Get To Know Our Bert's Big Adventure Kid Sebastian!

Summary

The Bert Show – “Get To Know Our Bert's Big Adventure Kid Sebastian!”

Episode Date: February 23, 2026

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Overview

This heartfelt episode centers around Sebastian, one of the kids participating in Bert's Big Adventure—a charitable initiative bringing children with chronic or terminal illnesses and their families on a magical Disney World trip. The cast shares stories, impressions, and touching moments from the adventure, particularly the strong bonds formed between the children. The highlight is a deeply personal letter from Sebastian’s father, Carlo, reflecting the love, pride, and inspiration Sebastian brings to his family and community.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction to Sebastian and Family (“The Three Amigos”)

[03:00-03:25]

• Sebastian is introduced as part of the tightly-knit “three amigos” group of friends on the trip, who bonded so much they barely interacted with adults.
• Host remarks, “They didn’t need us at all, right?” emphasizing the children’s joyful autonomy.
• Co-host: “These kids had their own mission, their own crew, and they were like, no adults allowed.”
  (Host 2, 03:05)

Sebastian’s Personality & Compassion

[03:36-04:14]

• Carlo (Sebastian’s dad) describes Sebastian as both fun-loving and caring, recalling how Sebastian stepped in when playground play was getting too rough:
  • “He likes to have fun as well, but he’s really careful with other kids as well.”
    (Carlo, 03:59)
• Sebastian’s empathy is further highlighted when he immediately asks about finding a friend, Forrest, on the first morning.
  • “The next morning…he’s like, where’s Forrest? I was like, I’ll get him. I know what your priority is here.”
    (Host 2, 04:14)

The Value of Friendship & Connection

[04:28-05:54]

• The hosts and support staff (Kaylee, Cassie, etc.) reflect on the true spirit of Bert’s Big Adventure: beyond Disney magic, it's the deep connections, shared stories, and friendships formed.
• “You think, oh, it’s a trip to Disney…I can’t even begin to convey how much more Bert’s Big Adventure is.”
  (Host 2, 04:29)
• The trip’s original, more modest goal was simply family relief, but the lasting bonds and support networks have become the program’s most impactful result.

Insights into Special Needs Parenting & Empathy

[05:54-06:15]

• Host Kristen speaks candidly about the empathy that comes from sharing space with families managing chronic or terminal illness:
  • “There’s so much to learn when you’re able to be in the presence of a family that has a child with special needs or chronic or terminal illness…”
    (Host 2, 05:54)

Sebastian’s Favorite Moments & Friendships

[06:15-07:43]

• Discussion about “The Wheelie Gang”—Sebastian and his friends—racing wheelchairs and bonding.
• Kaylee describes the kids’ gentle, understanding nature:
  • “The bond that the three of them have is so sweet…so gentle with each other. So understanding of each other, too.”
    (Kaylee, 07:34)
• Gio (Sebastian’s sibling) shares that even during family-only time, Sebastian missed being with his new friends.

Memorable Moment: Droid Depot Experience

[07:43-08:38]

• Kaylee recounts building a droid at Disney’s Droid Depot, where Sebastian receives a special backpack for his droid:
  • “Sebastian went, ‘All right, buddy, I’m going to take you out of the box, and I’m gonna put you in your new home in this little backpack.’”
    (Kaylee, 08:16)
• The moment is seen as a candid display of Sebastian’s empathy and capacity for joy.

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Notable Quotes & Emotional Highlights

Carlo’s Letter to Sebastian

[08:42-10:55]

• The emotional center of the episode is Sebastian’s dad reading a personal letter to his son:
  • “Sometimes I am hard on you, but I do it because I want you to be the very best…I love the strong boy you have become. You have a kind heart and a great sense of humor. You make everyone around you happy. Watching you grow is the greatest thing I have ever done…You are a star…Watching you create so many new friendships along the way was a true dream come true…You have already conquered. You might think I am the strongest person in the world, but the truth is you are way stronger than me. Real strength isn’t just about muscles. It's about the heart you show every single day…In my eyes, you are a Super Saiyan…No matter where life takes you, I will always be by your side to protect you and support you with all love, that beautiful man.”
    (Carlo, 08:57-10:55)

Hosts’ Reflections

• “You guys. Welcome to Bert’s Big Adventure. You’re now part of our family, right? So we expect to see you guys at reunions. Carl, Gio, we can hang out while Sebastian ignores us at our reunions also.”
  (Host 1, 10:55)

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Timestamps & Segment Breakdown

• [03:00-03:25] – Introduction to Sebastian and his “three amigos” group dynamic
• [03:36-04:14] – Sebastian’s personality as a compassionate leader
• [04:28-05:54] – The emotional depth of Bert’s Big Adventure friendships
• [05:54-06:15] – Host’s reflection on learning empathy from participating families
• [06:15-07:43] – Sharing favorite moments and the closeness of the Wheelie Gang
• [07:43-08:38] – The memorable droid depot and the symbolic importance of caring gestures
• [08:42-10:55] – Carlo’s moving letter to Sebastian
• [10:55-11:07] – Wrap up and welcome to the Bert’s Big Adventure family

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Tone and Final Thoughts

The episode is sincere, uplifting, and filled with love, admiration, and humor—the very spirit of Bert’s Big Adventure. For listeners, it’s a window into not just a magical trip, but into the profound impact of friendship and compassion among children and families facing extraordinary challenges. The bonds created here ripple far beyond the parks, reinforcing the true purpose and legacy of this special program.

