Podcast Summary: The Bert Show – Full Show PT 3: Monday, February 23, 2026 – BBA Edition

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode is a heartfelt broadcast from Burt’s Big Adventure (BBA) 2026, a longstanding tradition where the Bert Show crew, families, and children facing serious illnesses share laughs, adventures, and moving stories during a magical trip to Disney. The cast welcomes kids, siblings, and parents, spotlighting their courage, resilience, and the special bonds formed during the trip. The show delivers moments of celebration, humor, and deep emotion, focusing on living in the now, the power of community, and cherishing every moment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trip Appreciation & Partnerships

[01:32–03:42]

• The Bert Show expresses deep gratitude to Endeavor Air for providing flights, highlighting the unique and enthusiastic support shown by the airline and its staff.
• Flight crews are volunteers, selected through a competitive, heartfelt process including an essay about why they want to participate.
• Notable moment: Lighthearted banter about humorous flight attendants and pilots in costumes, reflecting the trip’s joyful, inclusive spirit.

“Endeavor Air has been such a gift to us for all these years… And they only—they don’t just give us the plane, they do it enthusiastically.” – Burt [02:27]

2. Rowan’s Family: Perseverance in the Face of Illness

[04:00–14:43]

• Burt and Kristen interview Rowan, a 12-year-old on his 4th round of daily proton radiation, and his family (parents Charlyn & Bob, brother Jacob).
• Rowan demonstrates empathy, bravery, and kindness, helping younger participant Asher face his fear of large costumed characters.
• Intimate family moments are shared, including playing chess in hospital rooms and supporting one another throughout the trip.
• The family reads a moving letter to Rowan, recognizing his perseverance, kindness, and the joy he brings others.
• Emphasis on “living in the now” and cherishing small moments.

“Your enthusiasm is infectious, your love for others is inspiring, and your unearthly endurance is astounding.” – Charlyn (Rowan’s mom, reading letter) [10:23]

“Hospital time is like on a different temporal plane from anything else… Rowan is an avid game player, which means we get to spend quality time… he beat me at chess at age six.” – Charlyn [13:02]

3. Gunner’s Family: Independence and Future Planning

[17:11–25:46]

• Gunner’s story highlights the importance of not underestimating the abilities of kids with disabilities.
• Gunner participates actively, including swimming and rides, and works in the family lawn care business (3G Lawn and Landscape), which his father Gary built in part to ensure Gunner’s independence.
• Gunner’s mom Michelle reads a touching letter about Gunner’s uniqueness, health struggles, family resilience, and the joy of seeing him “just be a kid” during the adventure.
• Celebrates the bond and positive influence among “the wheelie gang”: Gunner, Forest, and Sebastian, whose friendship sets a joyful, inspiring tone for the trip.

“Do not underestimate kids that are in wheelchairs… Gunner handles his business, man, he does not need any help.” – Burt [17:19]

“You are stronger than you know, braver than you think, and more loved than words could ever fully explain.” – Michelle (Gunner’s mom, reading letter) [23:30–25:36]

4. Manny and Lainey’s Family: Sibling Support, Self-Love, and Levity

[26:02–35:44]

• The segment centers on Manny (with Trisomy 21 and congenital heart disease), his sister Lainey (a cancer survivor), and their bustling, supportive family.
• Manny’s confidence shines during a “prince transformation” at Bibbidi Boppity Boutique.
• Focus on the vital but complex role of siblings—older sister Mari describes how she helps and leads her siblings and shares what it’s like being both role model and emotional backbone.
• Family humor is highlighted as a means of resilience, with fart joke tales providing a lighter, joyful spirit.
• Mother Beth reads a letter expressing gratitude for the life lessons her children teach her through their challenges and triumphs.

