The Bert Show – “Go Big For Bert's Big Adventure This Year With Zaxby's!”
Date: November 10, 2025
Host: The Bert Show Cast (Bert, Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy, etc.)
Guest: Fred Weir, Co-op President of Zaxby’s
Episode Overview
This episode centers around celebrating the longstanding partnership between The Bert Show, Zaxby’s, and the charitable initiative “Bert’s Big Adventure.” As the show’s current format nears its end in October, the hosts and Fred Weir reflect on their shared impact, announce important Giving Tuesday plans, and highlight how listeners can continue to support the cause for kids with chronic and terminal illnesses. The mood is nostalgic, joyful, and determined—not just to say thanks, but to “go big” and keep making a difference together.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Fred Weir & Zaxby’s Support for Bert’s Big Adventure
- Longstanding Partnership:
- Fred Weir has partnered with the show for six years, becoming a fixture at every event and integral to the charity’s growth.
- “It's kind of bittersweet because this is kind of the last one, at least for now in this form.” – Fred Weir [01:19]
- Zaxby’s has contributed over $525,000 to Bert’s Big Adventure, changing many lives.
- “I tallied it up. I think we're over $525,000 to you guys, and certainly that's not going to stop.” – Fred Weir [03:17]
- The partnership goes beyond money: Fred and Zaxby’s show up at reunions and events, demonstrating genuine commitment.
- “He puts his money where his chicken is. He shows up to all of our reunions and whenever Zaxby's there, Fred is there.” – Host [03:52]
- Fred Weir has partnered with the show for six years, becoming a fixture at every event and integral to the charity’s growth.
2. The Legacy & Integrity of Bert’s Big Adventure
- Genuine Impact:
- Fred commends the authenticity of the Bert Show team:
- “There are a lot of charities that when the cameras are on are one way and they're completely different or a lot of the money isn't being spent the way people think it is. And I've seen firsthand just how genuine you guys are...” – Fred Weir [04:09]
- The hosts emphasize that every dollar counts—support from Zaxby’s makes a tangible difference.
- “...we've always kept the trip small on purpose... when you're talking about $500,000 to our organization, man, that is truly life changing.” – Host [07:13]
- Fred commends the authenticity of the Bert Show team:
3. Fun, Sentimental, and Future-Focused Farewell Moments
- Drive-Thru Voice Challenge:
- The possibility of Bert working a Zaxby’s drive-thru for a day, seeing if customers recognize his radio voice, creates a playful tone.
- “If we can get Bert at a Zaxby's location, just to run the drive through for a little bit to see if anybody recognizes his voice, I think that would be freaking hilarious.” – Co-host [02:35]
- Bert jokes about past fast food experience, and involving friends:
- “...I was giving my friends all sorts of free food. So if my friends come through Zaxby's, I can't guarantee that I'm not going to.” – Bert [02:59]
- The possibility of Bert working a Zaxby’s drive-thru for a day, seeing if customers recognize his radio voice, creates a playful tone.
4. Giving Tuesday & The “Big Give” – Making Donations Go Further
- Giving Tuesday Details:
- Zaxby’s will match donations made on Giving Tuesday (December 2nd).
- “So December 2nd of this year is going to be Giving Tuesday. And if you text the word Bert B-E-R-T to 50155 or donate@birtbigadventure.org, Zaxby's will match your donation.” – Co-host [04:52]
- The hosts brainstorm ways to keep the date top-of-mind, joking about Bert working a shift on Giving Tuesday, even from remote vacation spots.
- “Maybe you can do it on the Disney cruise if I'm here... Have any Zaxby's in Italy? The Amalfi coast specifically?” – Host & Co-host [05:44 - 05:54]
- Zaxby’s will match donations made on Giving Tuesday (December 2nd).
- The Big Give Campaign:
- In December, part of Zaxby’s mission to “give better than you get”—donate with no expectation of reciprocation.
- “...really challenge everyone, if you really want to change your life and your perspective, give better than you get and give with no expectation in return.” – Fred Weir [06:28]
- In December, part of Zaxby’s mission to “give better than you get”—donate with no expectation of reciprocation.
- Reciprocal Giving Options:
- For those who want to give and receive, buying a Zaxby’s milkshake also supports the cause:
- “...if you go to Zaxby's and order a milkshake, they'll donate a portion of the proceeds to Burt's Big Adventure.” – Co-host [06:50]
- For those who want to give and receive, buying a Zaxby’s milkshake also supports the cause:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
“All these kids that I've met seem to have in common is, you know, they choose to be happy. And that's such an impact to me and such a reminder that every day... we have that same choice.”
– Fred Weir [03:35] -
“You're like, not a whole shift.”
– Co-host (as Bert considers working at Zaxby's for a day) [02:57] -
“Over half a million. That's how you need to start saying it, Fred. Over half a million or over half a mil just sounds bigger that way.”
– Co-host [07:08] -
“You're not getting rid of us because nothing is happening to Burt's big Adventure. We've already gone through applications for 2026 picking out the families...”
– Co-host [07:45]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 01:14 – 02:02 – Reminiscing about six years of partnership and fun “drive-thru voice” ideas
- 03:17 – 04:42 – Reflections on donations, authenticity of Bert’s Big Adventure, and meaningful impact
- 04:52 – 06:07 – Giving Tuesday: How to participate; Zaxby’s matching donations
- 06:19 – 07:00 – The “Big Give”; giving back with Zaxby’s (including milkshake promotion)
- 07:13 – 08:02 – The significance of Zaxby’s contributions, keeping the trip intentionally small and personal
- 08:02 – 08:21 – Looking ahead—future events, farewells, and ongoing relationships
Overall Tone
- Warm, heartfelt, and upbeat.
- Focused on gratitude, impact, and continuity despite upcoming show changes
- Authentically playful while being genuinely touching
Final Thoughts
This episode is both a heartfelt tribute to a shared legacy and a call to action for listeners to keep supporting Bert’s Big Adventure through the transition. Zaxby’s commitment, both financial and personal, is celebrated as a catalyst for real positive change, and the cast ensures everyone knows how easy—and meaningful—it is to participate on Giving Tuesday and during the holidays.
To support:
- Text BERT to 50155 or donate at bertbigadventure.org on December 2nd—Zaxby’s will match your gift!
- Order a Zaxby’s milkshake in December to contribute automatically.
No matter what happens with The Bert Show’s future, this partnership (and the mission of giving better than you get) will continue to make a difference.
