The Bert Show Podcast Summary
Episode: Our Bert's Big Adventure Kid From 2024 Shares His Success Story!
Date: February 19, 2026
Episode Overview
This heartfelt episode centers on the powerful success story of Isaac, a child from the 2024 Bert’s Big Adventure trip, and his family. The hosts bring Isaac and his parents, Brianna and her husband, back on the show to share their rollercoaster journey—from the brink of medical crisis during their Disney trip, to the miracle of Isaac’s heart transplant, and his remarkable recovery two years later. The conversation not only highlights Isaac’s resilience and healing but also emphasizes the immense gratitude felt by families touched by Bert’s Big Adventure and its supportive community of listeners and donors.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Gratitude for the Bert’s Big Adventure Community
- (01:30–02:29) The hosts open by expressing sincere appreciation to listeners and donors, making it clear that the support received has had a deep impact on participating families.
- “I want you to know that these families are so deeply appreciative of everything that you guys have done for them…” – Host (01:32)
- Co-hosts echo the sentiment, emphasizing the life-changing nature of this generosity.
- “None of this would be possible without you guys.” – Co-Host (02:13)
2. Isaac’s 2024 Bert’s Big Adventure Experience
- (02:30–03:49) Isaac’s mother recounts how Isaac was gravely ill during their trip and the family was unsure if they'd be able to go due to the severity of his condition.
- “We went to Bert’s Big Adventure when Isaac was just the sickest he’s ever been. It’s a miracle we made it on the trip and did not spend the trip in the hospital.” – Isaac’s Mom (02:58)
- The anxiety and last-minute uncertainty shine through her retelling, recalling hesitation to even submit the application.
- “I think I saved our application till the very last minute because he was so sick.” – Isaac’s Mom (03:25)
3. Disney Trip Logistics and Medical Struggles
- (03:49–04:39) The co-host and Isaac’s mom describe managing Isaac’s heart failure during the trip, likening their hotel room to a makeshift hospital.
- “Our room was like a hospital room. And we, like, redid him for the next day, but we had just been listed for a heart transplant right before we went to Disney.” – Isaac’s Mom (03:49)
- They mention the hope—and almost disbelief—at the possibility of receiving a transplant call after the trip.
4. The Heart Transplant Miracle
- (04:39–06:33) Only 18 days after returning from Disney, Isaac’s family receives the call that a donor heart is available—far sooner than medical professionals had predicted.
- “We got his call for his heart transplant, and 18 days after Disney, we had only waited 100 days.” – Isaac’s Mom (04:37)
- The hosts pause here to delve into the whirlwind of emotions.
- Isaac’s dad describes the middle-of-the-night phone call:
- “At 3:30 in the morning, her phone called...and then I hear her say, ‘We have one.’ And I immediately knew.” – Isaac’s Dad (05:35)
5. Immediate Family Reactions and Support
- (06:19–06:33) A moment of levity: dad had just had arm surgery and would be heading to the hospital in a sling himself, showing the chaos of the moment.
- “Quick side story. I had only been...I ruptured my bicep tendon and had surgery literally 12 hours before he got his phone call.” – Isaac’s Dad (06:19)
6. Life After the Transplant: A New Start
- (06:33–07:31) Isaac’s mom shares the nervousness around whether the transplant would work and details the joy of Isaac’s recovery—now involved in karate and looking forward to a Make-A-Wish Disney cruise.
- “He is doing karate. He enjoyed our Disney trip so much that he chose a Disney cruise for his Make a Wish.” – Isaac’s Mom (06:56)
7. Community Support During Recovery
- (07:03–07:31) The family thanks the show’s listeners and the Fairy Godparent program for practical and emotional support during and after Isaac’s surgery.
- “Y’all fed us. You kept the boys entertained at the hospital. I mean, there were constant deliveries, constant Uber Eats cards. Like, I want to personally say thank you...” – Isaac’s Mom (07:05)
- Hosts discuss the Fairy Godparent program and reiterate that the Bert’s Big Adventure community treats each participant like genuine family.