“Parents are supposed to teach their kids, but Laney and Manny, you have taught me… how to be patient, have the greatest faith, resilience, and that you can achieve any goal as long as you believe in yourself.” – Beth (Manny & Lainey’s mom, reading letter) [34:35]

“That’s Manny the man, right there… had to keep my eyes on him because he a little too close to my fiancée!” – Burt [26:40]

5. Brooke’s Family: Facing Fears, Sibling Bonds, and Triumph Over Illness

[39:29–49:54]

• Brooke and her family (mom Ashley, dad Jason, sister Eliza) share how listening to the Bert Show brought them comfort during Brooke’s leukemia treatments.
• Brooke experiences her first-ever flight and braves Disney rides, including the daunting Tower of Terror, supported by an encouraging family.
• The parents read a deeply emotional letter to Brooke, chronicling the fear, hope, and ultimate triumph of her cancer journey—and the special closeness between the sisters.
• The theme of “the smallest person being the strongest in the room” becomes a cherished phrase on the show.

“Brooke, you taught us what resilience looks like… what faith looks like… that even the smallest person can be the strongest in the room.” – Ashley & Jason (Brooke’s parents, reading letter) [45:08–49:54]

6. Reflections on BBA 2026: Community, Connection, and Living in the Now

[51:11–53:41]

• Burt and Kristen reflect on the growth of the BBA community—how friendships, sibling support, and shared moments have reached “the next level” this year.
• Emphasis on gratitude toward the families, volunteers, donors, and radio partners who make the trip possible.
• A call for listeners to reach out to loved ones, inspired by the connection and support witnessed during the adventure.
• The show ends in trademark Bert Show fashion—with a very loud OLE from the group, refusing to keep the joy contained.

“For me, this trip, again, was all about focus and living in the now… I put my phone down and really just watched this year… it was really, really a beautiful thing.” – Burt [51:17]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Inspiration:

  “The smallest person could be the strongest in the room. That’s awesome.” – Burt [52:24]

• On Parenting and Letting Go:

  “I want to be there and be his support person and keep him safe. But I also know that he has to learn how to navigate life on his own.” – Michelle (Gunner’s mom) [18:24]

• On Sibling Support:

  “You could be the older sister that says ‘get out of my room,’ but instead you share your space and heart.” – Kristen to Mari [31:40]

• On Community:

  “It’s like you guys couldn’t have handpicked people better... this whole entire group has been curated to make sure we put our server hearts forward.” – Kristen [40:57]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Endeavor Air Thanks & Light Moments: [01:32–03:42]
• Interview with Rowan & Family: [04:00–14:43]
• Letter to Rowan: [10:19–12:43]
• Gunner’s Story, Family Business: [17:11–25:46]
• Letter to Gunner: [23:30–25:36]
• Manny & Lainey’s Family, Sibling Dynamics: [26:02–35:44]
• Letter to Manny & Lainey: [34:35–35:31]
• Brooke’s Family, Emotional Letter: [39:29–49:54]
• Final Reflections, Community Bond: [51:11–53:41]
• Ole! Group Cheers: [52:30–53:41]

Summary Tone & Atmosphere

The entire episode is authentic, emotional, warm, and filled with laughter. The hosts act as heartfelt narrators—sometimes teasing, often reflective, always supportive. Each family’s segment is a mosaic of vulnerability and resilience, with humor providing relief and hope throughout.

Takeaways

• Community Strength: The collective bond between families, staff, and volunteers fosters profound healing and joy.
• Sibling Leadership: Older siblings often play unsung hero roles, providing stability, levity, and love.
• Living in the Present: Despite challenging circumstances, families model living fully in the moment and finding joy where possible.
• Impact of Kindness: Small acts—sharing bravery, encouraging someone, lending a smile—ripple out and transform experiences for everyone involved.
• Celebration of Individuality: Each child and family brings a powerful story, reinforcing the show’s message that everyone matters and every journey is unique.

This summary encapsulates the spirit, stories, and laughter of The Bert Show’s BBA 2026 episode—an uplifting reminder of strength, community, and the handmade joy woven from shared adventures.