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

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

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.

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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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)

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.”

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.

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.