- “Anytime one of our kids from any past trip...goes to the hospital, we’ve got Fairy Godparents that go and visit and, like you said, give you Uber Eats cards, deliver food, hang out...” – Host (08:00)
8. Matching Support and Celebration
- (08:39–09:09) The co-host fondly recalls the symbolic act of everyone connected to the show wearing red shirts on transplant day to show support and healing energy.
- “Everybody wore a red shirt just to send, like, healing vibes, good vibes, that the surgery would be successful…” – Co-Host (08:39)
- The hosts remark on Isaac’s post-op transformation:
- “He looks like a different kid.” – Co-Host (08:49)
- “He is truly, totally different.” – Isaac’s Mom (09:09)
- “Just, like, the color was back to his face again. And I'm just like, oh, this is the...It’s the greatest gift that you could ever receive. And it was so awesome to see him get that gift—organ donation.” – Co-Host (09:13)
9. Final Words and Wrap-Up
- (09:27–09:47) The episode closes with renewed gratitude to donors. Isaac is encouraged to get back to his “bouncy house” play, symbolizing reclaimed childhood.
- “All right, now, Isaac, get back on that bouncy house.” – Co-Host (09:40)
- “He’s like, my shoes are off. I'm ready to get back to the bouncy house. I got a new heart and I got...I got to work it out.” – Co-Host (09:42)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Every dollar that you have given to us that we have passed on to Bert’s Big Adventure is deeply appreciated by these families.”
— Host (01:32) - “It’s a miracle we made it on the trip and did not spend the trip in the hospital.”
— Isaac’s Mom (02:58) - “We had just been listed for a heart transplant right before we went to Disney...And 18 days after we got home...we got his call for his heart transplant.”
— Isaac’s Mom (03:49–04:37) - “At 3:30 in the morning, her phone called...and then I hear her say, ‘We have one.’ And I immediately knew.”
— Isaac’s Dad (05:35) - “He is doing karate. He enjoyed our Disney trip so much that he chose a Disney cruise for his Make a Wish.”
— Isaac’s Mom (06:56) - “You kept the boys entertained at the hospital...I want to personally say thank you for taking care of us at such a, you know, a time where he's all we can think about.”
— Isaac’s Mom (07:05) - “Everybody wore a red shirt just to send, like, healing vibes, good vibes, that the surgery would be successful, his body would accept his new heart. And I’ll never forget that after photo you sent to us–he looks like a different kid.”
— Co-Host (08:39) - “Just, like, the color was back to his face again. And I’m just like, oh, this is the...It’s the greatest gift that you could ever receive. And it was so awesome to see him get that gift—organ donation.”
— Co-Host (09:13)
Important Timestamps
- 01:30 – Host gratitude for donors and community
- 02:30 – Isaac’s family introduction, trip context
- 03:49 – Rollercoaster of health and travel during Bert’s Big Adventure
- 04:37 – The heart transplant call comes, only 18 days after trip
- 05:35 – Dad describes receiving the life-changing phone call
- 06:56 – Isaac’s new activities and Make-A-Wish plans
- 07:05 – Family appreciation for the Fairy Godparent support
- 08:39 – The red shirt act of solidarity and Isaac’s transformation
- 09:13 – Reflection on organ donation and its miraculous effect
- 09:40 – Celebratory close: Isaac returns to play, full of life
Tone & Style
- Warm, genuine, and deeply grateful. The hosts and the family are emotionally open and relatable, emphasizing community, resilience, and the vital role of charity and support systems.
- Occasional humor and playful banter help lighten a heavy topic while highlighting Isaac's youthful spirit.
- All speakers are candid, making the listener feel part of an extended family.
Takeaway
This episode beautifully showcases the tangible impact of communal kindness—donors, volunteers, and the Bert’s Big Adventure team transform the lives of families facing unimaginable challenges. Isaac’s recovery and happiness are living proof of the “family” spirit that the show and its community embody. Anyone considering contributing to such causes will find this episode a powerful testament to the difference they can make.