Transcript

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[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

Guys got ten bucks. We need money for Birch Big Adventure. We're already talking about Birch Big Adventure 2027 because Kristen went off on buying souvenirs this year. So we need even more money. So we're asking you guys, whatever you can give, man, if it's $5, that'd be fantastic because again, Zaxby is hooking us up and matching your donations. So if you can help us out a little bit, the Birch shows little give. You can text the word Bert B R T to 5 5, 5. Hashtag.

[Host 2 (possibly Kristen)]

This is Kristen's fault again. It's a badge I wear proudly. Y' all have enabled this monster. You keep telling me that this is my. The crown that I am destined to wear. So I got to make sure that puppy shines.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

You have a gift.

[Talkspace Sponsor]

You have a gift.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

When it comes to gifts, save that dad joke number one. So let's introduce you guys to Sebastian and his family. Carlo is the dad. We got Gio here. Also, I can't tell you whole bunch about Sebastian because as one of the three amigos on this trip, he didn't really interact with adults too much. They didn't need us. They didn't need us at all, right?

[Host 2 (possibly Kristen)]

Not in the least bit. These kids had their. There. Had their own mission, their own crew, and they were like, no adults allowed.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

I was hanging out, and Carlo and I were talking the entire time, and Sebastian, he was hanging out with the kids, and Carlo and I are talking about working out and life, and I think I bonded more with Carlo than I did Sebastian. For sure, man. How are you doing today, dude?

[Talkspace Sponsor]

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[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

This one's not up. Okay. How was the weekend?

[Carlo (Sebastian's Dad)]

The weekend was pretty good. Have so much fun with you guys. And Sebastian definitely had a blast.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

He's a really special kid. We have a bunch of leaders on this. On this trip, and I didn't see this myself, but from what I understand, things were getting a little crazy at some point in the park or at the pajama party and. And the kids were wrestling and stuff like that, and Sebastian thought that it was getting a little bit too rough, and, like, got in there, and he's like, hey, you guys, chill out. That's kind of his character, isn't it?

[Carlo (Sebastian's Dad)]

Oh, yes, yes. I mean, he likes to have fun as well, but he's really careful with other kids as well.

[Talkspace Sponsor]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

And I think another really good example of this also is him asking where Forrest was on the. The first day. Is that what happened, Amber?

[Host 2 (possibly Kristen)]

It was the first morning, so we met them for about two hours on. During the Wednesday welcome. The next morning, he comes down the first thing. I'm like, hey, good morning, Sebastian. He's like, where's Forrest? I was like, I'll get him. No worries. I know what your priority is here.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

And that's kind of where it all started.

[Kaylee]

Yep.

[Talkspace Sponsor]

Yep.

[Host 2 (possibly Kristen)]

The wheelie gang got together, and there was no separating them. And it was just. It really was so beautiful to see. And that's why you and Stacy created this, like, is to build these bonds. And. Yeah. You think, oh, it's a trip to Disney. I can't even begin to convey how much more Burt's Big Adventure is like, yes, the Disney trip is like the initiation into Burt's Big Adventure. And what a great initiation. I mean, five day vip, you know, all paid expenses, trip to Disney. But this group, like, the level of bonding and the level of connection. I mean, there were moments that we would just take a step back as we would have our group breakfast and dinners together. People and just watching the camaraderie and love among the kids and also the parents and just sharing stories. Like, it was just so cool to see.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

Yeah. And with 100% transparency. You know, you said that this is the reason why Stacy and I started Burt's Big Adventure, and it really isn't. I was naive. It really wasn't. I was very, very naive. I just thought, this is going to be a great trip where we get a bunch of families and we get them to escape. That's it. Get away from all the protocols and hospitals, do a couple of days in the park and then come on back. I had no idea, honestly, maybe very naive, that it was gonna be as connective as it has become over the years. And I think that's not only because of the trip, but all of the programs afterwards also.

[Host 2 (possibly Kristen)]

There's so much to learn when you're able to be in the presence of a family that has a child with special needs or a chronic or terminal illness. And like, until you can actually talk to them and speak, speak to them, be in the same room with them, you can finally get a better understanding and more empathy and just really grasp what their struggles are and what they go through day to day.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

Sebastian, you feel like you made some best friends this weekend. Man. Who is fastest in the wheelchair, by the way?

