The Bert Show

Episode Title: One Bert's Big Adventure Mom Shares What To Expect This Year!
Date: February 19, 2026

Episode Overview

This special episode of The Bert Show focuses on the 24th year of "Bert's Big Adventure"—a long-standing tradition taking children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families on a magical trip to Disney World. The hosts bring back Caitlyn, Roy, and Emma—the family of Liam, a past participant—to share heartfelt stories, lessons learned, and advice for new families gearing up for the adventure. The conversation dives deeply into what makes Bert's Big Adventure more than just a one-time trip, highlighting the lasting sense of community, connection, and mutual support.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Legacy and Evolution of Bert's Big Adventure

Timestamps: 01:59–04:18

• VIP Experience: The trip starts with a private flight and a sense of exclusivity ("The VIP right there, man." – [C] 01:59).

• Reflection on Growth: Bert and the team reflect on the accidental longevity of the initiative and how the Atlanta community embraced it.

  "When I got hired on Q997, I thought we would last one year...No, I did not think that Burt's Big Adventure would be around this long."
  — Bert ([C], 02:44)

• Focus for Bert: Now that Bert isn’t juggling the daily radio show, he can immerse himself in the experience and the pride of the community’s collective effort.

• Community Support: The show emphasizes the vital role of listeners' donations and involvement, and encourages everyone to follow the journey on social media and the event website.

2. Reuniting with a Previous Family: The Importance of Community

Timestamps: 05:13–08:23

• Tradition of Wisdom: Each year, a family from the previous trip is invited back to share what to expect with new families. This year, it’s Liam’s family.
• Memorable Experience – Andy Grammer Surprise:
  • Caitlyn recounts a powerful moment when Andy Grammer performed "Don't Give Up on Me" for Liam, a song that comforted him during his battle with epilepsy.

    "Disney was awesome. But, hey, that Andy Grammer..."
    — Caitlyn ([E], 07:17)

  • The personal touch and emotional support from the show’s team created meaningful, unforgettable memories.

    "Not a dry eye in the house."
    — [D], recalling Andy Grammer serenading Liam ([07:47])

3. Passing the Torch: Advice and Insights for New Families

Timestamps: 08:23–10:51

• Being ‘Just a Mom’: Caitlyn shares how the trip allowed her to step out of the “medical parent” role and simply enjoy being present with her children.

  "Disney gave me a chance to be a mom, just a mom. And that's something that I've never really gotten to be."
  — Caitlyn ([E], 08:36)

• The Ongoing Community: After the trip, reunions and friendships continue, providing support through shared experiences—birthday parties, milestones, and even tough medical appointments.

  "The way that you guys continue to pour into us...if I have like a hard appointment for him coming up, I'm putting on a Bert shirt. Like, that's my cape now."
  — Caitlyn ([E], 09:42)

• Unexpected Consequences: The adventure extends well beyond Disney, giving families confidence, connections, and a lasting sense of belonging.

4. Building Lasting Bonds: A Real Family

Timestamps: 10:51–13:56

• Hosts’ Reflections: Bert and Kristen discuss how what started as a simple trip has grown into an essential support community for families of children with serious illnesses.

  "The trip down to Disney World is always going to be at the center of what we do...But the sense of community and the family...we never saw that happening. And that might be the most important part of Bert's Big Adventure."
  — Bert ([C], 12:18)

• Validation and Empathy: The need for people who genuinely understand each other's struggles comes up repeatedly.

  "It's a whole different story when you have somebody else that has a child that has to deal with seizures...to have that person that you can, like, truly, truly lean on...it's invaluable."
  — Kristen ([D], 13:16)

• Welcoming New Families: The message to this year’s group—prepare for genuine relationships: support, occasional annoyances, and a whole new family.

5. Lighthearted Moments and Laughter

Timestamps: 13:58–14:24

• A Joke from Emma: In a delightful closing gesture, young Emma shares a playful joke with Bert:

  "Bert, what's this? [Points to nose] What am I holding? Nothing. Bert knows nothing."
  — Emma ([E], 14:17–14:24)

Notable Quotes

• On Legacy and Community:
  "From the very first start, I mean, we said we don't know what we're doing with Burt's Big Adventure. And Atlanta really embraced it..."
  — Bert ([C], 03:42)

• On Support and Coping:
  "I always say, like, if I have, like, a hard appointment for him coming up, I'm putting on a Bert shirt. Like, that's my cape now."
  — Caitlyn ([E], 09:42)

• On Connection:
  "Because people feel so alone, like, nobody gets what I'm going through. Nobody understands the daily struggles, and you really honestly can't, can't. Until you walk that walk."
  — Kristen ([D], 12:55)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:59 — Episode begins with Bert's Big Adventure trip logistics
• 02:44 — Bert reflects on the origins and longevity of the adventure
• 05:13 — Introduction of returning family (Liam’s family)
• 07:17 — The Andy Grammer story and its impact
• 08:36 — Caitlyn describes receiving the “gift” of just being a mom
• 09:42 — On the continuing community and newfound strength
• 12:18 — Bert encapsulates the journey from a singular trip to a family movement
• 14:17 — Emma delivers her joke to Bert

Tone and Takeaways

The tone throughout is affectionate, earnest, and dotted with humor—a hallmark of The Bert Show. The hosts and guests remain candid about the challenges families face, while also celebrating the laughter, support, and profound connections fostered through Bert’s Big Adventure. Whether you’re a new family joining the trip or a longtime listener, the episode conveys the message: “Welcome to the family—tears, jokes, and all.”