The Bert Show – “It's The Kick Off To Bert's Big Adventure 2026!”
Date: February 19, 2026
Cast: Bert, Kristen, Stacy, Lala, (mentions of Tommy, Abby, Cassie, Jackson, and others)
Episode Overview
This episode celebrates the kickoff of Bert's Big Adventure 2026, The Bert Show’s annual trip to Disney World for children with chronic or terminal illnesses and their families. The crew shares behind-the-scenes moments, heartwarming stories, and introductions to staff members and new participants. The main focus is setting the stage for this year's magical journey, discussing the importance of community, forming bonds, and cherishing small group interactions.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Bert’s Big Adventure: The Heart of the Show
- Bert’s Big Adventure is an annual tradition where the cast takes children with chronic or terminal illnesses—and their families—for a VIP experience at Disney World (03:00).
- The event is about love, connection, making memories, and treating the families with care, attention, and, as always, tons of souvenirs.
2. Pre-Trip Nerves & Empathy
- The cast relates to the nerves and sleepless excitement of trip participants, expressing new empathy for families who wake up early for the event.
- Quote (Bert, 02:30): “Now I have way more empathy for all the kids and Bert's Big Adventure families that get up this early in the morning and join us. … That alarm was early and loud.”
- Kristen admits she barely slept, mirroring anticipated excitement and nerves of the kids (03:25).
3. Welcome Party & Orientation Night
- Families gather the night before at the Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel for a grand welcome with a literal red carpet, costumed characters (Star Wars, princesses), and enthusiastic volunteers (05:48).
- Special attention is given to children’s needs (e.g., wheelchair users), ensuring everyone feels safe and celebrated.
- Quote (Kristen, 06:12): “We literally roll out the red carpet... the Star wars characters, princesses galore lining the red carpet. … We’ve learned over the years to ask the kids prior to walking down the red carpet if they like loud noises.”
4. Memorable Moments
- A highlight is Kendall’s little brother’s fascination with “Mr. Meter,” the Gas South mascot—a quirky favorite among the Disney and Star Wars icons (07:51):
- Quote (Kristen, 08:01): “I have never seen a child so obsessed with the gas meter before. This might be already one of my favorite moments of Bert's Big Adventure.”
5. Community & Support
- The event is supported by sponsors (Zaxby’s, Gas South, Q997, Musico at Balloon) and is deeply embraced by the broader radio family:
- Q997 is lauded as “the heart” of Bert’s Big Adventure (08:31).
- Decorations, food, and fun (a bouncy house in a ballroom!) set the tone for a magical weekend (09:00).
6. Bringing in the ‘Rookies’
- The segment introduces Lala (manager of corporate partnerships) and Stacy (Gas South board member, and “Mr. Meter” fan) as new insiders:
- Stacy looks forward to forming her own bonds with the kids (“happy chaos,” 09:55).
- Lala expresses appreciation for the intentionality and personal touch of the trip, feeling honored to help build the community (11:14).
- Quote (Lala, 11:14): “I’m overwhelmed with the amount of thought, care, and intentionality that has gone into this, and I'm honored and excited to be a part of it.”
7. The Value of Small Group Connection
- The show prefers to keep the trip small (11-12 families) to allow for deeper relationships and personalized experiences (11:34).
- Quote (Kristen, 11:34): “By keeping it to, like, 12 kids, 11, 12 families, we could give them that individual love and really focus on their wants and their needs... making that bond and that connection. ... It’s a more tight knit family.”
8. Traditions & Looking Forward
- A longstanding tradition is for a past family to share their experience with this year’s group, helping set expectations and inspire confidence.
- Mention of last year’s VIP Andy Grammer concert as a core memory (13:10).
Notable Quotes & Moments
- First-Day Chaos (Bert, 02:30): “It was the first play of the game and it was a pick six.”
- Nervous Energy and Early Mornings (Bert, 02:30): “I was having a tough time sleeping last night. … I kept getting up like every half an hour thinking I was going to miss the alarm.”
- Souvenir Queen (Kristen, 04:22): “Who's the best at buying souvenirs?... I get the award every year. However, the treasurer of the board might not be happy about that.”
- Mascot Crush (Kristen, 07:51): "Kendall's little brother was obsessed with Mr. Meter. Would not let go of Mr. Meter's hand."
- On Family Bonds (Kristen, 11:34): “It’s not even about catering to them, but really making that bond and that connection.”
- Laugh About Unwanted Affection (Kristen, 10:51): “My favorite is when a child despises Bert.”
- Show’s Heart (Kristen, 08:31): “Every radio station needs a heart. And Q997's heart is Bert’s Big Adventure.”
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Bert’s Early Morning Empathy & Chaos: 02:30–04:00
- What Is Bert’s Big Adventure / Overview: 03:56–05:26
- Welcome Party & Red Carpet: 05:48–07:07
- Kendall’s Little Brother & Mr. Meter: 07:34–08:12
- Sponsors & Room Decor: 08:24–09:15
- Introducing the Rookies (Lala & Stacy): 09:15–11:14
- Why The Trip Stays Small: 11:34–12:16
- Traditions & Family Letters: 12:55–13:12
Tone & Takeaway
The episode is warm, funny, and heartfelt—an authentic glimpse into the preparation, excitement, and genuine care that makes Bert's Big Adventure special. Full of banter and affection, the cast showcases their tight-knit bond, their love for the kids and families, and their excitement for another year of making magic and memories together.