[Kaylee]

Oh, Gunner.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

I mean, with a name like Gunner, you kind of have to be really.

[Host 2 (possibly Kristen)]

And I mean, his love is snowmobiles. The kid was built for speed.

[Rocket Money Announcer]

What the heck?

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

Gio, your impressions of the weekend. You guys are having such a good time.

[Gio]

Yeah, it was so amazing. I know. Yesterday on Sunday, when we had family time just for us, Sebastian was. At the end of the night, Sebastian was just asking me, like, so when do we have. When are we having dinner with everybody? When are we gonna get back together? When am I gonna see Forest again? And I had to explain to him, well, it's a family time. Like, everybody's doing what they want, whatever they Want. And he was a little. He was a little disappointed about that. He really enjoyed the habit of meeting everybody again, getting together, and just having a good time with everybody. And I think he had more fun with them than. Than honestly, just with us.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

You said you think? No, I can guarantee you that it's for sure.

[Host 2 (possibly Kristen)]

I foresee a lot of play dates in the future with this crew.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

Yeah, Kaylee, you got to hang with them all day. Also, your impression?

[Kaylee]

Yeah. I mean, it is so fun to watch them go around the park. I mean, I would try to butt into the conversation, and they were like,

[Talkspace Sponsor]

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[Kaylee]

But it's just the bond that the three of them have is just so sweet. They're so gentle with each other. They're so understanding of each other, too. So it's a special thing to see.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

Tell us what you saw with the droids at the droid depot.

[Kaylee]

So that was really cool. So when you build a droid, it comes in this box, kind of like getting an American Girl doll. It comes in just this box. But there's a fun thing that you can buy. It's this, like, backpack. So you can go around the park with this new backpack and your droid. And your droid can seat out. And he got the box with the droid in it, and sweet Dr. Michelle got him a backpack for his droid to be able to see out through the park, and she gave it to him. And Sebastian went, all right, buddy, I'm going to take you out of the box, and I'm gonna put you in your new home in this little backpack. It was just sweet. It was like a moment that all of us are like. He's probably heard that before, too. You know, like, just a sweet moment of, like, all right, we're gonna move here. We're gonna do this just with different things in life and different circumstances. I think it was a really gentle moment to see from Sebastian after running around absolutely ruling Disney World for sure. It was really sweet to see.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

All right, Carla, you got your letter for Sebastian, or is Gio gonna do that? Or you're up.

[Carlo (Sebastian's Dad)]

I got it.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

All right. So we ask each and every one of our Burt's Big Adventure moms and dads to write a letter. It could be about anything. It could be about birdspick adventure. It could be about their kid, it could be about their journey, and they take it from there. So here's Carlos to Sebastian.

[Carlo (Sebastian's Dad)]

All right, Here, Seb, this is for you. Okay, so, dear Sebastian, I want to tell you how much you mean to me and to everyone who knows you, you are truly the best part of my world. Sometimes I am hard on you, but I do it because I want you to be the the very best. I want to give you the tools to conquer the world and reach every goal you ever dream of. I love the strong boy you have become. You have a kind heart and a great sense of humor. You make everyone around you happy. Watching you grow is the greatest thing I have ever done. Being here on Bert's Big Adventure has meant everything to us. Seeing you smile, laugh, and just enjoy being a kid is a memory I will keep forever. This trip has shown me how much you deserve to be celebrated. You are a star. Being at Disney was literally a dream come true. Not because of the magic, not because of the attractions, not because of the characters, but because of the way I got to see you experience everything for the first time. Watching you create so many new friendships along the way was a true dream come true. I am so proud of you. Every day I see how you live your life with spina bifida. You never let it stop you. You have already conquered. You might think I am the strongest person in the world, but the truth is, you are way stronger than me. Real strength isn't just about muscles. It's about the heart you show every single day. Watching you play on your wheelchair, it's my favorite thing in the world. I see you getting better and more confident every day. In my eyes, you are a Super Saiyan. Whether you are on the court or having a tough day, you have courage that makes me want to be a better man. I will always be your greatest ally against anything in the world. No matter where life takes you, I will always be by your side to protect you and support you with all love, that beautiful man.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

Thank you. You guys. Welcome to Burt's Big Adventure. You're now part of our family, right? So we expect to see you guys at reunions. Carl, Gio, we can hang out while Sebastian ignores us at our reunions also.

[Carlo (Sebastian's Dad)]

Okay. Most definitely.

[Host 1 (possibly Burt or Stacy)]

All right, give us a couple of seconds here. We're going to introduce you to Aiden, who experienced his first upside down experience on a roller coaster. He did great. However, his brother AJ is going to get called out a little bit. There's photo evidence and we got photo evidence of it. It's first big adventure 2026, the bird show.