The Bert Show – Full Show PT 2: Monday, February 23 - BBA EDITION

Date: February 23, 2026
Theme: Highlights from Burt’s Big Adventure 2026 – Heartfelt Stories, Disney Magic & Family Bonds

Episode Overview

This episode of The Bert Show centers around the annual Burt’s Big Adventure (BBA), where the show’s cast and selected families of children with chronic and/or terminal illnesses are treated to a magical Disney World experience. The episode introduces listeners to several of the BBA families, shares powerful personal stories, and celebrates moments of courage, connection, and joy. Through candid discussions, emotional letters, and contagious laughter, the Bert Show family and their guests provide insight into what makes Burt’s Big Adventure a life-changing journey for everyone involved.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Meet Forrest and Mom, Alex

• (01:44–12:44)

• Forrest, 8 years old, born with multiple missing limbs, is described as magnetic, effervescent, and remarkably independent.

• His mom, Alex, describes how Forrest's physical differences inform a unique and insightful worldview. Alex recounts her approach to empowering him, even when well-meaning strangers want to help more than is necessary.

• Forrest’s leadership and resilience shine – he’s renamed the trip "Biart’s Big Adventure" and leads dance parties and pool games.

• They recall special Disney moments, like overcoming fear on rides, and Forrest’s newfound sense of community among kids with similar experiences.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “He’s a leader. He really is.” – Bert (04:14)
  • “There are no setbacks with this kid. He’s gonna make this world a better place just by being in it.” – Amber (05:11)
  • “What’s on the other side of fear?” “Freedom.” – Alex’s reframe, recalled by Bert (08:23)

2. Kendall’s Family’s Disney Magic

• (15:44–24:32)

• Kristin shares her epic day with Kendall, her family (mom Phoebe, dad Carv, and brother Cairo) at Hollywood Studios. Kendall’s joy draws magic their way: front-row seats at "Beauty and the Beast Live," a backstage meeting with Belle and Prince Adam, and surprise meet-and-greets with other characters.

• Kendall’s smile and presence bring unexpected opportunities, turning even long lines into special moments ("the Kendall factor").

• The importance of representation comes through in an emotional encounter with live-action Ariel, whom Kendall adores.

  Notable Quote:

  • “I got to witness Black girl magic in the flesh, and it was so spectacular.” – Amber, on Kendall meeting Ariel (21:43)

• The family’s moving letter highlights Kendall’s journey: born at 24 weeks, facing cerebral palsy and sickle cell disease, yet radiating joy and resilience.

  Letter (Summarized)

  • "You shine, you smile, you love. You keep going...This week felt like a real life fairy tale. Watching you meet your princesses who look like you...Those are the moments we will treasure forever." – Mom & Dad (24:43)

3. Asher and Kristen: The Ultimate Codependents

• (27:20–37:37)

• Bert and the team describe the unbreakable bond formed between 5-year-old Asher, who’s battled medulloblastoma (brain cancer), and Kristen, mirroring the needs and joys of parenting at that stage.

• Anecdotes highlight Asher’s love of rides, his emotional connection with Kristen—including a meltdown when an elevator separated them (32:23)—and the magic of “endless whipped cream” provided by Disney cast members.

• This segment demonstrates the impact of empathy, adaptability, and humor on these trips.

  Notable Quotes:

  • "There are two times in Asher’s life right now: the time he’s with Kristen, and the time he’s waiting." – Bert (34:43)
  • “You can do hard things, and you are never alone.” – Letter from Asher’s family (39:41)

• The bonds extend to the parents, who share resources and support, making life after BBA easier.

  Notable Quote:

  • “Some of the best resources I have genuinely gotten from other moms, not the hospital, not social workers.” – Brianna (35:34)

4. Jameson: Pin Collector, Dance Party Starter, and Spokeskid

• (41:58–53:37)

• Bert apologizes for “overselling” Jameson on collecting the most Disney pins after Gunner one-ups him, but celebrates Jameson’s enthusiastic spirit.

• Jameson, who’s had to overcome multiple heart surgeries and is a Children’s Miracle Network ambassador, thrives at BBA—whether it’s breakdancing, riding rides, or forming friendships.

• His family shares deep gratitude for the experience, highlighting how BBA allows siblings and parents to bond and enjoy a rare stress-free trip.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “If you’d have lined up 100 words describing him, I’d have put shy at the very end of that thing, because I haven’t seen that at all.” – Bert on Jameson (53:37)
  • “Even with these obstacles, you never let them define you or hold you back...That kind of strength is something that cannot be taught.” – Jameson’s mom, in her letter (49:53)

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• Forrest ‘renames’ Burt’s Big Adventure/Biart's Big Adventure: (02:02)
• Forrest overcomes pool challenges and fear on rides: (03:31–08:53)
• Amber’s story about Forrest loving being knocked over by waves as an 8-year-old: (05:11)
• “What’s on the other side of fear? Freedom.” (08:23)
• Kendall gets front row at Beauty and the Beast and a backstage meeting: (17:14–18:33)
• Meeting live-action Ariel and the emotional impact of representation: (21:43)
• Adorable code words for wheelchair help: “banana” (push) and “doggy” (I’ll do it): (23:48)
• Asher’s elevator meltdown for Kristen (“my Kristen, she’s gone!”): (32:23)
• Parents sharing financial and support resources: (35:25–36:21)
• Bert apologizes to Jameson for not delivering enough pins: (43:16–45:01)
• Jameson’s enormous Stitch souvenir and being a Lifetime gym superstar: (46:14–47:36)
• Jameson’s mother’s moving letter, detailing his resilience and joy: (49:53)

Episode Tone & Language

The tone remains heartfelt, candid, and sprinkled with humor. The cast and families are open about challenges but focus heavily on celebration, resilience, and gratitude. The language is warm, conversational, and loaded with laughter and emotion.

Summary Table of Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamps | Key People | Highlights | |-----------------------------------|--------------|--------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Forrest & Alex | 01:44–12:44 | Bert, Amber, Alex | Independence, leadership, magical perspectives | | Kendall’s Disney Magic | 15:44–24:32 | Kristin, Amber | Inclusivity, joy, representation, family bonds | | Asher & Kristen’s Connection | 27:20–37:37 | Kristen, Brianna | Child-staff bond, emotional stories, parent support | | Jameson the Pin King & Family | 41:58–53:37 | Bert, Amber | Pin rivalry, breakdancing, family gratitude |

Notable Quotes

• “He’s a leader. He really is.” – Bert (04:14)
• “What’s on the other side of fear? Freedom.” – Recalled by Bert from Alex (08:23)
• “I got to witness Black girl magic in the flesh, and it was so spectacular.” – Amber (21:43)
• “There are two times in Asher’s life right now: the time he’s with Kristen, and the time he’s waiting.” – Bert (34:43)
• “Some of the best resources I have genuinely gotten from other moms, not the hospital, not social workers.” – Brianna (35:34)
• “You have faced more in your young life than many people will ever face and you can continue to rise above it with courage, kindness and strength. You inspire me every single day, which is why I’m able to advocate for you like I do.” – Jameson’s mom, in her letter (49:53)

Conclusion

This episode highlights the heart of Burt’s Big Adventure: fostering connection, resilience, and joy for children and families facing extraordinary challenges. The Bert Show team brings out laughter, tears, and togetherness, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how love, inclusivity, and Disney magic create lifelong memories. The honest letters, infectious laughter, and spontaneous moments reinforce that the magic of BBA isn’t just in the theme parks—it’s in the people sharing their lives and lifting each other up.