The Bert Show – Episode Summary

Episode: Bert's Big Adventure Kid Josiah's Mom Speaks from the Heart
Date: February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode of The Bert Show spotlights a family participating in Bert’s Big Adventure, the annual charitable trip to Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses. The focus is on Josiah and his family, exploring their journey with leukemia, favorite memories from the trip, and an emotional letter penned by Josiah’s mom, Tony, celebrating his resilience and the joy found amidst hardship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Souvenir Shopping Shenanigans

[02:00 – 03:43]

• The cast jokes about “running out of money” due to Kristen’s enthusiastic souvenir shopping for the Bert’s Big Adventure kids.
  • Kristin: “Never met a souvenir I didn’t like.” (02:20)
  • Listeners are encouraged to donate via text; Zaxby’s is matching donations.

Family Introductions and Park Memories

[03:43 – 06:13]

• Bert introduces Josiah’s family members—mom Tony, dad Chris, siblings Theo, Becca, Laura—and celebrates Becca’s transformation at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
  • Kristin explains: “You pick your princess … you sit down in your salon chair, and they do your hair and your makeup and your nails, and then they wave the fairy dust and the magic wand and turn you around, and that’s when you see yourself fully transformed as a princess.” (04:45)
  • The cast describes Becca’s awestruck reaction to seeing herself as a princess: “She was stunned, and you could literally see it on her face, like her jaw dropped.” (05:27)

Josiah’s Story and Sweet Moments

[06:13 – 09:31]

• Tony recounts Josiah’s leukemia diagnosis at age six and his compassion, like tying another child’s shoe.
  • Tony: “Josiah is our middle child…When he was six, he was diagnosed with ALL leukemia…he’s growing and changing. Just an amazing kid.” (06:25)
  • Dad, Chris, shares how magical it was to witness their children's excitement, especially during Disney’s fireworks.
  • Chris: “One of the big highlights for me was watching their faces glow when the fireworks went off…” (07:11)
• Mel relays a meaningful exchange between Josiah and another Bert’s Big Adventure participant, Forest. Forest asked about disabilities, leading to an honest, childlike conversation.
  • Forest: “What’s your disability?”
  • Josiah: “What’s a disability?” …“Mine too, buddy.” (09:24)
  • The kids find common ground and move on, showing natural acceptance.

The Power of Community and Inclusion

[09:48 – 10:59]

• Bert and the team highlight how kids on the trip connect over shared experiences, often for the first time, and that disabilities do not define them.
  • Bert: “You watch these kids, you wouldn’t know there’s disability there. So what is a disability? It turns out that it’s riding roller coasters.” (09:48)
• Josiah is gently encouraged to share his favorite part of the trip but becomes shy.

The Letter: Tony’s Words to Josiah

[11:36 – 14:40]

• Tony reads her moving letter to Josiah, describing the terror of the early days of his illness, their faith and hardships, and the beauty and resilience Josiah shows.
  • Tony: “Dear Josiah, there are moments in life that define everything into a before and after. The morning that we brought you to the hospital and learned that your hemoglobin was at 2.4 was one of those moments…Leukemia is part of your story, but it is not your identity. Your identity is brave. Your identity is joyful. Your identity is resilience. Your identity is being deeply loved.” (11:36 – 14:40)
  • She lists the tough hospital stays, his return to joy, mischievous pranks, and the hope symbolized by the fireworks at Disney.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Never met a souvenir I didn’t like.”
  — Kristen (02:20)

• “[Becca] was stunned, and you could literally see it on her face, like her jaw dropped.”
  — Bert (05:27)

• “Josiah is our middle child. He is nine years old. When he was six, he was diagnosed with all leukemia…Just an amazing kid.”
  — Tony, Josiah’s Mom (06:25)

• “One of the big highlights for me was watching their faces glow when the fireworks went off…It’s just one jaw-drop after another.”
  — Chris, Josiah’s Dad (07:11)

• “What’s your disability?” “What’s a disability?” “Roller coasters.”
  — Forest & Josiah (09:24)

• “Leukemia is part of your story, but it’s not your identity. Your identity is brave. Your identity is joyful. Your identity is resilience. Your identity is being deeply loved.”
  — Tony, Letter to Josiah (14:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:00 – 03:43 – Lighthearted start, souvenir shopping jokes, fundraising mention
• 04:23 – 06:13 – Family introductions, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique magic for Becca
• 06:13 – 09:31 – Josiah’s diagnosis, family memories, fireworks, and moments of kindness
• 08:11 – 09:48 – Children discussing disabilities, touching interaction between Josiah and Forest
• 11:36 – 14:40 – Emotional letter from mom Tony to Josiah, reflecting on their journey

Tone & Takeaways

The episode is a blend of humor, warmth, and raw emotion—typical of The Bert Show’s spirit. The cast and Josiah’s family share open-hearted moments, from joyful Disney memories to moving reflections on personal and familial growth through adversity. Tony’s letter stands as a moving centerpiece, articulating the idea that while illness influences life, it does not define it. Listeners come away with a sense of hope, gratitude, and a reminder of the power of joy and resilience in the face of hardship.