
First Word
First Word with James Rapien is Cincinnati’s only daily morning sports show, covering the latest news, analysis, and insider insights on the biggest sports stories. The show focuses on the Bengals, Reds, FC Cincinnati, Bearcats, Musketeers, and Ohio State Buckeyes, with breaking news, game reactions, exclusive interviews, and expert analysis. It airs live weekdays from 7-11 AM ET on YouTube and the Rock Entertainment Sports Network, and is available on demand.
Episodes
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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List
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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6/3/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Walk-Off Win
The first two hours of First Word from June 3rd, 2026.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 liste
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