One Bert's Big Adventure Member Has A MAJOR Life Update!

Summary

The Bert Show

Episode: One Bert's Big Adventure Member Has A MAJOR Life Update!
Date: February 19, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode of The Bert Show centers around checking in with former participants of “Bert’s Big Adventure,” the show’s charitable initiative that takes children with chronic and terminal illnesses on all-expenses-paid journeys to Disney World. The main highlight is a major life update from Jennifer, an alum of the trip from 2007, who shares her experience of buying her first home, the challenges she faced, and the importance of independence for children with special needs. The show also revisits the tradition of reading a heartfelt letter from a “Bert’s Big Adventure” mom, reflecting on the impact and community built around these trips.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reconnecting with Bert’s Big Adventure Alumni

• Host Bert and Kristen discuss the joy, and the “side effect,” of seeing the children from past trips grow into adulthood.
  • Kristen: “You do make us feel old because we picture you on the trip that you were on...That's the only, like, side effect for us is you make us feel like old geezers. But it's still a beautiful thing.” (01:59)

2. Jennifer’s Major Life Update: Buying a House

• Jennifer, alumna from the 2007 trip, joins the show and shares that she has bought her first house, a significant milestone.
  • Host Bert: “So when I heard you were coming on today and you had just bought a house, I'm like, what irresponsible loner gave a seven year old a house?” (02:21)
  • Jennifer: “I just bought a house.” (02:58)
  • She notes that while it’s exciting, it’s also stressful, mainly due to financial responsibilities.
    • Bert: “What's so stressful about it?”
    • Jennifer: “Having to pay for it.” (03:06)
  • Jennifer thoughtfully planned for accessibility, opting for a one-story home because she primarily uses a wheelchair but also walks at times.
    • Kristen: “Was there something special specific you were looking for when you were looking for your first house?”
    • Jennifer: “Yes. I wanted it to be one story...That way I can go around because yes, I can walk. But there's also times we have accidents and you know, I break my arm, break my leg and I need it to be wheelchair accessible.” (03:21)

3. On Resilience, Independence, and Parental Support

• Jennifer shares her experience with independence as a person with special needs.
  • Bert: “So what kind of advice can you give to parents that have kids that are like you to walk that very fine line?”
  • Jennifer: “I know parents want to be there for their kids and help them, but you need to let them learn. It's okay if they fail. That's what makes them stronger. Let them learn that they can do it themselves.” (04:39)

4. Art as a Livelihood

• Jennifer funds her independent life by creating and selling her art.
  • Bert: "So what have you been doing with your life?"
  • Jennifer: "Selling my art." (03:54)
• The hosts remember Jennifer’s artistic talent, referencing a portrait she created in the past for auction.
  • Kristen: “Jennifer does beautiful art because if you remember, she did a portrait of you that was fantastic that we auctioned off.” (03:57)

5. Community and Ongoing Engagement

• Jennifer continues to participate in “Bert’s Big Adventure” events and often brings friends and family—“rolls deep.”
  • Host Bert: “Now we had one mic ready for you, but you were rolling four deep this morning. Sorry. Don't apologize, man. The more the merrier here.” (02:41)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Outgrowing Youthful Stereotypes:

  • Bert: “I have you frozen at like 7 years old. So when I heard you were coming on today and you had just bought a house, I'm like, what irresponsible loner gave a seven-year-old a house?” (02:18)

• On Building Resilience:

  • Jennifer: “Let them learn. It's okay if they fail. That's what makes them stronger.” (04:45)

• Camaraderie & Lighthearted Moments:

  • Bert (teasing about security): "Security, they weren't sure what was going to happen this morning. They're rolling deep with security." (05:04)

---

Segment Timestamp Guide

| Topic | Timestamps | |----------------------------------------------------|--------------| | Decaf Coffee Mishap & Show Opening | 01:16–01:40 | | Welcoming Jennifer & Her House Purchase | 02:12–03:09 | | Home Accessibility Needs | 03:10–03:34 | | Jennifer’s Art and Income | 03:54–04:16 | | Independence Advice for Parents | 04:16–04:51 | | Fun with Jennifer’s Entourage | 05:01–05:07 | | “Bert’s Big Adventure” Mom Letter Tradition | 05:10–09:03 |

---

The Annual “Bert’s Big Adventure” Mom Letter

Heartfelt Community Reflection

• Kristen: “Her senior high school graduation photo. But what Holly does every year is she sends a letter to Molly, which Molly ends up sharing with all of us...And we wanted to share with you today what Ms. Hollywood Holly said. Dear BBA family...” (05:17–09:03)

• The letter celebrates the enduring magic and sense of kinship cultivated by the “Bert’s Big Adventure” trips, including touching wishes for volunteers, new families, and the children—reminding everyone of the enduring, joyful community spirit.

