Living the Dream | David Rothner | TEDxButterfish Cove

David Rothner, known on air as "BullDog," describes how replacing "you can't" with "why not?" helped him turn a childhood love of radio into a lifelong career. He recounts launching businesses, moving his family, and being offered his first radio opportunity. His story centres on taking risks, accepting uncertainty, and staying open to unexpected chances. Rothner, long-time host of the Rude Awakening Show on Ocean 98, also spent nearly two decades as a commodity broker at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange before entering radio. The talk encourages viewers to act on the opportunities around them. This TEDxButterfish Cove talk was independently organized under the TED conference format.

• From a childhood love of radio to a long broadcasting career
• Replacing "I can't" with "Why not?"
• Risk, uncertainty and unexpected opportunities
• Career path from commodity broking to radio hosting

David Rothner shares how challenging the words “you can’t” with “why not?” helped him turn a childhood love of radio into a lifelong dream. From launching businesses and moving his family to being handed his first radio opportunity, David’s journey shows the importance of taking risks, embracing uncertainty, and staying open to unexpected possibilities. He reminds us that opportunities to live our dreams are all around us—we just have to take action. David Rothner is better known as "BullDog." BullDog is the longtime host of Ocean 98's Rude Awakening Show, where he has entertained and informed listeners for more than 25 years. Before radio, he spent nearly two decades as a commodity broker at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Known for his curiosity, humor, and willingness to embrace new experiences, BullDog believes life's greatest opportunities begin just outside our comfort zones. His TEDx talk encourages people to stop saying "I can't" and start saying "Why not?" This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx