Meet Our Bert's Big Adventure Siblings Manny & Lani!

Summary

The Bert Show — "Meet Our Bert's Big Adventure Siblings Manny & Lani!"

Release Date: February 19, 2026
Summary Prepared By: Podcast Summarizer AI

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Episode Overview

This heartwarming episode centers on Bert’s Big Adventure, the show’s signature charity initiative, by spotlighting one very special family: Beth, mom of five—including Manny and Lanie, both of whom have participated in the Bert’s Big Adventure program. The conversation is an in-depth, authentic interview about parenting, resilience, and celebration, as the hosts honor the entire family — especially mom Beth and Grandma Olivia — for their strength, positivity, and enduring love. The episode closes with a series of meaningful surprises for Beth, recognizing her tireless caretaking and rewarding her with much-deserved treats and relaxation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Impact and Transparency of Bert's Big Adventure

Hosts: Bert (C), Kristin (D)

• Charity’s Uniqueness:
  Bert highlights that Bert’s Big Adventure is intentionally small, serving about 12-13 families a year. This allows donors and supporters to see exactly where their contributions go, through photos and media coverage.
  "Every charity is awesome...some of them are so large though, that you can give a donation and not be exactly sure where your money is going. Whereas with ours...you can really feel the trip through the pictures and the video." (C, 01:31–02:16)

• Creating Memories:
  Kristin explains that documenting the trip is just as much for families as for donors, allowing families who may never have been on a vacation together to relive these special moments.
  "We give the families all of those photos and all of those videos. That way they can just enjoy themselves...and relive it over and over and over again." (D, 02:16–02:41)

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2. Meet the Family: Beth, Manny, Lanie, and the Whole Crew

Guest: Beth (E), Mom
Other Speakers: Grandma Olivia (F)

• Introducing the Kids:
  Beth introduces her five children, giving special attention to Manny and Lanie, both of whom have overcome significant health challenges. She emotionally recalls each child's journey, emphasizing their joy and accomplishments.

  • Lanie (8): Cancer survivor — germ cell tumor diagnosed at 11 months.
  • Inslee (6): Kindergarten.
  • Taurean: 10th grader, military-bound.
  • Mariana: Freshman in college.
  • Manny (10): Has Down syndrome (trisomy 21), described as affectionate and loving.
    "Lainey is my survivor...Her one wish. So, I'm so happy that she gets to come to Disney." (E, 03:07–03:53)
    "That's Manny. And Manny is 10 years old...He's the hugger. The kisser." (E, 04:33–04:36)

• The Role of Extended Family:
  The importance of "it takes a village" is underlined, especially Grandma Olivia’s support as a retired nurse, always present for hospital stays and emotional support.
  "So my mom, she's a retired nurse. So it was really, really helpful...to say, okay, this is what this means, and I can help you through that." (E, 04:57–05:18)

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3. Recounting Health Journeys: Manny & Lanie

Beth (E) Shares:

• Manny’s Birth & Diagnosis (Trisomy 21):
  Despite a seemingly normal pregnancy, complications at birth led to an emergency C-section and diagnosis of Down syndrome with possible heart defect.
  "I was told that I was having a wonderful, healthy word baby...When I was in labor...they were like, something's not quite right...They were like, hey, he may have down syndrome, and he may have a heart defect." (E, 05:33–06:10)

  Beth also touches on the challenges and misconceptions new parents face with a Down syndrome diagnosis:
  "And the scary part...they were like, and he may only live to this age. And I'm like, okay, you just had a baby. It's like, what is happening?" (E, 06:10–06:42)

• Lanie’s Early Struggles & Cancer Diagnosis:
  Lanie was a very fussy baby, which doctors initially dismissed. At 11 months, serious symptoms led to the discovery of a germ cell tumor. "They just said, oh, it's colic...but it turns out it wasn't. When she was 11 months, she started bleeding...That's when we found out and we got paired with this amazing team...diagnosed Lainey with having the germ cell tumor." (E, 06:44–07:45)

  Lanie endured multiple surgeries and four months of aggressive chemotherapy, remaining in remission for nearly eight years.
  "Luckily, she only had four months of chemo. And she's been in remission now for...going on eight years." (E, 07:45–08:13)

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4. The Multigenerational Perspective

Grandma Olivia (F) Reflects:

• On Watching Her Daughter and Grandchildren Struggle:
  Olivia voices the pain and mixed emotions as both a nurse and a mother.
  "I love her, and when she hurts, I hurts...When we finally got the diagnosis, it was like, relief and yet sadness all at the same time. But, you know, we've been getting a lot of help...we're making it." (F, 09:53–10:58)

• Importance of Supporting the Whole Household:
  The show emphasizes how Bert’s Big Adventure includes the entire caregiving network, acknowledging family pillars like Olivia.

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5. Resilience and Normalcy: Beth’s Parenting Philosophy

Beth (E):

• Despite the unique challenges, Beth strives to keep life as regular as possible for her whole family. "I just wanted to keep a sense of normalcy in the house...making sure everyone stayed in their sports or made sure everyone danced and did everything that made their life feel normal." (E, 11:17–11:42)

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6. Heartfelt Surprises for Beth

The Bert Show Team + Guests: Shelby Taylor Kolb (G, Barnsley Resort), Raquel (Sweet Peach Wax and Sugaring Studio)

• A Resort Stay for Mom:
  Shelby from Barnsley Resort gifts Beth a luxury getaway: a peaceful stay in a decorated cottage, spa treatments, fine dining, and a range of relaxing activities — either solo, with Grandma Olivia, or a friend. "We want you to come and let us take care of you...We're going to have you stay in one of our beautiful one bedroom suite cottages...send you to the spa...Have dinner...all these amazing resort activities you can participate in." (G, 12:47–14:09)

• Support for the Mental Load:
  Raquel gifts Beth $2,500 for groceries (Instacart) and $2,500 for professional house cleaning, plus an extra $500 for Bert’s Big Adventure from Wayne Sachs (Goldberg's Deli). "Because you carry the mental load and the emotional load for your family...she's going to give you a $2,500 Instacart gift card...and $2,500 gift card to cover professional house cleaning, so you don't have to worry about cleaning your house for a year." (D, 14:52–15:13)

• Beth’s Emotional Reaction & Hosts’ Reflections:
  The love, gratitude, and relief are palpable in Beth’s response—and the hosts observe how the practical support brings visible relief. "The relief that I can see on your face by just these things that will be taken off of your mental plate are so huge. I can see it in your face." (C, 15:28–15:44)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Importance of Visibility in Charity:
  "I want you guys to feel that and embrace it. Because without you guys and your donations, there's no Bert’s Big Adventure." — Bert (C), 01:31

• On Initial Diagnosis:
  "You just had a baby. It's like, what is happening?" — Beth (E), 06:36

• On Support Systems:
  "Luckily, I was able to text doctors...But then I also have my mom who was there to say, okay, this is what this means, and I can help you through that." — Beth (E), 05:00

• On the Multigenerational Bond:
  "Bethany is my baby, and these are my babies too." — Grandma Olivia (F), 09:18

• On Rewards for Caregivers:
  "I could not think of anybody more deserving of what you’re about to hear." — Kristin (D), 12:29

• On Self-Care:
  Kristin: "When is the last time you got away just to be able to do something for yourself?"
  Beth: "Never." — (C & E, 14:12–14:17)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:31–02:16 — The purpose and direct impact of Bert’s Big Adventure.
• 03:07–04:36 — Beth introduces her family and shares Manny and Lanie's resilience.
• 05:28–08:13 — Beth details Manny and Lanie’s health journeys and moments of diagnosis.
• 08:14–10:58 — Grandma Olivia shares her emotional perspective on the family’s experiences.
• 11:17–11:42 — Beth’s mission: keeping normalcy alive for her kids.
• 12:47–14:09 — Resort getaway is revealed.
• 14:52–15:44 — Unveiling practical support: Instacart and house cleaning for a year.
• 15:28 — Host commentary on the significance of “removing things from your mental plate.”

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Tone and Style

The Bert Show maintains its signature warmth, humor, and authenticity throughout, creating an atmosphere that is supportive, emotional, and often lighthearted even amid serious topics. The hosts and guests speak candidly, mixing tears, laughter, and genuine celebration of resilience.

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This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes of special-needs families—especially moms and caregivers like Beth—while also offering listeners a transparent look at the impact of Bert’s Big Adventure. It balances emotional depth with joyful recognition, unforgettable for both its vulnerability and its generosity.

Transcript

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[C]

Have a different meaning. Like when you're given to Burt's Big Adventure to see where your money is going in such a small organization. That's the thing that I've kind of loved about Burt's Big Adventure all these years is look, every charity is awesome. Let me just go and say that some of them are so large though, that you can give a donation and not be exactly sure where your money is going. Whereas with our is when you're only bringing like 12 or 13 families a year and you can really feel the trip through the pictures and the video. I I want you guys to feel that and embrace it. Because without you guys and your donations, there's no burks Big Adventure. So that's why we bring so many photographers and have so much media for you guys to really dive in. So all of those pictures, all the video all the social media up at Burks Big adventure dot org.

[D]

Yep. And also for the families. So we really want them to be present. For a lot of families, this is their first vacation together because they have spent so much time at the hospital. And also hospital stays can be expensive. So we give the families all of those photos and all of those videos. That way they can just enjoy themselves. And they have all these professional photos and videos after the trip is done to relive it over and over and over again.

[C]

I told Kristen before this segment started, I'm like, this one has a lot to do with mom. This one is going to focus on mom. So, Kristen, you roll with it and I'll roll with you.

[D]

All right, so we have Beth here with us. And this is Manny and Lanie's mom among. You got a crew, girl.

[C]

I'm serious.

[D]

You got a crew.

[C]

We are rolling deep here.

[E]

Oh, yeah.

[D]

You are the incredible mother of five. And I would love for you to dote on every single one of your kids.

[E]

Hi. So yes, I have Lainey. Lainey is my survivor. It'll be eight years in May y surviving what? She had a germ cell. Found out that she had cancer when she was about 11 months. I knew at first something wasn't quite right, but she was formally diagnosed at 11 months. And so she's coming up on her eight year anniversary. This was her one wish. So I'm so happy that she gets to come to Disney. Next, I have Inslee. Inslee is six years old. She's in kindergarten. I have Taurean. Taurean is in the 10th grade. He'll be military bound when he graduates.

[C]

Hey, congrats and thanks.

[E]

Going to the Air force. And then we have Mariana. Mariana goes to Kennesaw State University and this is her first year. She's a freshman living on campus. Having some time as like an only a big girl away from a big family. And then we have last my man with a plan. That's Manny. And Manny is 10 years old. So it's a big deal for him to be two hands. Now he's in the fourth grade and he has trisomy 21. And he was my first baby that I had that I found out that I would be joining a big family of people in support.

[C]

I heard he's the hugger.

[E]

Oh, yeah. The hugger. I love it. The kisser.

[D]

He's affectionate and I love it so much. Yeah. Because it happens more often than not that we have families with not one but two. Burt's big adventure Kids. So Manny and Lanie are both Burt's big adventure kids. And I think to be a mother of five and then on top of that, have two children with special needs, you have a little extra weight on your shoulders.

[A]

Oh.

[E]

To say the least. Also, my mom is here, Olivia. So my mom, she's a retired nurse. So it was really, really helpful to have my mom when I be in the hospital or just if I had questions, and I did not. Luckily, I was able to text doctors and say, I don't know what this means. I don't know what this is. But then I also have my mom who was there to say, okay, this is what this means, and I can help you through that.

[C]

This really is a family where it takes a village.

[F]

Oh.

[C]

Is a great example right here.

[D]

So when everything. If we can talk about. Because Manny is older than Lanie, correct?

[E]

Yes, he is.

[A]

So.

[D]

So can you talk us a little bit through Manny's journey and Lanie's journey?

[E]

Yes. So when I was pregnant with Manny, I was told that I was having a wonderful, healthy word baby. So I had so many ultrasounds. We had so many things, and we would say, like, okay, like, this seems great. And we. You know, you would see the heart. You would see everything. And you don't know that what you're looking at is abnormal. You think everything is normal. But when I was in have in labor with Manny, they were like, something's not quite right. Oxygen mask replaced. It was very scary. I remember waking up not knowing what happened, and I had a baby, and I was like, oh, I had a baby.

[D]

And.

[E]

And then there was all these beeps and noises. He was attached to all this stuff. And that's when I found out that something wasn't right. So dad knew before me because I had been placed into an emergency C section. But I found out at that point, they were like, hey, he may have down syndrome, and he may have a heart defect, and he may have this and that. And the scary part. And I don't really feel like people should be told this, but they were like, and he may only live to this age. And I'm like, okay, you know, you just had a baby. It's like, what is happening?

[C]

What was the age they told you?

[E]

Oh, my God. I feel like I blocked it out. It was 47 something. Okay, 40 something. And I was like, no way is that normal? I didn't know anything about down syndrome. So immediately I started googling to see what. And I remember there was a show on TV called Born this Way. And it was with all the kids with down syndrome. So I really got to see firsthand. Just not reading, but actually seeing how they live. And I was like, oh, they're just like, normal, fun kids. So that was that journey. Start with Manny and then with Lanie. When Lanie was born, she was very, very fussy. Fussy baby. And that's normal to most people. Like, oh, my baby cries. I was like, no, my baby cries. Like, she cries a lot. So then I just kept saying, something's not right, but no one would listen to me. And they just said, oh, it's colic, or it may be this or that, but it turns out it wasn't. When she was 11 months, she started bleeding, and I said, now I know that's not normal, right? And they were like, no, it's not. So go to the emergency room.

[C]

You didn't need to call your mom for that one.

[E]

No, it was like, that's not normal. You may need to go to the hospital. And then that's when we found out and we got paired with this amazing team. There was a pediatric gynecologist that I didn't even know existed, and she's the one that diagnosed Lainey with having the germ cell tumor. They ran many tests. She had many surgeries. Immediately, I was placed on the most aggressive chemo. Luckily, she only had four months of chemo. And she's been in remission now for. This is going on eight years.

[C]

Okay, that's great.

[D]

Yeah, let's cheer for that remission, because that's a huge milestone. Grandma Olivia, if I can ask you a question. How hard was it to see your baby go through all of this with her babies?

[F]

I didn't hear her.

[D]

Grandma Olivia, how hard was it to watch your baby go through all of this with her babies?

[E]

She said, how hard was it to watch me go through all of this?

[F]

Oh, it's hard to even hear it.

[D]

Yeah. To relive it, too.

[F]

It's very difficult. Okay, now I.

[C]

Now you can hear us. Okay. We sound way better when you can hear us.

[D]

Oh, they actually. They turned her headset on, so now we're good.

[F]

That's a nice touch, because I didn't understand what you were saying.

[D]

Grandma. Livy, you're good. We're excited that you're.

[E]

And the fact.

[D]

Because this is, I think, a key point of Bert's big adventure, we take everybody in the house, right? So if it's. If it's an auntie, if it's a grandma, like, whoever is there helping the household and helping with the children. You deserve to go on this trip as well, so we are honored to have you with us.

[F]

I am so appreciative. Christian, you, Bert, Amanda, everybody. I can't even express how much I appreciate you letting me be a part of this with my family. Bethany is my baby, and these are my babies, too.

[C]

Yeah. Although you didn't hear it, I think Kristen's question, it's worth revisiting here, because I think it doesn't matter how old your kids are. They're always your babies. Right? Right. So Kristin's question really was, it must have been very difficult for you to watch your baby with her babies go through this whole thing.

[F]

Yes, yes, most definitely. When I went to the hospital and saw Manny, of course, Downs is kind of easy to pick up. I mean, I'm a nurse, but I'm not a doctor. But, I mean, you don't have to be a nurse or a doctor to see a Downs child. And even as an infant, you can see it. No, I hope not. But when they made the diagnosis, it was very difficult because I knew what that road ahead was going to be like for her. And, you know, like I said, she's my baby. I love her, and when she hurts, I hurts. And with Elaina, it was a little more difficult because it was kind of hard for somebody to make the diagnosis when I was like, no, go to somebody else. Something's wrong. You know, I knew we knew something was not right. And when we finally got the diagnosis, it was like, relief and yet sadness all at the same time. But, you know, we've been getting a lot of help, and I thank God, and, you know, we're making it.

[D]

Beth, would you say it's fair to say, like, yes, the journey is hard, but it's very rewarding because, like, your kids are also, like, just so happy and smiley and just good people. Wait, wait. Your mic's not on. Oh, thank you.

[E]

Yes, it definitely is a very rewarding journey. I didn't know how it would be, so it was rough, but I just wanted to keep a sense of normalcy in the house. So no one's ever felt like, wow, this is going on. And that's going on because I've been happy and making sure everybody stayed normal, making sure everyone stayed in their sports or made sure everyone danced and did everything that made their life feel normal.

[D]

And so, yeah, so what we've realized is that, yes, you're a mother of five and you're very busy and maintaining that sense of normalcy and Keeping the kids active and, you know, just being the consummate mom. All right, so, yes, the kids are going to have the most magical VIP experience in Disney. But we wanted to do something a little special for you because we know how hard it is for you to get away and have some time to yourself. So, mom to mom, I'm so excited to tell you this. Okay. Because I could not think of anybody more deserving of what you're about to hear. So please welcome Shelby Taylor Kolb. She's the director of marketing at Barnsley Resort.

[G]

Good morning. So nice to see you and hear your remarkable story this morning. Thank you, Bert and Kristen, for having us. Thank you for letting us be part of this.

[D]

Absolutely. The moment I stepped foot on your property, I was like, we need you.

[G]

Yes, absolutely. I'm so glad that we connected.

[D]

Yes. So please tell Beth what you're doing for her.

[G]

So, Bethany, Barnsley Resort. We are a 3,000 acre destination resort that's just a quick hour drive north of Atlanta. So when you have this big adventure with your family at Disney this week, we want you to come and let us take care of you. You can bring Grandma Olivia if you like. You can bring a girlfriend if you like, or you can come by yourself. For some peace and quiet. We're going to have you stay in one of our beautiful one bedroom suite cottages. It's beautifully decorated by Charlotte Lucas Southern Botanicals. A peaceful porch where you can enjoy coffee, and here, the sounds of the birds. In the morning, we're going to send you to the spa and give you a signature Barnsley bamboo massage. Have dinner for you at our new signature restaurant, Jules, with chef Sean Doughty. And then we have all of these amazing resort activities you can participate in. So you can go hiking and connect with nature. You can go canoeing. You can just sit by the fire pit, make s' mores and think about, you know, all the ways that you can relax. We have so many different special events and activities. So look at our calendar. Plan your stay. If you want to learn to play mahjong, if you want to do a topiary class, find some peaceful meditation through something like that. That's very rewarding. We have pickleball lessons. There is so much to do at the resort and we cannot wait to host you and take care of you for everything that you do for your entire family.

[E]

Thank you so much.

[C]

When is the last time you got away just to be able to do something for yourself?

[E]

Never.

[C]

Never. Okay.

[D]

Okay. So that's not it. By the way, I have Barnsley Resort is Stunning. You're gonna have the most amazing time.

[E]

Thank you.

[D]

But we have another little something extra. Okay, so my dear friend Raquel from Sweet Peach Wax and Sugaring Studio is here, and she is, like, she's a busy woman. She understands what it takes and wanted to do a little something special for you. So.

[C]

So we're gonna do our first live waxing.

[D]

No, we are not. It won't be our first. We've done it before, remember?

[C]

Well, not with Birth of Big Adventure.

[D]

Not with Michelle.

[A]

You're right.

[D]

So because you carry the mental load and the emotional load for your family, Raquel from Sweet Peach Wax and Sugaring Studio, she's going to give you a $2,500 Instacart gift card so you can have groceries taken care of. And also she's going to give you a $2,500 gift card to cover professional house cleaning, so you don't have to worry about cleaning your house for a year.

[C]

How cool is that?

[A]

Yes.

[D]

And then on top of that, she was talking about because she wanted to help out Burt's big Adventure so much. Her boyfriend heard and Wayne Sachs was like. Of Goldberg's Deli. He's like, here's 500 more dollars.

[C]

You know, what is. Is just, like, really hitting me hard here, is that we do all these really big things and these big experiences here, but the relief that I can see on your face by just these things that will be taken off of your mental plate are so huge. I can see it in your face.

[D]

So for a year, groceries delivered to your house, House clean, taken care of. And don't you do what we always do, Put off, like, you know, booking that weekend getaway.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

We're going to get you to Barnsley Resort sooner rather than later. So you can just. Because I, you know, when you're. When you're rested and when. When you're feeling good, it's just. It's. It's going to make you. It's going to make you better at everything.

[E]

Thank you so much.

[D]

Not that you need it, because you're already amazing as you are, but you deserve this.

[E]

Oh, thank you so much. Definitely appreciate it.

[C]

Thank you for being here, you guys. You are now part of our family in a big way. BIRCH Big Adventure 2026.

[H]

Yeah.

[E]

Thank you.

[A]

This is the Birch Show.

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