  • Kristen (reading Holly's letter): “Our BBA family is cozy and comfortable, even in the most difficult of times. I love you all...May their costumes be clean, pressed and fit like a glove...Find a little BBA magic of your own. We’re praying that this year’s families feel the genuine love you have for them and build the kind of kinship we have with our fellow families from 2012, and that they will feel welcomed in this wacky little family of ours.” (06:57–09:03)

• “It sounded so much more impressive when I said she writes a new letter every year. It's just not true. But we have never let the truth get in the way of a good story on this show.” (Bert, 06:47)

---

Tone and Style

The episode is lighthearted, authentic, and informal—filled with jokes, banter, and occasional self-deprecation by the hosts, but always conveying warmth and genuine care for the community they’ve built.

---

Summary

This episode is a touching update on a former “Bert’s Big Adventure” child, now an adult, who shares her achievements and the challenges she’s overcome, highlighting the importance of both parental support and fostering independence in kids with special needs. The segment is wrapped in the show’s characteristic humor and camaraderie, with a moving annual mom’s letter that underscores the ongoing magic and family spirit of the “Bert’s Big Adventure” community.

Transcript

[Commercial Announcer 1]

The holidays are expensive. You're paying for gifts, travel, decorations, food, and before you know it, you've blown way past what you were planning to spend. Don't start the new year off with bad money vibes. Download Rocket Money to stay on top of your finances. The app pulls your income, expenses, and upcoming charges into one place so you can get the clearest picture of your money. It shows how much to set aside for bills and how much is safe to spend for the month so you can spend with confidence, no guesswork needed. Get alerts before bills hit. Track budgets and see every subscription you're paying for. Rocket Money also finds extra ways to save you money by canceling subscriptions you're not using and negotiating lower bills for you. On average, Rocket Money users can save up to $740 a year when using all the app's premium features. Start the year off right by taking control of your finances. Go to rocketmoney.com cancel to get started. That's rocketmoney.com cancel or rocketmoney.com cancel.

[Commercial Announcer 2]

When Something Matters to you, you take charge. Your health shouldn't be any different. That's why I got Teladoc Health through my Tricare benefits at no cost to me. Teladoc Health offers support for weight management, diabetes, and hypertension. Check to see if you're eligible today@teladoc health.com TRICARE WEST. Get it?

[Commercial Announcer 3]

The bird show.

[Host (Burt)]

Look, I haven't had to get up this early in three months. So I am just like, the first hour, I'm guzzling coffee, just guzzling it, and it's having zero effect on me. And I'm like, how is this possible? And before I realized that, I've been drinking decaf.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

No, you have not.

[Host (Burt)]

Decaf is stupid.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

You've been drinking decaf.

[Host (Burt)]

Decaf. I'm like, why is this not working, dude?

[Co-host (Kristen)]

I'm on my second cappuccino.

[Host (Burt)]

I'm over here, like, getting, like, espresso and stuff.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Yeah.

[Host (Burt)]

Okay, that's next. Welcome to Burt's Big Adventure 2026. We have been spending a good amount of time this morning. Also, it's kind of new for us is bringing back Burt's Big Adventure kids from previous years, because, believe it or not, they grow up and they have these really great success stories, which is

[Co-host (Kristen)]

beautiful to watch them grow up, even though it is. You do make us feel old because we picture you on the trip that you were on. So, yeah, that. That's the only, like, side effect for us is you make us feel like old geezers. But it's still a beautiful thing.

[Host (Burt)]

And for whatever reason, Jennifer, you are this. You are the prime example for me of what Kristen is saying is like I have you frozen at like 7 years old. So when I heard you were coming on today and you had just bought a house, I'm like, what irresponsible loner gave a seven year old a house? But it's so good to have you back.

[Commercial Announcer 4]

I'm happy to be back.

[Host (Burt)]

How old were you when you went on the trip?

[Jennifer (Guest)]

Six years old.

[Host (Burt)]

Six years old. And that was how long ago?

[Jennifer (Guest)]

I'm not good at math. I don't know.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

2007.

[Host (Burt)]

2007. And she has been so proactive of coming back and hanging out and helping out. Now we had one mic ready for you, but you were rolling four deep this morning. Sorry. Don't apologize, man. The more the merrier here. So tell us what's been going on in your life?

[Jennifer (Guest)]

I just bought a house.

[Host (Burt)]

Congrats.

[Jennifer (Guest)]

Thank you. It's really stressful.

[Host (Burt)]

Is it?

[Jennifer (Guest)]

Yes.

[Host (Burt)]

What's so stressful about it? Having to pay for it.

[Jennifer (Guest)]

Exactly.

[Commercial Announcer 5]

Yeah.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

It's kind of a big responsibility, I'd say. But it's a, it's a milestone now because you are in a wheelchair. Jennifer, was there something special specific you were looking for when you were looking for your first house?

[Jennifer (Guest)]

Yes. I wanted it to be one story. So I. It's something flat.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

Yep.

[Jennifer (Guest)]

That way I can go around because yes, I can walk. But there's also times we have accidents and you know, I break my arm, break my leg and I need it to be wheelchair accessible.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

Gotcha.

[Host (Burt)]

Okay, wait a second. So let's not just go right by that. What do you mean you break your arm and break your leg? How are those things happening?

[Jennifer (Guest)]

I'm clumsy, I fall.

[Host (Burt)]

All right, fair enough.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

Okay.

[Host (Burt)]

I'm fragile.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

She's like your son on a scooter. Okay.

[Host (Burt)]

Okay. Hopefully you're a little better than that. What else have you been doing? So you have to pay for this house. So what have you been doing with your life?

[Jennifer (Guest)]

Selling my art.

[Host (Burt)]

Selling your art? That's right.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

We have to get you with Aiden. Cuz we just had Aiden on and he's getting his own art installation at the high museum. And Jennifer does beautiful art because if you remember, she did a portrait of you that was fantastic that we auctioned off.

[Host (Burt)]

Right. How's the art selling? Obviously it's selling well enough to get a house.

[Jennifer (Guest)]

I'm getting there.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

Yes.

[Host (Burt)]

So we got that going for us. I want to sort of Start stress. Because you have told us before also that with your parents, there's, like, this fine line. I think, when you have a child that has special needs and is in a wheelchair to help out, but also establish independence. So what kind of advice can you give to parents that have kids that are like you to walk that very fine line?

[Jennifer (Guest)]

I know parents want to be there for their kids and help them, but you need to let them learn. It's okay if they fail. That's what makes them stronger. Let them learn that they can do it themselves.

[Host (Burt)]

And the result of that is somebody that's selling her art online has now got her own house.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

I love it so much. Congratulations.

[Jennifer (Guest)]

Thank you so much.

[Host (Burt)]

It's really great to see you. Really great to see you and your entourage.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

Thank you guys for coming this morning.

[Host (Burt)]

Security, they weren't sure what was going to happen this morning. They're rolling deep with security.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

I wouldn't trust anybody around you either.

[Commercial Announcer 2]

All right.

[Host (Burt)]

We usually have a letter that we read from one Burke's Big Adventure mom, who is so, like, passionate about it. She writes one every year.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

Holly is the best. She is the mother of Elizabeth. I call her Princess Elizabeth. So Princess Elizabeth went on the 2012 trip. She had a brain tumor. I just got in the mail. Her graduation photo.

[Host (Burt)]

Oh, yeah.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

Yeah. Her senior high school graduation photo. But what Holly does every year is she sends a letter to Molly, which Molly ends up sharing with all of us. And it's just sending us well wishes on the trip. And she's been doing this since 2012. And we wanted to share with you today what Ms. Hollywood Holly said. Dear BBA family, if this first month is any indication, 28, 2018 will be an exciting time to be a Burt's Big Adventure family. I relish sharing photos with other BBA's families as we played in the snow and prepared to welcome our new families in the next couple of weeks. Seeing families. Wait, this is from 2018. Do I have the right email?

[Host (Burt)]

Hey, Mom. Hey, Molly.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

I. I just. When I said 2018, I was like.

[Host (Burt)]

I. I was a little on the confused side. Also, she sent you the wrong letter.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

I was just still gonna read it.

[Commercial Announcer 1]

And.

[Host (Burt)]

There's. What?

[Co-host (Kristen)]

Oh, we read this one every year.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Oh.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

Oh, okay.

[Host (Burt)]

I got that one all wrong.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

Yeah, we did.

[Commercial Announcer 4]

Wow.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

We. We're really crushing this radio thing part. Maybe you should retire.

