Rephonic
Artwork for First Word
Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow
Bengals
Cincinnati
Reds
Dexter Lawrence
Ellie De La Cruz
World Cup
FC Cincinnati
Lebron James
Cincinnati, United States
Sal Stewart
Chase Burns
Hunter Green
Ring Of Honor
Seattle
Hunter Greene
NBA Draft
NBA Finals

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

PublishesDailyEpisodes127Founded3 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
FootballBaseballSports

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for First Word

Latest Episodes

Topics include: Bengals preseason TV play-by-play voice Mike Watts joins to share his thoughts on how the preseason has gone, preseason game two winners, and more

--------------------------------------------

Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: http... more

Topics: Bengals win their second preseason game, JJ Bleday hits for the cycle, Reds recap, and more

--------------------------------------------

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

Follow First Word on Twitt... more

Topics include: Contipelli's Countdown, Bengals/Bears preseason game expectations, and more

--------------------------------------------

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

Follow First Word on Twitter: http... more

Topics include: Joe Goodberry (Bengals on the Brain) joins for an interview, Bengals/Bears preseason game preview, Noelvi Marte sent down again, and more

--------------------------------------------

Subscribe to First Word on YouTube: www.y... 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.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals
Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati BengalsLocked On Podcast Network, James Rapien, Jake Liscow
The Growler
The GrowlerPaul Dehner Jr.
Bengals Booth Podcast
Bengals Booth PodcastCincinnati Bengals
Locked On Reds - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Reds
Locked On Reds - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati RedsLocked On Podcast Network, Jeff Carr, Steven Offenbaker
Cincinnati Bengals Talk
Cincinnati Bengals TalkCincinnati Bengals Talk, HMA

Recent Guests

Mike Renner
CBS Sports analyst
CBS Sports
Episode: 8/10/26: Hours 1 and 2, Mike Renner Interview, Bengals Training Camp, Reds Swept
Paul Dana Jr.
Athletic reporter
The Athletic
Episode: 8/7/26: Contipelli's Countdown, Reds/Nationals Preview, and Bengals ICYMI
Mike Petrella
Trags on X, Bengals beat writer
Trags on Axe / clnscnc.com
Episode: 8/7/26: Contipelli's Countdown, Reds/Nationals Preview, and Bengals ICYMI
Pete Holtermann
President of Holter Media; tennis executive guest
Holter Media / Cincinnati Open
Episode: 8/7/26: Pete Holtermann Interview Previewing Cincinnati Open, Reds Sweep, Bengals Thoughts
Bob Moran
Cincinnati Open Tournament Director
Cincinnati Open
Episode: 8/6/26: Hours 3 and 4, Bob Moran Interview, Bengals Training Camp, Reds Discussion
Al Golden
Bengals defensive coordinator/coach
Cincinnati Bengals
Episode: 8/5/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Beat Athletics, Bengals Training Camp Reactions
Bob Castellini
Owner of the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
Episode: 8/5/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Beat Athletics, Bengals Training Camp Reactions
Terry Francona
Manager of the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
Episode: 8/5/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Beat Athletics, Bengals Training Camp Reactions
Ben Baby
Sports journalist (ESPN)
ESPN
Episode: 8/5/26: Hours 1 and 2, Reds Beat Athletics, Bengals Training Camp Reactions

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 60 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 States3 months 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 States3 months 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 States3 months ago
  • Amazing

    So needed for Cincinnati

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Char384847
    United States3 months ago
  • Can’t wait

    Let’s geauxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jam504
    United States3 months ago

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#202
Japan/Sports/Football

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Bengals Training Camp Reaction with Mike Petraglia
Q: Do you think the Bengals will get any of the major extensions done before the season?
There is optimism that at least one deal could get done, with DJ Turner appearing as a priority, though they may target both Turner and Dax Hill if possible.
Bengals Training Camp Reaction with Mike Petraglia
Q: What has stood out about Joe Burrow so far in training camp?
Burrow is facing pressure from the defensive line and is being tested early in camp, which is helping gauge his readiness and the offense's rhythm.
7/7/26: Hours 3 and 4, Reds Trade Opportunities, Reds/Phillies Preview
Q: Sam, what does Edwin Arroyo bring to the Reds and how does his shoulder injury history affect his trajectory?
Arroyo brings strong defensive versatility and the potential to be a high-upside middle infielder, with the shoulder injury a variable that has affected his development but has shown signs of progression and resilience as he has moved up levels.
7/21/26: Hours 3 and 4, Carter Chapley FC Cincinnati Interview, Contipelli's Countdown
Q: What makes Chase Burns' contract extension significant for the Reds?
The extension is framed as team-friendly and crucial for maintaining a competitive rotation by locking in a young ace who can anchor the staff while controlling future free-agent risk.
7/21/26: Hours 3 and 4, Carter Chapley FC Cincinnati Interview, Contipelli's Countdown
Q: What are FC Cincinnati's biggest needs heading into the second half of the season?
The discussion centers on shoring up the defense and maintaining depth, while also leveraging Miles Robinson's return and Evander's leadership to stabilize the midfield and back line.

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

Where can I find podcast stats for First Word?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for First Word. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to First Word and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does First Word get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for four million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for First Word, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for First Word?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for First Word, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does First Word have?

To see how many followers or subscribers First Word has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

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 3 months ago and published 127 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact First Word?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for First Word?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for First Word from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for First Word?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of First Word. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on First Word?

Recent guests on First Word include:

1. Mike Renner
2. Paul Dana Jr.
3. Mike Petrella
4. Pete Holtermann
5. Bob Moran
6. Al Golden
7. Bob Castellini
8. Terry Francona

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.

Find and pitch the right podcasts

We help savvy brands, marketers and PR professionals to find the right podcasts for any topic or niche. Get the data and contacts you need to pitch podcasts at scale and turn listeners into customers.
Try it free for 7 days