Rephonic
Artwork for First Word
Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow
Bengals
Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States
Dexter Lawrence
World Cup
Ellie De La Cruz
Reds
NBA Draft
NBA Finals
Baseball
Youtube
Crown Network
NBA
Contract Extension
Texas Tech
NHL
Bengals Ring Of Honor

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 intervie... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes54Foundeda month ago
Number of ListenersCategories
FootballSportsBaseball

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for First Word

Latest Episodes

Topics include: Cincinnati Reds lose again in Milwaukee, USMNT beats Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCincy

Follow First Word on Twitter: http... more

Topics include: NBA Free Agency, plus Cincinnati Reds

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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCincy

Follow First Word on Twitter: x.com/FirstWordCincy

Follow First... more

Topics include: World Cup preview interview with Nick Hagglund, Zac Taylor discussion

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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCincy

Follow First Word on Twitter: x.... more

Topics include: Cincinnati Bengals contract negotiations, Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers series, and Contipelli's Countdown

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Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FirstWordCi... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Paul Fritschner
Host of Rebound Rundown
Rebound Rundown
Episode: 6/26/26: Hours 3 and 4, Paul Fritschner Joins, Reds/Pirates Preview
Darrin Horn
NKU head men's basketball coach
Northern Kentucky University
Episode: 6/24/26: Hours 3 and 4, Darrin Horn Interview, Reds/Brewers Preview
Darren Horn
NKU head men's basketball coach
Northern Kentucky University
Episode: 6/24/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Lose Series, and Headlines
Paul Fritzschner
NBA Draft analyst
The Rebound Rundown
Episode: 6/23/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Lose to Brewers, NBA Draft Talk
Dusty May
National champion coach, Michigan Wolverines
University of Michigan
Episode: 6/22/26: Hours 3 and 4, Reds vs. Brewers, Dusty May to the Dallas Mavericks
Greg Garza
Former FC Cincinnati and US Men's National Team player
Former FC Cincinnati, USMNT
Episode: 6/19/26: Hours 3 and 4, Interview with Greg Garza Previewing USMNT
Barrett Carter
Bengals linebacker, in-studio guest earlier this week
Cincinnati Bengals
Episode: 6/19/26: Hours 1 and 2, Bengals Young Talent, Headlines, Brendan Sorsby Discussion
Brian Parker
Bengals rookie in-studio guest
Cincinnati Bengals
Episode: 6/19/26: Hours 1 and 2, Bengals Young Talent, Headlines, Brendan Sorsby Discussion
Mike Petraglia
Vocal Bengals reporter in-studio; clnscincy.com
CLNS Media / CLNS Cincinnati
Episode: 6/18/26: Hours 1 and 2, Mike Petraglia Interview

Hosts

James Rapien
Host of First Word
Marisa Contipelli
Co-host and energy contributor
Jacob Tissot
Co-host joining to provide insight and energy

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 30 ratings
  • Cincy needed this

    Finally a regular morning sports show dedicated to the Queen City, one stop shop for my Reds & Bengals news. Breath of fresh air that you ain’t gonna get from national sports coverage. Good rhythm and flow awesome local vibe! Thanks!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RedsPhill
    United Statesa month ago
  • Breath of fresh air!

    A fresh, much needed media outlet for Cincinnati sports. James and crew are well suited for the challenge. Love it so far. Keep up the good work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KY Colonel Reb
    United Statesa month ago
  • Just right sized

    Definitely couldn’t fit all James’s ghost pepper takes in only three hours per day

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Uninformed Bengals Fan
    United Statesa month ago
  • Amazing

    So needed for Cincinnati

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Char384847
    United Statesa month ago
  • Can’t wait

    Let’s geauxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jam504
    United Statesa month ago

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#117
Japan/Sports/Football
Apple Podcasts
#223
Spain/Sports/Football

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

6/26/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Discussion, WNBA Officiating
Q: Do you think that the Bengals are in a better spot now than they were years ago, and how much more work is there to go?
The panel agrees they are better placed due to offseason additions, though they acknowledge media rankings may lag behind on-paper improvements; the discussion emphasizes keeping momentum and the potential ceiling if key pieces perform.
6/12/26: Hours 3 and 4, Geoff Cameron World Cup Preview, and Reds Talk
Q: How does Cameron view the hosting pressure compared to previous World Cups?
He notes that playing at home elevates expectations but also provides a unique platform to inspire the sport's growth across the country.
6/12/26: Hours 3 and 4, Geoff Cameron World Cup Preview, and Reds Talk
Q: What role does Christian Pulisic play beyond scoring?
Pulisic is described as a leadership figure who draws defensive attention and helps create space for teammates to capitalize on opportunities.
6/12/26: Hours 3 and 4, Geoff Cameron World Cup Preview, and Reds Talk
Q: What is the biggest challenge for the US in their World Cup group?
Cameron suggests the opening matches will set the tone and that maintaining discipline, finishing with energy, and leveraging home-field support will be crucial to advancing from the group stage.
6/5/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds/Cardinals, Reds Trade Opportunities, Bengals Talk
Q: In NFL circles, are the Bengals viewed as a contender again?
They are viewed as a contender in a competitive, wide-open AFC North, with a realistic path to the playoffs if the defense can gel and the offense stays healthy, especially after adding a premier player like Dexter Lawrence.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About First Word

What is First Word about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This daily Cincinnati morning sports show covers a broad mix of local teams, including the Reds, Bengals, and FC Cincinnati, with timely game analysis, live reactions, roster moves, and insider commentary. Episodes frequently feature in-studio interviews with players, coaches, and front-office staff, plus expert takes from regional sports media. The show blends cross-sport context, local flavor, and audience engagement through polls and live reactions, making it a go-to for fans who want quick, informed takes on Cincinnati's sports landscape each weekday. A notable strength is the consistent presence of in-depth front-office perspective and player viewpoints, which adds credibility for listeners who value insider context and potential roste... more

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How many subscribers and views does First Word have?

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Which podcasts are similar to First Word?

These podcasts share a similar audience with First Word:

1. Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals
2. The Growler
3. Bengals Booth Podcast
4. Locked On Reds - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Reds
5. Cincinnati Bengals Talk

How many episodes of First Word are there?

First Word launched a month ago and published 54 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on First Word?

Recent guests on First Word include:

1. Paul Fritschner
2. Darrin Horn
3. Darren Horn
4. Paul Fritzschner
5. Dusty May
6. Greg Garza
7. Barrett Carter
8. Brian Parker

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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