[Host (Burt)]

Totally, totally hacked out. Okay, so it's the same letter every year?

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Yes.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

Okay, here we go.

[Host (Burt)]

It sounded so much more impressive when I said she writes a new letter every year. It's just not true. But we have never let the truth get in the way of a good story on this show.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

So.

[Host (Burt)]

So here we go.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

Seeing family's favorite pictures from past BBA trips showed once again that each year's trip has its own personality. But the magic is the same. Our kiddos look more alike than different when you see the wonder in their eyes and joy on their faces. Year to year, I am humbled once again to be a part of this special little family. As it grows each year, our BBA family is cozy and comfortable, even in the most difficult of times. I love you all. Show through. Your dedication to these families makes my heart smile. And I must confess, I had to giggle when I read the Facebook post from Cindy Powers asking for a volunteer that looks like a little Looks a little like Maui from Moana. In my eyes, I could see Cindy auditioning a dozen young men each hoping for the chance to pretend to be the Rock. You're welcome. EG and I are praying for you all. We pray for those volunteers who will work behind the scenes to prepare surprises for our new families and for those who will prepare the food and decorations for the welcome and send off parties. We pray for the volunteers who will spoil families at the airport and forever ruin air travel. No other time will they move so, so quickly through security. We pray for the army of volunteers who make our children feel like rock stars. May their costumes be clean, pressed and fit like a glove. We pray that the new members of your team are ready for the wild and wonderful controlled chaos that is Bert's big adventure trip. And that our old timers are refreshed and ready for new adventures. We pray for perfect weather, stamina, and strong backs to carry supplies, souvenirs, and weary children. We pray for comfortable walking shoes and dry socks. We pray for batteries that stay fully charged and clean lenses to capture every moment of your time together. We pray that each of you have a moment to catch your breath and enjoy your families. We pray that you have the chance to see your old favorites in a new light and that you each find a new experience, something you've never noticed or experienced on your past trips. Find a little BBA magic of your own. We're praying that this year's families feel the genuine love you have for them and build the kind of kinship we have with our fellow families from 2012, and that they will feel welcomed in this wacky little family of ours. We're looking forward to meeting them.

[Host (Burt)]

So, like I said right at the start, a timeless classic From Elizabeth, Odin's mom, Holly, that we read every single year, sort of.

[Co-host (Kristen)]

I love it so much.

[Host (Burt)]

All right, coming up in a couple of seconds here, we're going to introduce you guys to Brooke. The family is fascinating for a couple of reasons. First of all, she will only eat french fries from Zaxby's, McDonald's, Chick Fil A, no ketchup, spaghettios, sour cream, and onion chips. That's one fascinating part. The second part of this is we're going to talk to the parents that have a very different angle. Looking back at Brooke's diagnosis and what was going on with them. It was very, very traumatic. Most parents come on here and they know the exact dates of when they found out what their kid has, and they can sort of rediscover every single instance that happened. This is a family that was. It was so traumatic, they can't remember most of it. And it's kind of an angle we've never heard before. Next on the bird show.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Get it? The bird show.

[Commercial Announcer 5]

When you're a pro, you got to do a little bit of everything. A little, a little, and even a little. And it helps to have something that works as hard as you do. That's why Valspar has durable, high coverage paint for every job. Every time made. For more Valspar pros, head to Lowe's today and talk to a pro rep about saving time and money on your next job with Valspar. Signature paint exclusions apply. See valsparpro.com for details.

[Commercial Announcer 1]

So good, so good, so good.

[Commercial Announcer 4]

New spring arrivals are at Nordstrom Rack stores. Now get ready to save big with up to 60% off rag and bone, Marc Jacobs, free people and more.

[Commercial Announcer 1]

How did I not know Rack has Adidas?

[Host (Burt)]

Because there's always something new.

[Commercial Announcer 4]

Join the Nordy Club to unlock exclusive discounts. Shop new arrivals first and more. Plus, buy online and pick up at your favorite rack store for free. Great brands, great prices. That's why you rack a KFC tale

[Commercial Announcer 3]

in the pursuit of flavor. The Colonel despised the word empty. Empty plates, empty tables, empty stomachs. That's why he made the KFC$5 bowls. Like the famous bowl. Creamy mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, corn gravy and cheese. Because the only empty the Colonel liked was when you reached the bottom of that bowl. The colonel lived so we could chicken five KFC bowls for just $5 each.

[Commercial Announcer 2]

Prices and participation may vary.

[Host (Burt)]

Taxes, tips and fees, extra.