The Bert Show – Episode Summary

Episode Title: This Letter From Bert's Big Adventure Kid Rowan's Parents Will Bring You Joy
Date: February 23, 2026

Main Theme

This heartfelt episode highlights the magical impact of "Bert’s Big Adventure," the show’s annual charity trip for children with chronic and terminal illnesses. The focus is on Rowan, a 12-year-old participant, and his family as they share memorable moments, reflections, and a moving letter from Rowan’s parents. The episode overflows with joy, gratitude, and touching stories of resilience, compassion, and living in the now.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Bert’s Big Adventure Flight Experience

Timestamps: 01:30 – 03:42

• The hosts recount the lively journey to Disney World, emphasizing the warmth and humor of Endeavor Air crew.
  • Notable detail: Crew volunteers submit essays to be chosen for this special flight, reflecting how coveted a spot it is among employees.
  • Quote (Kristen, 03:03):
    “Everybody volunteers their time... and they get hand-selected by Endeavor Air, and... they put their heart into it.”
• Fun anecdotes are shared about the flight, including a pilot in a goofy hat and a flight attendant humorously warning kids about the pressure changes on flights ("you're gonna fart!”) [01:54].

2. Introducing Rowan and Family

Timestamps: 04:00 – 06:00

• The show welcomes Rowan, his parents Sherrilyn and Bob, and brother Jacob.
• Hosts roast Rowan for his unique Disney ride choice—The Tiki Room—suggesting he may have “inspired” by Seth, a fellow Disney aficionado [05:03].

3. Disney Adventures and Special Moments

Timestamps: 06:00 – 09:13

• Bob reflects on the unique joy of being able to go on the trip, even if it comes from difficult circumstances.
  • Quote (Bob, 06:03):
    "It's a terrible way to have to get to go to Disney, but we're thrilled that we got to go…and we're honored that we got to spend this time…"
• Rowan and Jacob opt out of going on the Tron ride with Burt’s fancy meta glasses, leading to a humorous exchange about why Jacob bailed on the assignment [06:43].
• Kristen shares a touching story: Rowan helps younger participant Asher, who was scared of costumed characters because they seemed so large in real life, to be brave enough to take a photo with Chip and Dale.
  • Quote (Kristen, 08:56):
    “Sweet little Asher turned to Rowan. He goes, ‘Well, I'll go if Rowan goes.’ And Rowan looked at him, he's like, ‘Come on, buddy.’ So…because Rowan was brave enough…he got Asher to find his brave…”

4. The Letter from Rowan’s Parents

Timestamps: 10:24 – 12:43

• Sherrilyn and Bob take turns reading a moving letter to Rowan, recognizing his infectious enthusiasm, perseverance, and kindness.
  • Notable quotes:
    • (Sherrilyn, 10:24):
      “Dear Rowan, we watched you experience joy and share your precious heart with others over the course of this magical week… Your enthusiasm is infectious, your love for others is inspiring…”
    • (Bob, 11:48):
      “One of your greatest strengths is perseverance… despite being one week into your fourth round of daily proton radiation treatment, you kept up with the BBA group from before dawn to fireworks at Epcot late at night.”
    • (Sherrilyn, 12:27):
      “We are so proud of you… We are so blessed to have been given the incredible gift of this special time together.”

5. Living Life in the Now

Timestamps: 12:46 – 14:42

• Burt asks Sherrilyn about how Rowan has taught the family to live in the present.
  • Quote (Sherrilyn, 13:03):
    “Hospital time is like on a different temporal plane from anything else. And Rowan is an avid game player, which means we get to spend quality time when we’re waiting...”
• Sherrilyn and Bob recount how playing games helps them seize and savor hospital moments—a poignant anchor in their family’s journey.
  • Fun moment: Rowan beat his dad at chess at six years old (“kind of embarrassing”—Bob, 13:35).
  • Quote (Sherrilyn, 14:39):
    “I’m thinking about a lot of different things… And Rowan’s like, ‘No, we’re playing, Mom. Like, it’s your move.’ And that was the first time you beat me at chess—Harry Potter chess.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Volunteer Spirit:
  “Everybody volunteers their time... they put their heart into it.” – Kristen (03:03)
• On Unique Disney Experiences:
  “I have never, ever, ever in 24 years... had a kid say, I want to go to this enchanted tiki room.” – Burt (04:10)
• On Compassion and Friendship:
  “Because Rowan was brave enough to go see Chip and Dale, he got Asher to find his brave.” – Kristen (08:59)
• On Perseverance:
  "Despite being one week into your fourth round of daily proton radiation treatment, you kept up with the BBA group from before dawn to fireworks at Epcot." – Bob (11:49)
• On Living in the Now:
  “Hospital time is, like, on a different temporal plane from anything else.” – Sherrilyn (13:03)
• On Family and Belonging:
  “You guys are definitely part of our family now, so welcome to our family.” – Burt (14:44) “It’s a beautiful family to be part of.” – Sherrilyn (14:53)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:00 – 01:30 – Ads and show kickoff (skipped)
• 01:30 – 03:30 – Flight stories, Endeavor Air’s role
• 04:00 – 06:00 – Meet Rowan’s family; Tiki Room story
• 06:00 – 09:13 – Disney magic and Rowan’s compassion
• 10:24 – 12:43 – The letter from Rowan’s parents (main emotional core)
• 12:46 – 14:44 – Reflections on living in the present; family games and gratitude

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is filled with warmth, humor, and genuine emotion. The hosts blend playful banter with profound empathy, spotlighting courage, kindness, and the importance of family and shared experiences.

For Listeners Who Missed It

This episode offers an uplifting window into how small acts of compassion and the courage to live in the moment can make a profound difference. The moving letter from Rowan’s parents will bring a tear to your eye, while stories about game-playing in hospitals, playful Disney escapades, and joyful family memories will leave you inspired by Rowan’s strength and the love surrounding him.