Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 2 – Dave Rothenberg & Fraud Alert Friday
Released on August 8, 2025
In this captivating episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, and Ty Butler dive deep into personal anecdotes, sports insights, and a unique segment titled "Fraud Alert Friday." Featuring special guest Dave Rothenberg, the conversation seamlessly blends humor, heartfelt stories, and sharp sports analysis.
1. A Night to Forget: Dave Rothenberg’s Unforgettable Date
The episode opens with Ty Butler welcoming Dave Rothenberg, who shares a poignant story from 2002 about a disastrous date that left him "scammed" and ghosted.
Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the authenticity of Dave's experience:
"[02:10] Peter Rosenberg: Here's the thing. This was a real story. It was not made up."
Dave Rothenberg recounts the evening in detail, highlighting how a seemingly perfect dinner at Doc's on Second Avenue quickly unraveled:
"[05:52] Peter Rosenberg: [...] I put her in a car at, like, 2 o' clock, 1:30, 2 o' clock in the morning. So we're looking at six and a half, maybe even seven hours of date. And I gave her a nice kiss good night and I said, I'll call you tomorrow. And that was it."
The hosts express disbelief and sympathy, questioning how someone could invest so much time and then disappear without a trace. Dave humorously labels the behavior as "psychotic," prompting laughter and agreement from the group.
2. Serendipity and Second Chances: Meeting Sherry
Transitioning from the painful memory, Dave shares the serendipitous moment he met his future wife, Sherry, shortly after the failed date.
Ty Butler reflects on the luck of finding someone genuine:
"[14:36] Ty Butler: That's amazing. So this is really kismet. It's more. You're not giving enough credit to that."
Peter Rosenberg adds a touch of humor and relief, celebrating how fate intervened in Dave's love life:
"[15:03] Peter Rosenberg: [...] Saint Sherry, who enables you to having the psychotic fandom that you currently have."
Their heartfelt exchange underscores the importance of perseverance in personal relationships, turning a negative experience into a positive lifelong partnership.
3. Family Matters: Supporting the Next Generation
The conversation shifts to Dave's family, particularly his son’s upcoming journey into college sports.
Peter Rosenberg expresses pride and a hint of anxiety:
"[19:00] Peter Rosenberg: [...] Franklin and Marshall in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. [...] I don't know that I'm emotionally ready for it."
Ty Butler jokes about the challenges of being a supportive parent from afar:
"[19:12] Dave Rothenberg: So what happens if he has like a big time game on a Sunday at 1:00'? Clock?"
This segment highlights the universal experience of parents watching their children embark on new adventures, blending humor with genuine sentiment.
4. Balancing Work and Family: The Paternity Leave Debate
A lively discussion unfolds around paternity leave, with Ty advocating for extended time to bond with family.
Peter Rosenberg shares his support despite initial reservations:
"[27:14] Peter Rosenberg: [...] I'm thrilled that Peter is able to spend time with his family and that they're able to."
Ty Butler passionately argues for generous paternity leave policies, reflecting on his personal experiences:
"[28:05] Peter Rosenberg: [...] If I was 22, if I was one of those interns who couldn't even stick around for a piece of cake, I would definitely not take months of paternity leave."
The hosts debate the merits and challenges of extended paternity leave, emphasizing the importance of family bonding and workplace flexibility.
5. Sports Insights: Yankees and Aaron Boone’s Decisions
Shifting gears to sports, the trio analyzes recent developments with the New York Yankees and manager Aaron Boone's decisions regarding player Stanton.
Aaron Boone discusses Stanton’s potential role:
"[48:01] Aaron Boone: [...] We have the guy, we have the quarterback."
Dave Rothenberg critiques Boone’s strategy with playful skepticism:
"[51:05] Dave Rothenberg: I think they see enough of him in the outfield where they know that this is just not going to work."
The hosts debate Stanton's effectiveness on the field, blending analytical insights with lighthearted banter about team strategies and player performances.
6. Fraud Alert Friday: Calling Out Fan Injustices
The episode culminates with "Fraud Alert Friday," a segment where listeners submit questions challenging their fan loyalties.
Ty Butler opens the segment by inviting listeners to assess their own fandom authenticity:
"[33:03] Ty Butler: Can I just throw one more thing out there that. Because I always get buried for everything."
A caller named Cade from Utah questions whether his Kansas City Chiefs fandom is genuine or a "bandwagon" affair. The hosts, led by Peter and Dave, rule confidently:
"[37:54] Alan Hahn: Yeah, that's kind of been the consistent. That's how he's kind of ruled on these types of matters recently."
"[37:54] Alan Hahn: Yeah, that's been the consistent. That's how he's kind of ruled on these types of matters recently."
The segment blends humor with genuine reflections on sports loyalty, encouraging listeners to evaluate their true supporting instincts.
Conclusion: Reflecting on Relationships and Loyalty
As the episode draws to a close, the hosts engage in playful banter about social interactions and professional dynamics, reinforcing the podcast's blend of personal storytelling and sports commentary.
Peter Rosenberg wraps up with warm wishes:
"[27:03] Dave Rothenberg: [...] I look forward to that for you."
The episode seamlessly intertwines personal narratives with spirited discussions, offering listeners a rich and engaging experience that balances heartfelt moments with sharp sports insights.
Notable Quotes:
- Peter Rosenberg [02:10]: "This was a real story. It was not made up."
- Dave Rothenberg [05:52]: "I gave her a nice kiss good night and I said, I'll call you tomorrow. And that was it."
- Ty Butler [14:36]: "That's amazing. So this is really kismet."
- Peter Rosenberg [27:14]: "I'm thrilled that Peter is able to spend time with his family."
- Aaron Boone [48:01]: "We have the guy, we have the quarterback."
- Ty Butler [33:03]: "Can I just throw one more thing out there."
This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg masterfully navigates through personal stories, career insights, and engaging audience interactions, making it a must-listen for fans seeking both depth and entertainment.