case and a Possible Reunion With Jessie Bates

    Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has put himself in position to win his first MVP award. The Bengals are 5-2 and his numbers have been outstanding. Meanwhile, a reunion with Jessie Bates ahead of the trade deadline makes TOO MUCH sense. Marisa Contipelli explains why in Give Me the Keys, presented by the Wyler Automotive Family! Dave Biddle joins the show to talk Burrow, Bengals and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Jake Liscow of Locked On Bengals reunites with James Rapien ahead of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, plus Brad Evans stops by to share the latest fantasy football insight ahead of Week 9! All guests are delivered by Baxla Tractor and BaxlaTractor.com! Stay connected to First Word and become a part of Crown Network... @FirstWordCincy | @TheCincyCrown on X/Twitter Get to know First Word hosts James Rapien, Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot... @JamesRapien on X/Twitter @M_Contipelli on X/Twitter @JacobTissot on X/Twitter

  • November 5 · 2 hr 25 min

    Why the Bengals MUST Add Talent at the NFL Trade Deadline + Joe Goodberry Joins First Word

    The Cincinnati Bengals cannot squander their chance of building a true contender. With OBVIOUS needs and the NFL trade deadline looming, James Rapien explains why the Bengals MUST make a move. Hear from Joe Burrow, Zac Taylor, plus get the latest from Joe Goodberry of BengalsTalk.com, Locked On Bengals and Bengals on the Brain. Greg Kuffner of CincinnatiRedsTalk.com stops by to discuss the Reds' offseason, a potential lockout and more!

  • November 3 · 1 hr 26 min

    11/3/26: Hours 3 and 4, College Basketball Recap with Paul Fritschner, Real or Fake

    Topics include: a recap of opening night of the college basketball season with Paul Fritschner, Contipelli's Countdown, a debate of Real or Fake, 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

  • November 3 · 1 hr 28 min

    11/3/26: Hours 1 and 2, Richard Skinner Interview, Pressure on Coaching Staff

    Topics include: interview with Richard Skinner, pressure on the coaching staff to win, Give Me the Keys presented by the Jeff Wyler Automotive Family, 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

  • November 2 · 1 hr 25 min

    11/2/26: Hours 3 and 4, Winners and Losers, Bengals Takeaways, Overreactions

    Topics include: winners and losers from Sunday's Bengals game, takeaways, overreactions, and Give Me the Keys presented by the Jeff Wyler Automotive Family -------------------------------------------- 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

  • November 2 · 1 hr 28 min

    11/2/26: Bengals Beat Titans in OT, 43-36

    Topics include: a full breakdown of the Cincinnati Bengals' 43-36 win over the Tennessee Titans in overtime on Sunday -------------------------------------------- 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

  • October 30 · 1 hr 26 min

    10/30/26: Hours 3 and 4, Bengals/Titans Predictions, Keys to the Game, Interviews with John Sheeran and Mike Petraglia

    Topics include: interviews with John Sheeran (Bengals writer) and Mike Petraglia (CLNS Cincy) ahead of Sunday's Bengals matchup with the Tennessee Titans, plus predictions for the game, Contipelli's Countdown, and Keys to the Game presented by the Jeff Wyler Automotive Family -------------------------------------------- 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

  • October 29 · 1 hr 26 min

    10/29/26: Hours 3 and 4, Jeffery Simmons Trade, Joe Goodberry, Ari Meirov, and Brad Evans Interviews

    Topics include: reaction to the breaking news of Tennessee Titans DT Jeffery Simmons being traded to the Chicago Bears, plus interviews with Joe Goodberry (Locked on Bengals), Ari Meirov (NFL Insider for The 33rd Team), and Brad Evans (fantasy 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

  • October 29 · 1 hr 27 min

    10/29/26: Hours 1 and 2, Bengals Trade Deadline Options, Give Me the Keys

    Topics include: options for the Bengals as the trade deadline approaches, Give Me the Keys presented by the Jeff Wyler Automotive Family, 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

  • October 28 · 27 min

    INTERVIEW: Geoff Hobson (Senior Writer for Bengals.com)

    Geoff Hobson, Senior Writer for Bengals.com, joins First Word in-studio to discuss the Cincinnati 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

  • October 28 · 1 hr 27 min

    10/28/26: Hours 3 and 4, Interviews with Paul Dehner Jr. and Geoff Hobson

    Topics include: interviews with Paul Dehner Jr. (The Athletic) and Geoff Hobson (Senior Writer for Bengals.com) -------------------------------------------- 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

  • October 28 · 1 hr 31 min

    10/28/26: Hours 1 and 2, Bengals Trade Options, Shemar Stewart Situation, Headlines

    Topics include: trade options for the Bengals as the deadline nears, the Shemar Stewart situation, headlines while you slept, Give Me the Keys presented by the Jeff Wyler Automotive Family, 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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